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Abstract Background and aim Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by repeated relapse and remission. Because no fundamental therapeutic strategy has been established, the treatment goal is generally to maintain the remission phase for a long period after rapid remission induction. Granulocyte and monocyte adsorption (GMA) for UC is reportedly quite safe because it does not affect immunosuppression. Moreover, it is useful in combination with other remission induction therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in efficacy by the timing of the addition of GMA with corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and anti‐cytokine therapy for active UC. Methods The study included 59 patients. Patients who started GMA of 5–11 days were in the early GMA combination group. Patients who started GMA 12 days or more were in the late GMA combination group. The primary endpoint was difference in the effect of additional GMA according to the timing of the intervention. The secondary endpoint was difference in the time to remission induction between the two groups. Results Of the 32 early GMA group patients, 24 achieved remission induction. Of the 27 late group patients, 18 achieved remission induction. No significant difference in induction rates was found (P = 0.481). The early group had shorter mean time to remission induction (P

Objectives: Stoma outlet obstruction (SOO) occurs with an incidence of approximately 40% after proctocolectomy for Ulcerative colitis (UC) with diverting ileostomy. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for SOO after proctocolectomy with diverting ileostomy for patients with UC. Methods: We reviewed the data of 68 patients with UC who underwent proctocolectomy and diverting ileostomy between April 2006 and September 2021. These cases were analyzed on the basis of clinicopathological and anatomical factors. SOO was defined as small bowel obstruction displaying symptoms of intestinal obstruction, such as abdominal distention, abdominal pain, insertion of a tube through the stoma. Results: The study included 38 (56%) men and 30 (44%) women with a median age of 42 years (range, 21-80). SOO categorized as at least Clavien-Dindo grade II occurred in 11 (16%) patients. Six patients required earlier stoma closure than scheduled. Compared with patients without SOO, patients with SOO had a significantly higher total steroid dose from the onset of UC to surgery (p = 0.02), a small amount of intraabdominal fat (p = 0.04), and a higher rate of laparoscopic surgery (p < 0.01). Conclusions: A high preoperative steroid dose, a small amount of intraabdominal fat and laparoscopic surgery were identified as risk factors for SOO. Early detection and treatment for SOO are important for patients at risk.

Abstract Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with dark spots caused by melanocytosis is very rare. A reddish and flat lesion, 4 cm in length and covering over two‐thirds of the circumference, was found in the midthoracic esophagus of a 66‐year‐old male. Multiple brown and black spots are observed in the lesion. Superficial SCC with melanocytosis or malignant melanoma was also suspected. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed without biopsies of the spots. Histologically, a few melanocytes were observed in the black spots, and the lesion was diagnosed as SCC (T1a‐lamina propria mucosae) with melanocytosis. We report a case of esophageal SCC with dark black spots that were difficult to differentiate endoscopically from malignant melanoma.

Abstract Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided coil deployment (EUS‐coiling) has been newly developed for treating isolated gastric varices (iGV). This report describes three cases of EUS‐coiling for iGV using a 0.035‐inch hydrocoil (Azur; Terumo Corp., Tokyo, Japan). When used for EUS‐coiling, this hydrocoil provides the following benefits: Its electrically detachable system allows pull back. It has smooth and dense deployment. Moreover, it has a strong blood‐flow blocking effect because of its long length and large diameter with internal swelling functions of the hydrogel. Technical success of coiling was achieved in all cases. After coiling, additional treatments such as cyanoacrylate and sclerosant injection were performed as deemed appropriate. All iGVs were obliterated successfully. No adverse event occurred during the procedure or during the mean follow‐up of six months. Our findings indicate that this 0.035‐inch hydrocoil can be used to treat iGV safely and effectively.

Abstract A woman in her 60s underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy for choledocholithiasis. Unfortunately, post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis occurred. In addition, huge walled‐off necrosis (WON) appeared as a late complication. For the infected WON, endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fistuloplasty and endoscopic necrosectomy were performed, and a double pigtail plastic stent (PS) (7Fr, 7 cm) was placed to prevent a recurrence. Plain computed tomography conducted two years later showed that the stent implanted for WON had deviated. The distal end of the stent was found to have migrated into the bile duct. In addition, common bile duct stones with stents as nuclei were observed. Upon performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, it was revealed that the stent tip perforated the distal bile duct just above the papilla. After removal of the stent using grasping forceps, we made an incision between the duodenal – bile duct fistula and bile duct orifice using a sphincterotome. Then, the stone was removed by a balloon catheter. Although such late adverse events are rare occurrences, placement of long‐term PS after treatment of WON should be followed up regularly with imaging examination, and if there is no recurrence for several months, removal of the PS at that point may be considered.

Abstract We report the case of a 62‐year‐old female with a 6.3‐mm low‐grade neuroendocrine tumor of the ampulla of Vater, who underwent an endoscopic papillectomy. An endoscopic papillectomy was performed without complications. In the 26 months of follow‐up, no local recurrence or metastasis occurred. Endoscopic treatment of ampullary neuroendocrine tumors is controversial. However, endoscopic papillectomy may be considered a treatment option if neuroendocrine tumors are small (

Abstract The patient, a 73‐year‐old woman, had been taking acid‐suppressive therapy for refractory reflux esophagitis for 10 years. A potassium‐competitive acid blocker was administered to strengthen acid‐suppressive therapy for worsening symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed an increase in the number and size of fundic gland polyposis (FGPs). When acid‐suppressive therapy was changed from potassium‐competitive acid blocker to proton pump inhibitor, the FGPs showed reduced size 1 year later. Furthermore, when acid‐suppressive therapy was changed from proton pump inhibitor to histamine‐2 receptor antagonist, FGPs were even smaller after 1 and 2 years. The patient, who had no flare‐up of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, continues to be treated medically with histamine‐2 receptor antagonist. This case report describes changes in endoscopic findings of a patient with FGPs caused by acid‐suppressive therapy for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Abstract Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is widely recognized for its non‐invasiveness and for its usefulness in chronic pancreatitis (CP) diagnosis, including early CP. Although it is desirable to obtain a definitive diagnosis of CP by tissue sampling with EUS‐guided fine needle aspiration, histopathological changes in CP are heterogeneous in terms of the extent and the distribution of lesions. Therefore, histopathological diagnosis of appropriate tissue sampling by EUS‐fine needle aspiration is expected to be difficult. Furthermore, it is virtually impossible to match EUS images with pathological sections, making direct contrast between EUS findings and pathology difficult. This narrative review presents a discussion of the diagnosis of CP/early CP by EUS, particularly assessing the association between ultrasound and pathological findings. Recently, the histological corroboration and correlation of EUS findings related to CP have been clarified by surgical specimens, including those obtained from animal studies. Furthermore, remarkable advances have occurred in the objective and quantitative diagnosis of pancreatic fibrosis by EUS‐elastography. Future technological advances in EUS are expected to improve the accuracy of diagnosis of pancreatic fibrosis at earlier stages.

Abstract A 38‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital for a detailed examination of jaundice. Three years before, she had undergone a right total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection of her right breast because of cancer. Histopathological evaluation revealed invasive ductal carcinoma. Postoperatively, because multiple bone metastases were found, she underwent chemoradiotherapy. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed, which revealed widespread multiple stenoses with a smooth surface from the intrahepatic to the extrahepatic bile duct. A transpapillary biliary biopsy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed adenocarcinoma extending into the subepithelium of the bile duct. The obtained cancer cells were similar to those of the earlier invasive breast cancer. This rare case demonstrates bile duct metastasis of breast cancer with specific endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography findings.

[Aim and Background] People’s lifestyles changed considerably due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The number of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) can be expected to decrease as alcohol consumption decreases. This study was conducted to assess COVID-19 pandemic effects on AP patients in a Japanese regional hospital. [Methods] Based on the first and second states of emergency declarations in Tochigi Prefecture, the survey periods were set as follows: period A, 16 April–14 May; period B, 15 May–13 January; period C, 14 January–7 February; and period D, 8 February–15 April. Using data acquired in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, we retrospectively reviewed the number of patients admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of AP, and their clinical characteristics. [Results] According to a National Tax Agency survey, the average alcohol sales per adult in Tochigi Prefecture were 71.3 L in 2017 before the pandemic, and 64.0 L in 2021 under the pandemic. The number of AP patients in 2020 was 38% lower than in 2017. Comparing 2017 with 2020, the number of alcoholic AP patients was lower in 2020 (p = 0.007). [Conclusions] The findings suggest that COVID-19-pandemic-related lifestyle changes contributed to the decrease in AP patients.

Advanced endoscopy (AVE) techniques include image-enhanced endoscopy methods, such as narrow-band imaging (NBI), and types of microscopic endoscopy, such as endocytoscopy. In the esophagus, AVE first showed diagnostic utility in the diagnosis of superficial esophageal cancer and was then applied to inflammatory disease. This review focuses on non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), which sometimes show no abnormal findings on standard white light endoscopy alone. Studies have demonstrated that advanced endoscopy, including NBI magnification endoscopy and endocytoscopy, improved the diagnostic performance of white-light endoscopy alone for NERD and EoE. In this review, we explain why advanced endoscopy is needed for the diagnosis of these esophageal inflammatory diseases, summarize the study results, and discuss future perspectives.

Red color sign-positive (RC-positive) esophageal varices present a high bleeding risk, necessitating prophylactic treatment. Among RC-positive esophageal varices, those classified morphologically as small straight varices (Form level 1: F1) are difficult to treat. Moreover, the appropriate time for therapeutic intervention remains undefined. This study assessed the bleeding risk in RC-positive F1 esophageal varices. After extracting 541 cases of F1 esophageal varices diagnosed during 1 January 2012–29 February 2020, 76 cases of RC-positive F1 esophageal varices were divided into two groups in terms of treatment intervention at diagnosis: 49 cases with (treatment group) and 27 cases without (follow-up group). We assessed the bleeding rates, bleeding-associated factors, and early-bleeding-associated factors. The treatment group’s bleeding rate was 10% (5/49). The follow-up group’s bleeding rate was 78% (21/24). The subsequent bleeding rate was low in the treatment group (p < 0.001). The median period of sustained absence of bleeding was longer in the treatment group than in the follow-up group (1156 [274–1582] days vs. 105 [1–336] days; p < 0.001). In the follow-up group, a significant number of bleedings had varices that included a hematocystic spot (HCS) as RC or combined with RC (p = 0.017). Early bleeding occurred often in varices that included HCS or combined with RC (p = 0.024). Red wale marking (RWM) only was not a factor of early bleeding (p = 0.012). In conclusion, RC-positive varices should be treated even as F1 varices. Patients with RWM only show the possibility of not accepting early treatment intervention. A fast response is crucially important in HCS cases because of its associated bleeding and early bleeding.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) of unknown etiology, characterized by repeated relapse and remission. The efficacy of thiopurine in IBD was first reported in the late 1960s. Thiopurines are used to alleviate the symptoms of IBD, especially UC. These drugs have a steroid-sparing potential and are widely used for the purpose of maintaining long-term remission in steroid-dependent cases. Therefore, thiopurines tend to be used long-term, but adverse events that accompany long-term use, such as lymphoproliferative disorders, must be monitored with care. In contrast, thiopurine plays a critical role in controlling the immunogenicity of biologics. Furthermore, although thiopurine is an old drug, new findings, including the prediction of serious adverse events such as severe alopecia and acute advanced leukopenia, by nudix hydrolase 15 gene polymorphism analysis, as well as the possibility of appropriate drug monitoring by detailed analysis of 6-thioguanine nucleotides have been clarified. However, the consequences of thiopurine withdrawal have not been determined and further studies, including randomized controlled trials, are necessary to answer the clinical question regarding the scenarios in which thiopurine withdrawal is possible.

A 60-year-old woman was diagnosed with nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm with multiple liver metastases and was administered everolimus. Due to persistent epigastric pain and diarrhea, a colonoscopy was performed on the 14th day after the start of everolimus administration, which revealed small bleeding ulcers in the ileocecal region, transverse colon, and rectum. These adverse effects were attributed to the everolimus; it was immediately discontinued, and the patient’s clinical symptoms and imaging findings improved. We concurred that the administration of calcium channel blockers resulted in the inhibition of everolimus metabolism and the disease onset. The everolimus was discontinued. There was no subsequent recurrence of hemorrhagic colitis.

A 41-year-old man was treated with prednisolone (PSL) and multimatrix (MMX) mesalamine for remission induction therapy of ulcerative colitis. PSL was tapered due to successful remission induction treatment. During the treatment course, ocular foreign body sensation, eyelid swelling, ocular conjunctiva hyperemia, facial redness and swelling, watery nasal discharge, stomatitis, anal pain, and reddish puffiness on the bilateral dorsum of the hands appeared, and he was diagnosed with Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS). SJS was improved by PSL treatment and intravenous immunoglobulin. MMX mesalamine was the causative agent by drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation test. This is the first reported case of SJS with MMX mesalamine.

An 83-year-old man was referred to our hospital for a detailed evaluation for vomiting. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and abdominal computed tomography showed duodenal stenosis with wall thickness. Biopsy including endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the thickened wall showed inflammation without malignancy. During the clinical course, wall thickening of the distal bile duct appeared. Biopsy under endoscopic retrograde cholangiography showed papillary adenocarcinoma. Surgery revealed that the tumor had widely invaded the duodenal wall from the outside; therefore, only gastrojejunostomy was performed. It was hypothesized that the cholangiocarcinoma had progressed to the serosal side, disseminated in the peritoneum, infiltrated the duodenal serosa, and caused duodenal stenosis.

A patient was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) in 2010. In March 2015, she had abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool, and UC has relapsed. In June 2015, pain and sensory disturbance of both lower limbs appeared. Blood flow at the distal femoral artery was not confirmed with magnetic resonance angiography, and it was diagnosed as bilateral acute inferior limb ischemia. Arterial thrombolectomy with Fogarty’s balloon catheter was performed and blood flow was improved. The severity of UC was moderate with Mayo score 8. Thrombosis is considered to be a complication with a high incidence in inflammatory bowel disease. Reports of arterial thrombosis are very rare. It is important to evaluate the risk of bleeding and thrombosis in active or severe cases in UC and need to do thrombotic prophylactic treatment simultaneously with UC treatment.

The Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) is a major endoscopic scoring system used to assign a status of mucosal inflammation and disease activity to patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Using interobserver reliability (IOR), this study clarified the difficulties for endoscopic observers imposed by MES parameters used for the endoscopic evaluation of UC in histological remission. First, 42 endoscopists of four observer groups examined each MES parameter, which were evaluated from endoscopically obtained images of 100 cases as Grade 0 or 1 of the Nancy histological index of histopathological inflammation. Then, IOR was assessed using multiple κ statistics for each finding of MES. The results showed that IOR among all the observers was slight or fair for all the parameters, indicating a low IOR. The experts of the UC practice group had “moderate” or higher IOR for seven of the nine parameters, whereas “slight” or “fair” results were found for all parameters by the trainee group. The IOR for each MES parameter was calculated separately for the observer groups. All the groups showed “slight” or “fair” for “Erythema” and “Decreased vascular pattern”. Large differences between the endoscopists were found in the IOR for the MES parameters in UC in histological remission. Even among UC practice experts, the IOR was low for “Erythema” and “Decreased vascular pattern”.

A 28-year-old woman was hospitalized for cardiac tamponade caused by tuberculous pericarditis. She was taking ustekinumab (UST) for Crohn’s disease. UST is not considered to significantly increase the risk of developing serious infections, including tuberculosis. However, there is still a risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis reactivation. Therefore, for patients on concurrent UST and antituberculosis medication, a close collaboration among specialists in infectious diseases, cardiology, and gastroenterology is necessary.

Abstract Extension of inflammation into the scrotum is rare in acute pancreatitis. If inflammation spreads in the scrotum, it may become severe. Clinicians should be aware of this condition as a possible complication. Proactive imaging testing is recommended when complaining of cyst swelling or testicular pain.

Background and study aims Recently, histological inflammation has been suggested to be an important predictor of sustained remission or relapse of ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, we retrospectively compared severity of histological inflammation with endoscopic findings in UC patients with mucosal healing (MH) in the remission maintenance phase, and investigated whether histological healing could be a predictor of sustained remission. Patients and methods This study included 166 patients with MH in the remission maintenance phase. Endoscopic evaluation was based on the Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES), and MH was defined as MES 0 or 1. Severity of histological inflammation was graded according to the Matts classification. Patients with Matts 1 and 2 were included in the histological healing (HH) group, and those with Matts 3, 4, and 5, in the non-histological healing (NHH) group. In patients with MH, incidence of relapse was compared and analyzed according to severity of histological inflammation. Results The remission maintenance rate was significantly higher in the MES 0 group than in the MES 1 group (P = 0.004). The rate was significantly higher in the HH group than in the NHH group (P = 0.003). Within the MES 1 group, the rate was significantly higher in the HH subgroup than in the NHH subgroup (P = 0.030). Conclusions This retrospective study suggests that histological healing can be a predictor of sustained remission in UC patients, and examination of histological inflammation provides useful information for long-term management of UC, particularly in patients with MES 1.

We herein report a case with aneurysm rupture in the arc of Bühler (AOB) caused by median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). The patient experienced a sudden onset of upper abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed an iso- to hyper-enhancing area mainly ranging from the dorsal aspect of the pancreatic head to the retroperitoneum around the right kidney. Abdominal angiography revealed marked stenosis in the origin of the celiac artery caused by MALS and a 7-mm saccular aneurysm in the AOB. Thus, we diagnosed the pain as having been caused by aneurysm rupture in the AOB due to MALS. The patient’s symptoms and anemia also improved to normal range without surgery. Careful follow-up, considering possible recurrence of aneurysm at other sites in the future, is essential.

Background and aimsVarious studies have been previously conducted on the diagnosis of lymphadenopathy as benign or malignant, but the results vary. These studies did not describe the inter-rater agreement on the EUS features of lymphadenopathy. In this study, we evaluate the inter-rater agreement on EUS features and propose EUS diagnostic norms for lymphadenopathy based on inter-rater agreement.MethodA total of 68 lymph nodes subjected to EUS-fine needle aspiration (FNA) were reviewed by five endoscopic experts. The EUS features evaluated lymph node size, shape, border, margin, echogenicity, homogeneity, and the hilum of the lymph node. Inter-rater agreement (multi-rater kappa statics) was performed. We established new criteria using results with a high degree of inter-rater agreement from EUS features and compared them with the former criteria.ResultThere was a moderate agreement on shape, kappa (K) = 0.44 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34-0.54), and fair agreement on echogenicity, homogeneity, border, and hilum of the lymph node, K (95% CI) = 0.33 (0.17-0.38), 0.34 (0.26-0.35), 0.22 (0.21-0.31), and 0.22 (0.11-0.26), respectively. This resulted in the establishment of new EUS diagnostic criteria using shape, long axis > 20 mm and short axis > 10 mm. New criteria were superior to old criteria (area under the curve 0.82 vs 0.52, P < 0.001).ConclusionEUS diagnostic criteria for lymphadenopathy based on inter-rater agreement were more accurate than old criteria. This result will be useful for the diagnosis of lymphadenopathy.

Background and Objectives. Recently, a 21G Menghini-type needle for EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) has been developed. The stylet of the EUS Sonopsy CY™ remains inside the needle during aspiration. Therefore, it is expected to obtain higher-quality histological core specimens without crushing the material or blood contamination. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNAB of solid pancreatic masses with this new biopsy needle. Methods. A total of 30 patients with solid pancreatic masses who underwent EUS-FNAB with two different types of needles, EUS Sonopsy™ and ProCore™, were included in a prospective, randomized, controlled, crossover study. All the pancreatic masses were punctured with the two needles and were randomized regarding the order of the needle to be used. The primary outcome was to compare the diagnostic accuracy and the rates of tissue acquisition of the two needles. Results. The tissue acquisition rate was not significantly different between the EUS Sonopsy CY™ needle and the ProCore™ needle (78.6% vs. 82.1%, P=1.00). The histological diagnostic accuracy was also similar between the two needles (73% vs. 80%, P=.63). There was also no difference regarding the accuracy of cytology alone and the combination of both histological and cytological assessments between the EUS Sonopsy CY™ needle and the ProCore™ needle (90% vs. 87%, P=1.00 and 90% vs. 90%, P=1.00, respectively). Conclusions. EUS Sonopsy CY™ is a reliable device for EUS-FNAB of solid pancreatic masses.

Objective. There is no consensus regarding administration of propofol for performing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients with comorbidities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of propofol-induced sedation administered by nonanesthesiologists during ESD of gastric cancer in patients with comorbidities classified according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status. Methods. Five hundred and twenty-two patients who underwent ESD for gastric epithelial tumors under sedation by nonanesthesiologist-administrated propofol between April 2011 and October 2017 at Dokkyo Medical University Hospital were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the ASA physical status classification. Hypotension, desaturation, and bradycardia were evaluated as the adverse events associated with propofol. The safety of sedation by nonanesthesiologist-administrated propofol was measured as the primary outcome. Results. The patients were classified according to the ASA physical status classification: 182 with no comorbidity (ASA 1), 273 with mild comorbidity (ASA 2), and 67 with severe comorbidity (ASA 3). The median age of the patients with ASA physical status of 2/3 was higher than the median age of those with ASA physical status of 1. There was no significant difference in tumor characteristics, total amount of propofol used, or ESD procedure time, among the 3 groups. Adverse events related to propofol in the 522 patients were as follows: hypotension (systolic blood pressure

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) increase T-cell activity and antitumor immune response. However, they also have immune-related adverse effects that can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A 62-year-old male patient who had undergone right lung upper lobectomy for adenocarcinoma of the lung received chemotherapy with pemetrexed sodium hydrate, carboplatin, and pembrolizumab to prevent postoperative recurrence of liver metastasis. However, the patient experienced severe diarrhea four months after the start of chemotherapy. Although a corticosteroid and two biological preparations were administered to alleviate the diarrhea, no improvement was observed. Eventually, remission was achieved when tacrolimus was administered. Treatment with corticosteroids is recommended for patients with GI adverse effects of ICIs. Rapid introduction of infliximab is necessary for refractory patients. Nevertheless, for refractory cases such as that of our patient, for whom even this regimen is inefficacious, tacrolimus might be recommended to induce remission as with cases of ulcerative colitis.

In 2009, diagnostic criteria for early chronic pancreatitis (DCECP2009) were proposed by the Japan Pancreas Society. This study aimed to evaluate the interobserver reliability (IOR) of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) criteria for diagnosis of early chronic pancreatitis (ECP) between DCECP2009 and 2019 diagnostic criteria for ECP (DCECP2019) to assess the validity of the revision from the perspective of EUS findings. Among patients who underwent a detailed observation of the pancreas by EUS at our institution between January 2018 and March 2019, EUS images of 97 patients were extracted. Images were reviewed by 12 gastrointestinal endoscopy experts (eight pancreatologists, group A and four nonpancreatologists, group B). The overall kappa (K)-values for the IOR of the DCECP2009 EUS criteria were 0.424 and 0.563:0.231 for groups A:B, whereas the overall K-values for the DCECP2019 criteria were 0.618, and 0.733:0.442 for groups A:B. Regarding changes in the final diagnosis of ECP based on clinical features and EUS findings, 20 cases were definite ECP, 53 were probable ECP, and 24 were normal according to DCECP2009. In contrast, seven were definite ECP, 19 were probable ECP, and 71 were normal according to DECEP2019. IOR of DCECP2019 was higher than that of DCECP2009, which indicates an improvement in precision.

Background and study aim: Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) can be used in patients who are ineligible for percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) with acute and chronic hepatic disease. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness and safety of TJLB in patients who were not indicated for PLB. Methods: Between July 2014 and February 2019, a total of 134 patients underwent liver biopsies at our institution. Among these, PLB was performed in 110 patients and TJLB in 24 patients. A retrospective comparison of clinical results in these patients was then performed. The primary endpoints of this study were the utility and safety of TJLB in patients who were not indicated for PLB. Results: The procedural success rate was 100% in both groups. The clinical response rate and the effective tissue sampling rate were 100% in the TJLB group and 97% in the PLB group (p = 0.55). There was no difference in the number of portal fields examined retrospectively between the two groups. No serious adverse events were observed in either group. Conclusions: It is suggested that TJLB is useful because it can be safely performed in patients with poor general condition who are not indicated for PLB.

A 25-year-old man was admitted to our institution for remission induction therapy to treat a 12-year condition of ulcerative colitis (UC). Previously, he was treated with drugs, such as mesalamine, immunomodulators, prednisolone (PSL), and anti-TNFα anti-body, but remission was not maintained. Therefore, we started remission induction therapy with 20 mg/day of tofacitinib (TOF) to inhibit the action of Janus kinase. On the 29th day after TOF administration, he developed a lung abscess with high fever. A chronic bulla was already present in his lung; therefore, the lung abscess was likely formed due to a combination of the bulla being present and the pharmacological effects of TOF. Our report is significant as it highlights the compounding association between TOF and PSL therapy and bulla presence with the rare adverse effect of developing an abscess.

Esophageal varices are caused by the development of collateral circulation in the esophagus as a result of portal hypertension. It is important to administer appropriate preventive treatment because bleeding varices can be fatal. Esophageal varices have complex and diverse hemodynamics, and there are various variations for each case. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can estimate the hemodynamics of each case. Therefore, observation by EUS in esophageal varices provides useful information, such as safe and effective treatment selection, prediction of recurrence, and appropriate follow-up after treatment. Although treatment for the esophagogastric varices can be performed without EUS imaging, understanding the local hemodynamics of the varices using EUS prior to treatment will lead to more safe and effective treatment. EUS observation is an indispensable tool for thorough variceal care.

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has been applied to the diagnosis of various digestive disorders. Although it has been widely accepted and its diagnostic value is high, the dependence of EUS diagnosis on image interpretation done by the endosonographer has persisted as an important difficulty. Consequently, high interobserver reliability (IOR) in EUS diagnosis is important to demonstrate the reliability of EUS diagnosis. We reviewed the literature on the IOR of EUS diagnosis for various diseases such as chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic solid/cystic mass, lymphadenopathy, and gastrointestinal and subepithelial lesions. The IOR of EUS diagnosis differs depending on the disease; moreover, EUS findings with high IOR and those with IOR that was not necessarily high were used as diagnostic criteria. Therefore, to further increase the value of EUS diagnosis, EUS diagnostic criteria with high diagnostic characteristics based on EUS findings with high IOR must be established.

While some reports are available regarding metachronous gastric metastasis from renal cell carcinoma after treatment, there are few reports of primary lesion detection based on the diagnosis of a gastric metastatic lesion. The patient in this case was an 80-year-old woman who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy after having developed anorexia 2 months earlier. A submucosal tumor with central umbilication was found in the gastric greater curvature. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a solid and hypoechoic mass with hypervascularity on color Doppler imaging that proliferated mainly within the submucosal layer. There was partial exposure of the tumor on the superficial layer. Biopsy was performed, as a neuroendocrine tumor was suspected; however, histopathological findings with immunostaining revealed gastric metastasis from clear renal cell carcinoma. Subsequently, contrast enhanced computed tomography showed right renal cell carcinoma and liver metastasis. Thus, molecularly targeted drug treatment was initiated by the Department of Urology. Our findings indicate that a primary lesion can be identified and prognosis can be assumed based on biopsy of the gastric metastatic lesion. Immunostaining of biopsy samples collected endoscopically could help achieve definite diagnosis.

Objectives. Recently, opportunities to encounter superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumor (SNADET) have increased. EMR and ESD are performed to treat SNADET. However, the rate of perforation is higher than that of other gastrointestinal lesions, regardless of which method is used. Underwater EMR (UW-EMR) is immersion treatment of SNADET, which has low risk of perforation and can remove lesions safely and completely. In the present study, we retrospectively investigated patients in whom UW-EMR was performed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of UW-EMR for the treatment of SNADET. Methods. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the feasibility of UW-EMR for the treatment of SNADET, and secondary objective was to determine the operation’s safety. Results. There were 14 participants, with a total of 16 lesions, who underwent UW-EMR between August 2015 and December 2017. Histological heteromorphism revealed that seven patients had low-grade adenoma, seven had high-grade adenoma, and two had adenocarcinoma. En bloc resection was performed in 14 lesions. In two patients, nodular lesions were observed in the scar and biopsy confirmed recurrences. There were no serious adverse events including bleeding or perforation. Conclusions. UW-EMR may be a safe and effective treatment method for SNADET, if its therapeutic indication is adequately considered.

Gastric neuroendocrine tumors (GNETs) are rare lesions characterized by enterochromaffin-like cells of the stomach. Optimal management of GNETs has not yet been definitively determined. Endoscopic resection is approximately recommended for small GNETs associated with hypergastrinemia. However, endoscopic resection might present risk of perforation or positive vertical margin because neuroendocrine tumors occur in the deep mucosa, with some invading the submucosa. In this case, a patient with type A chronic atrophic gastritis had a small subepithelial lesion in a deep submucosal layer, and we diagnosed it as GNET using endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy using a forward-viewing and curved linear-array echoendoscope. Moreover, our results show that laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery with regional lymph node dissection is a safe and feasible procedure for GNETs, especially those that cross to the muscularis propria. We suggest this approach as one therapeutic option for GNETs because it safely minimizes resection and is less invasive.

Ovarian cancer often occurs distant metastasis to the peritoneum, liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. However, there has been no reported case of direct metastasis to the duodenal major papilla. We herein reported 72-year-old woman with history of ovarian cancer surgery 11 years ago presenting with obstructive jaundice. Abdominal CT showed a small mass in the distal bile duct. Forceps biopsy from the small mass was done under endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, and histologic examination revealed adenocarcinoma. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed and diagnosed immunohistochemically direct metastasis to the papilla from ovarian cancer. The duodenal major papilla is known to be rich in lymph vessels, and these lymph vessels are considered the likely pathway of metastasis in this case.

Background and study aims: Biliary stent dysfunction is mainly caused by biliary sludge that forms as a result of bacterial adherence and subsequent biofilm formation on the inner surface of the stent. Silver ions arewell known to have excellent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms. In this study, we designed and constructed silver-coated plastic stent (PS) and investigated whether the silver coating prevented bacterial adherence and biofilm formation through the use of electron microscopy. Material and methods: The polyurethane PS with/without silver coating were prepared in 6-inch segments. The silver-based antimicrobial agents were electrostatically applied onto the stent surface. The stents were then immersed for 5 weeks in infected human bile juice obtained from a patient with cholangitis, and electron microscopy was used to investigate the ability of the modified PS to prevent bacterial adherence and biofilm formation. Results: The bacterial flora did not change before and after immersion of stents in both the group with and without silver coating. Electron microscopic observation revealed meshwork-like structures around the bacteria, characteristic of biofilm-forming bacteria, in all stents from the control group (6/6, 100 %). On the other hand, a limited number of bacteria were observed in all stents in the silver-coated group, and no apparent biofilm formation was observed (0/6, 0 %). Conclusions: The significance of the findings from our study is the ability of silver-coated PS to prevent biofilm formation on the stent surface, which results in the prevention of stent occlusion.

Background and study aims: Trainees are required to learn EUS-FNA using a model before working with a patient. The aim of the current study was to validate a new training model developed for EUS-FNA. Patients and methods: Several fresh chicken tenderloins were embedded as target lesions in the submucosal layer of an isolated porcine stomach. The stomach was fixed to a plate with nails, and was placed in a tub filled with water. The primary endpoint was feasibility of the newly developed model for EUS-FNA training, evaluated as follows: 1) visualization of the target lesion with blinding for lesion location; 2) penetrability of the needle; 3) sampling rate of macroscopic specimen; and 4) ROSE capability. Secondary endpoints were its durability and utility for multiple EUS-FNA procedures during EUS-FNA training, and the ease and cost of preparing the model. Results: Six endoscopists (1 expert, 5 trainees) attempted EUS-FNA procedures using this model. The target lesion could be identified clearly, and EUS-FNA could be performed with realistic resistance felt. In addition, rapid on-site evaluation could be easily achieved. Based on 10 needlings by each endoscopist, adequate specimens for histology could be macroscopically taken with an average 85 % success rate. Visibility and maneuverability were maintained throughout all needlings. Preparation time for this model was less than 30 minutes with a total cost of $ 22. Conclusions: An easy-to-use and inexpensive training model with a realistic feel of needling was created. This model can potentially enable beginners to practice safe and effective EUS-FNA procedures.

Background and study aims: Endoscopic retrograde pancreatocholangiography (ERCP) is associated with many types of adverse events (AEs) but idiopathic perforation of the gallbladder (IPGB) is very rare. Pancreatobiliary reflux is one of the factors involved with occurrence of IPGB 1. Here we present a case of acalculous gallbladder perforation as an AE following the insertion of an indwelling endoscopic nasal pancreatic drainage (ENPD) tube (a pancreatic stent) to obtain pancreatic fluid. In this case, acute pancreatobiliary reflux might have been caused by the insertion of the ENPD-tube.

Background and study aims: We report on a 75-year-old man who was admitted due to pancreatic cystic lesion accompanied by a solid mass with liver metastasis. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was performed on the solid mass, and pathological findings revealed the lesion to be an adenocarcinoma diagnosed as intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC). Approximately 3 months after, a cystic subepithelial lesion appeared in the posterior gastric wall where the EUS-FNA had been performed. We performed EUS-FNA again, which revealed that the cystic mass was IPMC with pathology similar to the original lesion. This is a rare case demonstrating needle tract seeding of EUS-FNA for IPMC.

Background and study aims: Recently, ProCore™ was developed as an endoscopy ultrasound (EUS)-guided histology needle designed to address several current limitations of EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Nevertheless, tissue yield with the ProCore™ is not consistent. No standard technique has been established. This experimental study was conducted to ascertain the best maneuver when using the ProCore™. Patients and methods: We performed fine-needle aspiration and biopsy (FNAB) with a 22-gauge (G) ProCore™ using chicken tenderloin and liver. Six methods were used, with two needle movement techniques (natural speed and whipping back) and three negative pressures (no suction (NS), slow pull (SP), and 10-mL suction). Results: In cases using the “natural speed” technique, a significant difference in tissue yield was found with suction pressures in both tenderloin and liver (P

Agenesis of the gallbladder, a rare anomaly, is generally regarded as an organogenic failure. Several reports suggest that this congenital defect is inherited but that supposition remains controversial. We described agenesis of the gallbladder in identical twins. A 21-year-old female presented with a history of acute pain in the epigastrium and right hypochondrium. Various imaging modalities showed “gallbladder agenesis.” Moreover, her older identical twin sister had also no visualized gallbladder in imaging modalities. This case report strongly suggested that agenesis of the gallbladder would be caused by a genetic abnormality.

Background and study aims: It is difficult to perform endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of small gastrointestinal (GI) subepithelial lesions (SELs) approximately 10 mm in diameter. This study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and diagnostic ability of EUS-FNA with a forward-viewing and curved linear-array echoendoscope (FVCLA-ES) that has a cap for small SELs. Patients and methods: The study enrolled 8 patients who had small upper GI SELs approximately 10 mm in diameter. To fix the SELs during FNA, a cap device was attached to the scope tip. Results: The mean (standard deviation [SD]) diameter of the SELs was 10.6 mm (2.94). Even small lesions were well targeted for FNA when the FVCLA-ES with a cap device was used. The mean (SD) number of passes was 4.6 (1.59). Adequate samples were obtained from 7 patients (87.5 %) – in 6 (75 %) for cytology and in 4 (50 %) for histologic examination with immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. No complication occurred. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in 2 patients and leiomyoma in 2 patients were definitively diagnosed with IHC staining. Conclusions: EUS-FNA with an FVCLA-ES that has a cap device is feasible and safe. This technique is expected to contribute to histologic diagnosis, even in small SELs.

A 71-year-old man in whom a gastric submucosal lesion was found incidentally was referred to our hospital for detailed examination. Esophagastroduodenoscopy showed a submucosal lesion in the body of the stomach. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a 15-mm hypoechoic round mass with calcifications arising from the muscular layer. Confusing the diagnosis, it resembled a gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumor. Subsequently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was conducted for definitive diagnosis. Pathologic analysis showed a granuloma. Because this patient had no prior exposure to tuberculosis or Helicobacter pylori infection and had no abnormal laboratory data, this submucosal lesion was diagnosed as idiopathic granulomatous gastritis.