Mikael Sawatzki

Prospective Swiss pilot study of Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy in a screening population

Background and study aims: The adenoma detection rate (ADR) is one of the quality measures in screening colonoscopy and is crucial for reducing colorectal cancer morbidity and mortality. Up to 25 % of adenomas are missed during colonoscopy. Endocuff is an easy-to-use device that is attached like a cap to the distal tip of the colonoscope in order to optimize visualization behind the folds of the colon and increase the ADR. This is the first prospective study of Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy (EC) in a screening population with follow-up to determine the ADR and adverse events of EC. Patients and methods: We prospectively enrolled asymptomatic patients referred for screening colonoscopy during the 4-month study period. We documented the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) score, cecal intubation rate, polyp detection rate, ADR, number of advanced adenomas, and number of adverse events. Colonoscopies were performed by five board-certified gastroenterologists. During follow-up, the patients were called 4 to 12 weeks after EC. Results: A total of 104 EC procedures were performed. Cecal intubation was achieved in 99 % of the patients, with a median intubation time of 6 minutes. The polyp detection rate and ADR in our study were 72 % and 47 %, respectively, and 13.5 % of the lesions were advanced adenomas. A significant number of adenomas were detected in the right side of the colon. Considering all the adenomas and hyperplastic polyps above the sigmoid, we recommended that nearly 60 % of our patients repeat an endoscopic follow-up according to the existing Swiss guidelines. We noted no perforations or other serious adverse events, even in the patients with extensive diverticulosis. Conclusions: EC is feasible with the most commonly available colonoscopes without severe adverse events. EC seems to be a safe and effective device for increasing the ADR, including small adenomas in the right side of the colon. Therefore, this technique may be recommended in the future to increase the ADR in a screening population.

How is the increased risk of colorectal cancer in first-degree relatives of patients communicated?

Objectives Compared with the general population, first-degree relatives (FDRs) of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have a two-fold to four-fold higher risk of developing CRC. Little data is available regarding communication between doctors and CRC patients about risk to FDRs. We aimed to evaluate CRC patients’ knowledge of FDRs’ increased CRC risk, and FDRs’ knowledge of this risk and adherence to CRC screening. Materials and methods In this retrospective, single-center, population-based observational study, patients aged 18–80 years who underwent surgery for CRC between January 2005 and May 2010 were asked to complete a questionnaire. A questionnaire sent to the patients’ FDRs (siblings and children) asked whether they had been advised to undergo any CRC screening examination, whether they had done so, and if so, when initiated and by whom. Main outcome measurements were: CRC patients’ and their FDRs’ information status regarding the FDRs’ increased CRC risk and screening status. Results Of 343 index patients (390 contacted, 47 deceased/moved), 134 replied to the survey (39.1% response rate). Among index patients, 82.1% (110/134) were informed about FDRs’ increased CRC risk. This information was provided mainly by gastroenterologists and general practitioners (65.7 and 28.4%, respectively). Among FDRs, 85.1% (143/168) were informed about their increased CRC risk, but 69% did not undergo a screening colonoscopy. Among the FDRs more than 50 years of age, 40.8% did not undergo a screening colonoscopy. Conclusion In Switzerland, CRC patients and their FDRs are well informed about FDRs’ increased CRC risk. However, the majority of FDRs do not undergo the recommended CRC screening.

Endoscopic treatment of paraesophageal abscess in eosinophilic esophagitis after chest trauma

A 19-year-old man was admitted with dysphagia, retrosternal pain, and fever after he was hit on the breastbone during an assault 10 days before. He experienced progressive chest pain despite treatment with a proton pump inhibitor. Laboratory test analyses showed signs of inflammation, with a leucocyte count of 11,400/mm (normal 4.0-10.0 mm) and C-reactive protein level of 201.8 mg/L (normal 8 mg/L). CT revealed a 12-cm, paraesophageal abscess, with enlarged mediastinal and infradiaphragmatic lymph nodes and mediastinitis (Fig. 1). Upper endoscopy indicated a 7-cm–long narrowing of the esophagus with a pus-draining fistula located 30 cm from the teeth (Fig. 2). ndoscopic fistulotomy was performed along a guidewire. he cavity was generously rinsed with saline solution, and nasogastric tube was inserted; proton pump inhibitor herapy, antibiotics, and parenteral nutrition were initited. The patient’s clinical condition improved rapidly, nd CT 5 days later demonstrated abscess reduction. Mirobiologic examination revealed group G streptococci. o other endoscopic interventions were needed. Esophagoscopy 5 weeks later revealed a feline esophgus. Histologic examination of 12 biopsy samples from all ver the esophagus demonstrated eosinophilic infiltration 30 eosinophils/high-power field on all sites; range 255) (Fig. 3). The diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis EoE) was established, and treatment with oral topical orticosteroids (fluticasone propionate) was initiated. Clincal and endoscopic follow-up was uneventful and lacked ny signs of esophageal dysfunction.

Cohort Profile: The Swiss Eosinophilic Esophagitis Cohort Study (SEECS)

Background and Aims: The prospective, observational Swiss Eosinophilic Esophagitis Cohort Study (SEECS) was set up in 2015 with the following goals in mind: (1) to provide up-to-date epidemiologic data; (2) to assess the appropriateness of care; (3) to evaluate the psychosocial impact; and (4) to foster translational research projects. Data capture relies on validated instruments to assess disease activity and focuses on epidemiologic variables and biosamples (esophageal biopsies and blood specimens). An annual inclusion of 70 new patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) or proton pump inhibitor-responsive esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE) is intended. We herein describe the SEECS cohort profile. Methods: The SEECS includes adult patients (age ≥18 years) with EoE or PPI-REE diagnosed according to published criteria. After inclusion, the patients are typically seen once a year for a clinical and endoscopic/histologic follow-up examination. Data are captured using validated questionnaires. Biosamples from patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and controls with a healthy esophagus are collected as well. Results: From January 2016 to July 2017, a total of 111 patients with EoE and 10 patients with PPI-REE were recruited. In addition, esophageal biopsies and blood samples from 11 patients with GERD and 20 controls with a healthy esophagus were collected. The mean age of the patients with EoE and those with PPI-REE was 39.6 ± 12.9 and 44.6 ± 15.6 years, respectively. A male predominance was found among both the patients with EoE (77.5%) and those with PPI-REE (70%). Concomitant allergic disorders were found in 79.3% of the patients with EoE and 90% of the patients with PPI-REE. At inclusion, the EoE patients were treated with the following therapeutic regimens: no therapy (0.9%), PPI (36%), swallowed topical corticosteroids (82.9%), elimination diets (15.3%), and esophageal dilation (19.8%). Conclusions: The SEECS is the first national cohort study of patients with EoE or PPI-REE. The SEECS will provide up-to-date epidemiologic data and foster translational research projects.

Ikterus nach Kräuterwanderung

We report about a 44-year old patient with severe acute hepatitis E after herbage walking-to ur. Transmission occurred with ingestion of contaminated herbs. Symptoms were jaundice, dark urine, rheumatic pains and distinctive fatigue. We could document a benign self-limiting course under regular clinical controls. Hepatitis Eisa worldwide common cause for acute hepatitis with jaundice. In Switzerland contamination of this autochthonic infection is aquired by consumption of pork and venison (seroprevalence up to 22%). Infection can be without symptoms but also can result in acute liver failure. Extrahepatic symptoms are not uncommon.

Jaundice after Herbage Walking Tour of a 44 Year Old Man

We report about a 44-year old patient with severe acute hepatitis E after herbage walking-to ur. Transmission occurred with ingestion of contaminated herbs. Symptoms were jaundice, dark urine, rheumatic pains and distinctive fatigue. We could document a benign self-limiting course under regular clinical controls. Hepatitis Eisa worldwide common cause for acute hepatitis with jaundice. In Switzerland contamination of this autochthonic infection is aquired by consumption of pork and venison (seroprevalence up to 22%). Infection can be without symptoms but also can result in acute liver failure. Extrahepatic symptoms are not uncommon.

Nicht-zirrhotische portale Hypertonie mit beinahe fatalen Folgen

We describe the case of a 48-year-old patient presenting with abdominal pain with a history of cerebral ischemia due to a patent foramen ovale with heterozygous factor V mutation. Initial work-up demonstrate a significant thrombosis of the portal venous system combined with signs of portal hypertension (ascites, oesophageal varices). Ultrasound reveals no signs of cirrhosis of the liver. Finally a JAK2 mutation can be detected. Prevention of oesophageal varices is refused. Finally a massive haemorrhage occured.

Leberversagen bei einer 27-jährigen Patientin

We report about a 27-years old female patient with acute liver failure due to an acute Budd Chiari Syndrom (thrombosis of all three liver veins an vena cava inferior) with caval web, birth control pills and after long distance flight. After successfull aspiration of the caval thrombus and dilatation of caval web liver transplantation could be bypassed. Two weeks after intervention the patient was in a good healthy condition with normal laboratory values, normal liver size, normal perfusion of the V. cava inferior and signs of reperfusion of the middle liver vein.