Predictive value of patency capsule and magnetic resonance enterography for capsule endoscopy retention in patients with established Crohn's disease

INTRODUCTION

retention is the most common adverse event of the small bowel capsule endoscopy procedure. Patency capsule (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) and magnetic resonance enterography are two diagnostic methods that can prevent small bowel capsule endoscopy retention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of these two diagnostic methods.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

a prospective, comparative and observational study was performed in patients with established Crohn's disease. All patients had undergone magnetic resonance enterography and patency capsule procedures. If the patency capsule was not retained, the patient underwent a small bowel capsule endoscopy; otherwise, double balloon enteroscopy was performed to locate the stenosis. Magnetic resonance enterography predictive criteria for retention were analyzed in all cases. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the patency capsule and magnetic resonance enterography compared to small bowel capsule endoscopy or double balloon enteroscopy were calculated.

RESULTS

forty patients were included (24 female, 55 ± 13 years old). Retention criteria with capsule endoscopy or double balloon enteroscopy were found in six patients, agreeing in five cases with patency capsule and in three cases with magnetic resonance enterography. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and Kappa coefficient for predicting retention with the patency capsule were 83 %, 100 %, 100 % and 97 %, respectively, and 50 %, 91 %, 50 % and 91 %, respectively, with magnetic resonance enterography.

CONCLUSIONS

patency capsule has a higher sensitivity and positive predictive value than magnetic resonance enterography for preventing small bowel capsule endoscopy retention in Crohn's disease patients.

Assessment of the Role of a Second Evaluation of Capsule Endoscopy Recordings to Improve Diagnostic Yield and Patient Management

INTRODUCTION

The diagnostic yield (DY) of small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) varies considerably according to its indication. Some strategies have been used to increase DY with varying results. The intention of this study was to identify whether evaluation of the SBCE recordings by a second reviewer can increase DY and change patient management.

METHODS

One hundred SBCEs with different indications, already read by an endoscopist were read by a second blinded endoscopist. When the results of the 2 readings were different, the images were discussed by the endoscopists; if no consensus was reached, they took the opinion of a third endoscopist into account. All the participating endoscopists had experience in reading SBCEs (i.e., >50 per year). The SBCE findings were divided into positive (vascular lesions, ulcers, and tumors), equivocal (erosions or red spots), and negative. The interobserver agreement and the increase in DY were assessed as well as the percentage of false-negatives (FNs) in the first evaluation.

RESULTS

The indications for SBCE were small-bowel bleeding (SBB) in 48 cases, Crohn's disease (CD) in 30, and other causes (iron-deficiency anemia, small-bowel tumors, and diarrhea) in 22. There was substantial interobserver agreement between evaluations (κ = 0.79). The findings in the first evaluation were positive in 60%, equivocal in 20% and, negative in 20%. In the second evaluation, 66% were positive, 18% were equivocal, and 16% were negative. The increase in DY with the second reading was 6% (p = 0.380), i.e., 6.3% for SBB, 4.4% for CD and 9.2% for other indications, resulting in a change in management of 4% of the patients. FNs in the first SBCE reading were found in 4% of the SBCEs.

DISCUSSION

A second evaluation of the SBCE recordings identified significant pathology that the first evaluation had missed, resulting in a nonsignificant 6% increase in DY and a change in the management of 4% of the patients.

Safety and efficacy of the patency capsule

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

The patency capsule is an effective diagnostic method for preventing video capsule retention in the small bowel during capsule endoscopy. The most frequently associated complication when using the patency capsule is symptomatic retention. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of patency capsules administered to patients at a tertiary care hospital center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted that included all the patients with confirmed Crohn's disease that were administered a patency capsule, within the time frame of January 2019 and December 2020. PC diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were evaluated, in relation to capsule endoscopy and double-balloon endoscopy findings. Complications associated with the patency capsule were also identified.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were included, in whom the patency capsule had 83% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, and 96% negative predictive value, with a diagnostic yield of 96.7%. There was one complication (3.3%) and it resolved spontaneously.

CONCLUSIONS

The patency capsule is a safe and effective method for reducing video capsule retention during capsule endoscopy in patients with Crohn's disease.

Detection of polyps in the small bowel of patients with acromegaly via capsule endoscopy

BACKGROUND

the prevalence of small bowel (SB) polyps is unknown in acromegaly patients.

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the prevalence of polyps/tumors in SB of acromegaly patients.

MATERIAL

this was a prospective and observational study that compared the prevalence of polyps/tumors using capsule endoscopy with a standard protocol in asymptomatic acromegaly patients and non-acromegaly patients, with abdominal pain, diarrhea or anemia.

RESULTS

one hundred and eighty-three cases were included (61 acromegaly and 122 non-acromegaly). Polyps were found in six (9.8%) and three (2.5%) patients, respectively (RR: 4 [95% CI, 1.03-15.45; p = 0.038]). There were no differences in the tumors (n = 4, 6.6% vs n = 7, 5.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

acromegaly may be associated with more polyps in SB.

Utility of capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation, and the small bowel is one of the main targets in the gastrointestinal tract. Capsule endoscopy is a safe procedure and can be useful in the diagnosis of GvHD. The aim of the present study was to compare the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy with the histopathologic findings in GvHD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective diagnostic test study included all the patients with suspected GvHD that underwent gastroscopy and colonoscopy, with histopathologic evaluation of the biopsies taken, and capsule endoscopy, within the time frame of July 2015 and July 2019. Capsule endoscopy findings were compared with the histopathologic diagnosis, considered the gold standard.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients with GvHD (7 [33%] women; 37 ± 11.9 years of age) were included, 20 (95%) of whom had acute GvHD. The median gastric transit time of the capsule was 55 minutes (20-113) and the median small bowel transit time was 261 minutes (238-434). The entire small bowel was visualized through capsule endoscopy in 17 cases (80.95%). The histopathologic findings and capsule endoscopy findings resulted in the diagnosis of GvHD in 17 and 16 cases, respectively. There was agreement between the histopathologic and capsule endoscopy findings in 18 cases (15 positive and 3 negative). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy were 88%, 75%, 94%, 60%, and 85%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Capsule endoscopy is a safe tool for the diagnosis of GvHD, with high sensitivity and positive predictive value, as well as moderate agreement with histopathologic findings.

Adherence to recommendations for endoscopy practice during COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America: how are we doing it?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Digestive endoscopy is considered a high-risk procedure for COVID-19. Recommendations have been made for its practice during the pandemic. This study was conducted to determine adherence to recommendations for endoscopy practice during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America (LA).

METHODS

A survey was conducted of endoscopists from LA consisting of 43 questions for the evaluation of four items: general and sociodemographic features, and preprocedure, intraprocedure and postprocedure aspects.

RESULTS

A response was obtained from 338 endoscopists (response rate 34.5%) across 15 countries in LA. In preprocedure aspects (hand washing, use of face masks for patients, respiratory triage area, training for the placement/removal of personal protective equipment (PPE) and availability of specific area for the placement/removal of PPE), there was adherence in <75%. Regarding postprocedure aspects, 77% (261/338) had reused PPE, mainly the N95 respirator or higher, and this was with a standardised decontamination procedure only in 32% (108/338) of the time. Postprocedure room decontamination was carried out by 47% on >75% of occasions. In relationship to intraprocedure aspects (knowledge of risk and type of endoscopic procedures, use of PPE, airway management in patients and infrastructure), there was adherence in >75% for all the parameters and 78% of endoscopists only performed emergencies or time-sensitive procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to the recommendations for endoscopy practice during the COVID-19 pandemic is adequate in the intraprocedure aspect. However, it is deficient in the preprocedure and postprocedure aspects.

Comparison in the Diagnostic Yield between "Pillcam SB3" Capsule Endoscopy and "OMOM Smart Capsule 2" in Small Bowel Bleeding: A Randomized Head-to-Head Study

INTRODUCTION

Capsule endoscopy (CE) is the first-line tool for diagnosis of small bowel bleeding. There are some studies that have compared different types of CE. OMOM CE is one of the newest in the market and has not been compared with other types of CE. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield of the Pillcam SB3 and OMOM CE in small bowel bleeding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective, comparative, randomized, and blinded study. Patients with suspected small bowel bleeding were included. All the patients were given both types of CE in random order. Diagnostic yield and functionality between the 2 types of CE were analyzed.

RESULTS

We included 44 patients, 54.5% were female with a median age of 63.5 years. Battery time was significantly longer with SB3 (816.5 vs. 700.5 min, p < 0.001), and the download time was shorter with OMOM (33 vs. 132 min, p < 0.001). Both CEs presented 1 failure. The cause of the bleeding was identified in 39 SB3 (88.6%) and in 34 OMOM CE (77.3%) (p = 0.256). P2 lesions were observed in 32 SB3 (72.7%) and in 29 OMOM CE (65.9%) (p = 0.784). The agreement between both CEs for P2 lesions was moderate (κ = 0.628).

CONCLUSIONS

Pillcam SB3 and OMOM devices are safe procedures and have a similar diagnostic yield. Significant differences were observed in the battery life and download time with both CEs.

Indications for small bowel capsule endoscopy and its safety and diagnostic yield in Mexican patients. Experience at a tertiary care hospital center

INTRODUCTION

Appearing in the year 2000, capsule endoscopy revolutionized the study of the small bowel. It is the gold standard for the study of small bowel bleeding and is considered a safe procedure.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to identify the indications for, diagnostic yield, and safety of capsule endoscopy in Mexican patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A descriptive study was conducted on the first 500 small bowel capsule endoscopies performed at a tertiary care hospital center in Mexico City. Sex, age, type of video camera employed, bowel transit time, referral diagnosis, and capsule endoscopy findings and complications were registered.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 55years (±17.63) and 57.9% of the cases were women. Complete visualization of the small bowel was achieved in 420 capsule endoscopies (84%). Mean bowel transit time was 272.25minutes (±114.86). The most common indications for the procedure were small bowel bleeding (65.2%), search for neoplasia (14.4%), and Crohn's disease (10.2%). The presence of ulcers was the most common finding in small bowel bleeding (24.8%), followed by angioectasias (18.9%). Capsule retention was the only complication and it presented in 11 patients (2.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Capsule endoscopy is a safe and efficacious method for studying the small bowel. The results obtained in Mexican patients were similar to those described in the international literature. The present case series is the largest reported in a Mexican population.

Predictors for finding lesions in the small bowel by enteroscopy after a positive capsule endoscopy

INTRODUCTION

studies have examined the agreement between capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy, with varying results. The aim of this study was to identify factors that predict the visualization of lesions in the small bowel by double-balloon enteroscopy after a positive capsule endoscopy.

METHODS

a retrospective, observational and comparative study was performed that evaluated patients that underwent double-balloon enteroscopy after a positive capsule endoscopy, between January 2017 and August 2019. The data studied included demographics, indications, comorbidities and the results of capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy, which were evaluated by multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

91 patients were included (age 58 ± 16.5 years, 53 female). Sixty-two double-balloon enteroscopy (68.1 %) found the same lesions as capsule endoscopy. Predictive factors for a positive double-balloon enteroscopy were multiple lesions (OR 8.10, 1.50-43.78; p = 0.015) and < 15 days between both studies (OR 5.31, 1.19-23.66; p=0.029). In the subgroup of patients with small bowel bleeding (70 patients), the results of 46 double-balloon enteroscopies (65.7 %) agreed with the capsule endoscopy. Predictive factors in this group were multiple lesions (OR 13.51, 1.78-102.22; p = 0.012), < 15 days between both studies (OR 13.51, 1.78-102.22; p = 0.012), > 60 years of age (OR 7.45, 1.51-36.75; p = 0.014) and ulcers (OR 4.67, 1.08-20.22; p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

predictive factors for a positive double-balloon enteroscopy after a positive capsule endoscopy were multiple lesions and < 15 days between both procedures. In patients with small bowel bleeding, age over 60 years and the presence of ulcers were also predictive factors.

Efficacy and safety of water-exchange enteroscopy compared to carbon dioxide insufflation during enteroscopy

INTRODUCTION

carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation during enteroscopy reduces procedure time and subsequent symptoms and increases the insertion depth compared with room air. In colonoscopy, the water-exchange (WE) technique is associated with less pain compared with CO2 insufflation. The WE technique is not well studied in enteroscopy. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of enteroscopy with WE and CO2.

METHODS

a prospective, comparative and observational study was performed of double balloon enteroscopies (DBE) that were randomized in two groups. The first group used WE while the second group used CO2 insufflation. The data collected was evaluated via univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression (variables with p ≤ 0.10 according to the univariate analysis).

RESULTS

forty-six DBE were included; 23 in each arm. The median age of cases was 63.5 years and 37% were female. There were no statistical differences between the groups with regard to the access route, findings, therapy and complications. Four patients (20%) in the CO2 group had adverse events (abdominal distension and pain) and one in the WE group (nausea), which was not statistically significant. The median insertion depth was greater in the CO2 group; 260 cm vs 160 cm (p = 0.048). Multiple logistic regression showed a statistically significant difference in the insertion depth using CO2 insufflation (OR 1.009, 1.001-1.017; p = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

DBE with a CO2 insufflation technique and WE are safe with a greater insertion depth with CO2.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease after peroral endoscopic myotomy: Short-term, medium-term, and long-term results

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Achalasia is characterized by incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and esophageal aperistalsis. The efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is similar to that of the Heller myotomy, with an apparently greater prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Our aim was to determine the presence of GERD in a post-POEM cohort of Mexican patients with achalasia and follow-up of at least 12 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on post-POEM patients with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up, within the time frame of 2012 to 2017. Pregnant patients were excluded. Serial endoscopy, pH study, and GERDQ application were performed. Univariate and bivariate data analyses were carried out and statistical significance was set at a P<0.05.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients had post-POEM follow-up for 12 months. Of those patients, follow-up continued to 24 months for 58, 36 months for 47, 48 months for 39, and 60 months for 25. Mean patient age was 47.8±14.3 years, 57.3% of the patients were women, 77.9% were treatment-naïve, and 54.4% had type II achalasia. The pH study, endoscopy, and questionnaire were positive in 73, 28, and 18% at 3 months; 48, 35, and 13% at 6 months, and 55, 30, and 15% at 12 months, respectively. Once the proton pump inhibitor was begun, the percentages decreased to 5, 2, and 6% at 24 months; 6, 2, and 8% at 36 months; 4,1, and 6% at 48 months; and 3, 1, and 4% at 60 months, respectively. There was no relation between the efficacy of POEM and the presence or intensity of GERD. There were no secondary complications due to gastroesophageal reflux.

CONCLUSIONS

The post-POEM prevalence of GERD was 50% in the short term (12 months), with no evidence of complications at the medium term or long term (60 months). Gastroesophageal reflux was adequately controlled through proton pump inhibitors administration in over 95% of the cases.

PillCam SB3 vs. PillCam SB2: Can technologic advances in capsule endoscopy improve diagnostic yield in patients with small bowel bleeding?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

The SB3 capsule endoscopy system has better image resolution and the capacity to increase the number of images from 2 to 6 frames per second. Small bowel bleeding is the most common indication. The aim To determine if the advances in capsule endoscopy technology increase diagnostic yield in cases of small bowel bleeding, according to the Saurin classification.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective, observational, analytic, cross-sectional study included 100 SB2 capsule endoscopies and 100 SB3 capsule endoscopies in patients that presented with small bowel bleeding. The findings obtained with both systems were evaluated. The lesions identified by the two capsules were categorized using the Saurin classification. The relation between the lesions identified with the SB3 and those found with the SB2 was identified through a logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In the SB2 capsule endoscopy group, 60% were women, patient age was 59 years (42.2, 73), and intestinal transit time was 271min (182, 353). In the SB3 group, 57% were women, patient age was 60 years (42.5, 73), and intestinal transit time was 277min (182, 352). There were no significant differences in the identification of P0 and P2 lesions between the two systems. The SB3 capsule endoscope identified more P1 lesions (p=0.020, OR: 2.35, 95% CI:1.12-4.90). There was no significant difference in relation to location of the lesions in the small bowel.

CONCLUSIONS

A greater number of P1 lesions were detected through the technologic advances made in SB3 capsule endoscopy, but the diagnostic yield for P2 lesions was not modified.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of achalasia and other esophageal motor disorders: Short-term and medium-term results at a Mexican tertiary care center

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Achalasia is characterized by the absence of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and esophageal aperistalsis. Diagnosis is confirmed through high-resolution esophageal manometry. Laparoscopic myotomy is the standard treatment, but peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a safe and effective alternative, with good short-term and medium-term results. Our aim was to describe the short-term and medium-term experience with POEM at a tertiary care center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted within the time frame of November 2014 and February 2017. Treatment-naïve achalasia patients and previously-treated achalasia patients that were candidates for POEM were included. A protocolized 24-month follow-up was carried out.

RESULTS

Fifty procedures were included and 31 (68%) were performed on women. Forty-one (82%) of the procedures were carried out on previously untreated patients, 7 (14%) were performed on previously treated patients, and 2 (4%) of the patients had redo-POEM. The mean age of the patients was 48.8±14.1 years. The pre-POEM Eckardt score was 9 and the integrated relaxation pressure was 24.4mmHg. Sixty-eight percent of the patients had type ii achalasia. Procedure time was 80min and myotomy length was 12.6cm. Hospital stay was 3 days and subcutaneous emphysema was the most common adverse event (30%). A total of 22/50 (44%) patients reached the 24-month follow-up, maintaining the Eckardt score and the decrease in the integrated relaxation pressure. There were no deaths. A total of 47.5% of the patients had a positive pH-study at 6 months, 15% had clinical reflux, and 35% presented with mild esophagitis. All the patients were adequately controlled with proton pump inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

POEM is safe and effective in the short term and medium term for the treatment of achalasia and other esophageal motor disorders in Mexican patients.

[Per-oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM): A safe and effective treatment for achalasia in geriatric patients]

BACKGROUND

Esophageal achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the esophagus characterized by impair relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and absent of esophageal peristalsis. Per-oral endoscopic myotomy is an alternative treatment to surgical Heller myotomy in patients over 65 years old. The aim of this paper was to describe the results of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) or the treatment of achalasia in geriatric patients.

METHODS

We included patients over 65 years old with POEM, from retrospective cohort review, in which POEM was performed with a standardized technique in our department.

RESULTS

12 patients were included, the procedure was successful in 98% of patients, minor adverse events occurred without mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

POEM is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of achalasia, the results of the study are similar to those reported in the literature.