Computer-Assisted Classification of the Squamocolumnar Junction.

Background And Aims: An irregular z-line is characterized by a squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) that extends proximally above the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) by < 1 centimeter (cm), while Barrett's esophagus (BE) is defined as a columnar lined esophagus (CLE) that extends proximally by ≥1 cm with the presence of specialized intestinal metaplasia (IM) on biopsy. Measurement of CLE is most accurate for lengths ≥1 cm, and as such, guidelines do not recommend biopsy of an irregular z-line when seen on endoscopy. However, a CLE is often estimated by visual inspection rather than direct measurement, making this characterization imprecise.

Irregular Z-Line: To Biopsy or Not to Biopsy?

The z-line refers to the squamocolumnar junction which marks the transition between the normal stratified squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus and the columnar epithelium of the gastric cardia. An "irregular" z-line refers to an irregular appearing squamocolumnar junction characterized by the presence of columnar mucosa less than 1 cm in length that extends above the gastroesophageal junction. In contrast, Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed when columnar mucosa of at least 1 cm is seen in the distal esophagus extending above the gastroesophageal junction with biopsies demonstrating specialized intestinal metaplasia.

Rates of Recurrent Intestinal Metaplasia and Dysplasia After Successful Endoscopic Therapy of Barrett's Neoplasia by Endoscopic Mucosal Resection vs Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection and Ablation: A Large North American Multicenter Cohort.

Introduction: Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) combining endoscopic resection (ER) with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) followed by ablation is the standard of care for the treatment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE). We have previously shown comparable rates of complete remission of intestinal metaplasia (CRIM) with both approaches. However, data comparing recurrence after CRIM are lacking.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Clinical Pearls for Primary Care Providers and Gastroenterologists.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic and progressive immune-mediated esophageal disorder. Given its increasing incidence, it is now a leading cause of dysphagia and food impaction in the United States. Eosinophilic esophagitis is most common in adult White men and has a high concurrence rate with other atopic conditions like allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, and eczema.

Advances in Screening for Barrett Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), the primary form of esophageal cancer in the United States, is a lethal cancer with exponentially increasing incidence. Screening for Barrett esophagus (BE), the only known precursor to EAC, followed by endoscopic surveillance to detect dysplasia and early-stage EAC and subsequent endoscopic treatment (to prevent progression of dysplasia to EAC and to treat early-stage EAC effectively) is recommended by several society guidelines. Sedated endoscopy (the primary current tool for BE screening) is both invasive and expensive, limiting its widespread use.

Development of a model to identify patients who do not need oesophageal biopsies when eosinophilic oesophagitis is suspected.

Background: Predictive models for eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) may not fully rule in the diagnosis.

Aim: To develop a reverse model that predicts against EoE to eliminate the need for oesophageal biopsies.

Methods: In this two-centre study, a predictive model was developed (Mayo Clinic) and validated (University of North Carolina [UNC]).

Prevalence and Predictors of Barrett's Esophagus After Negative Initial Endoscopy: Analysis From Two National Databases.

Background & Aims: Guidelines suggest a single screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in patients with multiple risk factors for Barrett's esophagus (BE). We aimed to determine BE prevalence and predictors on repeat EGD after a negative initial EGD, using 2 large national databases (GI Quality Improvement Consortium [GIQuIC] and TriNetX).

Methods: Patients who underwent at least 2 EGDs were included and those with BE or esophageal adenocarcinoma detected at initial EGD were excluded.

A novel method for removal of a partially deflated intragastric balloon.

Video 1Video of EGD showing deflation of balloon and removal.

Bile Acid Sequestrants in Microscopic Colitis: Clinical Outcomes and Utility of Bile Acid Testing.

Background & Aims: Bile acid sequestrants (BAS) may be a treatment in microscopic colitis (MC), but efficacy data are limited. We evaluated the effectiveness of BAS in MC and assessed the utility of bile acid testing to predict response.

Methods: Adults with MC treated with BAS (2010-2020) at Mayo Clinic were identified.

The natural history of histological changes in microscopic colitis.

Background: Microscopic colitis (MC) causes chronic diarrhea. It has two histologic subtypes: lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis (CC). Little is known about the natural progression of disease with time and with treatment.

Approach to Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction.

Disorders of gut-brain interaction, previously known as functional gastrointestinal disorders (eg, functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome), are commonly encountered in both the primary care and gastroenterology clinics. These disorders are often associated with high morbidity and poor patient quality of life and often lead to increased health care use. The management of these disorders can be challenging, as patients often present after having undergone an extensive workup without a definite etiology.

Rare, Overlooked, or Underappreciated Causes of Recurrent Abdominal Pain: A Primer for Gastroenterologists.

Recurrent abdominal pain is a common reason for repeated visits to outpatient clinics and emergency departments, reflecting a substantial unmet need for timely and accurate diagnosis. A lack of awareness of some of the rarer causes of recurrent abdominal pain may impede diagnosis and delay effective management. This article identifies some of the key rare but diagnosable causes that are frequently missed by gastroenterologists and provides expert recommendations to support recognition, diagnosis, and management with the ultimate aim of improving patient outcomes.