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Introduction: Hyperechoic liver lesions identified by conventional ultrasonography are diverse in underlying pathology and most of the time require further investigations. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract which are uncommonly found in metastatic stages at first presentation. Case report: We present the case of a 51 years old woman with nonspecific symptoms in which conventional ultrasonography showed hyperechoic lesions in the right lobe of the liver with a diameter up to 40 mm. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor on the small curvature of the stomach, on the anterior wall, with central ulceration, with normal narrow band imaging (NBI) mucosal pattern and negative gastric biopsy. Contrast enhanced ultrasonography was performed, describing multiple lesions with inhomogeneous enhancement in the arterial phase and rapid washout at the end of arterial phase. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) biopsy examination was definitive for the final diagnosis of epithelioid gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor. The patient was diagnosed with T2N0M1 epithelioid gastric GIST, stage IV, and is currently under treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Conclusions: GIST represent a diagnostic challenge in medical practice because of its size, unusual location in the submucosal layer and lack of symptoms. The role of EUS-FNA is of paramount importance in increasing the accuracy of diagnosis in the case of GIST. The particularity in our case consists of the unusual presentation with the lack of specific symptoms and signs associated with the presence of metastatic lesions at the moment of the diagnosis of GIST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Early diagnosis of gastric neoplasia involves both the detection and surveillance of patients with premalignant gastric lesions. Magnifying endoscopy allows the analysis of the fine mucosal structure and microvascular architecture. Material and methods: The aim of our study is to identify specific patterns associated with premalignant gastric lesions by magnifying endoscopy in conjunction with chromoscopy. We performed conventional upper endoscopies and we selected a number of patients for chromodiagnostic and magnification. We classified the endoscopic patterns in normal and abnormal (modified) patterns. Target biopsies were obtained from magnified areas and we analyzed the correspondence with the histological findings. Results: We identified specific pit patterns for normal gastric mucosa and for inflamed mucosa. A tubular pattern was associated with the detection of intestinal metaplasia. An irregular pattern and abnormal microvessels were endoscopic findings associated with the detection of high-grade dysplasia. An irregular form of collecting venules was detected in areas with atrophic gastritis. Conclusions: An initial selection of patients based on conventional endoscopic findings is mandatory. Gastric mucosal changes identified by magnifying endoscopy raise the number of detected premalignant lesions by targeted biopsies. Our work emphasizes the current challenges related to the use of these endoscopic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the development of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) microbubbles, which perform as blood pool tracers, used for ultrasound. She mentions that the UCAs need to be avoided in patients having severe cardiopulmonary disease. She states that rare anaphylactoid reactions have been revealed, manifesting as acute hypotension happening within a few seconds of injection.

The objective of the current study is to evaluate the complication rates (embolic and hemorrhagic events) in deep venous thrombosis (DVT) patients on different types of oral anticoagulation therapy (OAC): direct oral anticoagulant therapy and vitamin K antagonist therapy. Methods: A number of 62 DVT patients were included and divided in two groups, depending on the type of oral anticoagulation therapy administered. The first group was composed of patients treated with direct oral anticoagulant treatment (Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban) and the second group was composed of patients treated with vitamin K antagonist (Acenocumarol). General data, including BMI and comorbidities were noted. Embolic and hemorrhagic events were noticed. Results: in the first group of patients (DOAC therapy), a number of 34 patients were included (14 of them with BMI higher than 25 kg/m2 and 14 with concomitant atrial fibrillation), while the second group comprised of 28 patients treated with VKA (21 of them with a high BMI and only 3 of them with atrial fibrillation). After a mean period of 36 months of anticoagulant therapy, complications were present in 17 patients, hematuria (8 episodes) and pulmonary embolism (4 cases) were the most frequent, with no difference regarding the treatment applied. Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was encountered regarding embolic and hemorrhagic event rates in our deep vein thrombosis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abdominal manifestations of the hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks are usually misdiagnosed until the correct diagnosis is established based on low levels of C1 inhibitor activity. Material and methods: The Romanian registry includes 94 HAE patients diagnosed in the past 12 years. Data about the start of symptoms, date of HAE confirmation by C1 INH measurements, diagnoses in the emergency departments, proposals for abdominal surgery and performed abdominal interventions before the correct diagnosis were also registered. The past 12 months events update was made by phone. Results: Of the 94 HAE patients, 88 could be contacted and have responded to our questionnaire. The mean delay of the diagnosis of HAE was 16.49 years. We have recorded 951 peripheral, 799 abdominal, 175 facial and 90 upper respiratory attacks in the last 12 months. 86 patients presented with abdominal attacks during their lifetime. 25 patients have had likely unnecessary surgeries. Ascites was a common feature found during these interventions, strongly suggesting those procedures were inappropriate. Misdiagnosis before confirmation of the C1 INH deficiency was reported by 76 patients, the most common errors being gastroenteritis, appendicitis, cholecystitis and pancreatitis. Proposals for abdominal surgery were reported by 24 HAE patients. 27 patients are taking Danazol (mostly 100 mg every 2-3 days) and we can observe that the frequency and severity of acute abdominal attacks during danazol treatment shows a major improvement than without this drug. Conclusions: Abdominal attacks are characteristic for the HAE clinical pattern, occurring in more than 90% of HAE patients. Misdiagnosis is associated with inadequate treatments, including unnecessary surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narrow band imaging represents a promising endoscopic technique which allows real time characterization of colonic lesions by assessment of mucosal and vascular patterns. Due to the ability to make an optical biopsy, NBI could become a useful tool in clinical decisions regarding therapy and surveillance. The aim of this paper is to review the current knowledge on the optical diagnosis of colonic lesions by using NBI endoscopy. We reviewed research articles, reviews and meta-analyses from the PubMed and MEDLINE containing relevant data in this field. The validity of endoscopic criteria for the differentiation of adenoma and hyperplastic polyps, as well as of invasive cancer, has been evaluated in recent studies. Based on the prediction of polyp histology, new potential cost saving strategies have been proposed. Many reports are focused on the accuracy of optical biopsy by using NBI for predicting colonoscopy surveillance intervals and adenomatous histology in diminutive polyps, according to the Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations statement. Optical diagnosis is still under evaluation, and cannot yet be endorsed in routine practice. The high level of performance achieved by expert endoscopists needs to be replicated in the community utilizing reliable and standardized endoscopic criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Gastric intestinal metaplasia represents a risk factor for intestinal type of gastric cancer. Gastric intestinal metaplasia seems to be associated with Helicobacter pilory infection in relatives of patients with gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, clinical, endoscopic and histological features of gastric intestinal metaplasia. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the esophagogastroduodenoscopies with biopsies performed between January 1, 2014 and October 31, 2014. Collected and analyzed data included age, gender, symptoms, endoscopic and histological findings. Results: Four hundred eighty-two patients were included in the study. One hundred thirty-seven patients had gastric intestinal metaplasia, which presented a prevalence was 28,4%. A similar distribution between gender was observed with a significant increase of gastric intestinal metaplasia with age (p=0,0001). Regarding the indication for endoscopy, the prevalence of gastric intestinal metaplasia was: 17 % among patients with dyspeptic syndrome, 2 % in patients with anemia and 5 % in patients examined for other symptoms. Endoscopic findings showed gastric intestinal metaplasia was significantly associated with atrophic gastritis (p=0.0001), erythematous gastritis (p=0.0079), while there was no association with erosive gastritis (p=0.24) and peptic ulcer (p=0.19). Conclusions: Gastric intestinal metaplasia is frequently recorded in patients undergoing in esophagogastroduodenoscopies with associated biopsies. Endoscopic findings like erythema and atrophy is strongly associated with gastric intestinal metaplasia emphasizing the importance of sampling biopsies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Assessment of the histological and endoscopic features of the colo-rectal polyps is requered for the application of the new diagnostic and therapeutical strategies in the managment of the diminutive polyps. Methods. This paper is a descriptive retrospective study on 52 pacients reffered for colonoscopy in Gastroenterology Clinic - Clinical County Hospital Targu Mures from January until September 2014. 80 polyps were assessed. Narrow band imaging examination targeted on the protrusive lezions allowed NICE (Narrow Band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic) classification and corroboration of the histology prediction and pathological assessment. Results. Polyp detection rate was 48,58%, given the quality of bowel preparation in hospital fair in 84,5%. The predominant histological type was the tubular adenoma (46,25%), and 40% of the polyps were located in the sigmoid. Among the diminutive polyps, 58,33% were hyperplastic(p<0,0001), mainly in the recto-sigmoid (66,67%); the incidence of high grade displasia or cancer was 0. Real -time prediction of the histology of the colorectal polyps using NBI established: NICE 1: 19 polpyps, histology- 16 hyperplastic, (p<0,0001, sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 95%), NICE 2: 59 polyps, histology- 53 adenomatous, (p<0,0001, sensitivity: 96%, specificity: 76%), NICE 3: 2 polyps- histology-cancer. Conclusions. We did not observe any distribution pattern in the topography of the diminutive polyps. Histologicaly the predominant type was the hyperplastic type. NBI was accurate in real-time prediction of the histology of the colo-rectal polyps. The results are relevant for application of the new strategies in the managment of the diminutive polyps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most important health problem, with an increasing incidence worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the factors that predict HCC occurrence in a group of patients with liver cirrhosis developed on various etiologies. Material and Methods: A total of 282 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis seen between January 1, 2013 and July 31, 2014 were enrolled in a prospective study. Data from patient's history, physical exams, laboratory tests and abdominal ultrasound were collected. Results: 282 patients were included in the study with a median age of 59.6 and a male/female ratio of 1.38/1; 12.41% (35) were diagnosed with HCC. Alcohol consumption was documented in 19 cases (54.28%), without statistical association (p=0.621), and 7 (20%) were smokers (p=0.403). According to etiological factors of liver cirrhosis: 7 (20%) had background B virus infection, 15 (42.85%) HCV infection and 11 (31.42%) cases incriminated other causes of cirrhosis (alcohol). Chi2 test identified a statistically significant association between the occurrence of HCC and viral etiology of cirrhosis (p = 0.001, r = 18,830). No statistical association was found between Child Pugh scoring of cirrhosis and HCC (p=0.774) and a statistically significant association but inversely proportional was identified between neoplasia and obesity (p=0.008, r= -0.157). Conclusion: In conclusion the viral etiology of liver cirrhosis is found to be an important risk factor for HCC, and liver cancer was inversely associated with nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of dysplasia and early neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus by conventional endoscopy is based on a four- quadrant random biopsies protocol that is prone to sampling errors. Novel endoscopic techniques have been developed to enhance the detection of premalignant and malignant lesions by real time assessment of microvasculare architecture and mucosal structure. Chromoendoscopy with magnification has improved the visualization of lesions, but the dye application impairs a clear evaluation of vascular network. Narrow band imaging endoscopy enhances vascular imaging by using narrow bandwidth lights, with penetration to superficial mucosal structures. Different classification systems of mucosal and vascular patterns have been developed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of non-dysplastic and dysplastic BE, as well as of early esophageal cancer. This article is focused on both the clinical benefits and controversies surrounding conventional and advanced endoscopic methods used for screening and surveillance of patients with Barrett's esophagus. Current evidence shows that the adoption of new technology in routine practice requires a high level of performance as well as the standardization of various classification systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Often early gastric cancer (EGC) is asymptomatic, that is why most of the patients come for medical investigation already ill with advanced gastric cancer. The detection of premalignant gastric lesions and their control, help the exposure of gastric cancer in its initial stage and implicitly to a prompter access to the appropriate treatment for the patients. This study quantifies the utility of narrow band imaging-endoscopy (NBI) for the detection of premalignant lesions and early gastric cancer. Material and methods: This prospective study included 63 patients. They underwent an examination with white light endoscopy (WLE) and Sidney system of biopsy followed by magnifying NBI with targeted biopsies. We monitored the presence of EGC, dysplasia (Dis), intestinal metaplasia (IM). Results: IM was diagnosed in 60 patients, and 128 areas. Dis was detected in 11 patients and 13 areas and 2 patients had EGC. The premalignant gastric lesions were detected by both investigation methods. We followed sensibility, specificity, positive, negative predictive values. For NBI we obtained 81%, 75%, and for WLE 52%, 68%. The EGC was diagnosed only with NBI. Conclusions: NBI endoscopy is better than WLE for detected IM, Dis and EGC. This method can be used for screening EGC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]