Refractory Duodenal Bleeding Ulcers Successfully Treated with Factor XIII Transfusion

A 67-year-old woman with a history of autoimmune hepatitis was admitted for fever, acute hepatic dysfunction, and acute kidney injury. She was diagnosed with multiple duodenal ulcers. Despite the administration of proton pump inhibitor and red blood cells, her black stool and anemia progressed, and she was therefore transferred to our hospital. Despite hemostatic treatments, she continued to bleed. On the 21st day of admission, an endoscopic examination showed the oozing of blood from the duodenal mucosa. A low factor XIII (FXIII) activity level was detected, and she was administered FXIII concentrate. The bleeding stopped and she was thereafter discharged.

Use of over-the-scope clip for ulcer hemostasis after failure of both surgery and interventional therapy: A case report

RATIONALE

Non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding is a common critical disease worldwide, and according to relevant guidelines, surgery and interventional treatment are the final therapies. However, few studies have reported on therapeutic strategies to employ when the ultimate treatment fails. This report offers a reasonable option for hemostasis after surgery and interventional treatment both fail.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 47-year-old man with recurrent bleeding had undergone endoscopy, surgery, and interventional therapy; however, effective hemostasis was not achieved.

DIAGNOSIS

This patient's clinical manifestations and typical gastroscopic findings confirmed duodenal bulb ulcer with hemorrhage INTERVENTIONS:: A Billroth II + Bancroft operation, interventional treatment, and endoscopic hemostasis with an over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system were administered.

OUTCOMES

The bleeding was successfully controlled, and the patient remained well during long-term follow-up.

LESSONS

The OTSC system can represent a reasonable option for ulcer hemostasis after surgery when other interventional therapies have failed.

; RESULTS OF RESECTION METHODS OF TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH GIANT PYLORODUODENAL ULCERS COMPLICATED BY PERFORATION AND BLEEDING

We studied the immediate and long-term results of various methods of gastric resection in 35 patients operated at the S.S. Yudin State Medical Center in Moscow from 2000 to 2019. 20 (57.1%) patients were operated on for perforation, and 15 (42.6%) patients underwent surgery for ulcerative bleeding. There were 27 (77.2%) males and 8 (22.8%) females. The average age of patients was 48.3±2.3 years. The diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease was previously made in 24 (68.6%) patients, the duration of the disease was 7.7±2.7 years. Of the 35 patients, 29 (82.8%) underwent standard gastric resection without vagotomy with Billroth-II anastomosis in various modifications and 6 (17.2%) underwent pylorobulbar resection with Billroth-I anastomosis with bilateral stem vagotomy. According to the analysis of the results of surgical interventions, gastric resection was accompanied by a significant number of early postoperative complications observed in 18 (51.4% of patients): associated with the nature of the operation, 10 and 5 patients had complications from the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The most frequent complication due to the nature of surgery was a clinically significant violation of the evacuation function of the stomach stump, which developed in 8 of 35 (22.8%) patients. In 4 patients after pylorobulbar resection, the violation of the evacuation function of the stump was due to its parasympathetic denervation. The remaining 4 patients after standard resection of gastric stasis stump occurred due to maintenance of anastomositis of gastrojejunal anastomosis. Post-vagotomic diarrhea: observed in 3 of 6 patients: 1 patient of moderate severity, and 2 patients-mild. Failure of sutures was observed in 2 out of 35 (5.7%) patients after standard gastric resection: one after resection of Hofmeister Finsterer and the other after resection for PY. Complications from the cardiovascular system were observed in 5 (14.3%) patients. After surgery, 5 (22.7%) patients died: 4 after resection of 2/3 of the stomach and 1 patient after pyloroduodenal resection with stem vagotomy. All the deceased were operated on urgently: 2 patients for perforation of giant ulcers and 3 patients for continuing profuse bleeding. The causes of death of patients operated on for bleeding were: myocardial infarction in 1 patient, pulmonary embolism in 2 patients. Another 2 patients with failure of duodenal stump sutures, operated on for perforation of giant ulcers, died from increasing cardiovascular insufficiency. The analysis of long-term results of surgical interventions showed a steady decrease in the number of post gastric resection and post-vagotomic disorders, as well as the absence of ulcer recurrence. It should be noted that the phenomena of dumping syndrome observed in patients after standard gastric resection were not severe and were corrected by a lax diet. After piloroduodenal resection with anastomosis by Billroth-I and stem vagotomy, manifestations of gastrostasis and diarrhea were stopped in the remote postoperative period. When assessing the quality of life, there were no unsatisfactory results, all previously operated patients led their usual lifestyle, maintained their working capacity, and did not require re-hospitalization.

Gastroduodenal Surgery in Cirrhotic Patients - Case Series and Literature Review

Specific risk factors for gastroduodenal surgery in cirrhotic patients have been identified, which dictates for a more personalized management. The retrospective study was conducted between 2012-2019 on twelve patients (7 cases of duodenal ulcer, 2 cases of gastric ulcer and 3 patients with gastric cancer). We took into account a number of possible factors involved in the unfavorable evolution of patients, based on data published in the literature so far. In order to follow the involvement of each factor we compared two groups of patients, one with unfavorable evolutions, exitus and another with favorable evolutions. Emergency surgery, the presence of ascites at the time of intervention, a higher than 30 MELD score, alcoholic cirrhosis, liver encephalopathy and liver failure are common factors that are found in a high percentage (between 75% and 100%) in patients who have had an unfavorable evolution, exitus. The same risk factors are found in much lower percentages in patients who have evolved favorably postoperatively, most between 12.5% and 25%. We analyzed preoperative aspects, surgical approach, complications and risk factors for these patients, compared them with the results of our study and identified future therapeutic possibilities. For CHILD B or C patients, the indication for surgery should be discussed in advance with a multidisciplinary team. Endoscopic submucosal dissection or discontinuation of D2 dissection should be considered in these patients.

Rare case of dual gastrointestinal perforations

A 49-year-old man presented to the nearest emergency department profoundly septic with significantly raised inflammatory markers. He had a background of floor of mouth invasive squamous cell carcinoma for which he underwent complex head and neck surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and insertion of a percutaneous gastrostomy tube for feeding. He experienced 3 weeks of retching, cough and malaise. Imaging revealed both an oesophageal perforation and perforated duodenal ulcer, presumed secondary to oesophageal stricturing from his prior surgery and radiotherapy.

Gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic gland type arising from heterotopic gastric glands during a 19-year follow-up period

A 73-year-old man with prior history of duodenal ulcer has been undergoing periodic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy since 1999. In 2017, a 25-mm submucosal tumor-like protrusion was detected in the lesser curvature of the upper stomach; histological examination of the lesion revealed gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic gland type. En bloc resection was achieved using endoscopic submucosal dissection. The patient was histopathologically diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic gland type arising from heterotopic gastric glands. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for MUC5AC, MUC6, pepsinogen I, and proton pump but negative for MUC2 and CD10. Moreover, the patient's Ki-67 labeling index score was extremely low. The presence of MUC5AC indicated that the tumor differentiated to the foveolar epithelium and fundic glands. Gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic gland type that differentiates to several directions has a higher malignant potential than the disease that differentiates to chief cells. A retrospective review of the patient's previous endoscopic examination revealed that the submucosal tumor-like protrusion existed since 2000; tumor size increased from 8 mm in 2000 to 25 mm in 2017. The present case is rare in that the carcinoma arose from heterotopic gastric glands. Moreover, the 19-year follow-up revealed that the tumor differentiated to the foveolar epithelium, considered as having high-grade malignancy.

PECULIARITIES OF ACID PRODUCTION AND PATHOGENESIS OF PYLORIC AND PREPYLORIC GASTRIC ULCER COMPLICATIONS

The purpose of the study was to identify the pathogenesis features of prepiloric and pyloric ulcers and to establish the cause of resistance to conservative therapy and the tendency to complicated course of type III ulcers according to H.D. Johnson. A comparative analysis of acid production was carried out in 150 patents with duodenal ulcer (n-80) and peptic ulcer of type III according to H.D. Johnson classification (n-70). We revealed a definite individual rhythm of daily intragastric acidity with a maximum rise at night in patients with duodenal ulcer. The paper explores the peculiarities of digestive juice secretion depending on ulcerative substratum localization. The pathogenetic validity of the use of antisecretory drugs for duodenal ulcer treatment and the need to further improve the algorithm for pyloric and prepyloric ulcer therapy are shown. For pyloric and prepiloric ulcers characteristic specific morphological changes in the muscle layer of the wall of the antrum, leading to the motor-evacuation disorders and promoting duodenogastric reflux - dystrophy myocytes circular muscle layer vacuolation of the cytoplasm, edema and hypertrophy ganglia intermuscular plexus, hemorrhages in the muscle sheath, violation of muscle bundles.

The Development of Gastric Outlet Obstruction due to a Lumen-occupying Protruding Duodenal Ulcer Mimicking a Submucosal Tumor

Even in the era of Helicobacter pylori eradication and proton pump inhibitors, peptic ulcer remains an important disease. Stricture due to a duodenal ulcer in the healing stage is a well-known etiology of benign gastric outlet obstruction. However, a duodenal ulcer-induced submucosal tumor-like change with gastric outlet obstruction is a very rare manifestation. We herein present a rare case of a patient with deteriorating symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction caused by an unusual manifestation of a lumen-occupying protruding duodenal ulcer mimicking a submucosal tumor.

Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis in a patient suffering from duodenal ulcer with perforation: First case report from Italy

Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis (GIB), an unusual fungal infection caused by the fungus Basidiobolus ranarum, is rarely reported in the medical literature. GIB is difficult to diagnose because its clinical presentation is non-specific and has no identifiable risk factors. We report here the first case of GIB diagnosed in Italy in a patient suffering from a duodenal ulcer with perforation. The patient was successfully treated with itraconazole. The absence of non-specific signs and symptoms of GIB may delay a definitive diagnosis and treatment. A microbiological investigation should always be requested in order to reach a rapid and definitive diagnosis and to rule out other intestinal diseases.

Olmesartan-associated severe gastritis and enteropathy

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, used in the treatment of hypertension. We report a case of olmesartan-associated severe gastritis with enteropathy in a 74-year-old woman who presented with mainly upper gastrointestinal symptoms. There was significant endoscopic improvement in the mucosal inflammation on stopping the drug. Subsequent gastroscopy showed mucosal healing and normal gastric and duodenal mucosa. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of olmesartan-associated gastritis and enteropathy predominantly involving and affecting the whole of stomach with limited small bowel involvement.

Diverticular Perforation: A Fatal Complication to Forestall in Cushing Syndrome

CONTEXT

Patients taking exogenous glucocorticoids are at risk for gastrointestinal (GI) complications, including peptic ulcer disease with perforation and gastric bleeding. However, little is known about the GI comorbidity in patients with endogenous hypercortisolemia.

CASE DESCRIPTIONS

We describe six patients with endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS) who developed sudden perforation of colonic diverticula necessitating urgent exploratory laparotomy. Most of these patients shared the following features of CS: skin thinning, severe hypercortisolemia (24-hour urinary free cortisol ≥10 times the upper limit of normal), ectopic secretion of ACTH, and severe hypokalemia. At the time of diagnosis of diverticular perforation (DP), these patients had minimal signs of peritonitis and lacked fever or marked leukocytosis. The diagnosis of DP was established by having a low threshold for obtaining an imaging study for evaluation of nonspecific abdominal pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CS can develop spontaneous surgical abdomen with rapid decompensation within hours. Prompt recognition is critical in the successful treatment of these patients.

Management of perforated duodenal peptic ulcer treated by suture

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery has become the gold standard for many procedures owing to its advantages such as a shorter post-operative stay, a faster recovery and less postoperative pain. However, choosing laparoscopic approach in an emergency situationsuch as in the management of a perforated duodenal peptic ulcer is still debated because of the absence of significant benefits. This study aimed to assess the management of perforated duodenal peptic ulcer treated by suture.

METHODS

It's a retrospective study enrolling 81 patients operated on for duodenal perforated peptic ulcer between June 1st, 2012 and December 31st, 2016 who underwent surgery in the surgical department B of Charles Nicolle's Hospital.

RESULTS

Our retrospective study showed that laparoscopic approach had shorter post-operative duration (3 [1-5] versus 4 [1-16] days, respectively, p< 0.001), shorter mortality rate (3% versus 19%, p=0.032) and more uneventful post-operative course (97% versus 74%, p=0.004) comparing to the open approach. Patients who were not admitted in the intensive care unit during the first 48 hours had 9.901 more chance to be operated by laparoscopic approach. Patients who were operated on by a senior had 3.240 times more chance to be operated by laparoscopic approach. There was no predictive variable for conversion. Mortality rate was 11%. Age was the only predictive independent factor of mortality with a cut-off point of 47 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic approach is routinely practised in the perforated duodenal ulcer. In our study, we showed that laparoscopic approach had less post-operative complications, a lower rate of mortality and a shorter post-operative duration comparing to the open approach. The main limitation of our study was non-randomization and lack of laparoscopic expertise. The decision for either open or laparoscopic approach was then dependent on senior surgeon's availability.

An unexpected complication of a heterotopic ossified abdominal scar

AIM

Presentation and discussion of a case of heterotopic ossification of a vertical abdominal surgical scar.

PERSONAL OBSERVATION

A recent trauma in an 70 year old patient, followed by a sudden internal hemorrhage because of a penetration in abdomen of a bone stump, originated from a fracture of a not known heterotopic ossification of an old median abdominal scar, of a laparotomy of many years earlier for perforated duodenal ulcer.

RESULTS

An emergency surgery was mandatory DISCUSSION: Pathogenesis of heterotopic ossification, as rare metaplastic phenomenon outside of the normal bone tissue, still unknown and speculative.

CONCLUSION

Despite the rarity the complications of heterotopic bone formation can also be very dramatic following a trauma that transforms the new bone into traumatic agent, as in the present observation.

KEY WORDS

Heterotopic ossification, Ossified abdominal scar.

Laparoscopy for perforated duodenal ulcer: A morbidity score based on a cohort study of 384 patients

BACKGROUND

The Laparoscopic treatment of perforated ulcer is accompanied by a lesser morbidity and mortality compared with treatment by laparotomy. However, the morbidity of the laparoscopic approach is not nil (4%). It is influenced by pre and intraoperative factors. The aim of our work is to establish a morbidity score in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for acute peritonitis with perforated duodenal ulcer.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study conducted in a General Surgery Department. We included 384 cases of perforated duodenal ulcer operated laparoscopically over a fourteen-year period ranging from January 2000 to December 2014. We conducted a multivariate logistical regression analysis by step-by-step-descending method. From these independent factors we established a score using the ROC curves. The threshold with the best sensitivity and specificity for predicting morbidity was investigated. In all statistical tests, the significance level was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

The overall morbidity rate of our patients was 3.38% (13 patients). Multivariate analysis has identified five independent morbidity risk factors: temperature higher than 37.6° C, renal failure, age> 45 years, a number of stitches of two or higher and operating time to 75 minutes or longer. Our morbidity score took into account these 5 factors by integrating the intrinsic value of each factor. The threshold of the score having the best torque sensitivity specificity to predict morbidity was 10.

CONCLUSION

A morbidity score for perforated duodenal ulcer surgery performed by laparoscopy may be useful to organize the post-operativecare of these patients usually young and active. A lower score than the threshold predictive of morbidity could allow a rapid rehabilitation of these patients and a one day hospitalization management.

Effect of scheduled second-look endoscopy on peptic ulcer bleeding: a prospective randomized multicenter trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of scheduled second-look endoscopy (EGD) with endoscopic hemostasis on peptic ulcer rebleeding and to identify the risk factors related to the need for second-look EGD.

METHODS

We prospectively randomized patients who had endoscopically confirmed bleeding peptic ulcer with stigmata of active bleeding, visible vessel, or adherent clot into 2 groups between August 2010 and January 2013. Hemoclip application or thermal coagulation and/or epinephrine injection were allowed for initial endoscopic therapy. The same dosage of proton pump inhibitor was injected intravenously. The study group received scheduled second-look EGD 24 to 36 hours after the initial hemostasis, and further therapy was applied if endoscopic stigmata persisted, as above. Those patients who developed rebleeding underwent operation or radiologic intervention despite the additional endoscopic therapy. Outcome measures included rebleeding, amount of transfusion, duration of hospitalization, and mortality.

RESULTS

After initial endoscopic hemostasis, 319 eligible patients were randomized into 2 groups. Sixteen (10.1%) and 9 (5.6%) patients developed rebleeding (P = .132), respectively. There was also no difference in surgical intervention (0, 0% vs 1, .6%, P >.999) or radiologic intervention (3, 1.9% vs 2, 1.2%, P = .683), median duration of hospitalization (6.0 vs 5.0 days, P = .151), amount of transfusion (2.4 ± 1.7 vs 2.2 ± 1.6 units, P = .276), and mortality (2, 1.3% vs 2, 1.2%, P > .999) between the 2 groups. Multivariate analysis showed that grades 3 to 4 of endoscopists' estimation to success of initial hemostasis, history of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and larger amounts of blood transfusions (≥4 units of red blood cells) were the independent risk factors of rebleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

A single EGD with endoscopic hemostasis is not inferior to scheduled second-look endoscopy in terms of reduction in rebleeding rate of peptic ulcer bleeding. Repeat endoscopy would be helpful in the patients with unsatisfactory initial endoscopic hemostasis, use of NSAIDs, and larger amounts of transfused blood. (Clinical trial registration number: KCT0000565; 4-2010-0348.).

[Perforated duodenal ulcer in high risk patients]

AIM

To improve the outcomes in patients with perforated duodenal ulcers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cohort study included 456 patients with perforated duodenal ulcer. High risk of mortality was determined in 9% of patients (n=40) considering Boey diagnostic criteria (1982, 1987). There were 19 women and 21 men aged 59±2.8 years.

RESULTS

Perforated duodenal ulcer was followed by overall mortality near 3.8%. In high risk group this value was 17.5% (7 out of 40 patients) while expected mortality was 45.5-100% in these patients in view of Boey criteria. The main causes of death were multiple organ failure, pulmonary embolism and acute myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive surgery including step-by-step procedures (mini-laparotomy, laparoscopy and navigation) are the key to improve the outcomes in patients with perforated duodenal ulcer.

Emphysematous pancreatitis associated with penetrating duodenal ulcer

In the “proton pump inhibitors era”, a penetrating peptic ulcer (PPU) represents an exceptional cause of abdominal pain, and was more frequently observed in the past where there was not an effective antacid treatment. Ulcer-induced pancreatitis is very rare, too, and manifests with persistent, intense pain radiating to the back. A mild to severe pancreatitis with peripancreatic fluid collection can be observed at imaging. However, only a few cases of association between PPU and emphysematous pancreatitis (EP) have been published in the literature. EP is a rare but potentially fatal form of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in which gas grows in and outside the pancreas, and typically involves the whole parenchyma in diabetic individuals.

Here we report an extremely rare case of a duodenal ulcer penetrating the pancreas and complicated with EP. Unlike the classic form of EP, which involves the whole parenchyma and has a poor prognosis, we found that the emphysematous involvement of the pancreas by PPU has a benign course if a conservative therapy is promptly established. Gas is confined to the site of penetration, usually the pancreatic head, and ulcers most often involve the duodenum.

Risk Factors for Helicobacter pylori Infection and Endoscopic Reflux Esophagitis in Healthy Young Japanese Volunteers

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of reflux esophagitis and Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection and their interrelationship in healthy young Japanese volunteers. Methods Between 2010 and 2016, 550 fifth-year medical students at Saga Medical School, aged 22 to 30 years, underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and completed a questionnaire (frequency scale for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease). H. pylori infection was determined by detecting urinary immunoglobulin G antibodies. Results H. pylori antibodies were detected in 45 of the 550 subjects (8.2%). Endoscopic reflux esophagitis was detected in 38 out of 550 (6.9%): grade A in 37 subjects (97.3%) and grade B in 1. Most subjects with reflux esophagitis were H. pylori-negative (35/37). Nodular gastritis was observed in 33.3% (15/45) of H. pylori-positive subjects. The risk factors for H. pylori infection were drinking well water in childhood, nodular gastritis, and duodenal ulcer scars. The risk factors for endoscopic reflux esophagitis were male gender and obesity (body mass index ≥25). Conclusion This study describes the risk factors for H. pylori infection and reflux esophagitis in healthy young Japanese subjects. The prevalence of reflux esophagitis was relatively high, and the infection rate of H. pylori was low compared with the aged Japanese population.

Duodenal hematoma caused by endoscopic hemostatic procedures (sclerotherapy)

Endoscopic hemostatic procedures such as local injection of epinephrine are commonly used for the treatment of bleeding ulcers. Although the risks are usually considered to be minimal, there are reports describing that duodenal intramural hematomas may develop as a complication after endoscopy especially in patients susceptible to hemorrhage such as those with anticoagulants therapy or blood dyscrasia.

Clinical endoscopic management and outcome of post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding

Post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding is a common complication of biliary sphincterotomy, and the incidence varies from 1% to 48%. It can be challenging to localize the bleeder or to administer various interventions through a side-viewing endoscope. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors of post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding and the outcome of endoscopic intervention therapies. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 513 patients who underwent biliary sphincterotomy in Mackay Memorial Hospital between 2011 and 2016. The blood biochemistry, comorbidities, indication for sphincterotomy, severity of bleeding, endoscopic features of bleeder, and type of endoscopic therapy were analyzed. Post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding occurred in 65 (12.6%) patients. Forty-five patients had immediate bleeding and 20 patients had delayed bleeding. The multivariate analysis of risk factors associated with post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding were liver cirrhosis (P = 0.029), end-stage renal disease (P = 0.038), previous antiplatelet drug use (P<0.001), and duodenal ulcer (P = 0.023). The complications of pancreatitis and cholangitis were higher in the bleeding group, with statistical significance. Delayed bleeding occurred within 1 to 7 days (mean, 2.5 days), and 60% (12/20) of the patients received endoscopic evaluation. In the delayed bleeding group, the successful hemostasis rate was 71.4% (5/7), and 65% (13/20) of the patients had ceased bleeding without endoscopic hemostasis therapy. Comparison of different therapeutic modalities showed that cholangitis was higher in patients who received epinephrine spray (P = 0.042) and pancreatitis was higher in patients who received epinephrine injection and electrocoagulation (P = 0.041 and P = 0.039 respectively). Clinically, post-endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding and further endoscopic hemostasis therapy increase the complication rate of pancreatitis and cholangitis. Realizing the effectiveness of each therapeutic modalities and appropriate management of different levels bleeding are important.