The role of small-bowel endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease: an updated review on the state-of-the-art in 2021.

The impact of small-bowel (SB) capsule endoscopy and device-assisted enteroscopy on clinical practice, since their introduction 2 decades ago, has been remarkable. These disruptive technologies have transformed the investigation and management of SB pathology and now have a firmly established place in guidelines and clinical algorithms. Furthermore, recent years have witnessed innovations, driven by the demand of new goals in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as mucosal healing and evolving strategies based on tight monitoring and accelerated escalation of care.

Multicenter cohort study of patients with buried bumper syndrome treated endoscopically with a novel, dedicated device.

Background And Aims: Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) is a rare adverse event of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement in which the internal bumper migrates through the stomal tract to become embedded within the gastric wall. Excessive tension between the internal and external bumpers, causing ischemic necrosis of the gastric wall, is believed to be the main etiologic factor. Several techniques for endoscopic management of BBS have been described using off-label devices.

Chronic Granulomatous Disorder-Associated Colitis Can Be Accurately Evaluated with MRI Scans and Fecal Calprotectin Level.

Purpose: Colitis is a common and serious complication of chronic granulomatous disorder (CGD) and requires assessment. Colonoscopy is invasive and carries risks of serious complication. We therefore assessed non-invasive monitoring via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Double-balloon enteroscopy-facilitated cyanoacrylate-injection endotherapy of small-bowel varices: an international experience from 2 European tertiary centers (with videos).

Background And Aims: Small-bowel varices (SBVs) are an uncommon consequence of portal hypertension. Radiologic intervention is usually considered for first-line management. When radiologic intervention is not possible, management options become very limited.

Muscle fat infiltration assessed by total psoas density on computed tomography predicts mortality in cirrhosis.

Background: Ongoing evidence suggests that sarcopenia adversely affects outcomes in cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate muscle fat infiltration as a component of sarcopenia and its prognostic value in this setting.

Methods: In 98 consecutive patients with cirrhosis, muscle density was measured during a computed tomography scan at the level of the fourth to fifth lumbar (L4) vertebrae.

Superficial Esophageal Mucosal Afferent Nerves May Contribute to Reflux Hypersensitivity in Nonerosive Reflux Disease.

Background & Aims: Little is known about the causes of heartburn in patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Visible epithelial damage is seldom associated with symptom severity, evidenced by the significant symptom burden in patients with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) compared with patients with erosive reflux disease (ERD) or Barrett's esophagus (BE). We studied the distribution of mucosal nerve fibers in patients with NERD, ERD, and BE, and compared the results with those of healthy subjects.

Intestinal hormones, gut microbiota and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and has a complex pathophysiology with multiple pathways of development and progression implicated. Intestinal hormones regulate multiple biological functions and may play a role in the pathogenesis of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by affecting food intake, body weight and insulin resistance. Bacterial products can affect the secretion of these hormones and thus have an effect on metabolism.

Emerging hepatic syndromes: pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.

Liver cirrhosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, mainly due to complications of portal hypertension. In this article, we review the current understanding on the pathophysiology, the diagnostic criteria and the available therapeutic options for patients with emerging hepatic syndromes in cirrhosis, namely the hepatorenal, hepato-adrenal and hepatopulmonary syndrome. The hepatorenal syndrome is a well-recognized complication of advanced cirrhosis and is usually associated with an accelerated course to death unless liver transplantation is performed.

Supragastric Belching: Prevalence and Association With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Esophageal Hypomotility.

Background/aims: Supragastric belching (SGB) is a phenomenon during which air is sucked into the esophagus and then rapidly expelled through the mouth. Patients often complain of severely impaired quality of life. Our objective was to establish the prevalence of ex-cessive SGB within a high-volume gastrointestinal physiology unit, and evaluate its association with symptoms, esophageal mo-tility and gastresophageal reflux disease.

Changes in the esophageal mucosa of patients with non erosive reflux disease: How far have we gone?

The normal esophageal mucosa creates a protective epithelial barrier that constrains the acidic reflux in the esophageal lumen. Microscopic findings and functional studies indicate that this barrier might be impaired in patients with non erosive reflux disease (NERD) but not in patients with functional heartburn (FH). Whereas endoscopy and pH monitoring are the most important diagnostic tools in the diagnosis of NERD, recent studies suggest that esophageal biopsies might have a complementary role.

Hepatitis C in patients with β-thalassemia major. A single-centre experience.

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and iron overload are the main causes of liver disease in β-thalassemia major (βTM). There is limited data regarding the course of CHC in this population. All patients (n=144) from the thalassemia centre of the University Hospital of Patras were evaluated (January 1981 to June 2012).