Marty M. Meyer

Colonic manifestations of PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome: Case series and systematic review

AIM To investigate our clinical experience with the colonic manifestations of phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome ten (PTEN) hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) and to perform a systematic literature review regarding the same. METHODS This study was approved by the appropriate institutional review board prior to initiation. A clinical genetics database was searched for patients with PHTS or a component syndrome that received gastrointestinal endoscopy or pathology interpretation at our center. These patients records were retrospectively reviewed for clinical characteristics (including family history and genetic testing), endoscopy results and pathology findings. We also performed a systematic review of the literature for case series of PHTS or component syndromes that reported gastrointestinal manifestations and investigations published after consensus diagnostic criteria were established in 1996. These results were compiled and reported. RESULTS Eight patients from our institution met initial inclusion criteria. Of these, 5 patients underwent 4.2 colonoscopies at mean age 45.8 ± 10.8 years. All were found to have colon polyps during their clinical course and polyp histology included adenoma, hyperplastic, ganglioneuroma and juvenile. No malignant lesions were identified. Two had multiple histologic types. One patient underwent colectomy due to innumerable polyps and concern for future malignant potential. Systematic literature review of PHTS patients undergoing endoscopy revealed 107 patients receiving colonoscopy at mean age 37.4 years. Colon polyps were noted in 92.5% and multiple colon polyp histologies were reported in 53.6%. Common polyp histologies included hyperplastic (43.6%), adenoma (40.4%), hamartoma (38.3%), ganglioneuroma (33%) and inflammatory (24.5%) polyps. Twelve (11.2%) patients had colorectal cancer at mean age 46.7 years (range 35-62). Clinical outcomes secondary to colon polyposis and malignancy were not commonly reported. CONCLUSION PHTS has a high prevalence of colon polyposis with multiple histologic types. It should be considered a mixed polyposis syndrome. Systematic review found an increased prevalence of colorectal cancer and we recommend initiating colonoscopy for colorectal cancer surveillance at age 35 years.

Video capsule endoscopy is successful and effective in outpatients with implantable cardiac devices

Implantable cardiac devices are a relative contraindication to video capsule endoscopy (VCE) because of concerns regarding interference. As a result of a lack of alternatives, some centers have adopted protocols to allow for VCE in these patients. There are minimal published descriptions of the gastrointestinal outcomes of these procedures. We investigated the completion rate and diagnostic yield of VCE carried out in outpatients with implantable cardiac devices.

Endoscopic Evaluation and Management of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Ventricular Assist Devices

The optimal diagnostic approach and yield for gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients with ventricular assist devices (VAD) are unknown. We explored the etiology of bleeding and yield of upper and lower endoscopy, balloon-assisted enteroscopy, and video capsule endoscopy in the evaluation of GIB in patients with VADs. Methods. All VAD patients with overt gastrointestinal bleeding and drop in hematocrit from April 1, 2000 to July 31, 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The endoscopic evaluation of each episode was recorded. Overall yield of EGD, colonoscopy, balloon-assisted, and video capsule endoscopy were evaluated. Results. Thirty-six bleeding episodes occurred involving 20 patients. The site of GIB was identified in 32/36 episodes (88.9%), and the etiology of bleeding was determined in 30/36 cases (83.3%). Five VAD patients underwent VCE. The VCE exams demonstrated a high yield with 80% of exams identifying the etiology of GIB. Endoscopic intervention was successful in 8/9 attempts. No adverse events were recorded. Two patients required surgical intervention for GIB. Conclusion. Upper, lower, video capsule, and balloon-assisted enteroscopies are safe and demonstrate a high yield in the investigation of gastrointestinal bleeding in VAD patients. Medical centers caring for VAD patients should employ a standardized protocol to optimize endoscopic evaluation and intervention.

Video capsule endoscopy after bariatric and gastric surgery: oral ingestion is associated with satisfactory completion rate.

Goals: To investigate the outcomes of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) performed on patients after bariatric and gastric surgery with a focus on delivery method (oral ingestion or endoscopic placement). Background: There is minimal published data regarding the use of VCE in patients after bariatric and gastric surgery and the optimal delivery method is unknown. Methods: Retrospective case series of patients with bariatric or gastric surgery undergoing VCE in a tertiary care center over 3 years. Outcomes of interest were completion of the procedure and bowel transit times. Results: Twenty-three patients met study criteria. They underwent 24 VCE in the study period, with 13/16 (81.3%; 95% CI, 54%-96%) completed to the colon after oral ingestion and 5/8 (62.5%; 95% CI, 24%-91%) completed after endoscopic deployment. The median gastric transit time after oral ingestion was <1 minute (IQR, <1 to 99). Median total transit time after oral ingestion was 291 minutes (IQR, 213 to 434) and after endoscopic deployment was 364 minutes (IQR, 233 to >440) (P=0.48). There were no instances of capsule retention. Conclusions: Oral ingestion of VCE resulted in a satisfactory completion rate with rapid gastric transit after bariatric and gastric surgery. There were no capsule retention events. Given this and the favorable risk and cost profile, oral ingestion should be favored over endoscopic placement in this patient population.

Video capsule endoscopy completion and total transit times are similar with oral or endoscopic delivery

Background and study aims: Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is limited by incomplete procedures. There are also contraindications to the standard ingestion of the capsule that require endoscopic placement. Our aim was to compare the study completion rate of VCE after oral ingestion and endoscopic deployment. Patients and methods: We performed a review of all VCE from April 2010 through March 2013. Inpatient and outpatient cohorts grouped by the method of capsule delivery were formed and compared. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was utilized adjusting for variables with a P value ≤ 0.1 in group comparisons. Log-rank analysis was used to compare transit times. Results: A total of 687 VCE were performed, including 316 inpatient (36 endoscopic deployment, 280 oral ingestion) and 371 outpatient (20 endoscopic deployment, 351 oral ingestion). For VCE on hospitalized patients, the completion rates were similar after endoscopic deployment and oral ingestion (72 % vs 73 %, P = 0.94). The completion rates were also similar for ambulatory patients (90 % vs 87 %, P = 0.69). There remained no difference after multivariable modeling for inpatients (P = 0.71) and outpatients (P = 0.46). Total transit times were not significantly different. Conclusions: VCE completion rates and total transit times are similar after oral or endoscopic deployment for both hospitalized and ambulatory patients. Endoscopic placement is effective in patients with contraindications to standard oral ingestion, but should otherwise be avoided to limit unnecessary procedural risks and costs.

Opioid Use Is Not Associated with Incomplete Wireless Capsule Endoscopy for Inpatient or Outpatient Procedures

Objective. Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is commonly used to directly visualize the small bowel. Opioids have variably been linked with incomplete studies and prolonged transit times in heterogeneous cohorts. We aimed to investigate the effect of opioid use on WCE for inpatient and outpatient cohorts. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of patients receiving WCE at our institution from April 2010 to March 2013. Demographic data, medical history, and WCE details were collected. Transit times were compared by log-rank analysis. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were utilized. Results. We performed 314 outpatient and 280 inpatient WCE that met study criteria. In the outpatient cohort, gastric transit time (GTT) was not significantly different between opioid and nonopioid users. Completion rates were similar as well (88% and 87%, P = 0.91). In the inpatient cohort, GTT was significantly longer in patients receiving opioids than in patients not receiving opioids (44 versus 23 min, P = 0.04), but completion rates were similar (71% versus 75%, P = 0.31). Conclusion. Opioid use within 24 hours of WCE did not significantly affect completion rates for inpatients or outpatients. GTT was prolonged in inpatients receiving opioids but not in outpatients.

Physical activity during video capsule endoscopy correlates with shorter bowel transit time

Background and study aim  Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is limited by reliance on bowel motility for propulsion, and lack of physical activity has been proposed as a cause of incomplete studies. Our aim was to prospectively investigate the association between physical activity and VCE bowel transit. Patients and methods  Ambulatory outpatients receiving VCE were eligible for the study. A pedometer was attached at the time of VCE ingestion and step count was recorded at the end of the procedure. VCE completion was assessed by logistic regression models, which included step count (500 steps as one unit). Total transit time was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards models. The hazard ratios (HR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) indicated the “hazard” of completion, such that HRs > 1 indicated a reduced transit time. Results  A total of 100 patients were included. VCE was completed in 93 patients (93 %). The median step count was 2782 steps. Step count was not significantly associated with VCE completion (odds ratio 1.45, 95 %CI 0.84, 2.49). Pedometer step count was significantly associated with shorter total, gastric, and small-bowel transit times (HR 1.09, 95 %CI 1.03, 1.16; HR 1.05, 95 %CI 1.00, 1.11; HR 1.07, 95 %CI 1.01, 1.14, respectively). Higher body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with VCE completion (HR 1.87, 95 %CI 1.18, 2.97) and shorter bowel transit times (HR 1.05, 95 %CI 1.02, 1.08). Conclusions  Increased physical activity during outpatient VCE was associated with shorter bowel transit times but not with study completion. In addition, BMI was a previously unreported clinical characteristic associated with VCE completion and should be included as a variable of interest in future studies.

Special Considerations for the Gastroenterologist

As rates of obesity rise, the incidence of common bile duct stones (CBDS) is expected to increase. As such, current knowledge of the management of these stones and their subsequent complications is vital for any gastroenterologist. Endoscopic treatment is now standard for management of CBDS. In some special circumstances, surgical management or a combined endoscopic and surgical approach may be necessary. We highlight the key issues within specific clinical scenarios which may alter management. We discuss the approach to patients with post-surgical anatomy, acute cholangitis, acute gallstone-mediated pancreatitis and patients with inherited or acquired coagulation disorders. The specific techniques of different surgical and endoscopic procedures will be covered in different chapters of the book.

Correspondence regarding: PTEN hamartoma tumor syndromes in childhood: Description of two cases and a proposal for follow-up protocol

Correspondence Regarding: PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndromes in Childhood: Description of Two Cases and a Proposal for Follow-Up Protocol Peter P. Stanich,* Marty M. Meyer, and Robert Pilarski Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio Division of Human Genetics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio