Endoscopic devices and techniques for the management of gastric varices (with videos).

Background And Aims: Gastric variceal bleeding occurs less commonly than bleeding from esophageal varices (EVs), although it is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Bleeding from gastroesophageal varices type 1 (GOV1) is treated like EVs. In contrast, other forms of gastric variceal bleeding, including gastroesophageal varices type 2 (GOV2) and isolated gastric varices types 1 (IGV1) and 2 (IGV2), are treated with varying endoscopic approaches.

Submucosal injection fluid and tattoo agents.

Background And Aims: EMR and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are minimally invasive endoscopic techniques, developed for the removal of benign and early malignant lesions throughout the GI tract. Submucosal injection of a marking agent can help to identify lesions during surgery. Endoscopic resection frequently involves "lifting" of the lesions by injection of a substance within the submucosal space to create a cushion for safe resection.

Esophageal Self-Dilation in Benign Refractory Esophageal Strictures: Outcomes from a Randomized Controlled Trial and a Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Patients with benign esophageal strictures may not maintain a response to endoscopic dilation, stenting, incisional or injectional therapies. For patients with these refractory esophageal strictures, esophageal self-dilation therapy (ESDT), performed to maintain luminal patency, may provide persistent symptomatic benefit while reducing patients' reliance on healthcare services and the risk associated with repeated endoscopic procedures.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EDST in a randomized controlled trial and prospective observational study.

Neoplasia Diagnosis After Multi-target Stool DNA Is Enhanced Among Lowest Baseline Detectors.

Background And Aims: Variation in colorectal neoplasia detection limits the effectiveness of screening colonoscopy. By evaluating neoplasia detection rates of individual colonoscopists, we aimed to quantify the effects of pre-procedural knowledge of a positive (+) multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) on colonoscopy quality metrics.

Methods: We retrospectively identified physicians who performed a high volume of + mt-sDNA colonoscopies; colorectal neoplasia at post-mt-sDNA colonoscopy was recorded.

Long-term outcomes following successful endoscopic treatment of T1 esophageal adenocarcinoma: a multicenter cohort study.

Background And Aims: Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) is guideline endorsed for management of early-stage (T1) esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Patients with baseline high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and EAC are at highest risk of recurrence after successful EET, but limited data exist on long-term (>5 year) recurrence outcomes. Our aim was to assess the incidence and predictors of long-term recurrence in a multicenter cohort of patients with T1 EAC treated with EET.

Artificial intelligence-enhanced volumetric laser endomicroscopy improves dysplasia detection in Barrett's esophagus in a randomized cross-over study.

Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) is an advanced endoscopic imaging tool that can improve dysplasia detection in Barrett's esophagus (BE). However, VLE scans generate 1200 cross-sectional images that can make interpretation difficult. The impact of a new VLE artificial intelligence algorithm called Intelligent Real-time Image Segmentation (IRIS) is not well-characterized.

Optimized Surveillance Intervals Following Endoscopic Eradication of Dysplastic Barrett's Esophagus: An International Cohort Study.

Background & Aims: Recommended surveillance intervals after complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) after endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) are largely not evidence-based. Using recurrence rates in a multicenter international Barrett's esophagus (BE) CE-IM cohort, we aimed to generate optimal intervals for surveillance.

Methods: Patients with dysplastic BE undergoing EET and achieving CE-IM from prospectively maintained databases at 5 tertiary-care centers in the United States and the United Kingdom were included.

Prevalence of Barrett's Esophagus in Female Patients With Scleroderma.

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis or scleroderma (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease that renders the esophagus prone to significant gastroesophageal reflux due to impaired esophageal clearance and reduced lower esophageal sphincter pressure. The reported prevalence of Barrett's esophagus (BE) in women with SSc varies from 2% to 37% and is derived from older studies with small sample sizes. We aimed to assess the prevalence of BE in a large cohort of women with SSc.

Longitudinal and Circumferential Distributions of Dysplasia and Early Neoplasia in Barrett's Esophagus: A Pooled Analysis of Three Prospective Studies.

Introduction: Studies have shown that dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus (BE) has a predilection for the right hemisphere. There is limited information on the longitudinal distribution. The aim was to determine both the longitudinal and circumferential distributions of dysplasia and early neoplasia from 3 prospective studies.

Outcomes of radiofrequency ablation by manual versus self-sizing circumferential balloon catheters for the treatment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus: a multicenter comparative cohort study.

Background And Aims: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the preferred ablative modality for treating dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. The recently introduced self-sizing circumferential ablation catheter eliminates the need for a sizing balloon. Although it enhances efficiency, outcomes have not been compared with the previous manual-sizing catheter.

Prospective development and validation of a volumetric laser endomicroscopy computer algorithm for detection of Barrett's neoplasia.

Background And Aims: Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) is an advanced imaging modality used to detect Barrett's esophagus (BE) dysplasia. However, real-time interpretation of VLE scans is complex and time-consuming. Computer-aided detection (CAD) may help in the process of VLE image interpretation.

Hepatic Steatosis Resulting From -Associated Familial Lipodystrophy.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease worldwide, with potential causes stemming from obesity, metabolic syndrome, genetic disorders, and drug toxicity. We report a 42-year-old woman with lipodystrophy and NAFLD due to a pathogenic variant in the (D300N) gene. This case report attempts to encourage clinicians to consider genetic diseases, specifically lipodystrophies, when working up uncommon causes of NAFLD.

Expert assessment on volumetric laser endomicroscopy full scans in Barrett's esophagus patients with or without high grade dysplasia or early cancer.

Background: Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) allows for near-microscopic imaging of the superficial esophageal wall and may improve detection of early neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus (BE). Interpretation of a 6-cm long, circumferential VLE "full scan" may however be challenging for endoscopists. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of VLE experts in correctly diagnosing VLE full scans of early neoplasia and non-dysplastic BE (NDBE).