Search

Background and Aims: While the occurrence of colonic stricture in Crohn’s disease (CD) always raises concerns about the risk of cancer, the neoplastic risk associated with its stricture remains poorly known. Methods: All consecutive patients with colorectal stricture complicating CD in 3 academic centers between 1993 and 2022 were included in a retrospective cohort. We collected clinical, endoscopic, surgical, and pathology data and information on outcomes. Factors associated with neoplastic stricture were investigated by logistic regression. Results: A total of 88 patients (median age, 25 [interquartile range {IQR}, 19–37] years and median disease duration 12 [4–19] years) with 96 colorectal strictures were included. Strictures were nonpassable by the scope in 61.4% (n = 54) of cases, 70.5% (n = 62) were ulcerated, and 62.5% (n = 55) were symptomatic. Colonic resection and endoscopic balloon dilatation were needed in 47.7% (n = 42) and 28.6% (n = 12) of patients, respectively. After a median follow-up of 21.5 months (IQR [5.5–46.5]), 7 (8%) patients were diagnosed with neoplasia at the colonic stricture site (colonic adenocarcinoma, n = 5; neuroendocrine carcinoma, n = 1; and B-cell lymphoproliferative neoplasia, n = 1), with a median stricture duration at colorectal neoplasia diagnosis of 0 month (IQR [0.0–5.5]). While neoplastic strictures were diagnosed in older patients (58 vs 39 years), with longer disease duration (18 vs 11 years) and frequent obstructive symptoms (57.1% vs 11.1%), no patient-related or stricture-related factor was associated with neoplastic stricture in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Eight percent of patients with colonic stricture complicating CD developed colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer and stricture were often diagnosed at the same time and we did not report malignant stricture after 1 year of follow-up.

Introduction: Eosinophilic colitis (EC) is an uncommon inflammatory condition with the lowest reporting rate among eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. EC, which is characterized by the accumulation of eosinophilic cells, is typically diagnosed by a combination of clinical, imaging, and microscopic evaluations. We present a rare case of complete colonic obstruction due to eosinophilic colitis (EC) in a neonate, which was successfully managed with surgical intervention. Case presentation: A 27-day-old female neonate presented with bloody diarrhea and anemia, followed by repeated bilious vomiting, feeding intolerance, and abdominal distention along with very limited bowel motion. Abdominal radiography showed contrast-medium retention in the colon with persistent bowel dilatation while a lower GI contrast enema indicated a cut-off sign at the level of the sigmoid colon. Subsequent colonoscopy revealed a rectosigmoid stricture with complete luminal obstruction 7 cm from the anal verge. Histopathological examination showed marked eosinophilic infiltration through all the layers of the colon. Exploratory laparotomy showed a 3-cm complete stricture with severe gross inflammation in the rectosigmoid colon. Resection of the affected segment and primary anastomosis was achieved successfully, and the patient showed an uneventful recovery with no symptoms at discharge as well as age-appropriate weight gain at the one-year follow-up examination. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of rectosigmoid stricture caused by EC in a neonate, and it highlights the importance of including EC in the differential diagnosis of colonic obstruction in neonates as well as the need for surgical management in such cases.

Ultraselective transcatheter arterial embolization with microcoils is a highly effective and safe treatment for lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Here we present a patient with a history of pandiverticulosis, who was hospitalized with acute hemorrhage in the mid-transverse colon. The patient underwent a successful embolization with a microcatheter and microcoils. Postembolization angiography demonstrated no residual flow to the areas of concern. One-month postembolization, however, the patient presented to the emergency department with nonspecific abdominal symptoms. After imaging and endoscopy studies, a colonic stricture–a rare complication of ultraselective embolization with microcoils– was found. The patient underwent partial colectomy of the mid-transverse colon; postcolectomy course was uneventful. The case suggests a rare but clinically significant complication of ultraselective embolization using microcoils for patients with diverticular hemorrhage. We therefore hope to assist clinicians in making the appropriate diagnosis and intervention when presented with similar clinical presentations and history of embolization.

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is an infectious disease that can rapidly become life-threatening in the paediatric population. A number of long-term complications may arise from HUS including the rare development of colonic strictures. In this case report, we present two cases with similar presentations of colonic strictures following HUS. Case 1 is a 17-month-old female who developed HUS and multiple complications including a sigmoid colonic stricture. Once the stricture was resected, her recovery was rapid and complete. Case 2 is a 3-year-old male who developed severe HUS requiring dialysis. After developing a small bowel obstruction, a laparotomy demonstrated caecal disease, pan-colonic inflammation, a calcified appendix and a strictured descending colon. A second operation revealed strictures at the transverse, descending and sigmoid colon. Once the diseased part of bowel had been removed his recovery was complete. This report demonstrates the diagnostic difficulty and patient morbidity that may arise from post-HUS colonic strictures. A contrast study is the recommended investigation of choice in patients presenting with ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms after an acute infection with HUS.

Although cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common congenital infection in neonates, most patients are asymptomatic. Gastrointestinal manifestation is unusual. In this report, we described a newborn with perinatal CMV infection presented with symptoms mimicking necrotizing enterocolitis. We hope to alert clinicians about this possible diagnosis when managing newborn gastrointestinal diseases.