Heterotopic gastric mucosa causing significant esophageal stricture in a 14-year-old child

Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa in the Proximal Esophagus: Prospective Study and Systematic Review on Relationships with Endoscopic Findings and Clinical Data

Cervical inlet patches (CIP) are common endoscopic findings with uncertain pathogenesis and clinical significance. We aimed to perform a systematic review and prospective study of clinical data and endoscopic findings related to CIP. It was a prospective single-center study conducted between 10/01/2017 and 9/01/2018. Forty patients with histopathologically confirmed CIP were compared with 222 individuals in the reference group. The systematic review was executed in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. Alcohol consumption tended to be higher among patients with CIP (3.0 ± 4.6 vs. 1.9 ± 5.0 standard drinks/week CIP patients and reference group, respectively; p < 0.001). Dysphagia was more frequent among patients with CIP (25% vs. 1.4%, CIP patients and reference group, respectively; p < 0.001), and sore throat and hoarseness were less frequent in patients with CIP (17.5% vs. 26.6% CIP patients and reference group, respectively; p < 0.01). In the multivariate regression analysis, the only risk factor of CIP occurrence was dysphagia (OR 21.9, 95%CI 4.9-98.6; p < 0.001). Sore throat and hoarseness were a reverse-risk factor of CIP diagnosis (OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1-0.93; p = 0.04). Clinical data and coexisting endoscopic findings were not related to CIP. In the presented study, dysphagia was related to CIP occurrence, and sore throat and hoarseness tended to be less frequent among patients with CIP.

Prevalence and Clinical and Endoscopic Characteristics of Cervical Inlet Patch (Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Cervical inlet patch (CIP), also called gastric inlet patch, is a heterotopic columnar mucosal island located in the cervical esophagus, which has been under-recognized by clinicians.

AIM

We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis to explore the prevalence and clinical and endoscopic characteristics of CIP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studies were searched through the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The prevalence of CIP with 95% confidence interval (CI) was pooled by using a random-effect model. The association of CIP with demographics, clinical presentations, and endoscopic features was evaluated by odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

Fifty-three studies including 932,777 patients were eligible. The pooled prevalence of CIP was 3.32% (95% CI=2.86%-3.82%). According to the endoscopic mode, the pooled prevalence of CIP was higher in studies using narrow-band imaging than in those using white light and esophageal capsule endoscopy (9.34% vs. 2.88% and 0.65%). The pooled prevalence of CIP was higher in studies where the endoscopists paid specific attention to the detection of this lesion (5.30% vs. 0.75%). CIP was significantly associated with male (OR=1.24, 95% CI=1.09-1.42, P=0.001), gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.04-1.68, P=0.03), reflux symptoms (OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.14-1.83, P=0.002), dysphagia (OR=1.88, 95% CI=1.28-2.77, P=0.001), throat discomfort (OR=4.58, 95% CI=1.00-21.02, P=0.05), globus (OR=2.95, 95% CI=1.52-5.73, P=0.001), hoarseness (OR=4.32, 95% CI=1.91-9.78, P=0.0004), cough (OR=3.48, 95% CI=1.13-10.72, P=0.03), Barrett's esophagus (OR=2.01, 95% CI=1.37-2.94, P=0.0003), and esophagitis (OR=1.62, 95% CI=1.27-2.07, P=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

CIP appears to be common by using narrow-band imaging, especially if the endoscopists would like to pay attention to the detection of this lesion. CIP is clearly associated with acid-related symptoms and Barrett's esophagus.

Gastric inlet patches: symptomatic or silent?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to assess recent literature on the clinical relevance of the gastric inlet patch with particular focus on endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, the relationship of the inlet patch to laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and the association of proximal esophageal adenocarcinoma with inlet patch.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies suggest endoscopic diagnosis of inlet patch increases with endoscopist awareness (up to 10-fold) and when using enhanced imaging techniques such as narrow band imaging (up to three-fold). The literature remains mixed on the association of inlet patch with laryngopharyngeal symptoms or globus sensation. Studies of endoscopic ablation, using argon plasma coagulation or radiofrequency ablation have shown improved laryngopharyngeal reflux symptom scores posttreatment. Proximal esophageal adenocarcinomas are rare but often associated with inlet patch when they occur. Case studies have described endoscopic resection of malignant lesions related to inlet patch, using endoscopic mucosal resection or submucosal dissection.

SUMMARY

Prospective, multicenter studies of symptom association with inlet patch using validated symptom questionnaires and blinded sham-controlled treatments are needed to further clarify the role of such treatments, which to date are limited to a small numbers of centers with a special interest.

The many faces of intestinal tract gastric heterotopia; a series of four cases highlighting clinical and pathological heterogeneity

Gastric heterotopia of the intestinal tract can have a diverse clinicopathologic presentation, resulting in a diagnostic dilemma. We present a series of four cases, two male and two female patients with age range of 31-82 years, found in the duodenum, jejunum, and transverse colon. The most common and rather unusual clinical presentation was iron deficiency anemia, seen in three cases, while one patient presented with abdominal pain. Endoscopically, two cases were visualized as pedunculated polyps and two as sessile/plaque-like lesions. Polypectomy was performed in three patients, and one patient underwent biopsy followed by resection. Two cases showed oxyntic-type epithelium, and two cases exhibited pyloric-type gastric epithelium. Three patients were relieved of their presenting symptoms after therapeutic procedures with no evidence of recurrence noted on follow-up. Follow-up was not available on one patient. This case series highlights a diverse clinicopathologic spectrum of gastric heterotopia. Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management.

Esophageal Inlet Patch: An Under-Recognized Cause of Symptoms in Children

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence of inlet patch (IP) and to assess the clinical and pathological features, role of the diagnostic workup in treatment decision making, efficacy of medical and endoscopic therapy, and natural history in a pediatric population.

STUDY DESIGN

Consecutive patients aged <18 years (n = 1000) undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy were enrolled prospectively. Biopsy specimens were obtained from IPs and the proximal and distal esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring (MII-pH) was performed in all symptomatic patients. Symptomatic patients were treated with proton pump inhibitors for 8 weeks, and IP ablation by argon plasma coagulation (APC) was performed in unresponsive patients.

RESULTS

The endoscopic incidence of IP was 6.3%, with a cumulative missing rate of 5.8%. Thirty-five of the 63 patients (56%) were asymptomatic, 11 (17%) had symptoms clearly related to the underlying digestive disorder, and 17 (27%) had chronic IP-related symptoms. MII-pH was positive in 10 of the 28 symptomatic patients. All 17 patients with IP-related symptoms were unresponsive to proton pump inhibitors and were treated with APC, and all had achieved complete remission by the 3-year follow-up. Patients with underlying disorders were successfully treated with medical therapy, and asymptomatic patients remained symptom-free, with no endoscopic or histological changes seen at the 3-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

IP is an under-recognized cause of symptoms in children with unexplained esophageal and respiratory symptoms. MII-pH and bioptic sampling are needed to exclude entities mimicking IP symptoms and to direct therapy. APC is safe and effective for treating IP-related symptoms.

Intentional examination of esophagus by narrow-band imaging endoscopy increases detection rate of cervical inlet patch

Foci of heterotopic gastric mucosa have been identified at different sites in the human body and the most common location is the proximal esophagus which is referred to as cervical inlet patch (CIP). The true prevalence of CIP varies and it is usually incidental findings during endoscopy. Because CIP is always asymptomatic, it was believed to be of little clinical relevance. However, emerging studies have described the acid-secreting characteristics of heterotopic gastric mucosa and associations of CIP with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In addition, complications such as stricture, fistula, infection, mucosal hyperplasia, and malignant transformation have been reported. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of CIP, its associations with clinical manifestations, and the effect of intentional screening upper esophagus by magnifying endoscopy-narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) system. Consecutive healthy adults who underwent panendoscopy were separated into two groups. Patients in group I (n = 471) were examined by an endoscopist who intended to find CIPs by ME-NBI. Patients in group II (n = 428) were examined by two endoscopists who were unaware of the study and performed white-light imaging endoscopy. Participants provided questionnaires on GERD-related symptoms. Higher CIP prevalence (11.7% vs. 1.9%, P < 0.0001) and longer duration of esophageal examination (mean ± standard deviation, 17.50 ± 12.40 vs. 15.24 ± 10.78 seconds, P = 0.004) were noted in group I than in group II. Analyzing group I patients revealed the higher prevalences of reflux symptoms (32.7% vs. 18.3%, P = 0.013) and erosive esophagitis (43.6% vs. 25.5%, P = 0.005) in patients with CIP than in those without. CIP was not associated with globus or dysphagia symptoms. More small CIPs (< 5 mm) were detected by ME-NBI than by white-light imaging (85.3% vs. 41.4%, P = 0.001). In conclusion, CIP prevalence was not low under intentional ME-NBI examination of the upper esophagus. The clinical relevance of CIP and its association with GERD require further investigation.

Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa in the Distal Part of Esophagus in a Teenager: Case Report

Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) of the esophagus is a congenital anomaly consisting of ectopic gastric mucosa. It may be connected with disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract, exacerbated by Helicobacter pylori. The diagnosis of HGM is confirmed via endoscopy with biopsy. Histopathology provides the definitive diagnosis by demonstrating gastric mucosa adjacent to normal esophageal mucosa. HGM located in the distal esophagus needs differentiation from Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus is a well-known premalignant injury for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Malignant progression of HGM occurs in a stepwise pattern, following the metaplasia-dysplasia-adenocarcinoma sequence.We present a rare case of a teenage girl with HGM located in the distal esophagus, associated with chronic gastritis and biliary duodenogastric reflux. Endoscopy combined with biopsies is a mandatory method in clinical evaluation of metaplastic and nonmetaplastic changes within HGM of the esophagus.

Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for pyloric stenosis caused by heterotopic glands in a young female: report of a case

A 17-year-old female was referred to our hospital with worsening dietary intake and abdominal bloating. She had epigastric fullness, but no abdominal pain. Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed food residue and pyloric stenosis. A contrast-enhanced radiograph also showed pyloric stenosis, and gastrografin was not passed well through her pylorus. Computed tomography revealed similar findings. The biopsy results indicated hyperplasia of the gastric glands. The patient was diagnosed with a benign lesion, and underwent endoscopic balloon dilation several times. However, her stenosis worsened and we decided to perform surgery. In consideration of the cosmetic outcome, we performed laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. The postoperative course was good, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 10. The final diagnosis was pyloric stenosis caused by heterotopic glands. No malignant lesions were found. Since gastric stenosis caused by heterotopic glands has not been reported previously, we consider this to be a very rare case.

Clinical significance of heterotopic gastric mucosal patch of the proximal esophagus

Heterotopic gastric mucosa of the proximal esophagus (HGMPE), also referred to as “inlet patch” or “cervical inlet patch”, is a salmon colored patch that is usually located just distal to the upper esophageal sphincter. HGMPE is uncommon with endoscopic studies reporting a prevalence ranging from less than one percent to 18%. Most HGMPE are asymptomatic and are detected incidentally during endoscopy for evaluations of other gastrointestinal complaints. Most consider HGMPE as clinically irrelevant entity. The clinical significance of HGMPE is mainly acid related or neoplastic transformation. The reported prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms varies from less than 20% to as high as 73.1%. However, most of these symptoms are mild. Clinically significant acid related complications such as bleeding, ulcerations, structure and fistulization have been reported. Although rare, dysplastic changes and malignancies in association with HGMPE have also been reported. Associations with Barrett’s esophagus have also been reported but the findings so far have been conflicting. There are still many areas that are unknown or not well understood and these include the natural history of HGMPE, risk factors for complications, role of Helicobacter pylori infection and factors associated with malignant transformations. Follow-up may need to be considered for patients with complications of HGMPE and surveillance if biopsies show intestinal metaplasia or dysplastic changes. Despite the overall low incidence of clinically relevant manifestations reported in the literature, HGMPE is a clinically significant entity but further researches are required to better understand its clinical significance.