Search

Colonic diffuse ganglioneuromatosis is an extremely rare disease in which multiple tumors derived from the ganglion cells, nerve fibers, and supporting cells are distributed in the colon. It is generally considered to be a benign neoplastic condition and is occasionally associated with rare hereditary conditions such as neurofibromatosis type I or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B. Here, we report a case of a patient in whom colon cancer developed 12 years after the initial diagnosis of colonic diffuse ganglioneuromatosis, which suggests a possible association between colonic diffuse ganglioneuromatosis and colorectal cancer.

Background/Aims: Data on the immunoprotective status against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella zoster virus (VZV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are still lacking. Therefore, we investigated the seropositivity rates for viral infectious diseases and the associated factors in Korean patients with IBD.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, serum immunoglobulin G antibody positivity rates against measles virus, mumps virus, rubella virus, VZV, HAV, and EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) were measured in patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (UC) who first visited the IBD clinic. Seropositivity rates and their associated factors were analyzed.Results: Between January 2016 and December 2018, 263 patients were enrolled (male, 167 [67.3%]; UC, 134 [50.9%]). The median age at serological test was 30 years (interquartile range, 22 to 46). The seropositivity rates were 84.0%, 85.2%, 66.5%, 87.4%, 50.0%, and 93.7% for measles, mumps, rubella, VZV, HAV, and EBV, respectively. Younger age at serological test was associated with seronegative status for measles (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88 to 0.96), VZV (aOR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.93), and HAV (aOR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.91 to 0.95). Furthermore, IBD type-UC was associated with seronegative status against VZV (aOR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.99).Conclusions: Seropositivity rates for common viral infectious diseases in Korean patients with IBD were similar to those of the general population. In the younger age group, protective immunity against measles, VZV, and HAV is required, with proper vaccination, as necessary.

For the sensitive diagnosis of colorectal cancer lesions, advanced molecular imaging techniques using cancer-specific targets have emerged. However, issues regarding the clearance of unbound probes and immunogenicity remain unresolved. To overcome these limitations, we developed a small-sized scFv antibody fragment conjugated with FITC for the real-time detection of colorectal cancer by in vivo molecular endoscopy imaging. A small-sized scFv fragment can target colon cancer secreted protein-2 (CCSP-2), highly expressed in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues; moreover, its full-length IgG probe has been used for molecular imaging previously. To assess the efficacy of anti-CCSP-2 scFv-FITC, surgical specimens were obtained from 21 patients with colorectal cancer for ex vivo molecular fluorescence analysis, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Orthotopic mice were administered with anti-CCSP-2 scFv-FITC topically and intravenously, and distinct tumor lesions were observed by real-time fluorescence colonoscopy. The fluorescence imaging of human colon cancer specimens allowed the differentiation of malignant tissues from non-malignant tissues (p

We aimed to investigate whether endoscopic resection of T1 colorectal cancer (CRC) before surgery (secondary surgery) unfavorably affects long-term recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared with surgery without prior endoscopic resection (primary surgery).We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent radical surgery for T1 CRC with high-risk histologic features at a tertiary referral hospital in Korea between 2011 and 2016. The primary outcome was RFS. We performed 2 types of propensity score (PS) analyses to control for confounders.Of 852 patients, 388 underwent primary surgery and 464 secondary surgery. During the median follow-up period of 57.0 months (range, 41.0-63.0), cancer recurred in 18 patients (2.1%). The 5-year RFS rates did not differ between the primary and secondary surgery groups (97.0 vs 98.5%, P = .194). Further analyses of RFS rates according to nodal stages and number of high-risk histologic features showed no difference between groups. Moreover, RFS rates were not different between the groups after PS matching. In multivariable Cox proportional regression analysis, baseline serum carcinoembryonic antigen level was an independent risk factor for cancer recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.464; 95% confidence interval, 1.242-1.725; P .001) but prior endoscopic resection of T1 CRC was not (P = .201). Both PS analyses consistently showed no increase in cancer recurrence risk in the secondary surgery group.Our data showed no additional cancer recurrence risk by endoscopic resection before surgery of T1 CRC with high-risk histologic features.

The phosphorous balance is clinically important in increasing the long-term outcomes and preventing complications of end-stage renal disease. Sevelamer is a phosphate binder used widely to regulate hyperphosphatemia. On the other hand, gastrointestinal side effects increase with increasing sevelamer intake. A 29-year-old male with end-stage renal disease of IgA nephropathy on maintenance hemodialysis was admitted for diffuse alveolar bleeding and pneumonia. He presented with a low-grade fever and watery diarrhea tinged with blood. Initially, a Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea treatment was started with positive findings of Clostridioides difficile toxin and culture. Despite this, there was no improvement in the symptoms even with the appropriate antibiotic treatment. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed an occlusive mass in the rectum and secondary obstructive changes in the sigmoid colon. The initial suspicion was a malignancy or fungal infection. Sigmoidoscopy with a biopsy identified the mass as a lump of mucous material with the entire lumen covered with exudate. The subsequent histopathology examination revealed a colonic mucosal injury and characteristic ''fish scale"-like sevelamer crystals in the exudate. The diagnosis of a sevelamer-induced rectal ulcer was made. We report this case of a sevelamer-associated rectal ulcer of the sigmoid.

BACKGROUND Acute severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is an uncommon but challenging complication of Crohn’s disease (CD). AIM To identify the predictors of acute severe LGIB and to evaluate the impact of acute severe LGIB on the subsequent clinical course in CD patients. METHODS A retrospective inception cohort study was conducted in 75 CD patients with acute severe LGIB and 1359 CD patients without acute severe LGIB who were diagnosed between February 1991 and November 2019 at Asan Medical Center, a tertiary university hospital in Korea. Multivariable analysis with Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to identify the risk factors for acute severe LGIB. A matched analysis using 72 patients with bleeding and 267 matched patients without within the cohort was also conducted to investigate whether acute severe LGIB is a predictor of clinical outcomes of CD. RESULTS Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that early use of thiopurines [hazard ratio (HR): 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.12-0.48; P < 0.001] and female sex (HR: 0.51, 95%CI: 0.27-0.94; P = 0.031) were significantly associated with a lower risk of acute severe LGIB. The cumulative risks of behavioral progression and intestinal resection were not significantly different between the two matched groups (P = 0.139 and P = 0.769, respectively). The hospitalization rate was higher in the bleeding group than in the matched non-bleeding group (22.1/100 vs 13.2/100 patient-years; P = 0.012). However, if hospitalizations due to bleeding episodes were excluded from the analysis, the hospitalization rate was not significantly different between the bleeding group and the matched non-bleeding group (14.5/100 vs 13.2/100 patient-years; P = 0.631). CONCLUSION Early use of thiopurines may reduce the risk of acute severe LGIB. History of acute severe LGIB may not have a significant prognostic value in patients with CD.

Owing to an increased number of colonoscopy screenings, the incidence of diagnosed rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has also increased. Tumor size is one of the most frequently regarded factors when selecting treatment; however, it may not be the determinant prognostic variable. We aimed to evaluate oncological outcomes according to the treatment modality based on the size of rectal NETs. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who were treated for rectal NETs between March 2000 and January 2016 at the Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Patients who underwent endoscopic removal, local surgical excision, and radical resection were included. The primary outcome was recurrence-free survival (RFS). Data were specified and analyzed following the 2019 World Health Organization classification (WHO). A total of 644 patients were categorized under three groups according to the treatment modality used: endoscopic removal (n = 567), surgical local excision (n = 56), and radical resection (n = 21). Of a total of 35 recurrences, 27 were local, whereas eight were distant. The RFS rate did not differ significantly between the treatment groups in the same tumor-size group ( $$\le$$ 1 cm group: P = .636, 1–2 cm group: P = .160). For T1 tumors, RFS rate was not different between local excision and radical resection ( $$\le$$ 1 cm group: P = .452, 1–2 cm group: P = .700). Depth of invasion, a high Ki-67 index, and margin involvement were confirmed as independent risk factors for recurrence. Among patients treated with endoscopic removal, endoscopic biopsy was a significant factor for worse RFS (P

Background/Aims: The clinical practice pattern of polypectomy is not well-investigated in Asian countries. We aimed to survey Asian endoscopists about their preferred polypectomy techniques for given conditions and images of polyps. Methods: A survey was performed using questionnaires composed of two parts: a scenariobased questionnaire using scenarios of polyps, which were adopted from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines, and an image-based questionnaire using provided endoscopic images of polyps. Results: A total of 154 endoscopists participated in this survey. The most preferred resection techniques for diminutive (≤5 mm), small (6-9 mm), and benign-looking intermediate (10-19 mm) nonpedunculated polyps were cold forceps polypectomy, hot snare polypectomy, and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), respectively, in both the scenario- and image-based questionnaires. For benign-looking large (≥20 mm) nonpedunculated polyps, EMR and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) were preferred in the scenario- and image-based surveys, respectively. In case of malignant nonpedunculated polyps, EMR and ESD were preferred for intermediate-sized and large lesions, respectively, according to the scenario-based survey. However, ESD was preferred in both intermediate-sized and large malignant nonpedunculated polyps according to the imagebased survey. Trainee endoscopists, endoscopists working in referral centers, and endoscopists in the colorectal cancer-prevalent countries were independently associated with preference of cold snare polypectomy for removing small polyps. Conclusions: The polypectomy practice patterns of Asian endoscopists vary, and cold snare polypectomy was not the most preferred resection method for polyps

BACKGROUND AND AIM Data comparing the outcomes of cyclosporin A (CsA) and infliximab (IFX) as rescue therapy for steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis (SR-ASUC) among Asians are scarce. METHODS In this single-center study, we retrospectively reviewed 121 patients with SR-ASUC according to the Truelove and Witts' criteria who received CsA or IFX as rescue therapy between 1995 and 2015. The cumulative rates of treatment failure and colectomy at 3 months were compared. Treatment failure was defined as colectomy, switch to other medications, acute flare-up events requiring steroid treatment, or adverse events leading to drug interruption. RESULTS Among 121 patients with SR-ASUC (male, 55.6%; median disease duration, 47.1 months; extensive colitis, 61.2%), 23 received CsA as rescue therapy. Baseline characteristics (e.g. age at diagnosis, sex, disease duration, disease extent at rescue therapy, and Mayo score at treatment initiation) were comparable between the two groups. During follow-up (median, 45 months; interquartile range 29.3-61.8), 84 patients (69.4%) experienced treatment failure, and 25 patients (20.7%) underwent colectomy. The CsA group and the IFX group did not show significant differences in the cumulative rates of treatment failure (39.1% vs 34.7%, P = 0.714) and colectomy (26.1% vs 13.3%, P = 0.198) at 3 months. Previous use of azathioprine (odds ratio [OR] = 2.309, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.076-4.951, P = 0.032) was associated with treatment failure at 3 months. Mayo score > 10 at the time of rescue therapy was significantly associated with colectomy at 3 months (OR = 8.444, 95% CI = 2.592-27.506, P

BACKGROUND AND AIM Acute severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) is uncommon; however, it is a potentially life-threatening complication, and its recurrence is common. We thus aimed to identify the predictors for rebleeding in CD patients with acute severe LGIB and particularly focused on whether anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy lowers the risk of rebleeding compared with conventional medical therapy (CMT) or surgery. METHODS The risk of rebleeding was analyzed in 131 CD patients with acute severe LGIB. Patients were classified into the CMT group (n = 99), anti-TNF therapy group (n = 22), and surgery group (n = 10). No patients in the surgery group received anti-TNF therapy. RESULTS During the median follow-up of 98 months after the first episode of acute severe LGIB, rebleeding occurred in 50.5%, 18.2%, and 30.0% of the CMT group, anti-TNF therapy group, and surgery group, respectively (P = 0.015). The cumulative risks of rebleeding at 1 and 10 years were 20.0% and 64.7% in the CMT group, 13.6% and 18.4% in the anti-TNF therapy group, and 0% and 40.7% in the surgery group, respectively (P = 0.020). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that anti-TNF therapy was associated with a lower risk of rebleeding compared with CMT (hazard ratio, 0.303; 95% confidence interval, 0.108-0.849; P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS In CD patients with acute severe LGIB, anti-TNF therapy may reduce the risk of rebleeding compared with CMT. Although surgery is considered effective in preventing early rebleeding, concomitant anti-TNF therapy may be helpful in further lowering the long-term risk of rebleeding.

Although upper gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms are not rare in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), few studies have focused on them and the long-term outcomes of their treatment by endoscopy. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and endoscopic treatment outcomes of upper GI neoplasms in patients with FAP. Among 215 patients diagnosed with FAP between January 1991 and December 2019, 208 who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy were eligible. The clinical features and endoscopic treatment outcomes of upper GI neoplasms were retrospectively investigated and analyzed. Among the enrolled patients, 113 (54.3%) had one or more upper GI neoplasms: gastric adenoma (n = 34), gastric cancer (n = 7), nonampullary duodenal adenoma (n = 86), and ampullary adenoma (n = 53). Among patients with gastric neoplasms (n = 37), 24 (64.9%) underwent treatment (endoscopic treatment: 22, surgery: 2). No tumor-related mortality occurred during median follow-up of 106 months (interquartile range [IQR] 63–174). Endoscopic treatment was performed in 47 (54.7%) of 86 patients with nonampullary duodenal adenoma and in 32 (60.4%) of 53 patients with ampullary adenoma. No patient underwent surgery for duodenal neoplasms, and no tumor-related mortality occurred during median follow-up of 88 months (IQR 42–145). The proportion of patients with increased Spigelman stage at 2 years after the initial diagnosis or treatment was significantly higher in untreated group than in the group treated for duodenal neoplasms (27.3% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.001). Endoscopic surveillance in FAP patients is important for the detection and treatment of upper GI neoplasms in early stage. In particular, endoscopic therapy for duodenal neoplasms can reduce the severity of duodenal polyposis.

Background Many patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical remission frequently complain of bowel symptoms such as increased stool frequency (SF) and rectal bleeding (RB). However, studies on these patient-reported outcomes in patients with inactive UC are limited, especially in Korea. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and risk factors of bowel symptoms in Korean patients with inactive UC. Methods We investigated the prevalence of bowel symptoms in patients with endoscopically quiescent UC between June 1989 and December 2016 using a well-characterized referral center-based cohort. The Mayo clinic score (MCS) was used to evaluate bowel symptoms at the most recent visit near the date of endoscopy. Clinical characteristics of the patients were compared based on the presence or absence of bowel symptoms. Results Overall, 741 patients with endoscopically quiescent UC were identified, of whom 222 (30%) and 48 (6.5%) had an SF and RB subscore of ≥ 1, respectively. Patients with bowel symptoms (SF + RB ≥ 1; n = 244 [32.9%]) had higher rates of left-sided colitis (E2) or extensive colitis (E3) than patients without bowel symptoms (SF + RB = 0; n = 497 [67.1%]; P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 1.568; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.023–2.402; P = 0.039) and E2 or E3 (OR 1.411; 95% CI 1.020–1.951; P = 0.038) were the significant risk factors for increased SF. Conclusions This study revealed that one-third of patients with endoscopically quiescent UC reported increased SF. Female sex and disease extent may be associated with bowel symptoms.

BACKGROUND AND AIM The clinical impact of perianal Crohn's disease (CD) (pCD), a well-known poor prognostic factor of CD, has not been fully evaluated in Asian patients. We investigated the outcomes of CD in Korean patients according to the presence of pCD at CD diagnosis. METHODS Using 2010-2014 data from the national health insurance claims database, we evaluated the disease course of CD according to the presence of pCD at CD diagnosis. The results were verified in a hospital-based cohort of 2923 patients. RESULTS The cumulative risk of intestinal resection was lower in patients with pCD at diagnosis than in those without, in the population-based cohort (9.1% vs 14.7% at 5 years after diagnosis, P

AIM The main aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcome of a conventional colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in which submucosal dissection was continued throughout until the completion of resection (ESD-T) to hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD-H) in the colorectum. METHOD Medical records of 836 colorectal neoplasia patients treated by ESD-T or ESD-H were reviewed. ESD-H was defined as colorectal ESD with additional snaring in the final stage of the procedure. Primary outcomes were the overall and metastatic recurrence rates. Secondary outcomes were short-term outcomes such as the en bloc resection rate, procedure time and adverse events. RESULTS The overall recurrence rate was higher in the ESD-H than in the ESD-T group (5.7% vs 0.7%, P = 0.001). The metastatic recurrence rate showed no significant difference between these groups (1.4% vs 1.4%, P = 1.000). Multivariate analysis revealed that a failed en bloc resection (hazard ratio 24.097; 95% CI 5.446-106.237; P

Background/Aims Endoscopic diagnosis of dysplasia or colitic cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is more challenging than that of colorectal neoplasia in non-colitic patients. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the endoscopic diagnosis of "nonpedunculated" dysplasia or colitic cancer in UC patients. Methods Ten endoscopists from four countries were surveyed using photographs of 61 histologically confirmed dysplastic or non-dysplastic lesions retrieved from the UC registry database of Asan Medical Center. The participants provided their assessment based on the given photographs and their intention to perform biopsy. Results The overall diagnostic performance of the 10 participants is summarized as follows: sensitivity of 88.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84.3% to 91.5%), specificity of 34.8% (95% CI, 29.1% to 40.8%), positive predictive value of 63.0% (95% CI, 60.8% to 65.2%), negative predictive value of 70.2% (95% CI, 62.7% to 76.6%), and accuracy of 64.6% (95% CI, 60.7% to 68.4%). The interobserver agreement on the intention to perform a biopsy was poor (Fleiss kappa=0.169). Of the three endoscopic characteristics of the lesions, including ulceration, distinctness of the borders, and pit patterns, only neoplastic pit patterns were significantly predictive of dysplasia (odds ratio, 3.710; 95% CI, 2.001 to 6.881). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of neoplastic pit patterns were 68.2% (95% CI, 63.0% to 73.2%) and 63.3% (95% CI, 57.3% to 69.1%), respectively. Conclusions Diagnostic performance based on the endoscopist's intention to perform a biopsy for nonpedunculated potentially dysplastic lesions in UC patients was suboptimal according to this survey-based study.

Aim This study aimed to evaluate an association between colorectal neoplasm (CRN) and skeletal muscle mass using three widely accepted skeletal muscle mass indices (SMIs) in a large population at average risk. Method We performed a cross-sectional study using a screening colonoscopy database of 33 958 asymptomatic subjects aged 40-75 years. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyser. ASM adjusted for height squared (ASM/ht2 ), weight (ASM/wt) and body mass index (ASM/BMI) were used as indices for muscle mass. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between SMIs and CRN. Results In a multivariable-adjusted model, the risk of an advanced CRN increased linearly with decreasing quartiles for all three SMIs. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for advanced CRN in quartiles 1, 2 and 3 of ASM/wt compared with that in quartile 4 were 1.279, 1.196 and 1.179, respectively (Ptrend = 0.017); for ASM/BMI, ORs were 1.307, 1.144 and 1.091, respectively (Ptrend = 0.002); and for ASM/ht2 , ORs were 1.342, 1.169 and 1.062, respectively (Ptrend = 0.002). The risk of distally located advanced CRN was higher in quartile 1 than in quartile 4 for all three SMIs (ASM/wt, OR = 1.356; ASM/BMI, OR = 1.383; ASM/ht2 , OR = 1.430). Conclusion Our study demonstrated that low skeletal muscle mass was consistently associated with the presence of advanced CRN in a population at average risk regardless of the operational definition of the SMI, and it was particularly associated with distal advanced CRN.

Background and Aims. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) can be used to retrieve small intestinal foreign bodies (FBs). Here, we aimed at exploring the clinical usefulness of BAE for the retrieval of small intestinal FBs. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 34 patients who underwent BAE to retrieve small intestinal FBs at 3 tertiary referral centers between April 2005 and June 2017. Results. The retained materials included capsule endoscopes (CEs; n=18 [52.9%]), self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs; n=5 [14.7%]), biliary drainage catheters (n=4 [11.8%]), gallstones (n=3 [8.8%]), an embolization coil (2.9%), a needle, an intragastric bariatric balloon, and a razor blade. FBs were located or stuck in the ileum (n=17 [50%]), jejunum (n=16 [47.1%]), and an undetermined small intestinal segment (n=1). Seventeen cases of FBs (50%; 7 CEs, 3 biliary drainage catheters, 3 SEMSs, 2 gallstones, 1 intragastric balloon, and 1 needle) were successfully retrieved enteroscopically. FBs of 4 asymptomatic patients (3 CEs and 1 razor blade) passed spontaneously. The remaining 13 patients underwent surgery for persistent or symptomatic FBs: 12 were successfully removed and 1 CE removal procedure failed due to severe peritoneal adhesions. The presence of symptoms was the only independent predictor of successful retrieval using BAE (odds ratio 13.40, 95% confidence interval 1.10–162.56, P=0.042). BAE-related complications such as bowel perforation and acute pancreatitis occurred in 2 patients (5.9%). Conclusions. BAE can be the first option for FB removal in the small intestine. The presence of symptoms was associated with successful enteroscopic retrieval.

We developed and validated a deep-learning algorithm for polyp detection. We used a YOLOv2 to develop the algorithm for automatic polyp detection on 8,075 images (503 polyps). We validated the algorithm using three datasets: A: 1,338 images with 1,349 polyps; B: an open, public CVC-clinic database with 612 polyp images; and C: 7 colonoscopy videos with 26 polyps. To reduce the number of false positives in the video analysis, median filtering was applied. We tested the algorithm performance using 15 unaltered colonoscopy videos (dataset D). For datasets A and B, the per-image polyp detection sensitivity was 96.7% and 90.2%, respectively. For video study (dataset C), the per-image polyp detection sensitivity was 87.7%. False positive rates were 12.5% without a median filter and 6.3% with a median filter with a window size of 13. For dataset D, the sensitivity and false positive rate were 89.3% and 8.3%, respectively. The algorithm detected all 38 polyps that the endoscopists detected and 7 additional polyps. The operation speed was 67.16 frames per second. The automatic polyp detection algorithm exhibited good performance, as evidenced by the high detection sensitivity and rapid processing. Our algorithm may help endoscopists improve polyp detection.

Background/Aims: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a global phenomenon, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. We aimed to assess the change in prevalence and patterns of CAM use, and attitudes towards CAM over an 8-year time interval (2006 vs. 2014) among IBD patients in Korea.Methods: A total of 221 IBD patients (CD=142, UC=79) were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding CAM at two time points: at enrollment (2006) and 8 years later (2014/2015).Results: The proportion of patients ever using CAM increased significantly from 60.2% in 2006 to 79.6% in 2014 (PP=0.635); 21.7% used CAM consistently at both time points. The proportion of patients who felt CAM was less effective (PP=0.04) than conventional treatments increased over time. Also, the proportion among ever CAM users who perceived a positive effect from CAM significantly decreased in 2014 compared to 2006 (P=0.004). Higher education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.10), prior side effects to conventional therapies (aOR, 2.23), and prior use of corticosteroids (aOR, 2.51) were associated with CAM use. Interestingly, use of CAM before IBD diagnosis (aOR, 2.73) was significantly associated with consistent CAM use.Conclusions: Although the attitudes toward CAM have become less favorable, the majority of IBD patients have experienced CAM with an overall increase of current CAM users over time. Moreover, more than half of current CAM users used CAM consistently over time.

A modified endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) technique, Tip-in EMR, was recently introduced to enhance the complete resection of colorectal neoplasia (CRN). We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of Tip-in EMR for flat CRNs. From January to September 2018, conventional or Tip-in EMR was consecutively performed for 112 flat CRNs ≥ 10 mm in diameter. Tip-in EMR was performed when en bloc snaring was impossible with conventional EMR or when a lesion was inadequately lifted owing to a previous forceps biopsy. We retrospectively collected the clinical, procedural, and histologic data of the conventional and Tip-in EMR groups and compared the en bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, and complications between the two groups. Among 112 flat CRNs of 80 patients, conventional EMR and Tip-in EMR were performed for 74 and 38 lesions, respectively. The median lesion size was 12 (10–27) mm. Tip-in EMR was superior to conventional EMR in terms of en bloc resection (94.7% vs. 77.0%, p = 0.018) and histologic complete resection (76.3% vs. 54.1%, p = 0.022). There was no difference in postprocedural bleeding between the two groups; however, overall adverse events, including bleeding and postpolypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome, were more frequent in the Tip-in EMR group. Tip-in EMR is a feasible technique for flat colorectal lesions ≥ 10 mm and is superior to conventional EMR with respect to en bloc and complete resection rates. The safety profiles of Tip-in EMR and conventional EMR should be compared via large-scale prospective studies.

Background and AimsCombined endoscopic and radiological healing, or deep healing, is associated with favourable outcomes in patients with Crohn’s disease; thus, a non-invasive biomarker for predicting deep healing would be invaluable. We evaluated the usefulness of faecal calprotectin for predicting deep healing in patients with Crohn’s disease receiving anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] therapy.MethodsWe analysed the records of patients with Crohn’s disease who received anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy and underwent endoscopic evaluation, radiological evaluation, and faecal calprotectin measurement within a period of 3 months between August 2017 and November 2018. Results of endoscopic and radiological studies were independently reviewed by two gastrointestinal endoscopists and a gastrointestinal radiologist, respectively. Serum C-reactive protein and albumin were also measured.ResultsOut of 268 patients analysed, 77 [28.7%] had deep healing, 36 [13.4%] had endoscopic healing only, 36 [13.4%] had radiological healing only, and 119 [44.4%] had neither. The median duration of anti-TNF treatment was 40.0 months. The deep healing group had the lowest median faecal calprotectin level [56.5 mg/kg] among the four groups [p ConclusionsFaecal calprotectin, when combined with serum C-reactive protein and albumin, showed acceptable performance in predicting deep healing in patients with Crohn’s disease.

Background/Aims: We aimed to investigate the proportion of and risk factors for residual cancer and/or lymph node metas tasis after surgery was performed because of high-risk pathological features in endoscopic resection specimen of suspected superficial submucosal colorectal cancer (SSMC). Methods: We reviewed medical records of 497 patients (58.8±9.8 years, 331 males) undergoing endoscopic resection of suspected SSMC. High-risk pathological features included: deep submucosal cancer invasion ≥1,000 μm; positive lymphovascular and/or perineural invasion; poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma; and positive resection margin. We investigated the occurrence of additional surgery and residual cancer and/or lymph node in volvement in the surgical specimen. Results: En bloc resection was performed in 447 patients (89.9%). High-risk pathological features were detected in 372 patients (74.8%). Additional surgery was performed in 336 of 372 patients with high-risk patho logical features. Of these, 47 surgical specimens (14.0%) showed residual cancer and/or lymph node metastasis. Piecemeal re section was more common in those with residual cancer and/or lymph node involvement than those without (9/47 [19.1%] vs. 24/289 [8.3%], P=0.032). Positive resection margin was also significantly associated with positive residual cancer and/or lymph node involvement. As the number of high-risk pathological features increased, the risk of regional lymph node metastasis in creased proportionally (P=0.002). Conclusions: High-risk pathological features were frequently detected after endoscopic re section of suspected SSMC while residual cancer and/or lymph node metastasis were not commonly present in the additional surgical specimen. Further optimized strategy for proper endoscopic management of suspected SSMC is necessary. (Intest Res 2020;18:96-106)

The Cryptococcus gattii species complex has often been referred to as a primary pathogen due to its high infection frequency among apparently immunocompetent patients. In order to scrutinize the immune status of patients and the lineages of etiologic agents, we analyzed patient histories and the molecular types of etiologic agents from 135 global C. gattii cases. Eighty-six of 135 patients had been diagnosed as immunocompetent, although some of them had underlying medical issues, and 49 were diagnosed as immunocompromised with risk factors similar to those seen in Cryptococcus neoformans infection. We focused on the 86 apparently immunocompetent patients and were able to obtain plasma from 32 (37%) to analyze for the presence of autoantibodies against the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) since these antibodies have been reported as a hidden risk factor for C. gattii infection. Among the 32 patients, 25 were free from any known other health issues, and 7 had various medical conditions at the time of diagnosis for cryptococcosis. Importantly, plasma from 19 (76%) of 25 patients with no recognized underlying medical condition showed the presence of GM-CSF autoantibodies, supporting this antibody as a major hidden risk factor for C. gattii infection. These data indicate that seemingly immunocompetent people with C. gattii infection warrant detailed evaluation for unrecognized immunologic risks. There was no relationship between molecular type and underlying conditions of patients. Frequency of each molecular type was related to its geographic origin exemplified by the overrepresentation of VGIV in HIV-positive (HIV+) patients due to its prevalence in Africa. IMPORTANCE The C. neoformans and C. gattii species complex causes cryptococcosis. The C. neoformans species complex is known as an opportunistic pathogen since it primarily infects immunocompromised patients. C. gattii species complex has been referred to as a primary pathogen due to its high infection frequency in apparently immunocompetent people. We analyzed 135 global cases of C. gattii infection with documented patient history. Eighty-six of 135 patients were originally diagnosed as immunocompetent and 49 as immunosuppressed with similar underlying conditions reported for C. neoformans infection. A significant number of C. gattii patients without known underlying conditions possessed autoantibodies against granulocytes-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in their plasma, supporting the presence of GM-CSF antibodies as a hidden risk factor for C. gattii infection. No relationship was found between C. gattii lineages and the underlying conditions except for overrepresentation of the molecular type VGIV among HIV+ patients due to the prevalence of VGIV in Africa.

Background Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection. In the present study, we analyzed the clinical characteristics and risks of TB in Korean patients with IBD who received anti-TNF treatment. Methods The study included patients with IBD who were treated using anti-TNF agents between January 2001 and June 2018 at the Asan Medical Center. Overall, 1434 patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease were enrolled. We calculated the incidence of active TB infection after anti-TNF treatment and compared the clinical characteristics of the TB group with those of the non-TB group. Results Twenty-one patients (1.46%) developed active TB infection, and the incidence rate of active TB was 366.73 per 100,000 person-years. In total, 198 patients (14.9%) were positive for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), of whom only eight (4%) did not complete LTBI treatment. The age at which the anti-TNF therapy was started was significantly higher in the TB group than in the non-TB group (HR 1.041, 95% CI 1.014–1.069, p = 0.002), and as age increased, so did the incidence rate of active TB infection (linearity p p = 0.862). Conclusions In patients with IBD, the incidence rate of TB increased with age at anti-TNF therapy initiation. Active treatment of LTBI may lower the incidence of TB in patients with IBD who are to undergo anti-TNF therapy.

Backgrounds: It is not clear when and how frequently surveillance endoscopy should be performed after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We aimed to suggest a surveillance endoscopy strategy by investigating the cumulative local recurrence rates and identifying risk factors for local recurrence after colorectal ESD. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 770 patients who underwent colorectal ESD for 778 lesions at our institution from 2005 to 2016. We investigated the cumulative local recurrence rates and risk factors for local recurrence. Results: Local recurrence developed in 12 (1.5%) of 778 lesions during the follow-up period of 37.4 ± 31.7 months. The one-, three-, and five-year cumulative local recurrence rates were 0.4%, 1.7%, and 2.2%, respectively. The risk factors for local recurrence were piecemeal resection (odds ratio (OR) 3.948, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.164–13.385, p = 0.028) and histological incomplete resection (OR 8.713, 95% CI 2.588–29.334, p &lt, 0.001). Local recurrence tended to develop frequently after ESD of early cancers. Conclusions: Short-term surveillance endoscopy should be recommended after piecemeal ESD, histological incomplete resection, and ESD of early colorectal cancers. Surveillance endoscopy with longer intervals can be suggested after en bloc ESD with the histological complete resection of benign colorectal tumors.

Balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) is an important diagnostic modality for ongoing obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). However, it is difficult to determine the optimal insertion route. We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients with OGIB contained in a multicenter enteroscopy database of 1108 balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) procedures (875 patients) to find out factors affecting BAE route selection in patients with OGIB. A total of 603 BAE procedures in 512 patients were investigated: there were 392 (65.0%) bidirectional and 211 (35.0%) unidirectional procedures. Overt OGIB was more frequent in the latter group (p = 0.024). Computed tomography (CT) was more frequently performed in the unidirectional group (p < 0.001). Capsule endoscopy and a small bowel barium study were performed more frequently in the bidirectional group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.039, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that occult OGIB, capsule endoscopy and a small bowel barium study were independently associated with use of the bidirectional approach (p = 0.011, p = 0.013 and p = 0.046, respectively). Conversely, CT was associated with use of the unidirectional approach (p < 0.001). Conclusion: CT can aid the selection of an optimal insertion route in OGIB patients. However, capsule endoscopy and small bowel barium study are unhelpful.

OBJECTIVES Post-polypectomy surveillance intervals should be determined based on index colonoscopy findings. However, the risk of metachronous lesions, resulting from the coexistence of adenoma and sessile serrated lesions (SSLs), has rarely been addressed. We evaluated the impact of synchronous SSL on the risk of metachronous lesions within similar adenoma risk groups. METHODS We retrieved individuals with one or more adenomas on index colonoscopy in a single-center retrospective cohort and stratified them into four groups depending on the presence of SSL and low-risk/high-risk adenoma (LRA/HRA). Participants who underwent surveillance colonoscopies at least 12 months apart were included. We compared the risks of metachronous lesions including HRA, advanced adenoma (AA), or SSL within similar adenoma risk groups according to the presence of SSL. RESULTS Overall 4493 individuals were included in the analysis. The risk of metachronous HRA/AA was not significantly higher in the adenoma with SSL group compared with the adenoma without SSL group, irrespective of LRA (HRA, 6/86 vs. 231/3297, P = 1.00; AA, 0/86 vs. 52/3297, P = 0.64) or HRA (HRA, 11/64 vs. 240/1046, P = 0.36; AA, 3/64 vs. 51/1046, P = 1.00). However, the risk of metachronous SSL in individuals with synchronous SSL was higher than that in those without SSL for both LRA (15/86 vs. 161/3297, P

Introduction: Immunomodulators remain fundamental for the medical treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD). Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used as a second-line immunomodulator; however, there is a lack of recent data on MTX monotherapy among the Asian population with CD. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the tolerability and clinical outcomes of MTX in Korean patients with CD. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for CD patients treated with MTX monotherapy or in combination with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), at the Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea. The tolerability of MTX monotherapy within 6 months was assessed and the clinical effectiveness of MTX was evaluated based on the Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI). Results: In total, 85 patients were included, of which 29 (34.1%) discontinued MTX due to intolerability during the follow-up. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 41 (48.2%) patients. The most common AE was gastrointestinal disorders (17/41) and only one patient experienced a serious AE, a systemic infection that required hospitalization. Among the 56 patients who tolerated MTX within 6 months, 44 (65.9%) showed a clinical response. Moreover, no factor was significantly associated with intolerability. The administration method was the only factor significantly associated with a response to MTX ( p = 0.041). The adjusted odds ratio of parenteral injection compared to oral administration was 5.68 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07–30.08). Conclusion: In this study, one-third of patients were intolerant to MTX; nonetheless, the response rate was as high as 65.9% among tolerant patients. In addition, no significant factors affected intolerability. In terms of the clinical response, parenteral injection could be better than oral administration.

Background and aims The phenotypic concordance among familial cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been rarely reported. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the concordance regarding disease type and phenotypic features in a large cohort of Korean patients with IBD. Methods A total of 6647 patients with IBD who visited the Asan Medical Center between June 1989 and September 2016 were enrolled in the study. When at least two familial cases existed in our cohort, they were included in the concordance analysis (κ index). The concordance between younger and older members for IBD type [Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)] and phenotypic characteristics such as disease extent and location, disease behavior, the use of medication, and need for surgery were evaluated. Results A positive family history of IBD was noted in 216 patients with CD (7.0%) and in 238 patients with UC (6.7%). Of all patients, 167 consanguineous pairs in 146 families were identified. The crude concordance rate for IBD type was 82.6% with a κ index of 0.656 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.545-0.768, good concordance]. There was mild concordance for disease location in CD (κ = 0.256; 95% CI: 0.007-0.505) and for the use of antitumor necrosis factor agents in UC (κ = 0.354; 95% CI: -0.049-0.757). The concordance for IBD type and several phenotypes in first-degree relative pairs was better than that in the entire pairs. Conclusions Disease type and phenotypic characteristics of patients with familial IBD may be anticipated.

Although chromoendoscopy is currently the recommended mode of surveillance in patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis, it is technically challenging and requires a long procedure time. The aim of this study was to compare the dysplasia detection rate of high-definition white light endoscopy with random biopsy (HDWL-R) vs high-definition chromoendoscopy with targeted biopsy (HDCE-T).This was a multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial involving 9 tertiary teaching hospitals in South Korea. A total of 210 patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis were randomized to undergo either the HDWL-R group (n = 102) or HDCE-T group (n = 108). The detection rates of colitis-associated dysplasia (CAD) or all colorectal neoplasia from each trial arm were compared.There was no significant difference in the CAD detection rate between HDCE-T and HDWL-R groups (4/102, 3.9% vs 6/108, 5.6%, P = 0.749). However, HDCE-T showed a trend toward improved colorectal neoplasia detection compared with HDWL-R (21/102, 20.6% vs 13/108, 12.0%, P = 0.093). The median (range) time for colonoscopy withdrawal between the 2 groups was similar (17.6 [7.0-43.3] minutes vs 16.5 [6.3-38.1] minutes; P=0.212; for HDWL-R and HDCE-T, respectively). The total number of biopsies was significantly larger in the HDWL-R group (34 [12-72]) compared with the HDCE-T group (9 [1-20]; P0.001).On the basis of our prospective randomized controlled trial, HDCE-T was not superior to HDWL-R for detecting CADs.

Colonoscopy is one of the most useful procedures for making the diagnosis and treating various colorectal diseases, but this procedure rarely causes serious complications such as perforation. The incidence of colon perforation during colonoscopy is low. However, as the demand for screening and surveillance colonoscopy has gradually increased and colonoscopic polypectomy has become a commoner procedure in daily clinical practice, endoscopists should pay attention to prevent and manage colonoscopy-related perforation. The purpose of this review is to briefly summarize the guidelines from the World Journal of Emergency Surgery for the management of colonoscopy-related perforation.

Colon interposition is a surgical procedure used for maintenance of luminal conduit after esophagectomy. Although epithelial neoplasia, such as adenoma and adenocarcinoma, may develop in the interposed colon, there are only few case reports on the condition. Due to the rarity of this condition, there is no definite consensus on recommending screening endoscopy for the early detection of neoplasia in the interposed colons. Here, we report a case of intramucosal adenocarcinoma in an interposed colon. Initial endoscopic resection for this tumor failed to accomplish complete resection. A subsequent endoscopic resection was performed 1 month later and complete resection was achieved. Based on our experience and recommendation on screening endoscopy for gastric cancer in Korea, we suggest that regular screening esophagogastroduodenoscopies should be performed following esophagectomy to detect early neoplasia in the stomach and interposed colon and avoid adverse results induced by delayed detection.

Immunoprofiling is useful for predicting prognosis in various malignancies and provides targets for immunotherapy. Quantitative multispectral imaging system, which allows simultaneous detection of multiple immune markers, is a novel method for examining the tumor immune environment. We compared the expression levels of various surface markers in immune cells between colitis-associated cancer (CAC) and sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) and evaluated the clinical usefulness of immunoprofiling in CRC. Tumor specimens from 24 CAC patients and 48 sporadic CRC patients, matched by age, sex, and tumor location to CAC, were included in the analysis. The expression levels of CD3, CD8, Foxp3, and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in immune cells at the invasive margins of tumor tissues were evaluated by quantitative multispectral imaging. The CAC group had significantly less levels of cells expressing CD3, CD8, Foxp3, or PD-L1 (all, p + and CD8+ had better overall survival. The immune profiling patterns of CAC patients were significantly distinct from those of sporadic CRC patients, suggesting that CAC and sporadic CRC have distinct disease phenotypes. Immunoprofiling can be helpful for evaluation of clinical prognosis in CAC.

Dysplasia is a precancerous lesion of colorectal cancer in patients with long-standing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Recent guidelines suggest endoscopic resection as a key modality for the treatment of endoscopically resectable dysplasia in patients with colitis. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been suggested as one of the therapeutic options for dysplasia that is potentially resectable but not suitable for the conventional endoscopic mucosal resection technique. Several recent studies supported the feasibility of ESD for the treatment of colitis-associated dysplasia in terms of the en bloc and complete resection rates and the risk of procedure-related complications. However, these studies were performed exclusively in expert centers. Moreover, the local and metachronous recurrence rates were relatively high, and long-term outcome data are still lacking. Endoscopists should be highly skilled in colorectal ESD and have an intensive understanding of not only the lesions but also the conditions of patients with IBDs. Therefore, the decision to perform ESD for colitis-associated dysplasia should be made scrupulously after careful discussion with patients, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary IBD team including physicians, surgeons, and pathologists specialized in IBDs.

Background and aim The feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) as a treatment option for dysplasia in ulcerative colitis (UC) has been reported, but the associated therapeutic decision-making and clinical outcomes have not been extensively investigated. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 25 UC patients who were referred for potential ESD of non-polypoid or sessile dysplasia. We analyzed the treatment decisions and the ESD and colectomy outcomes for this patient group. Results All lesions were located at the colitic segments. The median UC duration was 13.4 years. A colectomy was recommended for 10 patients because of ulceration with indistinct borders (one patient), non-ulceration with indistinct borders (two patients), and non-lifting signs (seven patients). The remaining 15 patients underwent ESD. The en bloc and R0 resection rates were 93.3% and 80%, respectively. The median hospitalization periods were 1 (range, 1-2) day after ESD and 7 (range, 5-30) days after colectomy. No procedure-related complications occurred after ESD, but early and late postoperative complications occurred in two (22.2%) and six (66.7%) of the colectomized patients, respectively. Fourteen ESD cases were followed endoscopically for a median period of 24.7 (range, 5.2-64.8) months. Local recurrence occurred in 2 (14.3%) patients, and metachronous recurrence was identified in two separate patients (14.3%). Conclusions Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a feasible endoscopic treatment option for UC-associated dysplasia showing noninvasive pit or vascular patterns, no surface ulceration, distinct borders, and appropriate lifting after submucosal injection. Meticulous endoscopic surveillance is essential to monitor for local or metachronous recurrence of dysplasia after ESD.

Background/Aims Previous studies from Korea have described chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) patients with transition zone (TZ) in the colon. In this study, we evaluated the pathological characteristics and their association with long-term outcomes in Korean colonic pseudo-obstruction (CPO) patients with TZ. Methods We enrolled 39 CPO patients who were refractory to medical treatment and underwent colectomy between November 1989 and April 2016 (median age at symptoms onset: 45 [interquartile range, 29–57] years, males 46.2%). The TZ was defined as a colonic segment connecting a proximally dilated and distally non-dilated segment. Detailed pathologic analysis was performed. Results Among the 39 patients, 37 (94.9%) presented with TZ and 2 (5.1%) showed no definitive TZ. Median ganglion cell density in the TZ adjusted for the colonic circumference was significantly decreased compared to that in proximal dilated and distal non-dilated segments in TZ (+) patients (9.2 vs 254.3 and 150.5, P < 0.001). Among the TZ (+) patients, 6 showed additional pathologic findings including eosinophilic ganglionitis (n = 2), ulcers with combined cytomegalovirus infection (n = 2), diffuse ischemic changes (n = 1), and heterotropic myenteric plexus (n = 1). During follow-up (median, 61 months), 32 (82.1%) TZ (+) patients recovered without symptom recurrence after surgery. The presence of pathological features other than hypoganglionosis was an independent predictor of symptom recurrence after surgery (P = 0.046). Conclusions Hypoganglionosis can be identified in the TZ of most Korean CPO patients. Detection of other pathological features in addition to TZ-associated hypoganglionosis was associated with poor post-operative outcomes.

Small rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) can be treated using cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR-C), which requires additional effort to apply a dedicated cap and snare. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a simpler modified endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) technique, so-called anchored snare-tip EMR (ASEMR), for the treatment of small rectal NETs, comparing it with EMR-C. We retrospectively evaluated 45 ASEMR and 41 EMR-C procedures attempted on small suspected or established rectal NETs between July 2015 and May 2020. The mean (SD) lesion size was 5.4 (2.2) mm and 5.2 (1.7) mm in the ASEMR and EMR-C groups, respectively (p = 0.558). The en bloc resection rates of suspected or established rectal NETs were 95.6% (43/45) and 100%, respectively (p = 0.271). The rates of histologic complete resection of rectal NETs were 94.1% (32/34) and 88.2% (30/34), respectively (p = 0.673). The mean procedure time was significantly shorter in the ASEMR group than in the EMR-C group (3.12 [1.97] vs. 4.13 [1.59] min, p = 0.024). Delayed bleeding occurred in 6.7% (3/45) and 2.4% (1/41) of patients, respectively (p = 0.618). In conclusion, ASEMR was less time-consuming than EMR-C, and showed similar efficacy and safety profiles. ASEMR is a feasible treatment option for small rectal NETs.

Considering the risk of reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), not only before starting tumor necrosis factor inhibitors but also before non-TNF inhibitor therapy, LTBI screening is routinely recommended for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, data on the positive conversion of LTBI test results during non-TNF inhibitor therapy are scarce. Among IBD patients treated with vedolizumab and/or ustekinumab, a total of 91 patients who had negative baseline interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) results, assessed by QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-tube or QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus, were enrolled. Serial LTBI test results after starting non-TNF inhibitor therapy were collected, and patients' clinical characteristics were analyzed. Positive IGRA conversion was observed in six of 91 patients (6.6%). The cumulative IGRA conversion–free survival rates after starting therapy were 97.7% after 1 year and 86.7% after 2 years. Ulcerative colitis was more common among converters compared with non-converters (66.7 vs. 23.5%, P = 0.040). Among six converters, four had been treated with vedolizumab, one with ustekinumab, and the other with vedolizumab followed by ustekinumab. All six patients had been previously exposed to TNF inhibitors before non-TNF inhibitor therapy: five to infliximab and one to both infliximab and adalimumab. After positive IGRA conversion, none of the six converters developed active tuberculosis while maintaining non-TNF inhibitor therapy (median 6.8 months, range 0.4–32.1 months). Positive IGRA conversion among IBD patients treated with vedolizumab and/or ustekinumab appears to occur somewhat frequently, but its clinical implications remain to be elucidated.

We aimed to investigate the endoscopic features and clinical course of CMV gastroenterocolitis in immunocompetent patients. We reviewed the medical records and endoscopic images of 86 immunocompetent patients with CMV gastroenterocolitis. Immunocompetent patients were defined as those without congenital or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, use of anti-cancer chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agents, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The mean age was 65.5 ± 11.8 years and 53 (61.6%) were male. Sixty-eight (79.1%) patients had comorbidities. Upper gastrointestinal-dominant, small bowel-dominant, and colon-dominant types were observed in 19, 7, and 60 patients, respectively. Endoscopic features could be classified into discrete ulcerative type with/without exudate and diffuse erythematous type with/without exudate. Antiviral treatment with ganciclovir was initiated in 51 patients (59.3%), 40 of whom improved and 1 improved after changing ganciclovir to foscarnet. Thirty-three patients (38.4%) improved without antiviral treatment. Surgery was necessary in two patients because of colon perforation before antiviral treatment. Another two patients underwent surgery because of sigmoid stricture and cecal perforation during antiviral treatment. Endoscopic type was not associated with clinical outcomes, such as surgery and death. CMV gastroenterocolitis in immunocompetent patients mostly occur in older patients with comorbidities, and the endoscopic features vary with no association with clinical outcomes.

Background & Aims In this nationwide population-based study, we investigated the risk of vertebral and hip fractures in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database gathered between 2007 and 2016, we calculated the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of vertebral and hip fractures in patients with newly diagnosed IBD (n = 18,228; 64.1% male, 65.9% ulcerative colitis) compared with an age- and sex-matched control population (matching ratio, 1:10; n = 186,871). Results During a median follow-up period of 4.5 years, the incidence rate and IRR of vertebral and hip fractures in patients with IBD were 2.88 per 1000 person-years and 1.24 (95% CI, 1.08–1.42), respectively. The cumulative risk of vertebral and hip fractures in IBD patients was 0.6%, 1.4%, and 1.9% at 2, 5, and 7 years after diagnosis, respectively, and this risk of fracture in IBD patients was higher than that in matched controls (P = .002). The use of corticosteroids further increased the risk of fractures in IBD patients (IRR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.13–1.65) compared with matched controls. The risk of fractures was significantly higher in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) (IRR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.19–2.04) than in matched controls, and this risk remained higher in patients with CD without corticosteroid exposure (IRR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.12–2.34). The risk of fracture increased with age and was particularly high in females and in those with comorbidities. Conclusions The risk of fractures was significantly high in newly diagnosed IBD patients, especially in those with CD regardless of corticosteroid exposure.

Background/aims The worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led endoscopists to use personal protective equipment (PPE) for infection prevention. This study aimed to investigate whether wearing a face shield as PPE affects the quality of colonoscopy. Methods We reviewed the medical records and colonoscopy findings of patients who underwent colonoscopies at Asan Medical Center, Korea from March 10 to May 31, 2020. The colonoscopies in this study were performed by five gastroenterology fellows and four expert endoscopists. We compared colonoscopy quality indicators, such as withdrawal time, adenoma detection rate (ADR), mean number of adenomas per colonoscopy (APC), polypectomy time, and polypectomy adverse events, both before and after face shields were added as PPE on April 13, 2020. Results Of the 1,344 colonoscopies analyzed, 715 and 629 were performed before and after the introduction of face shields, respectively. The median withdrawal time was similar between the face shield and no-face shield groups (8.72 minutes vs 8.68 minutes, p=0.816), as was the ADR (41.5% vs 39.8%, p=0.605) and APC (0.72 vs 0.77, p=0.510). Polypectomy-associated quality indicators, such as polypectomy time and polypectomy adverse events were also not different between the groups. Quality indicators were not different between the face shield and no-face shield groups of gastroenterology fellows, or of expert endoscopists. Conclusions Colonoscopy performance was not unfavorably affected by the use of a face shield. PPE, including face shields, can be recommended without a concern about colonoscopy quality deterioration.

The usage of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to prevent and treat thromboembolic events is gradually increasing. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients taking DOACs after polypectomy. We retrospectively reviewed 131 patients taking DOACs and 270 taking clopidogrel who underwent polypectomy between November 2010 and December 2017. The risk of delayed postpolypectomy bleeding (PPB) was evaluated and compared. A total of 989 polyps were removed (320 polyps in the DOAC and 669 polyps in the clopidogrel group). DOACs and clopidogrel were discontinued for 2.8 ± 1.7 days and 5.8 ± 2.5 days before polypectomy, respectively. DOACs and clopidogrel were restarted on 1.6 ± 2.9 days and 1.7 ± 1.1 days after polypectomy, respectively. According to per polyp analysis, delayed PPB rate was 1.6% in both groups (p = 0.924). Logistic regression analysis was performed after propensity score matching and revealed that DOACs did not increase the delayed PPB risk compared to clopidogrel (OR 0.929, 95% CI 0.436–1.975, p = 0.847). With the majority following the antithrombotic discontinuation guidelines, the incidence of delayed PPB was 3.1% in the patients taking DOACs. The delayed PPB risk was not greater in those taking DOACs than in those taking clopidogrel.

In 2020, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) began to spread worldwide and remains an ongoing medical challenge. This case series reports on the clinical features and characteristics of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and confirmed COVID-19 infection. From February 2020 to March 2021, nine patients with IBD had confirmed COVID-19 across four hospitals in Korea. The median age at COVID-19 diagnosis was 42 years. Six patients were male, and seven patients had ulcerative colitis (UC). No patients required oxygen therapy, intensive care unit hospitalizations, or died. The most common symptom was fever, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms developed as diarrhea in five patients with UC. Oral steroids were used to combat UC aggravation in two patients. In this case series of nine IBD patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Korea, the clinical presentation was predominately a mild respiratory tract infection. Most patients with UC developed new GI symptoms including diarrhea., Graphical Abstract

Background and Aim. The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally as is the prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Herein, we sought to evaluate the characteristics and prognosis of IBD in patients with obesity. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of IBD patients who visited Asan Medical center. We used a large, well-characterized referral center-based cohort. The clinical features of IBD patients with body mass index (BMI) over 30 and matched controls with BMI under 30 were compared. Results. Among the 6,803 IBD patients enrolled in the Asan IBD Registry between June 1989 and December 2016, we identified 16 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 27 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) whose BMI was over 30 at the time of diagnosis. Their clinical characteristics and course were compared with those of 64 and 108 matched patients with CD and UC, respectively. There were no significant differences in the risk of using steroids (hazards ratio (HR) = 0.633 and P = 0.254 ), immunomodulators (HR = 0.831 and P = 0.517 ), and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy (HR = 1.539 and P = 0.351 ) and risk of bowel resections (HR = 1.858 and P = 0.231 ) between CD patients with BMI over 30 and those with BMI under 30; similarly, UC patients did not show significant differences in the risk of using steroids (HR = 0.613 and P = 0.145 ), immunomodulators (HR = 0.492 and P = 0.111 ), anti-TNF therapy (HR = 0.385 and P = 0.095 ), and risk of colectomy (HR = 0.262 and P = 0.104 ). In the subgroup analysis, under-weight UC patients had a higher cumulative probability of needing steroids (HR = 0.2510 and P = 0.042 ), needing immunomodulators (HR = 0.097 and P = 0.014 ), and a higher risk of receiving colectomy (HR = 0.024 and P = 0.019 ) than obese UC patients. Conclusions. Obese IBD patients with CD or UC did not show significantly different clinical features from nonobese IBD patients.

Study Design. Retrospective study Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic usefulness of flexion-extension central motor conduction time (CMCT) for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Summary of Background Data. Previous reports have suggested that cervical cord compression can be aggravated by neck motions. Thus, the importance of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been emphasized. However, authors of this study found no reports conducted at the time of this research on whether flexion-extension CMCT was useful for detecting myelopathy. Methods. We enrolled 227 patients with CSM for this study. We acquired CMCT recorded from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. All patients underwent a dynamic CMCT study during neck flexion and extension as well as a static study during neutral neck. Static and dynamic MRIs were also scanned. We read all MR images using Muhle classification (MC). Results. CMCT was significantly delayed with flexion (P