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A 32-month-old male common marmoset had a firm and white-colored mass in the duodenal wall. The cut surface was smooth and grayish white in color. Histologically, the mass consisted of a proliferation of spindle cells with an oval to spindle-shaped nucleus and scant eosinophilic cytoplasm in a loose myxoid or fibrotic background. Most of the lesion displayed no specific growth pattern whereas some of the cells concentrated around the vessels and created an onion-bulb structure. Additionally, marked inflammatory cellular infiltration, mainly eosinophils, was observed throughout the lesion. Immunohistochemically, the spindle cells were positive for vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, fascin, and cyclin D1, and negative for S-100, factor VIII-related antigen, and c-kit. These histological and immunohistochemical features did not meet any differential diagnoses such as gastrointestinal stromal tumor, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma, smooth muscle tumor, schwannoma, and hemangiosarcoma. Collectively, the authors diagnosed the mass as a lesion that corresponded to an inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) in humans. IFP is defined as a mesenchymal proliferation composed of spindle stromal cells, small blood vessels, and inflammatory cells, particularly eosinophils, and is currently classified as a nonneoplastic lesion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of spontaneous IFP in nonhuman primates.

Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs often cause ulcers in the duodenum in humans, the role of cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcers has not been fully elucidated. We examined in cats the 1) ulcerogenic effects of selective COX-1 (SC-560, ketorolac) and COX-2 (celecoxib, meloxicam) inhibitors on the gastrointestinal mucosa, 2) effect of feeding and cimetidine on the expression of COX isoforms and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) level in the duodenum, and 3) localization of COX isoforms in the duodenum. COX inhibitors were administered after the morning meal in cats once daily for 3 days. Gastrointestinal lesions were examined on day 4. Localization and expression of COX isoforms (by immunohistochemistry, Western blot) and PGE(2) level (by enzyme immunoassay) were examined. Results were as follows. First, selective COX-1 or COX-2 inhibitors alone produced marked ulcers in the duodenum but did not cause obvious lesions in the small intestine. Coadministration of SC-560 and celecoxib produced marked lesions in the small intestine. Second, feeding increased both the expression of COX isoforms and PGE(2) level in the duodenum, and the effects were markedly inhibited by pretreatment with cimetidine. Third, COX-1 was localized in goblet and Brunner's gland cells, Meissner's and Auerbach's plexus, smooth muscle cells, and arterioles; and COX-2 was observed in capillaries, venules, and basal granulated cells. The expression of COX isoforms in the duodenum is up-regulated by feeding, and inhibition of either COX-1 or COX-2 causes ulcers in the duodenum, suggesting that both isoforms play an important role in the protection of the duodenal mucosa.

Chronic pancreatitis is notorious for mimicking both the clinical and radiologic presentation of pancreatic carcinoma. Paraduodenal pancreatitis is believed to result from focal chronic pancreatitis which affects the minor papilla of the duodenum. Currently, there is limited information available regarding the cytologic features of paraduodenal pancreatitis. In this study, we report the cytologic features of three patients with paraduodenal pancreatitis who had EUS-guided FNAs of the pancreas. The cytologic features were highly variable between cases, likely due to sampling of the various components of paraduodenal pancreatitis. The most common findings were spindled stromal cells, foamy cells, and granular debris. Although most often interpreted as negative for malignancy, the sampling of an area with abundant spindle cells or Brunner gland hyperplasia can mimic neoplasia. Careful attention to the clinical history and radiologic description can help to prevent over-diagnosis on FNA.

The optimal endoscopic approach to intraluminal duodenal diverticulum (IDD) has not been established. We report on our experience of endoscopic resection of symptomatic IDD in five patients (three men, two women; mean age 37 years) who were treated between August 2004 and April 2012. Four patients underwent endoscopic diverticulectomy using a standard polypectomy snare. Following diverticulectomy, the remaining duodenal septum was incised using a needle-knife in two patients. The fifth patient underwent endoscopic diverticulotomy using a needle-knife. In four cases the IDD was resected and reviewed histologically and demonstrated substantial vascularity. All patients developed clinically significant, post-procedural bleeding, which was managed endoscopically. Endoscopic management of symptomatic IDD can be achieved using various approaches. Post-procedural bleeding appears to be a common adverse event, but this complication can be managed endoscopically., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Duodenal polyposis is found in the majority of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Endoscopic surveillance programmes grade the severity of duodenal disease according to the Spigelman classification (stages 0-IV) to identify patients at risk of developing adenocarcinoma. To evaluate the progression of duodenal polyposis in patients with a previous diagnosis of Spigelman stage IV disease who have been downstaged by endoscopic or pharmacological means. A database search of a large polyposis registry identified patients who had been downstaged from stage IV disease and had further opportunity for disease progression. These patients were divided into three groups according to their new Spigelman stage. A measure of a patient's disease progression was obtained by the increase in stage over the recommended follow up time period for their new, reduced, Spigelman stage. Group 1 (n = 16) were downstaged to stage III disease, with 50 % progressing back to stage IV over the recommended 1-year follow up period. Group 2 (n = 19) were downstaged to stage II disease, with 84 % progressing over the recommended 3-year follow up period. Group 3 (n = 6) were downstaged to stage I disease, with 100 % progressing over the recommended 5-year follow up period. Patients downstaged from Spigelman stage IV demonstrate an increased rate of disease progression in comparison to reported rates of primary disease progression. An amendment to the current endoscopic surveillance protocol is recommended to ensure that once a patient has been diagnosed with stage IV disease they are treated as a high-risk patient in perpetuity.

Background and Aims: Juxtapapillary diverticula (JPD) can increase the difficulty of biliary cannulation. A number of additional methods have been defined in case of failed cannulation attempt by standard technique. We aimed to investigate the more commonly preferred and practical additional methods among them., Methods: A total of 1,205 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCP) performed during a study period of 14 months were prospectively entered into a database. Of these, 222 (18 %) had JPD (123 women, 99 men, mean age 69 years) and 983 had no diverticula (523 women, 460 men, mean age 57 years). Additional cannulation methods used in patients with JPD were recorded. Biliary cannulation time, total procedure time, use of pre-cut papillotomy, and therapeutic success of ERCP were compared between the groups as well., Results: Biliary cannulation was performed by standard technique in 210 patients with JPD (94.5 %). Cannulation was achieved by placement of a guidewire into the pancreatic duct in 6 (2.7 %) and use of two devices in one channel in 2 (0.9 %) patients. There was no significant difference between the total procedure time and therapeutic success of ERCP between the groups. Cannulation time was significantly longer in patients with JPD. Pre-cut papillotomy was performed less in patients with JPD., Conclusion: Presence of JPD does not decrease the therapeutic success of ERCP. Placement of a guidewire in the pancreatic duct or use of two-devices-in-one-channel are practical, successful, safe, and preferred methods which can be used in patients with failed cannulation by standard technique.

Background: Duodenal duplication cysts constitute a rare congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. A recent meta-analysis of the literature between 1999 and 2009 reported a total of 47 cases of duodenal duplication cysts.1 These abnormalities are mostly diagnosed in infancy and childhood. In rare cases, they can remain asymptomatic until adulthood, and 38 % of patients are diagnosed after age 20 years.1 (,) 2 Duodenal duplication cysts are generally benign lesions; nevertheless, three cases of malignant tumours arising inside have been reported.3 (-) 5, Methods: In this multimedia article, we illustrated the case of an 18 year-old female patient presenting with recurrent episodes of mild pancreatitis. MRI revealed a cystic structure measuring 2.5 cm in diameter located in the duodenal wall next to the papilla of Vater. Endoscopic ultrasound showed a cystic lesion cephalad to the papilla, protruding into the duodenal lumen. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was not feasible due to the dislocation of the papilla, whose macroscopic aspect was normal. To further elucidate the anatomical relations, 3D reconstruction of the MRI images was performed. There was neither dilatation of the biliary tract nor a visible communication between the common bile duct and the cystic structure. The pancreatic duct also was at distance. Those findings were suggestive of a duodenal duplication. Nevertheless, the differential diagnosis6 of a choledochocele (Todani III) could not be formally excluded. Indication for surgical resection was symptomatic disease in a context of potential malignancy., Results: By right subcostal incision (video), surgical exploration revealed a soft tissue mass palpable at the second portion of the duodenum. Following duodenotomy, the mucosa was incised cephalad to the papilla of Vater, which could previously be localized by methylene blue injection by a catheter inserted into the cystic duct. The cystic structure was dissected and no communication between the cyst and the biliary tract was individualized. The final diagnosis was made by histological examination showing duodenal duplication. There was neither heterotopic gastric mucosa nor excreto-biliary epithelial layer. There were no signs of malignancy. The postoperative course was marked by hematemesis externalised by the nasogastric tube. We reintervened at postoperative day 2 to ensure hemostasis. A clot was removed from the area of duodenal mucosa without any visible active bleeding. Further recovery was uneventful; the patient was discharged at postoperative day 10 and is actually asymptomatic., Discussion: The ideal treatment of duodenal duplication cysts is complete surgical resection.7 Due to proximity to the bilio-pancreatic duct, total resection sometimes requires pancreaticoduodenectomy. This major surgical procedure entails the disadvantages of high morbidity and mortality with poor quality of life. In our opinion, this procedure should remain an ultimate option. Less invasive approaches have been proposed, including partial resection or internal derivation.7 Marsupialization is a surgical approach that has been accomplished even endoscopically.1 Nevertheless, these techniques do not provide total resection and leave the risk of degenerescence. As cases of malignancy are reported, we decided to realize a complete surgical excision of the lesion. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the biliary anatomy is an innovative procedure, which allowed us to show the absence of any communication between the cyst and either the common bile duct or the pancreatic duct.8 So, the surgical approach could be specified preoperatively ensuring the integrity of the common bile duct. Duplication cysts could be connected to the pancreaticobiliary ducts in about 29 %.1 Subsequent realization of a total surgical excision combined the advantages of complete resection with minimal invasiveness., Conclusions: For relieving symptoms and preventing further complications, such as pancreatitis or malignant transformation, surgical resection of duodenal duplication cysts is indicated. In cases of difficulties to individualize the neighboring anatomical structures preoperatively, 3D reconstruction is a helpful approach to determine the surgical strategy. Enucleation allows a total excision while minimizing the adverse effects and therefore it is our treatment of choice for duodenal duplication cysts without communication.

A woman in her seventies was admitted because of black stool. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy revealed no bleeding lesions. Balloon endoscopy showed a long and slender polyp. The polyp was covered with normal mucosa and accompanied with ulcerations. The long polypoid lesion was found to be located in the duodenojejunal flexure by a small bowel series. We performed endoscopic polypectomy. The polyp was composed of edematous mucosa and submucosa with dilated blood vessels and lymphangiectasia. The histologic findings of resected specimen were compatible with colonic muco-submucosal elongated polyp. The polyp was considered to be classified as enteric muco-submucosal elongated polyp.

Background: The diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) has been associated with characteristic duodenal mucosal changes. However, the sensitivity and specificity of the endoscopic duodenal mucosal appearance for the diagnosis of IL are not reported., Hypothesis/objectives: To evaluate the utility of endoscopic images of the duodenum for diagnosis of IL. Endoscopic appearance of the duodenal mucosal might predict histopathologic diagnosis of IL with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity., Animals: 51 dogs that underwent upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and endoscopic biopsies., Methods: Retrospective review of images acquired during endoscopy. Dogs were included if adequate biopsies were obtained during upper GI endoscopy and digital images were saved during the procedure. Images were assessed for the presence and severity of IL. Using histopathology as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of endoscopy for diagnosing IL were calculated., Results: Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) was diagnosed in 25/51 dogs. Gross endoscopic appearance of the duodenal mucosa had a sensitivity and specificity (95% confidence interval) of 68% (46%, 84%) and 42% (24%, 63%), respectively for diagnosis of IL. Endoscopic images in cases with lymphopenia, hypocholesterolemia, and hypoalbuminemia had a sensitivity of 80%., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Endoscopic duodenal mucosa appearance alone lacks specificity and has only a moderate sensitivity for diagnosis of IL. Evaluation of biomarkers associated with PLE improved the sensitivity; however, poor specificity for diagnosis of IL supports the need for histopathologic confirmation., (Copyright © 2012 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Introduction: endoscopic mucosal resection is an accepted technique for the treatment of proximal gastrointestinal tract superficial lesions., Objectives: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this procedure in the proximal gastrointestinal tract., Material and Methods: forty one consecutive patients (23 males and 18 females, mean age of 61 ± 11.5 years) were included in our study. Fifty nine resections were performed in these patients in 69 sessions. Lesions treated consisted of elevated lesions with high grade dysplasia in the context of Barrett's esophagus (group A), high grade dysplasia appearing in random biopsies taken during the follow-up of Barrett's esophagus (group B) and superficial gastroduodenal lesions (group C). Snare resection after submucosal injection, band ligator-assisted or cap-assisted mucosal resection were the chosen techniques., Results: we resected 7 elevated lesions with high grade dysplasia in the context of Barrett's esophagus, 6 complete Barrett's esophagus with high grade dysplasia in 16 sequential sessions and 46 gastroduodenal superficial lesions (10 adenomas, 9 gastric superficial carcinomas, 18 carcinoid tumours and 9 lesions of different histological nature). Resections in the two first groups were complete in 100% of the cases, and in 97.9% of the cases in group C. Complications included 2 cases of limited deferred bleeding (groups A and B) and another two cases of stenosis with little clinical relevance in Group B., Conclusions: a) endoscopic mucosal resection is an efficient technique for the treatment of proximal gastrointestinal tract superficial lesions; b) it is a safe procedure with a low percentage of complications, which can generally be managed endoscopically; and c) in contrast with other ablative techniques, endoscopic mucosal resection offers the possibility of a pathologic analysis of the samples.

Purpose of Review: To describe whether a gluten-free diet (GFD) is indicated in Marsh I gluten-sensitive enteropathy where gastrointestinal symptoms are not present. Arguments are provided to prescribe a GFD to manage extraintestinal symptoms. By contrast, there are not enough reasons to prescribe a GFD to prevent long-term complications., Recent Findings: Population-based and prospective observational studies have found that lymphocytic duodenosis may be due to not just gluten-sensitive enteropathy but also due to other aetiologic factors. Marsh I type lesions may be the cause of iron-deficiency anaemia of unknown aetiology which is reverted by a GFD. A similar effect seems to occur with bone mineralization and hypertransaminasemia. The beneficial influence of a GFD reducing lymphoma and coeliac disease-related mortality remains controversial., Summary: An appropriate differential diagnosis of the lymphocytic duodenosis is essential before a GFD is indicated. As a third of patients remained undiagnosed, in spite of genetic study and specific coeliac serology, flow cytometry and transglutaminase antibodies in duodenal tissue may be helpful in establishing gluten-sensitive enteropathy diagnosis. Future studies should assess whether lymphoma risk is reduced by a GFD in Marsh I patients. Also a more precise benefit in bone mineralization in this setting is needed.

Background: The clinical significance of lymphocytic duodenosis remains unclear., Aim: To prospectively assess the aetiology of lymphocytic duodenosis and the patterns of clinical presentation., Methods: Ninety consecutive patients with lymphocytic duodenosis and clinical symptoms of the coeliac disease spectrum were prospectively included. All subjects underwent serological testing and HLA genotyping for coeliac disease, assessment of Helicobacter pylori infection, and parasite stool examination. Intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was also recorded. The final aetiology of lymphocytic duodenosis was evaluated on the basis of the long-term response to specific therapy., Results: More than one initial potential aetiology was observed in 44% of patients. The final diagnosis was gluten-sensitive enteropathy alone or associated with Helicobacter pylori infection in 43.3%, Helicobacter pylori infection (without gluten-sensitive enteropathy) in 24.4%, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs intake in 5.5%, autoimmune disease in 3.3%, and parasitic infection in 2.2%. Among first degree relatives and patients with chronic diarrhoea, the most common final diagnosis was gluten-sensitive enteropathy. In contrast, in the group presenting with chronic dyspepsia the most common diagnosis was Helicobacter pylori infection ('Diarrhoea' vs 'Dyspepsia' groups, p=0.008)., Conclusions: Lymphocytic duodenosis is often associated with more than one potential initial aetiology. Clinical presentation may be useful to decide the initial therapeutic approach with these patients., (Copyright © 2012 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We report on the incidental observation of ectopic pancreas in a donor for islet cell transplantation. The donor's clinical and imaging presentation was definitive for holoprosencephaly. This case report discusses a possible link between ectopic pancreas and holoprosencephaly.

The gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a mesenchymal tumor of the digestive tract showing differentiation along the line of interstitial cell of Cajal. The most GISTs in the stomach generally show the appearance of submucosal tumors. It is rare for GISTs to appear as a pedunculated polypoid lesion on endoscopy. We experienced a case of a 51-year-old man who had a pedunculated polypoid GIST. He was admitted to our hospital for nausea, vomiting, melena and severe anemia (hemoglobin 3.4 g/dL, hematocrit 10.8%). An upper endoscopy showed gastroduodenal intussusception due to a pedunculated polypoid mass. This report presents a rare case of endoscopically proven gastroduodenal intussusceptions due to pedunculated polypoid GIST in the stomach.

Pseudomelanosis duodeni (PD) is a rare dark speckled appearance of the duodenum associated with gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, chronic heart failure, chronic renal failure and consumption of different drugs. We report four cases of PD associated with chronic renal failure admitted to the gastroenterology outpatient unit due to epigastric pain, nausea, melena and progressive reduction of hemoglobin index. Gastroduodenal endoscopy revealed erosions in the esophagus and stomach, with no active bleeding at the moment. In addition, the duodenal mucosa presented marked signs of melanosis; later confirmed by histopathological study. Even though PD is usually regarded as a benign condition, its pathogenesis and clinical significance is yet to be defined.

Duodenal tumors are very rare tumors, with the lower incidence among the tumors of the small bowel, whose frequence is less than 5 % of all digestive tumors. In most of the cases these tumors remain asymptomatic, sometimes the entire life. When they become symptomatic, their first manifestation is the loss of digested blood (melena), secondary anemia and obstructive symptomatology. Early diagnosis of these tumors is difficult because of the unsystematic symptomatology and becomes easy when the complications appear. In most of the cases the diagnosis is establish by the superior digestive endoscopy, followed by barium contrast studies, CT and ultrasound. We present a case of duodenal hamartomatous polip, unique, at the level of D3, in a female patient 66 years old, addressing to our service for superior digestive hemorrhage exteriorizated by melena, secondary anemia and physical asthenia; we operated the patient procedeeing a polypectomy by a duodenotomy.

Aim: Scattered white spots (SWSs) in the descending duodenum are an uncommon finding of upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy (UGSE). Intestinal lymphangiectasia, chronic nonspecific duodenitis and giardiasis are associated with a SWS appearance. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of SWS during routine endoscopy, as well as to evaluate the effect of treatment on this finding., Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing UGSE with a SWS appearance in the descending duodenum were included prospectively. Appearance of SWSs was graded endoscopically based on density, after which patients were divided into two groups; group 1 (treated group) and group 2 (untreated group). Patients with Helicobacter pylori infection were given eradication therapy, whereas a diet was recommended to patients with intestinal lymphangiectasia. Proton pump inhibitors were initiated for patients with H. pylori negative gastritis. All patients were re-evaluated three months after therapy for the presence of any changes in the SWS appearance., Results: SWSs were observed in 97 (3.2%) out of 3010 patients. This appearance was most commonly associated with chronic non-specific duodenitis followed by intestinal lymphangiectasia. While in the untreated group no statistically significant change in SWS appearance was observed, the decrease in endoscopic grade seen in the treated group was statistically significant (p<0.001)., Conclusion: The prevalence of SWSs during routine UGSE was 3.2%, with this finding being more commonly associated with chronic non-specific duodenitis and intestinal lymphangiectasia. Treatment of the underlying causes, including H. pylori eradication, proton pump inhibitors and diet decreased the density of the SWSs., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Duodenal necrosis is rare in children and presents a significant surgical challenge. We describe a 12-year-old girl who presented with duodenal necrosis secondary to a closed-loop bowel obstruction. We describe the diagnostic images, operative findings, and a novel reconstruction technique. This case highlights an alternative strategy for reestablishing gastrointestinal and biliopancreatic continuity while avoiding more complex procedures., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The problem of nonneoplastic stenosis of major duodenal papilla is on joint of gastroenterology and surgery and present a challenge for physicians. This article reviews what is known about the pathogenesis, epidemiology and diagnostics of papillostenosis and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

The author investigated histopathology of 615 consecutive duodenal specimens in our pathology laboratory. Computer search of the duodenal lesions was performed. Review of histological slides was done, when appropriate. The duodenal specimens were composed of 567 benign lesions and 48 malignant lesions. The 567 benign lesions were composed of chronic non-specific duodenitis in 334 cases (60.0%), duodenal ulcer in 101 cases (17,8%), heterotopic gastric mucosa in 81 cases (14.3%), hyperplastic polyp in 16 cases (2.8%), Brunner's gland hyperplasia in 14 cases (2.5%), Brunner's gland adenoma in 8 cases (1.4%), lymphoid polyp in 5 cases (0.8%), tubular adenoma in 4 cases (0.7%), lymphangioma in 2 cases (0.4%), endocrine nests in 1 case (0.2%), and amyloidosis in 1 case (0.2%). The chronic non-specific duodenitis was characterized by edema and lymphocytic infiltration. The duodenal ulcer was characterized by exudate, necrosis, granulation tissue and regenerative epithelium. The heterotopic gastric mucosa consisted of two types: one was composed of only foveolar epithelium (n=21) and another foveolar epithelium and fundic glands (n=60). Hyperplastic polyp was characterized by proliferation of gastric foveolar-like epithelium. The Brunner's gland hyperplasia was characterized by hyperplastic proliferation of the gland. The Brunner gland adenoma was characterized by neoplastic proliferation of the gland. The lymphoid polyp was characterized by large lymph follicles with large germinal centers. The tubular adenoma was characterized by adenomatous proliferation of intestinal epithelium, similar to colon adenoma. The lymphangioma was characterized by submucosal cavernous proliferation of lymphatics. The endocrine cell nests were characterized by non-neoplasmic proliferation of neuroendocrine cells. The amyloidosis was characterized by deposition of amorphous materials positive with Congo-red stain.

Background/aim: Previous studies have reported small intestinal lesions in patients with portal hypertensive disease. However, the etiology of these lesions is not clear, as portal venous pressure was not measured in any of these studies. The aim of this study is to clarify the association between small intestinal lesions and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), which correlates well with portal venous pressure., Methods: Thirty-five patients with liver cirrhosis were evaluated by capsule endoscopy for small intestinal lesions. HVPG was measured within 3 days of capsule endoscopy. Blood tests, clinical symptoms, Child-Pugh classification and HVPG were analyzed against small intestinal lesions such as edemas, red spots, angiodysplasia and varices. Lesions were categorized according to their location in the duodenum, jejunum or ileum. Edema was evaluated using a 4-grade capsule endoscopy scoring index., Results: HVPG and edema scores increased with Child-Pugh scores. Red spots and angiodysplasia did not correlate with HVPG. Varices were detected in only 5 patients. The edema score was the factor which most strongly correlated with HVPG by multivariate analysis (p = 0.0008). There was also a strong linear relation between edema scores and HVPG (R = 0.75, p < 0.0001)., Conclusion: Small intestinal edemas showed the strongest correlation with HVPG among all small intestinal lesions., (Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Duodenal diverticula are common and are often incidentally found during routine imaging. Complications can occur but few require surgical intervention. We present a review of duodenal diverticula and their complications., (Copyright © 2012 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Benign serrated polyps are commonly found in the colorectum but have rarely been described in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. We report a series of 9 serrated polyps arising in the duodenum with clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemical expression profile of mucins (MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6), and molecular analysis for BRAF and KRAS. The polyps were diagnosed as incidental endoscopy findings in 9 different patients, comprising 3 male and 6 female patients, with a mean age of 52.2 years (range, 21-72 years). The second part of the duodenum was the most common site (n = 5), followed by the ampulla (n = 1) and the distal duodenum (n = 1), with the location of the 2 remaining polyps unspecified. Other upper gastrointestinal tract pathology features included Barrett esophagus for 5 patients, Helicobacter gastritis for 1 patient, and mild chronic gastritis for 1 patient. The histologic appearance of the polyps was similar to microvesicular hyperplastic polyp in the colorectum. Immunostaining for mucins showed MUC6 expression in the crypt bases of all polyps, MUC5AC expression in 8 cases (89%), and mucin 2 expression in 6 cases (67%). Molecular testing was successful in 6 polyps, showing BRAF mutation (V600E) in 2 polyps, KRAS mutation in 2 polyps, and no mutation for either gene in 2 polyps. Colonoscopy reports were available for 6 patients, of whom 4 were diagnosed with hyperplastic polyps or sessile serrated polyps in the colorectum. However, no patient met the criteria for serrated polyposis. Although probably rare and of uncertain malignant potential, hyperplastic polyp should be considered in the differential diagnosis of benign duodenal polyp., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Acute and chronic bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract is a common indication for endoscopy and hospitalization and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding are numerous and can result in both acute and chronic hemorrhage. The aim of this article is to examine the pathologic features of various diseases associated with upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

An essential element for any new advanced imaging technology is standardization of indications, terminology, categorization of images, and research priorities. In this review, we propose a state-of-the-art classification system for normal and pathological states in gastrointestinal disease using probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE). The Miami classification system is based on a consensus of pCLE users reached during a meeting held in Miami, Florida, in February 2009., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Objective: The study reviews the endoscopic and histological features of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections of the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract., Materials and Methods: Clinical histories, endoscopic findings and bioptic specimens of 30 cases of HCMV infection of the UGI tract, diagnosed in a University Hospital in a 10-year period, were reviewed. In all cases, viral inclusion bodies were detected in routine histopathological sections and the diagnosis was confirmed with immunohistochemistry., Results: Six patients were HIV+, whereas four had received organ transplantations, one was affected by common variable immunodeficiency and four had a recent history of malignancy. No other pathologic condition was evidenced in the remaining 15 cases. Mucosal alterations were endoscopically observed in the stomach (19 cases), esophagus (9), cardias (6) and duodenum (1), and multiple organs being synchronously affected in five patients (3 HIV+, 2 with history of malignancy). The antropyloric area was the most frequently affected site. Single ulcers were detected in 11 cases and multiple ulcers in 8, whereas mucosal thickenings (in the form of localized thickenings, polyps or rugal hypertrophy) were present in 13 patients. Thickenings of the mucosa were detected only in the stomach. At histology, necrotic material and granulation tissue were associated with moderate or marked lympho-plasmacytic infiltrate and foveolar hyperplasia in ulcerative lesions, whereas lesions labeled as mucosal thickenings showed mild or moderate chronic inflammatory infiltrate and foveolar hyperplasia., Conclusions: Endoscopic manifestations of UGI tract involvement in HCMV infection are not specific, varying from erythematous mucosa to ulcers to mucosal thickenings.

Background: Although rare, duodenal lesions have been reported in association with ulcerative colitis (UC); however, there have been very few reports on small bowel lesions, and many aspects of their pathology and frequency remain unknown. This study determined whether small bowel lesions are present in UC by using wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE)., Patients and Methods: WCE was performed on 20 patients with active UC and 10 who had undergone proctocolectomy., Results: Small bowel lesions (e.g. edema or ulcers) were observed in 11 of the 30 patients (36.6%): in eight (40%) of the 20 patients with active UC and in three (33.3%) of the 10 post-proctocolectomy patients. Ulcers that extended over a long segment or whole tertile of the small bowel were observed in five patients, and the disease type was extensive colitis in three of these and pouchitis in the other two. Age at onset was significantly lower in the 20 active UC patients that had small bowel lesions., Conclusion: WCE revealed the presence of ulcers that extended over a long segment or a whole tertile in the small bowel in active extensive colitis and pouchitis. In future, it will be necessary to assess the clinical significance of small bowel lesions in UC in detail., (© 2011 The Authors. Digestive Endoscopy © 2011 Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.)

Gastrointestinal involvement is an uncommon manifestation of cryptococcosis and, consequently, there are very few reports that have described symptomatic duodenal involvement. We present three cases of Cryptococcus-associated duodenitis in HIV-positive patients and review the literature.

Background: The anatomical location of the third portion of the duodenum is between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the abdominal aorta (AA). When the aorto-mesenteric angle (AMA) is small and the aorto-mesenteric distance (AMD) is short, the duodenum becomes tightly compressed between these two blood vessels. Severe compression can obstruct the duodenum, resulting in vomiting and abdominal pain. This clinical condition is termed superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMA syndrome). The duodenum is frequently affected in Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP). The aim of the present study was to verify that duodenal anatomy mimicking SMA syndrome is a risk factor for duodenal involvement and abdominal pain in HSP., Methods: A prospective case-control study involving 12 HSP patients compared with 48 age- and sex-matched children (controls) was conducted. Bowel abnormalities were defined as thickened wall >3 mm and paralytic ileus detected on ultrasound. AMA, AMD and obesity index (OI) were compared between the two groups on Mann-Whitney testing. The correlation between duodenal bowel abnormalities and SMA syndrome was examined using Fisher's exact test., Results: AMA, AMD and OI were significantly smaller in the HSP patients (P < 0.001, 0.003 and 0.026, respectively). All HSP patients, but only 10 controls, met the ultrasound diagnostic criteria for SMA syndrome (100% vs 20.8%, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Duodenal compression by SMA against the AA, which mimics SMA syndrome, may lead to duodenal bowel abnormalities with abdominal pain in thin children with HSP., (© 2011 The Authors. Pediatrics International © 2011 Japan Pediatric Society.)

Duodenal diverticulitis has been considered a rare entity. The diagnosis with computed tomography has become a fast and noninvasive means of detection and guide to management. Cases of surgically resected duodenal diverticula reforming and reinfecting are rarer yet, often presenting with similar symptoms. Duodenal diverticulitis can present with a wide range of symptoms mimicking anything from gastritis to acute abdomen, or as in the case of our patient, as mid abdominal pain with newly developed liver abscess. According to the literature, duodenal diverticula are incidentally discovered at a rate of 5% to 10% in living adults and in up to 22% at autopsy.

We report the case of a 24-year-old patient who underwent a duodenal biopsy due to the suspicion of graft-versus-host disease following allogeneic stem cell transplantation 3 months previously. The patient developed severe upper abdominal pain after the biopsy. A computed tomography scan revealed diffuse hemorrhaging in the duodenal wall and mesenteric root. Following supraselective angioembolization to stop the bleeding a control computed tomography scan was carried out the following day and revealed increasing destruction of the duodenal wall due to a dissecting aneurysm. A pancreas-preserving duodectomy was carried out.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disease of the stomach, the small intestine and/or the large intestine. Loss of integrity of the intestinal barrier may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of IBD. In dogs, lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE) is one of the recognized forms of IBD. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a membrane-bound efflux pump constituting an important component of the intestinal barrier. Changes in P-gp expression at the level of the intestinal barrier may be important in the pathogenesis of canine LPE, as this may lead to variable protection against xenobiotics and bacterial products in the intestine. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of epithelial P-gp in the intestine in dogs with LPE compared with disease-free animals. Formalin-fixed intestinal biopsy samples from 57 dogs with histopathological evidence of LPE were immunolabelled with anti-P-gp antibodies (C494 and C219). Endoscopic biopsy samples of the duodenum and colon from 16 healthy beagles were used as controls. None of the control dogs had P-gp expression in the apical membrane of duodenal enterocytes, but all had P-gp labelling at the colonic epithelial surface. Twenty out of 57 dogs with LPE had P-gp expression at the apical surface membrane of villus epithelial cells in the duodenum, jejunum and/or ileum. Six out of 16 colonic samples from dogs with LPE had decreased P-gp expression at the epithelial surface compared with controls. It is unclear whether these changes in P-gp expression in dogs with LPE are a cause or a consequence of the inflammation. The observed changes could affect bioavailability of therapeutic drugs used in LPE., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Recent studies have reported that duodenal heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) has been observed in 8.9% of patients who undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopy. However, there are few reports concerning the endoscopic and endoscopic ultrasound characteristics of submucosal tumour-like HGM in the duodenum., Methods: Endoscopic, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and histological findings were analyzed in six patients with submucosal tumour-like HGM, which were confirmed by pathological examination of biopsy or endoscopic polypectomy specimens., Results: Endoscopically, the lesions appeared as a solitary, sessile submucosal tumour-like mass with a depression at the top. In four of six patients, small granular structures were found in the depressed area of the mass. On EUS, all masses demonstrated a heterogeneous pattern, among which four patients presented anechoic areas while two patients showed no anechoic areas. All lesions were localized within the mucosa and submucosa on EUS. Histologically, they consisted of gastric glands and some dilated glands, and were covered with normal duodenal epithelium. In four of six lesions, the tumours were composed of gastric-type foveolar epithelium showing papillary growth, fundic glands and pyloric glands, while the others consisted of gastric-type foveolar epithelium and pyloric glands., Conclusion: A heterogeneous pattern on EUS and small granular structures on esophagogastroduodenoscopy represent valuable diagnostic features of submucosal tumour-like HGM.

Background: Fully covered Self-Expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) have been shown efficacious in palliating malignant biliary obstructions. There is little data analyzing mucosal response to their temporary placement in the bile duct., Methods: Ten mini pigs underwent endoscopic placement of a FCSEMS (Wallflex, Boston Scientific). FCSEMS were kept in place for three months. At the end of the 3 months, FCSEMS were removed endoscopically. Five pigs were euthanized and their bile ducts harvested. The other five were kept alive for another month post removal. A single pathologist, created a scoring system (to determine degree of inflammation, fibrosis, and epithelial injury), examined all specimens in a blinded fashion., Results: Four FCSEMS spontaneously migrated in the duodenum. On post mortem examination, mild mucosal thickness was noted in three bile duct specimens while superficial inflammation of the bile duct was noted in five animals. Histologic examination of the bile duct revealed focal acute inflammation in both groups. For the 5 animals euthanized immediately after stent removal, there was a tendency to have superficial mucosal erosion and fibrosis. In contrast, increased chronic inflammation was more commonly seen in the animals 1 month post stent removal, with all animals in this group showing moderate degrees of mononuclear inflammatory cell mucosal infiltrates. No severe inflammatory or fibrotic duct injury was observed in any of the study animals, with degree of injury graded as mild to moderate., Conclusion: FCSEMS appear to induce minimal tissue overgrowth or fibrosis post placement. Ease of removability and no significant histologic injury are advantages noted with FCSEMS., however, further studies are needed to evaluate treating benign biliary strictures with FCSEMS in humans.