Temporal observation of endoscopic and histological findings of gastritis after administration of an immune checkpoint inhibitor: a case report

A 71-year-old Japanese man was treated with 200 mg of pembrolizumab for lung adenocarcinoma with multiple bone metastases at the Department of Respiratory Medicine of Kameda General Hospital. After 19 treatment courses, he complained of epigastric pain before meals. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed multiple erosions in the gastric antrum, and antacids were administered at follow-up. After 27 treatment courses, the patient underwent another endoscopy because of anorexia. The erosions were enlarged and had increased from the gastric antrum to the greater curvature of the body. Histological biopsy showed lymphocytic infiltration with a predominance of CD8-positive T cells. The patient had previously been treated for Helicobacter pylori infection, and we suspected drug-induced gastritis due to the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the course of the disease. Pembrolizumab was discontinued, and the patient’s symptoms gradually improved. Endoscopic examinations were performed 2, 5, and 9 months after discontinuation of pembrolizumab, and improvement in mucosal findings and decreased lymphocyte infiltration were confirmed each time. The patient has remained without any relapse of symptoms for more than 1 year after discontinuing treatment.

Mid-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Gastric Greater Curvature Plication versus Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Weight Loss, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Health-Related Quality of Life

Background and Objectives: Laparoscopic gastric greater curvature plication (LGGCP) is considered to be less invasive, technically simpler, and less costly. Few studies have compared LGGCP to gastric bypass. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of LGGCP such as weight loss, gastrointestinal symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in comparison to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Materials and Methods: Between 2017 April and 2018 December, 112 patients were included in the study. Fifty patients had LGGCP, and sixty-two patients underwent LRYGB. Demographics, comorbidities, complications, percentage of excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL), gastrointestinal symptoms (GSRS questionnaire), and HRQoL (EQ-5D-3L questionnaire) were analysed. Gastrointestinal symptoms and HRQoL data are presented as the mean and median with the interquartile range (25th–75th percentile). Follow-up at 1 year and 3 year was performed. Results: The follow-up rate was 96.4% and 92.9%, 1 year and 3 year after surgery, respectively. Mean (SD) %EBMIL 1 year after surgery was 59.05 (25.34) in the LGGCP group and 82.40 (19.03) in the LRYGB group (p < 0.001) and 3 year after was 41.44 (26.74) and 75.59 (19.14), respectively (p < 0.001). The scores of all gastrointestinal symptoms measured by the GSRS questionnaire significantly decreased 3 year after both procedures, except reflux after LGGCP. Patients 3 year after LGGCP had a significantly lower abdominal pain score as compared to patients after LRYGB (1.01; 1.0 (1.0–1.0) and 1.20; 1.0 (1.0–1.33), respectively (p < 0.001); however, LGGCP resulted in significantly more GERD symptoms (1.79; 1.25 (1.0–2.5) and 1.18; 1.0 (1.0–1.0), respectively (p < 0.001)). Three years after surgery, the quality of life was significantly lower in the LGGCP group (0.762; 0.779 (0.690–0.794) and 0.898; 1.000 (0.783–1.000), respectively (p < 0.001)). Conclusions: Three years after surgery, LGGCP patients lost significantly less weight, had less abdominal pain and more reflux symptoms, and a lower quality of life as compared to LRYGB patients.

Joint Simon effect in movement trajectories

In joint action literature it is often assumed that acting together is driven by pervasive and automatic process of co-representation, that is, representing the co-actor’s part of the task in addition to one’s own. Much of this research employs joint stimulus-response compatibility tasks varying the stimuli employed or the physical and social relations between participants. In this study we test the robustness of co-representation effects by focusing instead on variation in response modality. Specifically, we implement a mouse-tracking version of a Joint Simon Task in which participants respond by producing continuous movements with a computer mouse rather than pushing discrete buttons. We have three key findings. First, in a replication of an earlier study we show that in a classical individual Simon Task movement trajectories show greater curvature on incongruent trials, paralleling longer response times. Second, this effect largely disappears in a Go-NoGo Simon Task, in which participants respond to only one of the cues and refrain from responding to the other. Third, contrary to previous studies that use button pressing responses, we observe no overall effect in the joint variants of the task. However, we also detect a notable diversity in movement strategies adopted by the participants, with some participants showing the effect on the individual level. Our study casts doubt on the pervasiveness of co-representation, highlights the usefulness of mouse-tracking methodology and emphasizes the need for looking at individual variation in task performance.

Gastric adenocarcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation: an unexpected cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

A 78-year-old male with previous medical history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, benign prostatic hyperplasia and colectomy for colon adenocarcinoma 16 years earlier presented to emergency department with melena for approximately 2 weeks. He denied hematemesis or hematochezia. He also denied other symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, anorexia or weight loss. Usual medications included silodosin, simvastatin, losartan, hydrochlorothiazide, pantoprazole and midazolam. He denied recent intake of iron supplements or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Physical examination was unremarkable except for pale skin. Laboratory studies revealed the presence of anemia (hemoglobin level: 7.1 g/dL). Leukocyte and platelet counts, liver tests, renal function, electrolyte levels, C-reactive protein and coagulation studies were all normal. Upper digestive endoscopy revealed red blood and blood clots in gastric lumen and a polypoid lesion with a diameter of approximately 20 mm located at the greater curvature of the proximal body with active oozing hemorrhage (Figure 1). Bleeding was successfully controlled with injection of diluted epinephrine at the base of the polyp and the patient was admitted in intermediate care unit for close monitoring. During the following days,

nPTD classification: an updated classification of gastric cancer location for function preserving gastrectomy based on physiological lymphatic flow

Background The correlation between tumor location and lymphatic flow distribution in gastric cancer has been previously reported, and PTD (Proximal – Transitional – Distal) classification was proposed. Our group updated and developed the nPTD classification. Method We retrospectively studied gastric cancer patients who underwent the dye method sentinel node biopsy from 1993 to 2020. The inclusion criteria were a single lesion type 0 cancer of ≤5 cm in the long axis, clinically node-negative, and invasion within the proper muscle layer pathologically. In this study, the distribution of dyed lymphatic flow was evaluated for each occupied area of the tumor. Results We included 416 patients in this study. The tumors located in the watershed of the right and left gastroepiploic arteries near greater curvature had extensive lymphatic flow; therefore, a newly circular region with a diameter of 5 cm is set on the watershed of the greater curvature between P and T zone as the ‘n’ zone. In addition, for cancers located in the lesser P curvature, lymphatic flow to the greater curvature was not observed. Therefore, the P zone was divided into two: the lesser curvature side (PL) and the greater curvature side (PG). Conclusions The advantage of the nPTD classification is that it provides not only proper nodal dissection but also adequate function-preserving gastrectomy. If the tumor is localized within the PL, the proximal gastrectomy resection area can be further reduced. In contrast, for cancers located in the ‘n’ zone, near-total gastrectomy is required because of the extensive lymphatic flow.

Endoscopic Scoring System for Gastric Atrophy and Intestinal Metaplasia: Correlation with OLGA and OLGIM Staging: A Single Center Prospective Pilot Study

Background/Aims: We aimed to develop an endoscopic scoring system to evaluate atrophic and intestinal metaplasia using narrow-band imaging (NBI) and near focus mode (NFM) to compare endoscopic scores with the Operative link for gastritis assessment (OLGA) and the Operative link for gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment (OLGIM). Methods: A total of 51 patients who underwent diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy were prospectively enrolled and endoscopic scoring using NBI and NFM was performed. Four areas (the lesser and greater curvatures of the antrum and the lesser and greater curvature side of the corpus) were observed and biopsies were taken. The degree of atrophy was scored from 0 to 2 according to the Kimura-Takemoto classification (0: C0-1, 1: C2-3, 2: O1-3). The degree of metaplasia was scored from 0 to 4 (0: no metaplasia, 1: presence of metaplasia at the antrum, 2: presence of metaplasia at the corpus, add score 1: presence of metaplasia for 1/2> observed field of the picture at the antrum, add score 2: 1/2 > observed field of the picture at the corpus). The endoscopic scores were compared to the OLGA and OLGIM staging. Results: The correlation coefficient for atrophy between the endoscopic and histologic scores was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.52–0.81 p <0.001) and for metaplasia, it was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.60–0.85; p <0.001). For atrophic gastritis, endoscopic score > 1 correlated with OLGA stage III and IV with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and agreement of 88%, 74%, 75%, 87%, and 80.4%, respectively, and for metaplasia, an endoscopic score > 1 correlated with high OLGIM stage III and IV with 100%, 59%, 69%, 100%, and 78.4%, respectively. Conclusions: Endoscopic scoring for gastric atrophy and metaplasia using NBI-NFM correlate well with histologic staging.

Multivariate analysis of factors associated with first-pass success in blind placement of a post-pyloric feeding tube: a retrospective study

Background Trans-jejunal nutrition via a post-pyloric enteral feeding tube has a low risk of aspiration or reflux; however, placement of the tube using the blind method can be difficult. Assistive devices, such as fluoroscopy or endoscopy, are useful but may not be suitable for patients with hemodynamic instability or severe respiratory failure. The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with first-pass success in the blind placement of post-pyloric enteral feeding tubes in critically ill patients. Methods Data were obtained retrospectively from the medical records of adult patients who had a post-pyloric enteral feeding tube placed in the intensive care unit between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between first-pass success and the independent variables. For logistic regression analysis, the following 13 variables were defined as independent variables: age, sex, height, fluid balance from baseline, use of sedatives, body position during the procedure, use of cardiac assist devices, use of prokinetic agents, presence or absence of intestinal peristalsis, postoperative cardiovascular surgery, use of renal replacement therapy, serum albumin levels, and position of the greater curvature of the stomach in relation to spinal levels L1 − L2. Results Data obtained from 442 patients were analyzed. The first-pass success rate was 42.8% (n = 189). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the position of the greater curvature of the stomach cephalad to L1 − L2 was only associated with successful placement (odds ratio for first-pass success, 0.62; 95% confidence interval: 0.40 − 0.95). Conclusions In critically ill patients, the position of the greater curvature of the stomach caudal to L1 − L2 may be associated with a lower first-pass success rate of the blind method for post-pyloric enteral feeding tube placement. Further studies are needed to verify our results because the position of the stomach was estimated by radiographs after enteral feeding tube placement. Trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000036549; April 20, 2019).

EP.WE.412An unusual case of a 13.8cm Gastric Schwannoma invading into Transverse Mesocolon: A case report and literature review

Gastric Schwannomas (GS) are benign, slow-growing, Sub-mucosal tumours (SMT’s) that constitute 0.2% of all gastric tumours. They usually have a homogenous appearance on contrast enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen (CECT Abdomen) and rarely show malignant features such as irregular borders, calcification, local invasion and mucosal ulceration. Due to lack of mucosal changes and poor yield during Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD) and biopsy, they are often misdiagnosed as Gastro-Intestinal Stromal tumours (GISTs), a malignant SMT. Treatment options range from conservative management to major open resections and are dependent on the size and clinical presentation. Histologically, GS are spindle cells tumours with lymphoid cuffing. On Immunohistochemistry, they test positive for S100 but negative for DOG1, Smooth muscle actin and Desmin which are markers of GISTs. Here we present the case of a 61-year-old female with a 15-year history of epigastric fullness that turned out to be a 13.8cm GS originating from the greater curvature of the stomach. On CECT Abdomen, the tumour appeared heterogeneous, with multiple calcium deposits and local invasion into the transverse mesocolon. The patient underwent a Sub-total gastrectomy with en-bloc transverse colectomy. Symptoms from GS can be vague and can pose a significant diagnostic and investigative dilemma. Physicians and Surgeons should have a low threshold to investigate prolonged symptoms with CECT Abdomen. Despite their benign nature, if left undiagnosed, GS can grow to significant sizes and mimic malignant gastric tumours on conventional imaging resulting in unconventionally major resections.

Arrodált gyomorgyűrűk kezelése – irodalmi áttekintés egy eset kapcsán

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: 70 éves férfi beteg kóros kövérség (BMI: 50,1) miatt 2005-ben gyomorgyűrű beültetésben részesült. 2020 decemberében hasfali phlegmone hátterében igazolt port infekció miatt más intézetben subcutan incisió, lavage történt. CT-vizsgálattal, majd gasztroszkóppal a gyomorgyűrű arrosióját, intramurális elhelyezkedését igazoltuk. A műtét során laparoszkópos technikával a gyomor corpus nagygörbületén ejtett, kb. 2 cm nagyságú nyíláson keresztül távolítottuk el a gyűrűt. A beteg szövődménymentesen került emisszióra. Megbeszélés: Mintegy 20 évvel ezelőtt a laparoszkópos állítható gyomorgyűrű (LAGB) rendkívül népszerű volt. A LAGB azonban számtalan rövid és hosszú távú szövődménnyel jár, ezért egyre inkább kikerül a bariátriai sebészet tárházából. A gyűrű arrosiója ritka, súlyos szövődmény. Eltávolításának többféle módja lehet. A gyomorgyűrű eltávolítása általában a testsúly jelentős növekedésével jár. A betegeknél konverziós bariátriai műtétet, laparoszkópos gyomor sleeve reszekciót, vagy gyomor bypass műtétet lehet végezni. Summary. Introduction: Extreme obese (BMI: 50.1) 70 year old male patient after LAGB procedure in 2005, with abdominal wall and port infection underwent subcutaneous incision drainage of the area in December 2020. CT and Gastroscopy confirmed gastric penetration and intramural position of the Band. Using laparoscopic approach with incision of 2 cm of the stomach at the gastric greater curvature the band had been removed. Patient had been discharged without any complications. Discussion: LAGB was a very popular bariatric approach at the first decade of laparoscopic bariatric surgery. The increased incidence of short and long term complications reduced worldwide the number of LAGB procedures. Band penetration is a rare but dangerous complication. Laparoscopic removal is recommended. Usually, the intervention is followed by significant weight gain which can be treated with conversion of LAGB to Sleeve Gastrectomy or LGBP procedure.

CDX2 Protein as a Surrogate Marker of Gastric Mucosal Atrophy

The aim of the study is to develop an approach to assess the severity of the gastric mucosa (GM) atrophy based on the immunohistochemical (IHC) technique to improve diagnostic quality of the stage of chronic gastritis (CG) and to implement predictive assessment of risk factors of gastric cancer development.Material and methods. The study included 155 cases of CG selected in accordance with Operational Link for Gastritis Assessment (OLGA)-system (2 samples of antral gastric mucosa (GM), 1 sample of angular GM and 2 samples of corpus GM). All biopsy samples were examined using histological and IHC (CDX2) techniques. An expression semi-quantitative index was developed to characterize CDX2. The results obtained were statistically processed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, the Spearman correlation coefficient, and the construction of logistic regression models.Results. It was found that the value of the CDX2 index assessed within the GM biopsy samples positively correlates with the gradation of atrophy (r=0.665 (p<0.001)). A positive correlation remains between the CDX2sum index, calculated by summing the CDX2 index values at each of the GM points, and the stage of chronic gastritis according to the OLGA classification (r=0.70 (p<0.01)). When assessing the contribution of changes at each point of biopsy sampling and retrospective correlation of the CDX2 index at two points of the GM and the stage of chronic gastritis, the greatest correlation was found for points 3 (stomach angle) and 5 (greater curvature of the gastric body), at three points – for points 1 (greater curvature antrum), 3 and 5 (r=0.592 (p<0.01)). Logistic regression models were built to predict the stage of chronic gastritis based on the CDX2 index in the specified combinations of points. The following model was chosen as the optimal one: to take biopsies at three points (1, 3, 5) and assess their CDX2 index, with sensitivity equal 80.4%, specificity equal 82.8% and diagnostic accuracy equal 83.9%.Conclusion. The CDX2 semi-quantitative index can be used to evaluate GM atrophy. The performed regression analysis demonstrates its predictive role. The constructed regression model based on the CDX2 semi-quantitative index calculation at two/three points of GM allows increasing predictive value of biopsy investigations and accuracy of stratified assessment of the gastric adenocarcinoma risk development in patients with CG.