Efficacy of the Bridge Dry Swallowing Exercise for Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition characterized by reflux of gastric contents, leading to damage to the esophageal mucosa and/or unpleasant symptoms, with a global prevalence of 13%. Although acid-suppressive medications are currently the most effective treatments for GERD, they may be ineffective against its symptoms. We therefore investigated the efficacy of a physical exercise program for the treatment of intractable GERD symptoms.

[A new method for measuring spinal kyphosis using CT images and a study of its relationship with reflux esophagitis].

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the validity and reproducibility of a new quantitative method for measuring spinal kyphosis using computed tomography (CT), and to investigate its relationship with reflux esophagitis. [Method] Using a new method to measure the index of kyphosis in CT images (IKCT), 10 examiners evaluated 10 cases of spinal kyphosis. One examiner measured 47 cases twice and 20 cases were examined to assess the validity with the kyphosis index.

Eosinophilic Cholangitis with Poor Prognosis after Corticosteroid- and Ursodeoxycholic Acid-Related Remission of Peripheral and Peribiliary Eosinophilia.

A 79-year-old man presented with high fever, marked eosinophilia, altered biochemical liver function tests (LFT) with predominance of biliary enzymes, and severe wall thickening of the gallbladder. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) suggested cholecystitis, without signs of biliary strictures. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and exploratory liver excision revealed eosinophilic cholangitis and cholecystitis, complicated with hepatitis and portal phlebitis.

Usefulness of the modified clip-with-line method for endoscopic mucosal treatment procedure.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) might be difficult to perform in some cases even for experienced endoscopists. Recently, various traction methods have been introduced to facilitate ESD procedures, such as clip-with-line (CL), external forceps, clip and snare, internal traction, double scope, and magnetic anchor. The traction procedure using the CL method enhances the visibility of the operation field during ESD.