Characteristic endoscopic features of gastric inflammatory fibroid polyps

Gastric Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp: A Rare Cause of Occult Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFPs) are rare mesenchymal lesions that can arise throughout the gastrointestinal tract. These tumors represent less than 0.1% of all gastric polypoid lesions and are frequently found incidentally on endoscopic evaluation. While presenting symptoms depend on the location of the tumor, gastric polyps commonly present with epigastric pain and early satiety. We hereby delineate the case of a middle-aged female who presented with chronic iron deficiency anemia and a positive fecal occult blood test. She underwent an upper endoscopy, which revealed an actively oozing umbilicated lesion in the gastric antrum. Endoscopic ultrasound divulged the submucosal origin of the lesion. It was subsequently excised using endoscopic mucosal resection. Pathologic examination of the resected specimen confirmed the diagnosis of gastric IFP. Furthermore, we conducted a systematic literature search of the MEDLINE database centered on gastric IFPs from January 2000 till March 2020. The data on patient demographics, clinical features, endoscopic findings, lesion site and size, and treatment approaches were collected and analyzed. This article illustrates the overarching need for clinicians to be vigilant of gastric IFPs presenting with initial clinical symptoms suggestive of occult upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Prompt diagnosis and management of gastric IFPs carry paramount importance to combat chronic unexplained iron deficiency anemia following occult bleeding in such patients. A concoction of endoscopy, biopsy, and immunohistochemical examination can be employed toward their prompt detection. Although gastric IFPs have conventionally been treated with surgery, endoscopic resection is now emerging as a safe and efficient therapeutic modality.

Endoscopic Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Gastric Subepithelial Lesions

Subepithelial lesions occasionally found in the stomach of patients undergoing endoscopy may be either benign lesions or tumors with malignant potential. They may also appear due to extrinsic compression. Discrimination of gastric subepithelial lesions begins with meticulous endoscopic examination for size, shape, color, mobility, consistency, and appearance of the overlying mucosa. Accurate diagnosis can be achieved with endoscopic ultrasonography, which provides useful information on the exact size, layer-of-origin, and characteristic morphologic features to support a definitive diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasonography also aids in the prediction of malignant potential, especially in gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Features of subepithelial lesions identified on endoscopic ultrasonography can be used to determine whether further diagnostic procedures such as endoscopic resection, fine needle aspiration, or core biopsy are required. Endoscopic ultrasonography is a valuable tool for diagnosis and clinical decision making during follow-up of gastric subepithelial lesions.