Use of a novel through-the-needle biopsy forceps in endoscopic ultrasound.

Background And Aims: Pancreatic cysts are becoming more common. Their differential diagnosis includes benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions. Distinguishing the type of cyst helps in the management decision making.

Impaired upper esophageal sphincter reflexes in patients with supraesophageal reflux disease.

Background & Aims: Normal responses of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and esophageal body to liquid reflux events prevent esophagopharyngeal reflux and its complications, however, abnormal responses have not been characterized. We investigated whether patients with supraesophageal reflux disease (SERD) have impaired UES and esophageal body responses to simulated reflux events.

Methods: We performed a prospective study of 25 patients with SERD (age, 19-82 y; 13 women) and complaints of regurgitation and supraesophageal manifestations of reflux.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including the disease stages steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and linked to the epidemic of diabetes mellitus and obesity. It is characterized by a high cardiovascular and liver-related mortality and expected to be the leading cause for liver transplantation in the near future. This review summarizes recent progress made in our understanding of the disease pathogenesis and the clinical management of patients with NAFLD.

Characterization of the upper esophageal sphincter response during cough.

Background: Vagal reflex initiated by esophageal stimulation and microaspiration can cause chronic cough in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). By raising intraabdominal pressure,cough can, in turn, predispose to GERD. The role of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES)in preventing esophagopharyngeal reflux during coughing is not well known.

Response of the upper esophageal sphincter to esophageal distension is affected by posture, velocity, volume, and composition of the infusate.

Background & Aims: Studies of the pressure response of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) to simulated or spontaneous gastroesophageal reflux have shown conflicting results. These discrepancies could result from uncontrolled influence of variables such as posture, volume, and velocity of distension. We characterized in humans the effects of these variables on UES pressure response to esophageal distension.