Ocular motor and vestibular dysfunction in central nervous system lymphoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diagnosis of lymphoma involving the central nervous system (CNS) is challenging. This study aimed to explore the abnormal vestibular and ocular motor findings in CNS lymphoma.

METHODS

A retrospective search of the medical records identified 30 patients with CNS lymphoma presenting ocular motor and vestibular abnormalities from four neurology clinics of university hospitals in South Korea (22 men, age range 14-81 years, mean 60.6 ± 15.2). The demographic and clinical features and the results of laboratory, radiological and pathological evaluation were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients presented with diplopia (13/30, 43%), vestibular symptoms (15/30, 50%) or both (2/30, 7%). In 15 patients with diplopia, abnormal ocular motor findings included ocular motor nerve palsy (n = 10, 67%), internuclear ophthalmoplegia (n = 2, 13%), external ophthalmoplegia (n = 2, 13%) and exophoria (n = 1, 7%). The vestibular abnormalities were isolated in 14 (82%) of 17 patients with vestibular symptoms and included combined unilateral peripheral and central vestibulopathy in three from lesions involving the vestibular nuclei. CNS lymphoma involved the brainstem (53%), cerebellum (33%), leptomeninges (30%), deep gray nuclei (23%) or cranial nerves (17%). Two patients showed the "double-panda" sign by involving the midbrain.

CONCLUSIONS

This study expands the clinical and radiological spectra of CNS lymphoma. Neuro-ophthalmological and neuro-otological evaluation may guide the early diagnosis of CNS lymphoma.

Polyposis of gastrointestinal tract after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination: a report of two cases

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome is a rare gastrointestinal polyposis syndrome with distinctive clinical features and endoscopic findings. Diagnosis can be challenging without suspicion, and the disease carries high mortality due to complications such as infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, and malignancies. This paper presents two cases of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome occurring after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccination. Both cases exhibited typical clinical findings, including hypogeusia, onychodystrophy, alopecia, and weight loss. Typical polyposis in the gastrointestinal tract was confirmed through endoscopies. As symptomatic treatment did not improve the symptoms, corticosteroids were administered, and symptoms and laboratory test results improved immediately. The patients improved upon corticosteroids tapering. These cases illustrate typical presentations of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome and the course of the disease following corticosteroid treatment. Additionally, they suggest the possibility that Cronkhite-Canada syndrome may be triggered by COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.

Clinical Significance of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Acute Unilateral Vestibulopathy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been identified as useful biomarkers for assessing the inflammatory response and for predicting the prognosis of various diseases. This study aimed to determine the clinical significance and effects on prognostic prediction of NLR and PLR in acute unilateral vestibulopathy (AUV).

METHODS

We retrospectively recruited 128 patients who were diagnosed with AUV from July 2016 to April 2021, and compared NLR and PLR values between these patients with AUV and age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. We also analyzed the correlations of various clinical parameters with NLR and PLR.

RESULTS

NLR and PLR in the AUV group were 3.41±2.80 (mean±standard deviation) and 128.86±67.06, respectively, with only NLR being significantly higher than that in the control group (1.55±0.60, p<0.001). The gain asymmetry of the horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) was slightly larger in patients with high NLR (n=52) than in those with normal NLR (n=76) (41.9%±20.2% vs. 33.6%±17.4%, p=0.048). However, the hospitalization period, preceding infection, canal paresis, and absolute horizontal VOR gain did not differ between patients with high and normal NLR and PLR values. The correlation analyses also revealed that none of the clinical parameters were significantly correlated with NLR or PLR. At 3-month follow-up examinations, NLR and PLR did not differ significantly between patients with and without function recovery of the horizontal VOR.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found a high NLR in AUV, suggesting an acute inflammatory status in the vestibular organ. However, the usefulness of NLR and PLR as prognostic markers remains unclear.

Risk of malignancies and chemopreventive effect of statin, metformin, and aspirin in Korean patients with ulcerative colitis: a nationwide population-based study

Background/Aims

We investigated the incidences of overall and site-specific malignancies and chemopreventive effects of statin, metformin, and aspirin in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Methods

We collected data using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment claims database from January 2007 to April 2020.

Results

The overall malignancy risk among the 35,189 ulcerative colitis patients was similar to that of the general population (standardized incidence ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-1.00). In male patients, standardized incidence ratios were high for thyroid cancer and low for stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer. Concurrently, standard incidence ratios were high for liver cancer and central nervous system cancer in female patients. While 122 cases of colorectal cancer occurred in the study patients, the standardized incidence ratio was 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.69-0.99). Treatment for ulcerative colitis was not associated with an increased adjusted hazard ratio, while comorbidities increased it for all malignancies. Treatment for ulcerative colitis was associated with an increased adjusted hazard ratio, while comorbidities did not increase it for colorectal cancer. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, and ulcerative colitis treatment, statins showed a dose-dependent chemopreventive effect for all malignancies (P=0.002), while metformin and aspirin did not show any.

Conclusions

In ulcerative colitis patients, standardized incidence ratios for all malignancies and colorectal cancer did not increase. Adjusted hazard ratios for all malignancies increased with comorbidities and those for colorectal cancer with ulcerative colitis treatment. Statins have a dose-dependent chemopreventive effect for all malignancies.

The Awareness and Experience About Endoscopic Adverse Events Among South Korean Endoscopists

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The number of endoscopic procedures and related adverse events is increasing. We investigated South Korean endoscopists' awareness and experience of endoscopic adverse events.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used Google Forms to conduct an online questionnaire survey among South Korean endoscopists from December 11 to 29, 2020. The survey comprised 30 questions developed by members of the Quality Management Committee of the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

RESULTS

In total, 475 endoscopists participated in the survey. Of these, 454 (95.6%) were board-certified gastroenterologists and 255 (53.7%) had >10 years of endoscopy experience. Most participants had experienced serious adverse events requiring hospitalization (80.4%, 382/475); however, only 100 (21.1%) were aware of programs for the prevention and management of adverse endoscopic events in their affiliated endoscopy centers. Most participants (98.5%, 468/475) agreed with the need for education on medical accidents for healthcare workers. Responses were inconsistent regarding the definition of adverse events formulated by the 2010 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Workshop. Most participants were not aware of the minimal standard terminology (76.6%, 364/475) and had not used it when writing endoscopy reports (88.8%, 422/475). Responses were inconsistent regarding which events to record in endoscopy records.

CONCLUSION

Further discussion on the nationwide adverse-event reporting system and education program for adverse events related to endoscopy is needed to ensure the safety of patients and endoscopists.

Gene expression analysis in recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a preliminary study

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the pathophysiology of recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in young patients using gene expression profiling combined with bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

Total RNA was extracted from the whole blood of four young patients with recurrent BPPV and four controls. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the groups were screened using a microarray analysis based on the cutoff criteria of |log₂ fold change| > 1 and an adjusted p-value of < 0.05. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed using Gene Ontology analysis, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of the Interacting Genes database.

Results

A total of 39 DEGs were detected between the BPPV and control samples, comprising 33 upregulated DEGs and six downregulated DEGs in the BPPV group. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in terms related to metabolic processes and the immune system. Two main pathways were extracted from the PPI network: one was associated with oxidative phosphorylation and stress and the other with the adaptive immune system and extracellular matrix degradation.

Conclusion

The findings of our bioinformatics analysis indicated that oxidative stress or extracellular matrix degradation due to immune-mediated inflammatory responses may contribute to the development of recurrent BPPV in young patients.

Incidence, characteristics, and neuroanatomical substrates of vestibular symptoms in supratentorial stroke

The incidence and characteristics of acute vestibular symptoms, responsible structures, and lateralization of the causative lesions in supratentorial stroke remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the incidence, clinical features, and anatomical correlation of acute vestibular symptoms in supratentorial stroke. We performed a prospective, multicenter, observational study that had recruited patients with supratentorial stroke from the neurology clinics of referral-based four university hospitals in Korea. All patients received a constructed neuro-otological evaluations, and neuroimaging. We analyzed the incidence of acute vestibular symptoms, abnormal ocular motor and vestibular function tests, and stroke lesions. Of 1301 patients with supratentorial stroke, 48 (3.7%) presented with acute vestibular symptoms, and 13 of them (1%) had the vestibular symptoms in isolation. In patients with acute vestibular symptoms, abnormal findings included spontaneous nystagmus (5%), impaired horizontal smooth pursuit (41%), and abnormal tilt of the subjective visual vertical (SVV) (20%). Video head impulse and caloric tests were normal in all the patients. There was no clear correlation between acute vestibular symptoms and involvement of specific vestibular cortex. In patients with unilateral stroke, there was also no lateralization of the causative lesions of acute vestibular symptoms (left vs. right; 52 vs. 48%), even in patients with vertigo (left vs. right; 58 vs. 42%). This study demonstrates that the incidence of acute vestibular symptoms in supratentorial stroke is 3.7%, with being isolated in 1%. The widespread lesions responsible for acute vestibular symptoms implicate diffuse multisensory cortical-subcortical networks in the cerebral hemispheres without a lateralization.

Medical disputes related to advanced endoscopic procedures with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or endoscopic ultrasonography for the management of pancreas and biliary tract diseases

Background/Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-related adverse events (AEs) that eventually lead to medical disputes or claims on medical professional liability.

Methods

Medical disputes for ERCP/EUS-related AEs filed in the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency between April 2012 and August 2020 were evaluated using corresponding medical records. AEs were categorized into three sections: procedure-related, sedation-related, and safety-related AEs.

Results

Among a total of 34 cases, procedure-related AEs were 26 (76.5%; 12 duodenal perforations, seven post-ERCP pancreatitis, five bleedings, 2 perforations combined with post-ERCP pancreatitis); sedation-related AEs were five (14.7%; 4 cardiac arrests, one desaturation), and safety-related AEs were three (8.8%; 1 follow-up loss for stent removal, one asphyxia, 1 fall). Regarding clinical outcomes, 20 (58.8%) were fatal and eventually succumbed to AEs. For the types of medical institutions, 21 cases (61.8%) occurred at tertiary or academic hospitals, and 13 (38.2%) occurred at community hospitals.

Conclusions

The ERCP/EUS-related AEs filed in Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency showed distinct features: duodenal perforation was the most frequent AE, and clinical outcomes were fatal, resulting in at least more than permanent physical impairment.

Sequential orbital apex syndrome following the COVID-19 vaccination: A case report

Background

Many kinds of vaccines have been developed worldwide to bring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to an end. We report a case of recurrent orbital apex syndrome following the first and third doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old woman presented with acute painless diplopia and visual disturbance for two days. She had received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine two weeks before. She showed decreased visual acuity and ophthalmoplegia in the right eye. An orbital magnetic resonance image (MRI) revealed a hyperintense lesion with enhanced bulging in the right cavernous sinus. Following the steroid pulse therapy, she fully recovered. However, six months after the first attack, painful ophthalmoplegia with decreased visual acuity recurred in her left eye after the booster vaccination for COVID-19. MRI also showed a well-enhanced hyperintense lesion in the left orbital apex. Fortunately, her visual acuity and ocular motility returned to normal after the steroid therapy.

Conclusions

Immunologic reactions from COVID-19 vaccines may cause multiple cranial neuropathies. Diverse individual immunologic states should be considered before any kind of vaccine.

[Use of Device-Assisted Enteroscopy in Small Bowel Disease: An Expert Consensus Statement by the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases]

The introduction of device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) in the beginning of the 21st century has revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the small intestine. In contrast to capsule endoscopy, the other main diagnostic modality of small bowel diseases, DAE has the unique advantages of allowing the observation of the region of interest in detail and enabling tissue acquisition and therapeutic intervention. As DAE becomes an essential procedure in daily clinical practice, there is an increasing need for correct guidelines on when and how it is to be performed and what technical factors should be taken into consideration. In response to these needs, the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases has developed an expert consensus statement on the performance of DAE by reviewing current evidence. This expert consensus statement particularly focuses on the indications, choice of insertion route, therapeutic intervention, complications, and relevant technical points.

Korean Guidelines for Postpolypectomy Colonoscopic Surveillance: 2022 revised edition

Colonoscopic polypectomy is effective in decreasing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC). Premalignant polyps discovered during colonoscopy are associated with the risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia. Postpolypectomy surveillance is the most important method for managing advanced metachronous neoplasia. A more efficient and evidence-based guideline for postpolypectomy surveillance is required because of the limited medical resources and concerns regarding colonoscopy complications. In these consensus guidelines, an analytic approach was used to address all reliable evidence to interpret the predictors of CRC or advanced neoplasia during surveillance colonoscopy. The key recommendations state that the high-risk findings for metachronous CRC following polypectomy are as follows: adenoma ≥10 mm in size; 3 to 5 (or more) adenomas; tubulovillous or villous adenoma; adenoma containing high-grade dysplasia; traditional serrated adenoma; sessile serrated lesion containing any grade of dysplasia; serrated polyp of at least 10 mm in size; and 3 to 5 (or more) sessile serrated lesions. More studies are needed to fully comprehend the patients who are most likely to benefit from surveillance colonoscopy and the ideal surveillance interval to prevent metachronous CRC.

Use of device-assisted enteroscopy in small bowel disease: an expert consensus statement by the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases

The introduction of device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) in the beginning of 21st century has revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the small intestine. In contrast to capsule endoscopy, the other main diagnostic modality of the small bowel diseases, DAE has the unique advantages of observing the region of interest in detail and enabling tissue acquisition and therapeutic intervention. As DAE becomes an essential procedure in daily clinical practice, there is an increasing need for correct guidelines on when and how to perform it and what technical factors should be considered. In response to these needs, the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases developed an expert consensus statement on the performance of DAE by reviewing the current evidence. This expert consensus statement particularly focuses on the indications, choice of insertion route, therapeutic intervention, complications, and relevant technical points.

Cerebello-brainstem dominant form of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy with intrafamilial phenotypic variability

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the clinical and radiological characteristics of a cerebello-brainstem dominant form of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD).

Methods

Three affected members from a family with cerebellar ataxia received full neurological, laboratory and radiological examinations. Genetic diagnoses were confirmed using whole-exome sequencing and protein structural modeling.

Results

All affected members presented with slurred speech, ataxia, and spasticity, but showed obvious differences in phenotypic severity and radiological findings. The levels of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) were elevated in each member, while only one had adrenal dysfunction. Genetic analysis identified a hemizygous missense mutation (c.887A&gt;G, p.Tyr296Cys) of the ATP-binding cassette subfamily D member 1 gene (ABCD1) in all affected members, which is likely to destabilize the overall structure of the ABCD1 protein.

Conclusions

We report a cerebello-dominant form of X-ALD caused by a missense variant in ABCD1. This report highlights intrafamilial phenotypic variability in X-ALD.

Korean guidelines for postpolypectomy colonoscopic surveillance: 2022 revised edition

Colonoscopic polypectomy is effective in decreasing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC). Premalignant polyps discovered during colonoscopy are associated with the risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia. Postpolypectomy surveillance is the most important method for the management of advanced metachronous neoplasia. A more efficient and evidence-based guideline for postpolypectomy surveillance is required because of limited medical resources and concerns regarding colonoscopy complications. In these consensus guidelines, an analytic approach was used to address all reliable evidence to interpret the predictors of CRC or advanced neoplasia during surveillance colonoscopy. The key recommendations state that the high-risk findings for metachronous CRC following polypectomy are as follows: (1) adenoma ≥10 mm in size; (2) 3 to 5 (or more) adenomas; (3) tubulovillous or villous adenoma; (4) adenoma containing high-grade dysplasia; (5) traditional serrated adenoma; (6) sessile serrated lesion (SSL) containing any grade of dysplasia; (7) serrated polyp of at least 10 mm in size; and (8) 3 to 5 (or more) SSLs. More studies are needed to fully comprehend the patients most likely to benefit from surveillance colonoscopy and the ideal surveillance interval to prevent metachronous CRC.

[Korean Guidelines for Postpolypectomy Colonoscopic Surveillance: 2022 Revised Edition]

Colonoscopic polypectomy is effective in decreasing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC). Premalignant polyps discovered during colonoscopy are associated with the risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia. Postpolypectomy surveillance is the most important method for managing advanced metachronous neoplasia. A more efficient and evidence-based guideline for postpolypectomy surveillance is required because of the limited medical resources and concerns regarding colonoscopy complications. In these consensus guidelines, an analytic approach was used to address all reliable evidence to interpret the predictors of CRC or advanced neoplasia during surveillance colonoscopy. The key recommendations state that the high-risk findings for metachronous CRC following polypectomy are as follows: 1) adenoma ≥10 mm in size; 2) 3-5 (or more) adenomas; 3) tubulovillous or villous adenoma; 4) adenoma containing high-grade dysplasia; 5) traditional serrated adenoma; 6) sessile serrated lesion (SSL) containing any grade of dysplasia; 7) serrated polyp of at least 10 mm in size; and 8) 3-5 (or more) SSLs. More studies are needed to fully comprehend the patients who are most likely to benefit from surveillance colonoscopy and the ideal surveillance interval to prevent metachronous CRC.

Transcriptional Down-Regulation of Major Histocompatibility Complex as a Possible Pathogenesis for Meniere's Disease

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the underlying pathogenesis of Meniere's disease (MD) using transcriptome analysis.

Methods

Total RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 39 patients with MD and 39 controls. Through microarray analysis for nine patients and controls, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of those two groups were screened based on cut-off criteria (|fold changes| > 2.0 and adjusted p-value < 0.05). The functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed using Gene Ontology (GO).

Results

There were 996 DEGs identified in the MD group: 415 were upregulated and 581 were downregulated. A functional enrichment analysis indicated that the downregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in terms related to immune system processes. Among them, 17 genes were enriched in terms for the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) protein complex, and the relative messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of three markedly downregulated DEGs [fold changes < −5: human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DMA, HLA-DRB1, and HLA-DPB1] were significantly decreased in another 30 patients with MD compared with normal controls by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). However, there were no correlations between the expression levels of these three genes and clinical data, such as age, onset age, time course, or hearing threshold.

Conclusions

Our transcriptome analysis showed that the downregulated DEGs in MD were mainly associated with the immune system pathways including the MHC protein complex in MD. Remarkably, a breakdown in immunological tolerance mediated by MHC class II may contribute to the MD development, which has implications for targeted treatment.

Discordant vestibulo-ocular reflex function according to the frequency and mode of stimulation

This study aimed to determine the incidence, pattern, and etiology of dissociated vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) function according to the stimulus frequency in dizzy patients. We retrospectively evaluated the results of bithermal caloric tests and video-head impulse tests (vHITs) in 1022 patients with dizziness or vertigo between July 2016 and April 2021. Patients were classified into concordant group (normal or abnormal results on both tests) and discordant group (dissociated results between two tests). Of 1022 patients, discordant group had 159 (16%), comprising abnormal horizontal vHITs with normal caloric responses (n = 36, 23%) and abnormal caloric tests with normal horizontal vHITs (n = 123, 77%). The former group showed similar frequency of peripheral (44%) and central (42%) causes, and more common involvement of bilateral horizontal semicircular canals in central than peripheral causes (86.7 vs 37.5%, p = 0.005). The most common peripheral causes were Meniere's disease and chronic vestibular neuritis, while central causes were variable, but mainly affecting the cerebellum. In the latter group, peripheral causes were common (67%), with the main etiologies being Meniere's disease and vestibular neuritis, whereas central causes were found in only 5%. The degree of canal paresis did not differ significantly between patients with central and peripheral causes. Discordant VOR function according to the stimulus frequency was not uncommon in dizzy patients. Specific patterns of VOR dissociation according to the disease etiologies may offer insight into underlying pathophysiology.

Combined Endoscopic and Radiologic Healing Is Associated With a Better Prognosis Than Endoscopic Healing Only in Patients With Crohn's Disease Receiving Anti-TNF Therapy

INTRODUCTION

Although endoscopic healing (EH) is recommended as the therapeutic goal in patients with Crohn's disease (CD), combined EH and radiologic healing (RH) could be a more ideal therapeutic goal considering the transmural nature of CD. We compared the prognosis of patients with CD who achieved EH, RH, both EH and RH (deep healing; DH), or no healing under treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents.

METHODS

We analyzed 392 patients with CD who received anti-TNF treatment for more than 1 year and evaluated with CT enterography or magnetic resonance enterography together with colonoscopy within 3 months between July 2017 and December 2018. Major outcomes (anti-TNF dose intensification, switch to other biologics, CD-related bowel resection, and hospitalization) were compared according to the EH and RH status.

RESULTS

During the follow-up (median 18 months; interquartile range, 15-21), the DH group showed a better rate of major outcome-free survival compared with other groups (P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, elevated C-reactive protein (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.166; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.508-3.110; P < 0.001), EH-only (aHR, 3.903; 95% CI, 1.635-9.315; P = 0.002), RH-only (aHR, 3.843; 95% CI, 1.545-9.558; P = 0.004), and no healing (aHR, 8.844; 95% CI, 4.268-18.323; P < 0.001) were associated with increased risks of major outcomes.

DISCUSSION

Patients with CD who achieved DH under anti-TNF therapy showed a better prognosis compared with those who only achieved EH. The possibility of DH being used as a new therapeutic target for patients with CD should be investigated in further studies.

Vestibular impairments in episodic ataxia type 2

Episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) can present diverse ocular motor abnormalities, but few studies have systematically evaluated vestibular function during the interictal periods. This study aimed to determine vestibular impairments in patients with EA2 during the interictal periods. We recruited 17 patients with genetically confirmed EA2 (10 men, age range  =  16-85 years, median  =  32 years). We systematically evaluated the vestibular function by measuring the semicircular canals (SCCs) function with bithermal caloric tests, rotatory chair test, and video head impulse test (vHIT), and the otolith function with subjective visual vertical (SVV) tilt and variability, and cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs). Patients with EA2 commonly showed abnormal VOR responses at least for one SCC with high-acceleration, high-frequency head impulses (14/16, 88%), and impaired visual-vestibular interaction (7/12, 58%). In response to low acceleration and frequency stimuli, the VOR gains were generally normal. The majority of EA2 patients had impairments in at least one of the otolith function tests (13/16, 81%): SVV tilt or variability (7/14, 50%), oVEMP (8/15, 53%), and cVEMP (4/16, 25%). Vestibular impairments are common in EA2 even during the interictal periods. Selective decrease in the VOR responses during higher acceleration stimuli along with impaired visual-vestibular interaction and otolith function suggests degeneration of the vestibulocerebellum or vestibular nuclei.

Erratum: Hyperventilation-Triggered Vertigo and Nystagmus in Vestibular Paroxysmia

This corrects the article on p. 507 in vol. 16, PMID: 32657077.

Clinical Course of Hepatitis B Viral Infection in Patients Undergoing Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor α Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background/Aims

Little is known about the clinical course of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients undergoing anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to investigate the clinical course of HBV infection and IBD and to analyze liver dysfunction risks in patients undergoing anti-TNF-α therapy.

Methods

This retrospective multinational study involved multiple centers in Korea, China, Taiwan, and Japan. We enrolled IBD patients with chronic or resolved HBV infection, who received anti-TNF-α therapy. The patients’ medical records were reviewed, and data were collected using a web-based case report form.

Results

Overall, 191 patients (77 ulcerative colitis and 114 Crohn’s disease) were included, 28.3% of whom received prophylactic antivirals. During a median follow-up duration of 32.4 months, 7.3% of patients experienced liver dysfunction due to HBV reactivation. Among patients with chronic HBV infection, the proportion experiencing liver dysfunction was significantly higher in the non-prophylaxis group (26% vs 8%, p=0.02). Liver dysfunction occurred in one patient with resolved HBV infection. Antiviral prophylaxis was independently associated with an 84% reduction in liver dysfunction risk in patients with chronic HBV infection (odds ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.04 to 0.66; p=0.01). The clinical course of IBD was not associated with liver dysfunction or the administration of antiviral prophylaxis.

Conclusions

Liver dysfunction due to HBV reactivation can occur in HBV-infected IBD patients treated with anti-TNF-α agents. Careful monitoring is needed in these patients, and antivirals should be administered, especially to those with chronic HBV infection.

Comparison of outcomes of cyclosporine A and infliximab for steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Data comparing the outcomes of cyclosporin A (CsA) and infliximab (IFX) as rescue therapy for steroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis (SR-ASUC) among Asians are scarce.

METHODS

In this single-center study, we retrospectively reviewed 121 patients with SR-ASUC according to the Truelove and Witts' criteria who received CsA or IFX as rescue therapy between 1995 and 2015. The cumulative rates of treatment failure and colectomy at 3 months were compared. Treatment failure was defined as colectomy, switch to other medications, acute flare-up events requiring steroid treatment, or adverse events leading to drug interruption.

RESULTS

Among 121 patients with SR-ASUC (male, 55.6%; median disease duration, 47.1 months; extensive colitis, 61.2%), 23 received CsA as rescue therapy. Baseline characteristics (e.g. age at diagnosis, sex, disease duration, disease extent at rescue therapy, and Mayo score at treatment initiation) were comparable between the two groups. During follow-up (median, 45 months; interquartile range 29.3-61.8), 84 patients (69.4%) experienced treatment failure, and 25 patients (20.7%) underwent colectomy. The CsA group and the IFX group did not show significant differences in the cumulative rates of treatment failure (39.1% vs 34.7%, P = 0.714) and colectomy (26.1% vs 13.3%, P = 0.198) at 3 months. Previous use of azathioprine (odds ratio [OR] = 2.309, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.076-4.951, P = 0.032) was associated with treatment failure at 3 months. Mayo score > 10 at the time of rescue therapy was significantly associated with colectomy at 3 months (OR = 8.444, 95% CI = 2.592-27.506, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Among Korean patients with SR-ASUC, the rates of treatment failure and colectomy at 3 months were not significantly different between the CSA and the IFX treatment groups.

Early Changes in Serum Albumin Predict Clinical and Endoscopic Outcomes in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Starting Anti-TNF Treatment

BACKGROUND

Up to 60% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) ultimately fail anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment. We aimed to investigate early predictive markers of clinical and endoscopic outcomes in patients with UC who were anti-TNF-naïve commencing anti-TNF treatment, with particular focus on changes in albumin and C-reactive protein levels in the first 2 weeks of treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated 210 patients with UC who started infliximab or adalimumab between 2009 and 2016 (male, 62.4%; median age at diagnosis, 37.9 years [interquartile range, 25.5-48.9 years]; median follow-up duration, 3.3 years [1.9-5.0 years]). Logistic and Cox proportional-hazards regressions were performed to identify variables associated with primary nonresponse (PNR), endoscopic outcomes, time-to-colectomy, and anti-TNF failure.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients (19.5%) experienced PNR; week 0/week 2 ratio serum albumin was associated with PNR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.9, per interquartile range increase). Week 0/week 2 ratio albumin was also associated with endoscopic response (aOR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.31-0.82) and endoscopic remission (aOR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.39-0.96) at weeks 8 to 14, time-to-colectomy (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.29-3.49) and time-to-anti-TNF failure (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.22-1.96), regardless of age, disease severity, or in-patient status. Association with time-to-colectomy and anti-TNF failure was externally validated in an independent cohort of inpatients with UC starting infliximab.

CONCLUSIONS

Change in serum albumin within the first 2 weeks of anti-TNF treatment is predictive of PNR, endoscopic outcomes, time-to-colectomy, and anti-TNF failure in patients with UC. Timely access to this biomarker enables early identification of patients with UC at risk of anti-TNF failure and may guide early optimization of anti-TNF treatment to improve disease outcomes.

Comparison of long-term recurrence-free survival between primary surgery and endoscopic resection followed by secondary surgery in T1 colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We aimed to investigate whether endoscopic resection of T1 colorectal cancer (CRC) before surgery (secondary surgery) unfavorably affects long-term recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared with surgery without prior endoscopic resection (primary surgery).

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent radical surgery for T1 CRC with high-risk histologic features at a tertiary referral hospital in Korea between 2011 and 2016. The primary outcome was RFS. We performed 2 types of propensity score (PS) analyses to control for confounders.

RESULTS

Of 852 patients, 388 underwent primary surgery and 464 secondary surgery. During the median follow-up period of 57.0 months (range, 41.0-63.0), cancer recurred in 18 patients (2.1%). The 5-year RFS rates did not differ between the primary and secondary surgery groups (97.0 vs 98.5%, P = .194). Further analyses of RFS rates according to nodal stages and number of high-risk histologic features showed no difference between groups. Moreover, RFS rates were not different between the groups after PS matching. In multivariable Cox proportional regression analysis, baseline serum carcinoembryonic antigen level was an independent risk factor for cancer recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.464; 95% confidence interval, 1.242-1.725; P < .001) but prior endoscopic resection of T1 CRC was not (P = .201). Both PS analyses consistently showed no increase in cancer recurrence risk in the secondary surgery group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed no additional cancer recurrence risk by endoscopic resection before surgery of T1 CRC with high-risk histologic features.

Factors Associated with Clinical Outcomes of Palliative Stenting for Malignant Colonic Obstruction

Background/Aims

Self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) can be applied to relieve colorectal obstruction secondary to incurable primary colorectal cancer or extracolonic malignancy. We aimed to identify factors associated with clinical success and the reintervention-free survival (RFS) after palliative stenting.

Methods

Cases of palliative SEMS placement between 2005 and 2019 were retrieved from the institutional database and reviewed retrospectively. Logistic regression and log-rank testing followed by Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed to investigate the predictors of the clinical success of palliative stenting and factors associated with RFS, respectively.

Results

A total of 593 patients underwent palliative stenting for malignant colonic obstruction (MCO). The technical and clinical success rates were 92.9% and 83.5%, respectively. Peritoneal carcinomatosis was a predictor of clinical failure (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17 to 0.65) in the multivariate analysis. Peritoneal carcinomatosis (hazard ratio [HR], 2.48; 95% CI, 1.69 to 3.64) and stent expansion >90% on day 1 (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.50) were associated with a shorter RFS. Neither clinical success nor RFS was associated with extracolonic malignancy. Re-obstruction, stent migration, and perforation were responsible for most reinterventions after clinically successful palliative stenting.

Conclusions

In patients requiring palliative stenting for MCO, peritoneal carcinomatosis was associated with both clinical failure and short RFS. Stent expansion >90% on postprocedural day 1 was another predictor of a short RFS after clinically successful stenting. A large prospective study is warranted to establish factors associated with RFS after successful palliative stenting for MCO.

Gastric Adenocarcinoma Arising from Heterotopic Pancreas Presenting as Gastric Outlet Obstruction 10 Years after the First Diagnosis

Gastric heterotopic pancreas is a relatively uncommon incidental finding. On the other hand, the presentation of gastric adenocarcinoma arising from a heterotopic pancreas is rare. This paper reports a case of gastric adenocarcinoma arising from a heterotopic pancreas that presented as a gastric outlet obstruction 10 years after the initial diagnosis of a suspicious submucosal tumor. Endoscopy revealed a pyloric stricture with prepyloric wall thickening and a complete gastric outlet obstruction. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography exposed a severely distended gastric lumen at the antrum with heterogeneously enhancing circumferential wall thickening in the prepyloric antrum and pylorus. Because conservative treatment was ineffective and a malignancy could not be excluded, laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with a gastrojejunostomy was performed for histological confirmation and treatment. The histopathology diagnosis was advanced gastric carcinoma arising from heterotopic pancreatic tissue.

Anchoring the snare tip is a feasible endoscopic mucosal resection method for small rectal neuroendocrine tumors

Small rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) can be treated using cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR-C), which requires additional effort to apply a dedicated cap and snare. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a simpler modified endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) technique, so-called anchored snare-tip EMR (ASEMR), for the treatment of small rectal NETs, comparing it with EMR-C. We retrospectively evaluated 45 ASEMR and 41 EMR-C procedures attempted on small suspected or established rectal NETs between July 2015 and May 2020. The mean (SD) lesion size was 5.4 (2.2) mm and 5.2 (1.7) mm in the ASEMR and EMR-C groups, respectively (p = 0.558). The en bloc resection rates of suspected or established rectal NETs were 95.6% (43/45) and 100%, respectively (p = 0.271). The rates of histologic complete resection of rectal NETs were 94.1% (32/34) and 88.2% (30/34), respectively (p = 0.673). The mean procedure time was significantly shorter in the ASEMR group than in the EMR-C group (3.12 [1.97] vs. 4.13 [1.59] min, p = 0.024). Delayed bleeding occurred in 6.7% (3/45) and 2.4% (1/41) of patients, respectively (p = 0.618). In conclusion, ASEMR was less time-consuming than EMR-C, and showed similar efficacy and safety profiles. ASEMR is a feasible treatment option for small rectal NETs.

Case Report: Ménière's Disease-Like Symptoms in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), caused by a microdeletion on the long arm of chromosome 22, is characterized by congenital heart disease, hypoparathyroidism, immunodeficiency, developmental delay, and velopharyngeal insufficiency. Anatomic malformations of the middle and inner ears are frequently present, leading to high prevalence of hearing impairment. We present a first case of 22q11.2DS showing fluctuating hearing loss with recurrent vertigo attacks, resembling Ménière's disease. A 38-year-old male known to have 22q11.2DS developed recurrent vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss in the left ear during a 10-year follow-up period. During vertigo attack, he had spontaneous left-beating nystagmus with downbeat components, but bithermal caloric and video head impulse tests showed normal vestibulo-ocular reflex functions. Sequential pure tone audiograms demonstrated fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in both ears, which finally progressed to permanent hearing loss in the left ear. Computed tomography imaging of the temporal bone exhibited bilaterally malformed lateral semicircular canals, and delayed 3D-FLAIR sequences revealed cochlear endolymphatic hydrops with dilation of the scala media in the left ear. This case shows that acute vertigo with SNHL can be one of the audiovestibular presentations in 22q11.2DS caused by disturbance of endolymphatic flow.

Diagnostic yield of targeted next-generation sequencing in infantile nystagmus syndrome

Background: Infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. Identifying genetic causes of INS would help clinicians to facilitate clinical diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) for INS.Materials and methods: We recruited 37 patients who were referred to the Neuro-ophthalmology clinics for evaluations of INS. NGS was performed using a targeted panel that included 98 candidate genes associated with INS. We identified pathogenic variants according to guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. We also calculated the sensitivity and specificity of each clinical sign to assess the diagnostic yield of our gene panel.Results: After variant filtering, annotation, and interpretation, the potential pathogenic variants were detected in 13 of the 37 patients, achieving a molecular diagnostic rate of 35%. The identified genes were PAX6 (n = 4), FRMD7 (n = 4), GPR143 (n = 2), CACNA1F (n = 1), CNGA3 (n = 1) and GUCY2D (n = 1). In approximately 30% (n = 4) of the patients, the initial clinical diagnosis was revised after a molecular diagnosis was performed. The presence of a family history had the highest predictive power for a molecular diagnosis (sensitivity = 61.5%, specificity = 91.7%), and the sensitivity increased when the family history was considered together with one of two clinical signs such as pendular nystagmus waveforms or anterior segment dysgenesis.Conclusions: Our study shows that targeted NGS can be useful to determine a molecular diagnosis for patients with INS. Targeted NGS also helps to confirm a clinical diagnosis in atypical phenotypes or unresolved cases.

Clinical outcomes and long-term prognosis of perianal Crohn's disease in an Asian population

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The clinical impact of perianal Crohn's disease (CD) (pCD), a well-known poor prognostic factor of CD, has not been fully evaluated in Asian patients. We investigated the outcomes of CD in Korean patients according to the presence of pCD at CD diagnosis.

METHODS

Using 2010-2014 data from the national health insurance claims database, we evaluated the disease course of CD according to the presence of pCD at CD diagnosis. The results were verified in a hospital-based cohort of 2923 patients.

RESULTS

The cumulative risk of intestinal resection was lower in patients with pCD at diagnosis than in those without, in the population-based cohort (9.1% vs 14.7% at 5 years after diagnosis, P < 0.001), but it was similar between the two groups in the hospital-based cohort (36.8% vs 36.8% at 10 years after diagnosis, P = 0.950). Moreover, the cumulative risk of behavioral progression was not significantly different between the two groups in the hospital-based cohort (43.4% vs 41.6% at 10 years after diagnosis, P = 0.366). On multivariable analysis, pCD at CD diagnosis was not a predictor of intestinal resection, behavioral progression, CD-related hospital admission, or diverting surgery; however, it was an independent predictor of proctectomy (hazard ratio [HR] 3.210, P < 0.001) and anorectal cancer (HR 3.104, P = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the presence of pCD increased the risk of proctectomy and anorectal cancer in Asian patients, the clinical impact of pCD on the overall outcomes of patients with CD may be less significant in Asian patients compared with Western patients.

Transient Vestibular Symptoms Preceding Posterior Circulation Stroke: A Prospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The recognition of clinical features of transient vestibular symptoms (TVSs) preceding posterior circulation stroke (PCOS) would be informative to discriminate dizziness/vertigo due to vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attack from the acute transient vestibular syndrome. We sought to determine the prevalence and characteristics of TVSs preceding PCOS.

METHODS

We performed a prospective multicenter observational study that had recruited 447 patients with PCOS from referral-based 4 university hospitals in Korea. We investigated the timing, pattern, frequency, duration, and accompanying neurological symptoms of TVSs during the 3 months preceding PCOS.

RESULTS

The prevalence of TVSs preceding PCOS was 12% (55/447) during the previous 3 months. The TVSs preceding PCOS occurred within 1 week (33%), between 1 week and 1 month (16%), or between 1 and 3 months (51%). The TVSs were mostly dizziness/vertigo with (36%) or without (60%) imbalance, while the remaining 4% had an isolated imbalance. The dizziness/vertigo was spinning in 38% and was aggravated during head position in 45%. The duration of TVSs was mostly a few seconds (55%) or minutes (38%). Approximately 72% of the patients with PCOS had TVSs 1 to 5 times, while 16% had >10 times. Accompanying neurological symptoms, including headache, tinnitus, limb weakness, sensory change, dysarthria, visual field defect, and diplopia, were reported in 11%.

CONCLUSIONS

Preceding TVSs can occur in 12% of PCOS during the previous 3 months. Isolated dizziness/vertigo of unknown cause needs to be considered as a vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attack symptom, especially in patients with vascular risk factors. The characteristics of isolated vestibular symptom in vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attacks is highly variable and atypical compared with other transient ischemic symptoms.

Efficacy and Safety of Biphenyl Dimethyl Dicarboxylate and Ursodeoxycholic Acid Combination in Chronic Hepatitis Related to Metabolic Syndrome Components

Backgrounds/Aims

Steatohepatitis related to metabolic syndrome is a chronic liver disease prevalent in patients not only with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis but also with alcoholic liver disease and chronic viral hepatitis. On the other hand, there is limited data on the effects of hepatotonic agents in these patients. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy of a combined hepatotonic agent in this population.

Methods

Thirty-three adults with chronic hepatitis and one or more components of metabolic syndrome were assigned randomly to receive biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate/ursodeoxycholic acid or a placebo for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the normalization of ALT (≤40 U/L). The secondary outcomes were the change in controlled attenuation parameter, transient elastography, and Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire score.

Results

The 33 patients were assigned randomly to two groups. Eight (50%) of 16 patients who received the intervention drug showed the normalization of ALT, whereas only one (6%) of 17 patients in the placebo group did so. In contrast, the change in controlled attenuation, transient elastography, and Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire were similar in the two groups. ALT was changed significantly during the four assessment periods, and this change was affected by the group. The interaction between the group and time was also significant. AST was changed significantly during the same period. This change was not affected by the group.

Conclusions

Biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate/ursodeoxycholic acid combination reduced ALT in chronic liver disease related to metabolic syndrome. On the other hand, there is no evidence that this leads to improved hepatic steatosis and fibrosis within 6 months.

Cap-assisted Endoscopic Mucosal Resection of Rectal Perineurioma Mimicking a Neuroendocrine Tumor

Colorectal perineuriomas are benign mucosal-based mesenchymal tumors composed of perineurial cells and show serrated or hyperplastic crypts in epithelium on histopathological evaluation. Most perineuriomas are usually presented as sessile polyps and often as subepithelial tumors. In this case, colonoscopy revealed a rectal subepithelial tumor (measuring approximately 7 mm) with yellowish- colored normal mucosa. A rectal neuroendocrine tumor was suspected, and cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection was performed. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed bland spindle cells showing immunopositivity for CD34. The patient was finally diagnosed with rectal perineurioma.

Influence of Severe Vitamin D Deficiency on the Clinical Course of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown vitamin D status to be associated with disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but its influence on the clinical course of IBD has not been established.

AIMS

We aimed to analyze whether the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D] status is associated with clinical characteristics and affects the risk of surgery in patients with IBD.

METHODS

From the IBD registry of the Asan Medical Center, we identified all patients who had at least one 25(OH)D measurement; we then analyzed the association between clinical factors and 25(OH)D status. 25(OH)D was considered borderline deficient, deficient, and severely deficient at levels of < 30, < 20, and < 10 ng/mL, respectively.

RESULTS

We included 711 Crohn's disease (CD) and 764 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who had not undergone surgery before 25(OH)D was measured. Both in CD and in UC patients, reduced 25(OH)D was associated with higher disease activity scores and CRP levels (p < 0.001). Severe 25(OH)D deficiency was associated with ileocolonic disease and complicated behavior in CD (p < 0.05) and was relevant to the disease extent in UC (p < 0.001). Additionally, severe 25(OH)D deficiency was associated with CMV colitis in patients with UC (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, severe deficiency of 25(OH)D was an independent risk factor for surgery in both CD (HR 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38-2.70) and UC (HR 2.77, 95% CI 1.14-6.74).

CONCLUSION

Severe 25(OH)D deficiency may be a marker of a more aggressive clinical course of IBD.

Prevalence and risk factors of bowel symptoms in Korean patients with ulcerative colitis in endoscopic remission: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Many patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical remission frequently complain of bowel symptoms such as increased stool frequency (SF) and rectal bleeding (RB). However, studies on these patient-reported outcomes in patients with inactive UC are limited, especially in Korea. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and risk factors of bowel symptoms in Korean patients with inactive UC.

METHODS

We investigated the prevalence of bowel symptoms in patients with endoscopically quiescent UC between June 1989 and December 2016 using a well-characterized referral center-based cohort. The Mayo clinic score (MCS) was used to evaluate bowel symptoms at the most recent visit near the date of endoscopy. Clinical characteristics of the patients were compared based on the presence or absence of bowel symptoms.

RESULTS

Overall, 741 patients with endoscopically quiescent UC were identified, of whom 222 (30%) and 48 (6.5%) had an SF and RB subscore of ≥ 1, respectively. Patients with bowel symptoms (SF + RB ≥ 1; n = 244 [32.9%]) had higher rates of left-sided colitis (E2) or extensive colitis (E3) than patients without bowel symptoms (SF + RB = 0; n = 497 [67.1%]; P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 1.568; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.023-2.402; P = 0.039) and E2 or E3 (OR 1.411; 95% CI 1.020-1.951; P = 0.038) were the significant risk factors for increased SF.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that one-third of patients with endoscopically quiescent UC reported increased SF. Female sex and disease extent may be associated with bowel symptoms.

Neutrophil-mediated immune response as a possible mechanism of acute unilateral vestibulopathy

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the underlying pathogenesis of acute unilateral vestibulopathy (AUV) using gene expression profiling combined with bioinformatics analysis.

METHODS

Total RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of ten AUV patients in the acute phase and from ten controls. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these two groups were screened using microarray analysis with the cut-off criteria (|fold changes| > 1.5 and p-value < 0.05). Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes) database.

RESULTS

There were 57 DEGs (50 up-regulated and 7 down-regulated) identified in the AUV group. Functional enrichment analysis showed that most of the up-regulated DEGs were significantly enriched in terms related to the neutrophil-mediated immune pathway. From the PPI network, the top ten hub genes were extracted by calculating four topological properties, and most of them were related to the innate immune system, inflammatory processes and vascular disorders. The complete blood count tests showed that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in the 72 AUV patients than in the age-matched controls (2.93±2.25 vs 1.54±0.61, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the neutrophil-mediated immune pathway may contribute to the development of AUV by mediating inflammatory and thrombotic changes in the vestibular organ.

Effect of the Epley Maneuver and Brandt-Daroff Exercise on Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Involving the Posterior Semicircular Canal Cupulolithiasis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic efficacies of the Epley maneuver and Brandt-Daroff (BD) exercise in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo involving the posterior semicircular canal cupulolithiasis (PC-BPPV-cu).

Methods: We conducted a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the Epley maneuver and BD exercise in patients with PC-BPPV-cu. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo the Epley maneuver (n = 29) or BD exercise (n = 33). The primary outcome was an immediate resolution of positional nystagmus within 1 h after a single treatment of each maneuver on the visit day. Secondary outcomes included the resolution of positional nystagmus at 1 week, the change of maximal slow phase velocity (mSPV) of positional nystagmus, and dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) immediately and at 1 week.

Results: Immediate resolution occurred in none of 29 patients in the Epley maneuver group and only 1 of 33 patients in the BD exercise group. The Epley maneuver and BD exercise had an equivalent effect at 1 week in treating PC-BPPV-cu in terms of resolving positional nystagmus (48 vs. 36%, p = 0.436) and the decrease of mSPV and DHI.

Conclusion: Neither the Epley maneuver nor BD exercise has an immediate therapeutic effect in treating PC-BPPV-cu. Clear classification of PC-BPPV should be required at the time of different pathology and different treatment response.

TRPM7 as a Candidate Gene for Vestibular Migraine

Objectives: Vestibular migraine (VM) is a common vestibular disorder, and familial aggregation of VM with autosomal-dominant inheritance has been described, which supports a genetic background. This study aimed to describe the clinical phenotype of a family with VM, and identify a candidate gene for VM.

Methods: We recruited six individuals (four affected and two unaffected) from three consecutive generations of a Korean family with VM, and performed whole-exome sequencing to search for candidate genes.

Results: All affected individuals presented with recurrent vertigo, headache, and nausea/vomiting that fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of VM. Two individuals also experienced transient hemiparesis or dysarthria during the episodes. The symptoms were triggered by physical or emotional stress. Interictal examinations showed uni- or bi-directional horizontal gaze-evoked nystagmus in three of the individuals. They had no causative mutations in genes causing familial hemiplegic migraine or episodic ataxia. Through whole-exome sequencing from three affected individuals, we identified a nonsense mutation c.3526C>T in TRPM7 that encodes a cation channel selective to Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺.

Conclusions: Alterations in intracellular Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ homeostasis by TRPM7 mutation may contribute to the development of the VM phenotype. Our result suggest that TRPM7 is a novel candidate gene for VM.

Cardiogenic vertigo: characteristics and proposed diagnostic criteria

Early identification of cardiogenic vertigo (CV) is necessary to prevent serious complications of cardiovascular diseases. However, the literature is limited to case reports without detailed clinical features or diagnostic criteria. The aim of this study was to define characteristics of CV and propose diagnostic criteria. This study included patients with CV diagnosed at Pusan National University and Keimyung University Hospitals. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were analyzed. Of 72 patients with clinically suspicious CV, 27 were finally included. The age ranged from 63 to 88 years (75.1 ± 7.2 years). Recurrent vertigo occurred without syncopal attacks in 52% [95% CI, 32-71], while it preceded (37% [19-58]) or followed (11% [2-29]) syncope. The patients with recurrent isolated vertigo had suffered from symptoms from 15 days to 5 years until final diagnosis (median 122 days). The vertigo lasted only for a few seconds (93% [76-99]) or a few minutes (7% [1-24]). Fourteen patients presented with spinning vertigo, and one of them showed spontaneous downbeat nystagmus during the attack. Accompanying symptoms including chest discomfort, palpitation, headache, arm twitching, and lightheadedness were found in 70% [50-86]. Between patients with and without syncope, there was no difference in clinical parameters and results of cardiac function tests. The most common cardiac abnormality during the attacks of vertigo was bradyarrhythmia (89% [71-98]). Cardiovascular diseases can develop recurrent isolated vertigo without or preceding syncope. Onset age, duration of vertigo, accompanying symptoms, and underlying cardiac diseases can aid in differentiation from other vestibular disorders. Early identification of CV would reduce morbidity and mortality associated with cardiac syncope.

Association of Faecal Calprotectin Level and Combined Endoscopic and Radiological Healing in Patients With Crohn's Disease Receiving Anti-tumour Necrosis Factor Therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Combined endoscopic and radiological healing, or deep healing, is associated with favourable outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease; thus, a non-invasive biomarker for predicting deep healing would be invaluable. We evaluated the usefulness of faecal calprotectin for predicting deep healing in patients with Crohn's disease receiving anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] therapy.

METHODS

We analysed the records of patients with Crohn's disease who received anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy and underwent endoscopic evaluation, radiological evaluation, and faecal calprotectin measurement within a period of 3 months between August 2017 and November 2018. Results of endoscopic and radiological studies were independently reviewed by two gastrointestinal endoscopists and a gastrointestinal radiologist, respectively. Serum C-reactive protein and albumin were also measured.

RESULTS

Out of 268 patients analysed, 77 [28.7%] had deep healing, 36 [13.4%] had endoscopic healing only, 36 [13.4%] had radiological healing only, and 119 [44.4%] had neither. The median duration of anti-TNF treatment was 40.0 months. The deep healing group had the lowest median faecal calprotectin level [56.5 mg/kg] among the four groups [p <0.001]. The faecal calprotectin cutoff level of 81.1 mg/kg showed a sensitivity of 0.623 and a specificity of 0.817 in predicting deep healing (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.767; 95% confidence interval, 0.702-0.832). Adding serum C-reactive protein and serum albumin to faecal calprotectin further increased the AUROC to 0.805 [95% confidence interval, 0.752-0.858].

CONCLUSIONS

Faecal calprotectin, when combined with serum C-reactive protein and albumin, showed acceptable performance in predicting deep healing in patients with Crohn's disease.

The change in prevalence of suspected non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Korean adolescents from 2001 to 2017

AIM

Data on trends in the prevalence of suspected non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescents are scarce, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the prevalence of suspected NAFLD changed between 2001-2005 and 2015-2017.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2005 to 2015-2017, n = 4448). Suspected NAFLD was defined by an elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level of >26 IU/L in boys and >22 IU/L in girls. In addition, the analysis was repeated using the Korean cut-off levels for ALT of 33 IU/L for boys and 25 IU/L for girls.

RESULTS

The prevalence of suspected NAFLD increased, with a relative increase of 44% from 7.8% (95% CI 6.6-9.2%) in 2001-2005 to 11.2% (95% CI 9.7-12.9%) in 2015-2017 (p = 0.001). This increase was evident in both boys (10.6 vs 14.7%, p = 0.01) and girls (4.6 vs 7.4%, p = 0.02). Increases were also observed in obesity (7.3 vs 10.6%), central obesity (10.0 vs 12.8%) and ALT level (14.9 vs 16.7 IU/L). The prevalence of suspected NAFLD was approximately 40-45% in obese/central obese adolescents in 2015-2017. Using the Korean cut-off levels, the prevalence of suspected NAFLD has increased, with a relative increase of 55%, from 4.6% (95% CI 3.7-5.7%) in 2001-2005 to 7.2% (95% CI 6.1-8.5%) in 2015-2017 (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of suspected NAFLD continues to increase in Korean adolescents.

ABBREVIATIONS

ALT, alanine aminotransferase; BMI, body mass index; KNHANES, Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Tip-in versus conventional endoscopic mucosal resection for flat colorectal neoplasia 10 mm or larger in size

PURPOSE

A modified endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) technique, Tip-in EMR, was recently introduced to enhance the complete resection of colorectal neoplasia (CRN). We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of Tip-in EMR for flat CRNs.

METHODS

From January to September 2018, conventional or Tip-in EMR was consecutively performed for 112 flat CRNs ≥ 10 mm in diameter. Tip-in EMR was performed when en bloc snaring was impossible with conventional EMR or when a lesion was inadequately lifted owing to a previous forceps biopsy. We retrospectively collected the clinical, procedural, and histologic data of the conventional and Tip-in EMR groups and compared the en bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, and complications between the two groups.

RESULTS

Among 112 flat CRNs of 80 patients, conventional EMR and Tip-in EMR were performed for 74 and 38 lesions, respectively. The median lesion size was 12 (10-27) mm. Tip-in EMR was superior to conventional EMR in terms of en bloc resection (94.7% vs. 77.0%, p = 0.018) and histologic complete resection (76.3% vs. 54.1%, p = 0.022). There was no difference in postprocedural bleeding between the two groups; however, overall adverse events, including bleeding and postpolypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome, were more frequent in the Tip-in EMR group.

CONCLUSIONS

Tip-in EMR is a feasible technique for flat colorectal lesions ≥ 10 mm and is superior to conventional EMR with respect to en bloc and complete resection rates. The safety profiles of Tip-in EMR and conventional EMR should be compared via large-scale prospective studies.

Concordance regarding disease type and phenotypic characteristics among patients with familial inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The phenotypic concordance among familial cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been rarely reported. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the concordance regarding disease type and phenotypic features in a large cohort of Korean patients with IBD.

METHODS

A total of 6647 patients with IBD who visited the Asan Medical Center between June 1989 and September 2016 were enrolled in the study. When at least two familial cases existed in our cohort, they were included in the concordance analysis (κ index). The concordance between younger and older members for IBD type [Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)] and phenotypic characteristics such as disease extent and location, disease behavior, the use of medication, and need for surgery were evaluated.

RESULTS

A positive family history of IBD was noted in 216 patients with CD (7.0%) and in 238 patients with UC (6.7%). Of all patients, 167 consanguineous pairs in 146 families were identified. The crude concordance rate for IBD type was 82.6% with a κ index of 0.656 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.545-0.768, good concordance]. There was mild concordance for disease location in CD (κ = 0.256; 95% CI: 0.007-0.505) and for the use of antitumor necrosis factor agents in UC (κ = 0.354; 95% CI: -0.049-0.757). The concordance for IBD type and several phenotypes in first-degree relative pairs was better than that in the entire pairs.

CONCLUSIONS

Disease type and phenotypic characteristics of patients with familial IBD may be anticipated.

Association Between Carotid Ultrasonography Findings and Colorectal Adenoma in Asymptomatic Adults

BACKGROUND

Coexistence of colorectal neoplasia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has been reported. Subclinical atherosclerosis can be evaluated noninvasively and easily by assessing carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaque using ultrasonography.

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the association between carotid ultrasonography findings and colorectal conventional adenoma (AD) in health checkup examinees.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of health checkup examinees ≥ 40 years old who had undergone both carotid ultrasonography and colonoscopies at a single hospital between January 2012 and December 2016.

RESULTS

The median age of 4871 eligible participants was 54 years (range, 40-89). AD was found in 2009 individuals (41.2%), with a mean number of 1.9 ± 1.7 lesions. Abnormal CIMT (≥ 1 mm) and carotid plaque were found in 1366 (28.0%) and 1255 (25.8%) individuals, respectively. AD and high-risk adenoma (HRA) were observed more frequently in those with abnormal CIMT or plaque. Moreover, abnormal CIMT and plaque were independent risk factors for the presence of AD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-1.39, P = 0.006; OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.08-1.43, P = 0.002) and HRA (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.05-1.52, P = 0.034; OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.10-1.65, P = 0.004), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal CIMT and the presence of carotid plaque were significantly associated with AD and HRA, and each was an independent risk factor for AD and HRA. More careful observation might be needed during colonoscopies in individuals with abnormal carotid ultrasonographic findings.