Food-Specific IgG4 Is Elevated Throughout the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Background: Food-specific immunoglobulin G4 (FS-IgG4) is associated with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE); however, it is not clear whether production is limited to the esophagus.

Aims: To assess FS-IgG4 levels in the upper gastrointestinal tract and plasma and compare these with endoscopic disease severity, tissue eosinophil counts, and patient-reported symptoms.

Methods: We examined prospectively banked plasma, throat swabs, and upper gastrointestinal biopsies (esophagus, gastric antrum, and duodenum) from control (n = 15), active EoE (n = 24), and inactive EoE (n = 8) subjects undergoing upper endoscopy.

Eosinophil Peroxidase Staining Enhances the Diagnostic Utility of the Cytosponge in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Introduction: We aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) staining on Cytosponge (CS) samples in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

Methods: Esophageal biopsy (BX) samples from adult subjects with EoE were assessed using peak eosinophils per high-power field (eos/hpf), EPX, and the EoE histologic scoring system. EPX staining and eos/hpf were compared (BX vs CS).

International Consensus Recommendations for Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Nomenclature.

Background & Aims: Substantial heterogeneity in terminology used for eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs), particularly the catchall term "eosinophilic gastroenteritis," limits clinical and research advances. We aimed to achieve an international consensus for standardized EGID nomenclature.

Methods: This consensus process utilized Delphi methodology.

Eosinophilic esophagitis: updates on key unanswered questions.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a clinicopathologic disease characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and esophageal eosinophilia. In the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase in its prevalence for reasons that are not completely understood. The underlying pathophysiology involves an antigen-mediated T 2 immune response that draws eosinophils to the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation, esophageal remodeling, and fibrosis.

Effect of bowel preparation volume in inpatient colonoscopy. Results of a prospective, randomized, comparative pilot study.

Background: Inpatient status has been shown to be a predictor of poor bowel preparation for colonoscopy; however, the optimal bowel preparation regimen for hospitalized patients is unknown. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of bowel preparation volume size in hospitalized patients undergoing inpatient colonoscopy.

Methods: This prospective, single blinded (endoscopist), randomized controlled trial was conducted as a pilot study at a tertiary referral medical center.

Mucosal impedance for esophageal disease: evaluating the evidence.

Impedance has traditionally been employed in esophageal disease as a means to assess bolus flow and reflux episodes. Recent and ongoing research has provided new and novel applications for this technology. Measurement of esophageal mucosal impedance, via either multichannel intraluminal impedance catheters or specially designed endoscopically deployed impedance catheters, provides a marker of mucosal integrity.

Response to multiple rapid swallows shows impaired inhibitory pathways in distal esophageal spasm patients with and without concomitant esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction.

Distal esophageal spasm (DES) is a motility disorder characterized by premature contraction of the esophageal body during single swallows. It is thought to be due to impairment of esophageal inhibitory pathways, but studies to support this are limited. The normal response to multiple rapid swallows (MRS) is deglutitive inhibition of the esophageal body during the MRS sequence.

Image Analysis of Eosinophil Peroxidase Immunohistochemistry for Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Background: Diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) requires manual quantification of tissue eosinophils. Eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) is an eosinophil-specific, cytoplasmic granule protein released during degranulation.

Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate image analysis of EPX immunohistochemistry as an automated method for histologic diagnosis of EoE.

Removal of a Large Stone in the Upper Thoracic Esophagus.

Ingestion of a foreign body is a common occurrence. Flexible endoscopy is most commonly used for treatment, but certain large foreign bodies are more easily retrieved with rigid endoscopy. We present a technically challenging case of intentional ingestion of a large stone that required retrieval from the upper thoracic esophagus using rigid endoscopy.

Eosinophilic esophagitis: imaging features with endoscopic and pathologic correlation.

Objective: We aim to review the imaging features of eosinophilic esophagitis on fluoroscopy and present how they can correlate with endoscopic and pathologic findings.

Results: Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune-mediated disease that results in esophageal dysfunction. Upper esophagogastroduodenoscopy is high yield and required for biopsies to demonstrate the hallmark histologic findings of eosinophil-predominant inflammation.

Peppermint Oil to Improve Visualization in Screening Colonoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Screening colonoscopy has been associated with reduced mortality from colorectal cancer by means of early detection and timely treatment. However, visualization during colonoscopy is often impaired since the colon is naturally prone to peristalsis and spasm. There is evidence to suggest benefit of topical peppermint oil in causing smooth muscle relaxation, thereby decreasing peristalsis.

New Therapies for Hepatitis C Virus Infection.

Approximately 350 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is associated with morbidity and mortality related to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver failure. Recently, vast improvements have been made with the development of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents, which are all-oral, are better tolerated than interferon-based treatment, and provide a sustained virologic response in more than 90% of treated patients. This article reviews the new therapies available for HCV infection, with a focus on patients who have chronic HCV with and without compensated cirrhosis.

Advances in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic, progressive cholangiopathy that frequently affects men and is associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Although the cause of the disease is still debated, a genetic association and link to immune-mediated disease triggered by environmental factors are thought to contribute. The disease can present as isolated imaging abnormalities, biochemical changes, cholangiocarcinoma, or end-stage complications such as cirrhosis.

An update on cancer risk and surveillance in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Malignancy represents substantial morbidity and mortality in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This subset of patients has been proven to be at increased risk for developing cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma and colorectal cancer in those with overlapping inflammatory bowel disease. Herein, we review the prevalence of these malignancies and recommend screening tools and current knowledge to reduce the disease burden in this population.

An Unusual Suspect: Lymphoepithelial Cyst of the Pancreas.

Lymphoepithelial cysts (LECs) of the pancreas are benign, rare pancreatic cysts that are found predominantly in men. These cysts can present as a diagnostic conundrum given their rarity and difficulty of distinguishing these cysts from those with malignant potential. We present an incidental case of a LEC in a middle-aged man.

Gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to the new anticoagulants.

Purpose Of Review: To quantify direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) related gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), characterize patients at greatest risk and provide a pragmatic approach for the management of these drugs. This review will also summarize risk-management strategies and highlight evolving areas of clinical knowledge.

Recent Findings: DOACs permit anticoagulation with predictable dosing without the need for routine serum monitoring.

Educational Intervention in Primary Care Residents' Knowledge and Performance of Hepatitis B Vaccination in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.

Objectives: Although guidelines recommend hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization for adults with diabetes mellitus (DM), vaccination rates remain low. Our aim was to evaluate knowledge and practice regarding HBV and to assess the effectiveness of a multifaceted educational program.

Methods: Primary care residents (n = 244) at three academic institutions were surveyed about various aspects of HBV.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered upper gastrointestinal anatomy, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), can be more challenging compared to those with a normal anatomy. Detailed assessment of cross-sectional imaging features by the radiologist, especially the pancreaticobiliary anatomy, strictures, and stones, is very helpful to the endoscopist in planning the procedure. In addition, any information on enteral anastomoses (for e.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy in the cirrhotic patient.

As advances in liver disease continue, including the increasing use of liver transplantation, the endoscopist needs to be familiar with the standards of care and potential complications in the management of the cirrhotic population. This includes both elective endoscopic procedures, such as screening colonoscopies and variceal banding, as well as the acutely bleeding cirrhotic patient. Peri-procedural management and standards of care for acute gastrointestinal hemorrhaging of cirrhotic patients will be emphasized.