Gastroduodenitis Associated with Active Ulcerative Colitis Treated with Infliximab: Different Clinical Course in the Colon and Gastroduodenal Lesions

A 29-year-old man with severe ulcerative colitis and gastroduodenitis was initially treated with oral mesalamine and high-dose intravenous steroid therapy; however, his epigastralgia and vomiting did not improve. After initiating infliximab, the patient experienced prompt improvement in symptoms and inflammation. Although steroids were effective for the colon, they proved ineffective for gastroduodenal lesions, highlighting the necessity for molecular-targeted agents, such as infliximab, in these cases. The timing for administering such agents should be carefully considered.

Determination of Optimal Eosinophil Thresholds for Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Gastritis and Duodenitis: A Pooled Analysis of 4 Prospective Studies

INTRODUCTION

Consensus is lacking regarding the number of eosinophils (eos) required for the diagnosis of eosinophilic gastritis (EoG) and eosinophilic duodenitis (EoD). In addition, thresholds that require multiple high-power fields (HPFs) may not be practical for clinical use, resulting in delayed or missed diagnoses. This pooled analysis of 4 prospective studies assessed thresholds for multiple and single HPFs used to diagnose EoG and EoD.

METHODS

Studies included the phase 2 ENIGMA1, the phase 3 ENIGMA2, an EoG/EoD prevalence study and a healthy volunteer study. Eos were quantified in the epithelium and lamina propria for controls and symptomatic participants. Symptomatic participants were further divided by histologic diagnosis of EoG/EoD. Peak eos counts were assessed, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed to identify eos cutoffs for detection of EoG/EoD using the Youden index and sensitivity and specificity equality approaches.

RESULTS

Based on the highest specificity analysis in 740 patients, the optimal eos threshold was determined to be 20 eos/HPF in 5 gastric HPFs for EoG (71% sensitivity and 94% specificity) and 33 eos/HPF in 3 duodenal HPFs for EoD (49% sensitivity and 100% specificity). For single-field analysis, the optimal eos thresholds were 33 eos/HPF (EoG) and 37 eos/HPF (EoD), both corresponding to 93% sensitivity and 93% specificity.

DISCUSSION

Highly specific single gastric and duodenal HPF thresholds may have more clinical applicability than thresholds requiring multiple HPFs and could better facilitate development of practical histopathologic guidelines to aid pathologists and clinicians in the detection and diagnosis of EoG and/or EoD.

Automated analysis of small intestinal lamina propria to distinguish normal, Celiac Disease, and Non-Celiac Duodenitis biopsy images

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Celiac Disease (CD) is characterized by gluten intolerance in genetically predisposed individuals. High disease prevalence, absence of a cure, and low diagnosis rates make this disease a public health problem. The diagnosis of CD predominantly relies on recognizing characteristic mucosal alterations of the small intestine, such as villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia, and intraepithelial lymphocytosis. However, these changes are not entirely specific to CD and overlap with Non-Celiac Duodenitis (NCD) due to various etiologies. We investigated whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) models could assist in distinguishing normal, CD, and NCD (and unaffected individuals) based on the characteristics of small intestinal lamina propria (LP).

METHODS

Our method was developed using a dataset comprising high magnification biopsy images of the duodenal LP compartment of CD patients with different clinical stages of CD, those with NCD, and individuals lacking an intestinal inflammatory disorder (controls). A pre-processing step was used to standardize and enhance the acquired images.

RESULTS

For the normal controls versus CD use case, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) achieved an Accuracy (ACC) of 98.53%. For a second use case, we investigated the ability of the classification algorithm to differentiate between normal controls and NCD. In this use case, the SVM algorithm with linear kernel outperformed all the tested classifiers by achieving 98.55% ACC.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that documents automated differentiation between normal, NCD, and CD biopsy images. These findings are a stepping stone toward automated biopsy image analysis that can significantly benefit patients and healthcare providers.

Environmental enteric dysfunction and small intestinal histomorphology of stunted children in Bangladesh

There is lack of information on the histological characteristics of the intestinal mucosa in Bangladeshi children. Collection of intestinal biopsy samples and assessment of the histomorphological features is considered to be the traditional gold standard for diagnosis of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the intestinal histological characteristics of stunted children aged between 12-18 months with possible EED. 110 children with chronic malnutrition (52 stunted with length-for-age Z score, LAZ<-2 and 58 at risk of stunting with LAZ <-1 to -2) from the Bangladesh Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (BEED) study protocol who underwent upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy were selected for this study. To explore the association of EED with childhood stunting, upper GI endoscopy was done and the biopsy specimens were studied for histopathology. Villous height and crypt depth were measured and the presence and intensity of inflammatory infiltrates in the lamina propria was investigated. Bivariate analysis was performed to examine the relationship between stunting and histologic morphology. More than 90% children irrespective of nutritional status were diagnosed to have chronic non-specific duodenitis on histopathology. Half of the children from both groups had villous atrophy as well as crypt hyperplasia and lymphocytic infiltration was present in more than 90% children, irrespective of groups. However, no statistically significant difference was observed when compared between the groups. The prevalence of chronic non-specific duodenitis in Bangladeshi children, irrespective of nutritional status, was high. A significant number of these children had abnormal findings in intestinal histomorphology. Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02812615 Date of first registration: 24/06/2016. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=NCT02812615&term=&cntry=&state=&city=&dist.

Clinical Profile and Prevalence of H Pylori, Iga-Ttg, and Spectrum of Duodenal Abnormalities in Non Ulcer Dyspepsia

The Rome IV criterion for a diagnosis of NUD is chronic or recurrent epigastric pain within the last 3 months and an onset of symptoms at least 6 months prior to presentation. The term functional Dyspepsia and idiopathic dyspepsia are often used as well. Symptoms include ulcer-like dyspepsia; gastroparetic-like (nausea, early satiety, and post-prandial pain), and undifferentiated. Pathogenesis of NUD is not completely known yet. Several mechanisms have been proposed to be responsible for these symptoms. Although there is strong evidence of an association between H. pylori infection and NUD, Celiac Disease and NUD. Being a tropical country, the prevalence of infections is parasitic cause. Dyspepsia is likely to be more in India. However, the present data from India as scares in literature. Hence the present study was planned to decipher the clinical profile, prevalence of H. pylori, IgA tTG, spectrum of duodenal biopsy abnormalities in NUD patients.

MATERIAL

This Descriptive Observational study was carried out in the Gastro Enterology center in GOI research institute from August 2020 to March 2021. Initially, 200 dyspepsia patients were selected. 50 patients were excluded due to various reasons. Finally, 150 patients who met the Rome 4 criteria for NUD/Functional Dyspepsia were recruited. The inclusion criteria were patients above 18 years of age, dyspepsia for &gt;/- 6 months, and no evidence of underlying malignancy, pan gastritis, previous gastric ulcers, and pancreatitis. The patients underwent routine blood investigations like haemogram and biochemistry, Rapid Urease Test (RUT), Upper Gastro-Intestinal Endoscopy, Duodenal Biopsy, and Serum IgA-tTG antibody.

OBSERVATION

The mean age was 46.3 yrs. +/- 14.12 yrs, of which 49.3% were females and 50.70% were males. The prevalence of Epigastric Pain Syndrome (EPS) was found in 37.3%, Post Prandial Distress Syndrome (PDS) in 30.7%, and 32% had both EPS+PDS. 38% of the NUD patients were positive on Rapid Urease Test (RUT) suggesting H. pylori infection. 88.7% of NUD patients were IgA-tTG antibody negative and 11.3% serologically positive. The Duodenal biopsy was normal in 48% of patients, 21.3% had mild inflammation/duodenitis, 8% chronic duodenitis and 22.7% had various grades of Celiac Disease (as per Marsh Grading). These 22.7% showing evidence of Celiac Disease on histopathological examination showed Marsh Grade 1 in 12.7%, Grade-2 in 2%, Grade 3A in 6.7%, and Grade 3B in 1.3%. Only 17.6% of biopsy positive had IgA-tTG antibody positivity but only 4% of total cases were positive for both biopsy and IgA-tTG antibody (p-value 0.05). Eosinophilic infiltration in duodenum common in NUD patients. It was observed that 17.33% (26/150) NUD patients had duodenal eosinophilia. Further, look for the association of duodenal eosinophilia with various diseases. 33.33% (19/57) H. pylori patients had duodenal eosinophilia with p-value &lt; 0.001. It was also observed that 7.52% (7/93) others like normal individual, Chronic duodenitis, mild inflammation/ duodenitis had Duodenal eosinophilia.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of H. pylori and IgA-tTG antibodies in non-ulcer dyspepsia patients was 38% and 11.3% respectively. The spectrum of Duodenum biopsy abnormalities in NUD patients included mild inflammation/ duodenitis, Chronic duodenitis, and Celiac Disease. 22.7% of NUD patients had various degrees of celiac disease morphology on D2 biopsy and only 17.6% of these biopsy positive patients were positive for IgA-tTG. Only 4% of total NUD patients were positive for both biopsy and IgA-tTG antibody labeled as Celiac Disease (CeD). There is a significant association between H. pylori and duodenal eosinophilia.

Quantification of Mucosal Eosinophils for the Histopathologic Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Gastritis and Duodenitis: A Primer for Practicing Pathologists

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases, specifically eosinophilic gastritis and duodenitis, are chronic inflammatory conditions characterized by persistent gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and elevated levels of activated eosinophils in the GI tract. Both clinical and endoscopic findings are nonspecific, no clinical or histopathologic diagnostic guidelines are published, and disease awareness is low, both among clinicians and amongst pathologists, who tend to overlook mild or moderate increases in the density of eosinophils in GI biopsy specimens. Yet, evaluating and, at times, counting eosinophils in GI biopsies may have important clinical implications: the numbers of tissue eosinophils correlate with clinical manifestations, can be used as determinants of effective management, and are used to assess the effects of treatment. A most persuasive argument for providing a count rather than a value judgment is that patients read reports, understand numbers, and use them to help to understand the course of their disease. The objective of this primer is to provide pathologists with the tools to incorporate a quantitative assessment of eosinophilia in the diagnosis of gastric and duodenal biopsy specimens and to develop a systematic approach to their evaluation, counting, and reporting. To achieve this aim, we present our general approach to the biopsy (where to count), followed by details on the characteristics of a countable eosinophil (what to count), and provide with a set of suggestions on the counting methods (how to count). We conclude with suggestions on how to report GI tissue eosinophilia in a manner that alerts clinicians and prompts pertinent management steps.

CLINICAL, ENDOSCOPIC, AND HISTOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE ARMENIAN CHILDREN WITH RECURRENT ABDOMINAL PAIN AND/OR DYSPEPSIA

Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and dyspepsia are common complaints in children. These symptoms are often associated with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection. The aim of the present study was to prospectively analyze clinical, endoscopic, and histological characteristics of Hp+ and Hp- children with RAP and/or dyspepsia. Patients aged 2-18 years with RAP and/or dyspepsia, referred for an upper endoscopy to Arabkir Medical Center - Institute of Child and Adolescent Health (Arabkir MC-ICAH) from November 2015 to December 2017, were involved in the study. Histology was assessed according to the updated Sydney system. Gastric and duodenal specimens were stained by modified Giemsa staining for Hp infection. One antral biopsy was cultured in Hp selective media. 150 patients were included into the study: 70.7% Hp+, 29.3% Hp-. Nausea and vomiting were significantly more common in Hp+ patients (p<0.05). Gastric nodularity (p=0.02), erosions in the stomach (p=0.056), and duodenal erosions (p=0.019) were more common in Hp+. Chronic active (p=0.027) and non-active gastritis (p=0.002), cumulative findings of metaplasia/dysplasia/atrophy in the stomach (p=0.014) and chronic non-active duodenitis (p=0.016), were significantly more common in Hp+ patients. Hp infection prevalence is high in Armenian children with dyspepsia and/or RAP. Clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings, and histopathological findings were significantly different in Hp+ patients as compared to Hp- patients.

Pattern-based approach to duodenitis and duodenopathy

Duodenum is currently the most popular site to obtain samples of intestinal mucosa for recognition of a disorder leading to malabsorption. Although there are significant overlaps between histological findings described in various non-neoplastic diseases of the duodenum, recognition of one of the six basic morphologic patterns, namely coeliac disease-like pattern, active chronic duodenitis, acute GvHD-like pattern, enteritis with predominant eosinophilic infiltration, enteritis with predominant infiltration by macrophages, and non-inflammatory enteropathy, usually allows diagnostic separation, especially if subtle histological details, clinical setting and serological investigation are taken into account.

Endoscopic findings unrelated to portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing a varicose vein screening programme

AIM

To determine the prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated with portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study including a consecutive cohort of patients with liver cirrhosis enrolled in a screening program of oesophageal varices who underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from November, 2013, to November, 2018. Clinical predictors of endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 379 patients were included. The most frequent aetiology of liver disease was alcohol consumption (60.4%). The prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated with portal hypertension was 39.6% (n=150). Among 96 patients with peptic lesions, urease was obtained in 56.2% of patients (positive in 44.4% of them). The prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension was not associated with age, gender, liver function or ultrasound findings of portal hypertension. The prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension was not associated with age, gender, liver function or ultrasound findings of portal hypertension. Smokers had a trend to increased prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension (43.2% vs. 34.6%; p=0.09), particularly peptic ulcer (6.4% vs. 0.6%; p=0.05) and peptic duodenitis (17.3% vs. 6.3%; p=0.002). Active smoking was the only independent predictor of peptic ulcer or duodenitis (OR=2.56; p=0.017).

CONCLUSION

Active smoking is a risk factor for endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension. This finding should be further investigated to reassess endoscopic screening programs in cirrhotic smokers.

Upper Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Although the features of lower gastrointestinal tract inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease are generally familiar to pathologists, there is less awareness of and familiarity with the manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Nonetheless, their diagnosis has therapeutic and possibly prognostic implications, potentially foretelling severe complications. The recognition that ulcerative colitis can affect gastrointestinal organs proximal to the large intestine and terminal ileum represents a revision of concepts ingrained among generations of physicians. This article reviews the pathologic features and clinical significance of esophagitis, gastritis, and duodenitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Distribution of duodenal tuft cells is altered in pediatric patients with acute and chronic enteropathy

Clinical interest into the function of tuft cells in human intestine has increased in recent years. However, no quantitative study has examined intestinal tuft cells in pathological specimens from patients. This study quantified tuft cell density by using a recently identified marker, specific for tyrosine phosphorylation (pY1798) of girdin (also known as CCDC88A or GIV) in the duodenum of pediatric patients. Deidentified sections with pathological diagnosis of acute duodenitis, ulcer, or celiac disease, and age-matched normal control were analyzed under double-blind conditions. Immunostaining for pY1798-girdin demonstrated the distinct shape of tuft cells with and filopodia-like basolateral membrane structure and a small apical area, which densely expressed gamma-actin. As compared to normal tissues, the specimens diagnosed as celiac disease and duodenal ulcer had significantly fewer tuft cell numbers. In contrast, acute duodenitis showed varied population of tuft cells. The mucosa with severe inflammation showed lower tuft cell numbers than the specimens with none to mild inflammation. These results suggest that loss of tuft cells may be involved in prolonged inflammation in the duodenal mucosa and disrupted mucosal integrity. pY1798-girdin and gamma-actin are useful markers for investigating the distribution and morphologies of human intestinal tuft cells under healthy and pathological conditions.

Upper gastrointestinal tract involvement of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: A pathological review

Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract involvement of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is commonly seen in pediatric patients. Upper endoscopy is included in the routine workup of children with suspected IBD to enhance the diagnosis and management of these patients. Currently, childhood IBD is classified into ulcerative colitis (UC), atypical UC, Crohn’s disease (CD) and IBD unclassified. Histologic confirmation of UGI tract involvement, in particular the presence of epithelioid (non-caseating) granulomas, is helpful in confirming the diagnosis of IBD and its classification. Herein, we reviewed selected IBD-associated UGI tract manifestations in children. Lymphocytic esophagitis, seen predominantly in CD, is histologically characterized by increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (> 20 in one high-power field) in a background of mucosal injury with absence of granulocytes. Focally enhanced gastritis is a form of gastric inflammation in pediatric IBD marked by a focal lymphohistiocytic pit inflammation with or without granulocytes and plasma cells in a relatively normal background gastric mucosa. Duodenal inflammation seen in children with IBD includes cryptitis, villous flattening, increased intraepithelial lymphocytes, and lamina propria eosinophilia. Finally, epithelioid granulomas not associated with ruptured gland/crypt are a diagnostic feature of CD. The clinicopathologic correlation and differential diagnosis of each microscopic finding are discussed. Clinicians and pathologists should be cognizant of the utility and limitations of these histologic features.

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRONIC GASTRODUODENITIS IN ADOLESCENTS WITH FOOD HYPERSENSITIVITY

The aim of our work was to evaluate the morphological features of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum in children with chronic diseases of the gastroduodenal zone on the background of food hypersensitivity. Morphological study was conducted for 50 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years who were in inpatient treatment in the gastroenterology department. In order to verify the diagnosis, all children were checked by fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy of the upper digestive tract with biopsy of the mucous membrane of the stomach antrum and the descending part of the duodenum. Bioptates were stained by hematoxylin-eosin, Van Gieson and performed on light microscope. The results of the research of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum show that adolescents with chronic gastroduodenitis and food hypersensitivity have 17 times higher risk of developing atrophy of duodenal mucous membrane, 11 times higher frequency of eosinophilic infiltration and 3 times higher incidence of mucous membrane fibrosis in the duodenum.

Identification of distinctive clinical significance in hospitalized patients with endoscopic duodenal mucosal lesions

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Duodenitis is not infrequent finding in patient undergoing endoscopy. However, hospitalized patients have a higher incidence of secondary duodenal mucosal lesions that might be related with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, tuberculosis, immunologic disorders, or other rare infections. We aimed to identify clinicopathologic features of duodenal mucosal lesions in hospitalized patients.

METHODS

All hospitalized patients having duodenal mucosal lesions were identified by endoscopic registration data and pathologic data query from 2011 to 2014. The diagnostic index was designed to be sensitive; however, a detailed review of medical record and endoscopic findings was undertaken to improve specificity. Secondary duodenal lesion was defined as having specific reason to explain the duodenal lesion.

RESULTS

Among 6,334 hospitalized patients have undergone upper endoscopy, endoscopic duodenal mucosal lesions was detected in 475 patients. Secondary duodenal lesions was 21 patients (4.4%) and the most frequent secondary cause was IBD (n = 7). The mean age of secondary group was significantly lower than that in primary group (42.3 ± 18.9 years vs. 58.5 ± 16.8 years, p = 0.00), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were less frequently used in secondary group, but there was no differences of gender or presence of Helicobacter pylori. The involvement of distal part of duodenum including postbulbitis or panduodenitis was more frequently detected in secondary group than in primary group. By multivariate regression analysis, younger age of 29 years and the disease extent were significant predictors for the secondary mucosal lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Secondary duodenal mucosal lesions with different pathophysiology, such as IBD or CMV infection, are rare. Disease extent and age seems the most distinctive feature of secondary duodenal mucosal lesions.

Diffuse nodular duodenitis in a woman presenting with dyspepsia and weight loss

Duodenal nodularity is an uncommon endoscopic finding charac-trized by numerous visible mucosal nodules in the duodenum. It is important to consider giardiasis in patients with symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss and abdominal distension. It is also important to remind giardiasis in patients with duodenal nodularity.

The coeliac stomach: gastritis in patients with coeliac disease

BACKGROUND

Lymphocytic gastritis (LG) is an uncommon entity with varying symptoms and endoscopic appearances. This condition, as well as two forms of H. pylori-negative gastritis [chronic active gastritis (CAG) and chronic inactive gastritis (CIG)], appears to be more common in patients with coeliac disease (CD) based on single-centred studies.

AIM

To compare the prevalence of LG, CAG and CIG among those with normal duodenal histology (or nonspecific duodenitis) and those with CD, as defined by villous atrophy (Marsh 3).

METHODS

We analysed all concurrent gastric and duodenal biopsy specimens submitted to a national pathology laboratory during a 6-year period. We performed multiple logistic regression to identify independent predictors of each gastritis subtype.

RESULTS

Among patients who underwent concurrent gastric and duodenal biopsy (n = 287,503), the mean age was 52 and the majority (67%) were female. Compared to patients with normal duodenal histology, LG was more common in partial villous atrophy (OR: 37.66; 95% CI: 30.16-47.03), and subtotal/total villous atrophy (OR: 78.57; 95% CI: 65.37-94.44). CD was also more common in CAG (OR for partial villous atrophy 1.93; 95% CI: 1.49-2.51, OR for subtotal/total villous atrophy 2.42; 95% CI: 1.90-3.09) and was similarly associated with CIG (OR for partial villous atrophy 2.04; 95% CI: 1.76-2.35, OR for subtotal/total villous atrophy 2.96; 95% CI: 2.60-3.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Lymphocytic gastritis is strongly associated with coeliac disease, with increasing prevalence correlating with more advanced villous atrophy. Chronic active gastritis and chronic inactive gastritis are also significantly associated with coeliac disease. Future research should measure the natural history of these conditions after treatment with a gluten-free diet.

[Ulcerated duodenitis revealing Henoch-Schönlein purpura]

Inflammation and duodenal ulcers can meet many etiologies. We report the case of a young adult with an ulcerated duodenitis revealing Henoch-Schönlein purpura. The abdominal symptoms preceded the emergence of the classical cutaneous signs of the disease.

[DISSEMINATION BY H. PYLORI IN PATIENTS, SUFFERING VARIOUS FORMS OF CHOLECYSTITIS]

Comparative analysis of dissemination by H. pylori of the bile portions in patients of a control group, suffering an acute calculous cholecystitis (ACCH), was performed. Dissemination of H. pylori in a control group was significantly less, than in a bile portions of patients, suffering ACCH. While analyzing the rate and degree of dissemination by H. pylori of the gastic and gallbladder mucosa biopsies of patients, suffering chronic non-calculous cholecystitis, associated with duodenogastric reflux and gastroduodenitis, bacteria were revealed trustworthy more often and in more number, than in a gallbladder mucosa in patients, suffering ACCH.

[THE CORRECTION OF TROPHIC DISORDERS IN CHILDREN OF CHRONIC GASTRODUODENITIS WITH METHOD LOW-FREQUENCY LIGHT-MAGNETOTHERAPY]

The results of a survey of school children with chronic gastroduodenitis when applying at an early period the medical rehabilitation with method low-frequency light-magnetotherapy. During treatment of hospital was evaluated vegetative-trophic status with methods of cardiointervalography and thermovision functional tests. In normalizes clinical parameters was correction in dynamics of the vegetative status in children, it confirms the effectiveness of the therapy. It is proved, that the use of low-frequency light-magnetotherapy has a positive effect on the vegetative--trophic provision an organism and normalizes the vegetative dysfunction.

[The clinical significance of evaluation of the inflammatory infiltrate in chronic gastroduodenitis in children]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the diagnostic value of the determination of leukocyte composition of inflammatory infiltrate in chronic gastroduodenite in childhood.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We examined 103 patients aged 8-17 with chronic gastroduodenitis associated with Helicobacter pylori. To detect Hp and Epstein-Barr viral infections we used esophagogastroduodenoscopy, quick urease test, bacterioscopy of gastrobiopsies. We performed the analysis of the cellular composition of the inflammatory infiltrate.

RESULTS

It was found that the number of lymphocytes and neutrophils located in the lamina and intraepithelial increases, which is associated with the degree of inflammation. Increased to the maximum was the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes, both in the body, and in the antrum. Intensity of leukocyte infiltration is directly correlated with the increased prevalence of inflammation. Persistence of Epstein-Barr virus (35.9% of patients) is followed by more severe intraepithelial lymphocytic infiltration in the stomach. In 4-6 months after treatment 18 patients with severe gastritis were repeatedly studied for the inflammatory infiltrate. A significant decrease in the number of intraepithelial neutrophils was found.

CONCLUSION

Cellular composition of the infiltrate is an objective characteristic of chronic inflammation in the gastric mucosa. Persistence of Epstein-Barr virus is accompanied by an increase in the amount of intraepithelial lymphocytes and neutrophils.

[Features of mucosal lesions of stomach and duodenum in children with chronic gastroduodenitis with different microflora content]

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to reveale the features of histological mucosa with different composition of the microflora of stomach and duodenum in children with chronic gastroduodenitis.

METHODS

The study included 122 children with chronic gastroduodenitis from 5 to 17 years old. All patients underwent endoscopy with histology of biopsy specimens of gastric and duodenal mucosa in 94 patients and in 48 patients among them with morphometry of biological material. Identification of herpes simplex virus 1, 2 types, cytomegalovirus, human papilloma virus 16, 18 types, Helicobacterpylori was carried out using polymerase chain reaction in biopsies of gastroduodenal mucosa and gastric juice.

RESULTS

Children with chronic gastroduodenitis depending on the identified microorganisms were divided into groups: 1st (n = 51)--without detectable microorganisms, 2nd (n = 28)--with associations of H. pylori and viruses, 3rd (n = 15)--only with viruses, 4th (n = 28)--with H. pylori. Thus, in patients with H. pylori inflammation was noted mainly in the antral mucosa and dystrophic changes--in the duodenal mucosa. In the presence of viruses the inflammation was expressed more in the fundal stomach and duodenum. When viral-bacterial associations were observed most pronounced inflammatory-dystrophic process was localized throughout the gastroduodenal mucosa.

CONCLUSION

In children with chronic gastroduodenitis in the presence of bacterial, viral and mixed microflora in the stomach and duodenum identified characteristic histological features of the mucosa, manifested in a different localization and severity of inflammatory and dystrophic changes.

Severe diffuse duodenitis successfully treated with intravenous tacrolimus after colectomy for ulcerative colitis

We encountered a rare case of severe diffuse duodenitis associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). A 23-year-old man underwent total proctocolectomy with ileal J-pouch anal anastomosis for UC. He suffered from severe abdominal pain, fever and bloody diarrhea for six months after the surgery. Upper double-balloon enteroscopy disclosed severe diffuse duodenitis, of which the findings were endoscopically and histologically similar to those of colonic lesions of UC. Although the administration of prednisolone was ineffective, treatment with intravenous tacrolimus markedly improved the clinical findings. This is the first report of the successful treatment of severe UC-associated diffuse duodenitis with intravenous tacrolimus.

[Polymorphism of helicobacter pylori and the presence of genes babA2 and sabA and endoscopic and histopathological changes in patients infected with Heicobacter pylori]

The infection of Helicobacter pylori is the main reason of a duodenal and gastric ulcer disease. Among other virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori, there are outer membrane proteins (OMPs), such as babA2 and sabA.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

An assessment of a relationship between the presence of genes babA2 and sabA and endoscopic and histopathologic changes during gastritis, duodenitis and an ulcer disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We included 119 patients aged from 3 to 17 (average 13.6) with gastritis and duodenitis and the infection of Helicobacter pylori. The endoscopy was conducted with taking samples of the mucosa for the histopathologic and genetic examination. The degree of endoscopic and histopatologic changes were determined according to Sydney's classification. The patients were devided in the extra groups with a small level (without erosion) and with a large level (with erosion) of endoscopic changes. To identify the infection of Helicobacter pylori, the PCR technique was used and then the presence of the babA2 and sabA genes of Helicobacter pylori was verified. The genetic confirmation of Helicobacter pylori infection was obtained in 88 patients and material was directed to the further examination.

RESULTS

Not statistically significant differences were determined between endoscopic and histopathologic pictures and either the presence or absence of the genes babA2 and sabA.

CONCLUSION

The presence of the genes babA2 and sabA is not related with level of endoscopic and histopathologic changes in pediatrics patients.

Diversity of Helicobacter pylori genotypes in Iranian patients with different gastroduodenal disorders

AIM: To investigate the diversity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) genotypes and correlations with disease outcomes in an Iranian population with different gastroduodenal disorders.

METHODS: Isolates of H. pylori from patients with different gastroduodenal disorders were analyzed after culture and identification by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Genomic DNA was extracted with the QIAamp DNA mini kit (Qiagen, Germany). After DNA extraction, genotyping was done for cagA, vacA (s and m regions), iceA (iceA₁, iceA₂) and babA with specific primers for each allele using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All patients’ pathologic and clinical data and their relation with known genotypes were analyzed by using SPSS version 19.0 software. χ² test and Fisher’s exact test were used to assess relationships between categorical variables. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS: A total of 71 isolates from 177 patients with different gastroduodenal disorders were obtained. Based on analysis of the cagA gene (positive or negative), vacA s-region (s₁ or s₂), vacA m-region (m₁ or m₂), iceA allelic type (iceA₁ and iceA₂) and babA gene (positive or negative), twenty different genotypic combinations were recognized. The prevalence of cagA, vacA s₁, vacA s₂, vacA m₁, vacA m₂, iceA₁, iceA₂, iceA₁+iceA₂ and babA were 62%, 78.9%, 19.7%, 21.1%, 78.9%, 15.5%, 22.5%, 40.8% and 95.8%, respectively. Interestingly, evaluation of PCR results for cagA in 6 patients showed simultaneous existence of cagA variants according to their size diversities that proposed mixed infection in these patients. The most prevalent genotype in cagA-positive isolates was cagA⁺/vacAs₁m₂/iceA₁+A₂/babA+ and in cagA-negative isolates was cagA^-/vacAs₁m₂/iceA-/babA+. There were no relationships between the studied genes and histopathological findings (H. pylori density, neutrophil activity, lymphoid aggregation in lamina propria and glandular atrophy). The strains which carry cagA, vacAs₁/m₁, iceA₂ and babA genes showed significant associations with severe active chronic gastritis (P = 0.011, 0.025, 0.020 and 0.031, respectively). The vacAs₁ genotype had significant correlation with the presence of the cagA gene (P = 0.013). Also, babA genotype showed associations with cagA (P = 0.024). In the combined genotypes, only cagA⁺/vacAs₁m₁/iceA₂/babA+ genotype showed correlation with severe active chronic gastritis (P = 0.025).

CONCLUSION: This genotyping panel can be a useful tool for detection of virulent H. pylori isolates and can provide valuable guidance for prediction of the clinical outcomes.

[The microbiocenosis of upper parts of digestive tract of children with gastroesophageal reflux disease and chronic gastroduodenitis]

The article considers the microbe specter of mucous coat of esophagus and stomach in children with gastro esophageal reflux disease and chronic gastroduodenitis. In patients with diseases of upper parts of digestive tract, the opportunistic pathogenic bacteria are isolated more often and their strains have aggression factors and cytotoxicity. In children with reflux disease the microbe landscape of esophagus is larger both in numerical and specific respect as compared to healthy adolescents and children with isolated gastroduodenitis.

[Endoscopic treatment of hemorrhages in patients with ulcerative lesions of the gut]

The issues of endoscopic treatment of gastroduodenal hemorrhage, including that, occurring in the injured persons with polytrauma, were analyzed. There was shown, that endoscopic hemostasis must be considered the method of choice in diagnosis and treatment of an acute hemorrhage of the erosive-ulcer genesis. The efficacy of endoscopic hemostasis significantly depends on its timely performance, the surgeon training and experience, an adequate choice of the method in a special clinical situation.

[Defects of neutrophil function in chronic gastroduodenitis in children]

At present, chronic gastroduodenitis (CGD) occupies one ofthe leading places in the structure of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in children. In the etiology of CGD, along with the leading pathogenic Helicobacterpylori (HP), the role of the fungal flora increased. The aim of the work was to evaluate the functional activity of neutrophils in children with the CGD, associated with HP and Candida albicans. Among 110 children in the age from 7 to 17 years with chronic gastroduodenitis, associated with Helicobacter pylory(HP), as well as the association of HP with Candida albicans and the markers of secondary immune insufficiency, a study of the phagocytic activity and immune phenotype of neutrophils by flow cytofluorimetry was conducted. Differentiated peculiarities of the phagocytic activity of neutrophils in association with bacterial pathogens (HP) and fungal flora were identified. The transformation of the immune phenotype was combined with a significant depression of the phagocytic and microbicidal functions, more pronounced with the association of HP and Candida albicans. Circulating mannano protein antigen of Candida albicans influenced on the surface of phenotype of neutrophils, increasing the expression of protopathic and HLADR-receptors, and decreasing the expression of adhesion receptors and cytolysis. Thus, in case of chronic gastroduodenitis in children, there was a considerable transformation of the phenotype of neutrophil with differentiated characteristics at the association with bacterial (HP) pathogens and fungal flora. The obtained data should be taken into account when carrying out medical activities, and the doctors should include in the composition of complex therapy of CGD, associated with Candida albicans, drugs, aimed at immunocorrection of the identified violations

Necrotizing duodenitis caused by Clostridium perfringens type A in a Japanese young man

A 21-year-old Japanese man with a history of marked body weight loss over a short period of time died of necrotizing duodenitis caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) type A. C. perfringens type A is considered to usually cause self-limiting gastroenteritis. Necrotizing enteritis sometimes occurs due to C. perfringens in developing countries; however, it is primarily caused by the type C strain and its site of onset is typically the jejunum or ileum. This is a rare case of necrotizing duodenitis caused by C. perfringens type A in a Japanese young man. Physicians need to be more aware of this emerging fatal disease in developed countries.

[The role of Helicobacter pylori in normal microbiocenosis and dysbacteriosis of mucous microflora of the esophagogastroduodenal zone in its inflammation, erosion and ulcer]

AIM

To determine a population level and significance of Helicobacter pylori in normal microbiocenosis and dysbiosis of mucosal microflora in the esophagogastroduodenal zone.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Qualitative and quantitative composition of mucosal microflora was defined in biopsy specimens from different parts of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum and clinical and histological examinations were made in 50 healthy volunteers, 130 duodenal ulcer patients, 24 patients with gastric ulcer, 36 with chronic gastritis and 24 with chronic esophagitis.

RESULTS

H. pylori is a component of normal mucosal microbiota of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. These bacteria protect normal gastrointestinal microflora. Exacerbations of peptic ulcer, chronic gastritis and oesophagitis are accompanied with overgrowth of dysbiotic mucosal microflora and reduction of H. pylori content in most cases. Healing and scar formation occur both in the presence and absence of H. pylori.

CONCLUSION

The presence of H. pylori in mucosal microbiocenosis in the oesophagogastroduodenal zone has no independent significance in exacerbation of ulcer disease, gastritis and oesophagitis and does not require eradication.

[The ingredients of the gastric and duodenum mucosa secretions in chronic gastroduodenitis in adolescents]

Number of children with chronic gastroduodenitis and duodenal ulcer, is increasing every year. A major role in the development of chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the gastroduodenal zone play cytoprotective properties of mucus produced blennogenic structures of these bodies. Therefore, the appointment of therapies to help improve the cytoprotective properties of gastric and duodenal ulcers, remains valid. Presents the results of the study lektingistohimicheskogo slizeobrazovaniya with chronic gastroduodenitis in adolescents.

[Clinical and morphological substantiation of SMC-peloidotherapy for the management of duodenal pathology]

This study included 112 patients presenting with duodenal ulcer disease and 65 ones with chronic duodenitis treated with the use of sinusoidal modulated current (SMC) electrophoresis in combination with peloidotherapy (peat muds of the Uva health resort, Republic of Udmurtia). This treatment was shown to produce positive effect on the proliferative activity of duodenal epithelium.

[Morphological features and esophago-gastroduodenal zone microbiocenose in patients with syndrome postcholecystectomic syndrome]

Endoscopical and histological features of oesophagogastroduodenal zone, parameters of pH-metry and electrogastroenterography, qualitative and quantitative characteristics of microbiocenosis were studied in 80 female persons with postcholecystectomy syndrome more then a year after cholecystectomy. In the presence of duodenogastral reflux the most natural is the combination of distal oesophagitis, antral atrophic gastritis and duodenitis, accompanied with low level of gastric acidity, gastric hypokinesis and duodenal dyskinesis, dysbacteriosis of mucosal microflora with its quantitative increase and appearance of bacteria with expressed pathogenicity non-typical for this biotope. These data should be taken into consideration for determination of pre- and postoperative treatment tactics for patients with gallstones.

[Interrelation of morphological changes of a mucous membrane of a duodenum and bowel microflora contents at cholelithiasis]

It is shown that biliary disorders in a combination with chronic duodenitis are accompanied by infringements of bowel microflora. It is revealed that more expressed changes of structure of microflora were observed at chronic duodenitis 2nd and 3rd degree. Strong correlation connection between degree chronic duodenitis and degree bowel dysbiosis (r = +0,55) is established. Microbic settling of a mucous membrane of a duodenum is revealed in 50% of cases. The analysis of the received results has shown dependence between frequency of revealing of microbic settling biopsy a mucous membrane of a duodenum and presence concretion a gallbladder. At half of patients with presence of microbic settling of a mucous membrane of a duodenum it is established chronic duodenitis 2nd and 3 items.

[Morphological characteristics of duodenum mucosa in children with atopic dermatitis]

The results of investigation of 87 children suffering from chronic gastroduodenitis and atopic dermatitis are presented. All the child underwent fibrogastroduodenoscopy with duodenal mucosal biopsy and diagnostics of Helicobacter pylori infection, lambliasis. Hystomorphological and immunohystochemical studies of mucosal biopsy specimens for Epstein - Barr virus were carried out. The role of atopy and infection factors in genesis of chronic gastroduodenitis was evaluated.

Strongyloides duodenitis: case report and review of literature

Strongyloides stercoralis affects 30 to 100 million people worldwide and is a common cause of abdominal pain and diarrhea. Strongyloidiasis is a chronic and limited disease; however, in immunocompromised patients, hyperinfection syndrome can occur. Diagnosing strongyloidiasis early is important, as almost all deaths due to helminths in the United States are due to S stercoralis hyperinfection. Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) do not appear to be at an increased risk for S stercoralis hyperinfection. We report a case of an HIV-infected Hispanic woman presenting with dyspepsia, emesis, abdominal pain, and diarrhea diagnosed with S stercoralis on an esophagogastroduodenoscopy biopsy of the duodenum. The diagnostic workup had been inconclusive and deciding to biopsy the small bowel based on the nonerythematous boggy appearance of the duodenal folds was the key step in making the correct diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment thwarted the developing hyperinfection syndrome and likely prevented further morbidity and probably saved her life.

[Acute erosive gastropathies]

There is a rise in the rates of acute erosive gastropathies in patients with cardiovascular and other somatic diseases. The role of acute erosive gastropathy-induced hemorrhages in the tanatogenesis of these diseases is underestimated; the problems of their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment remained unsolved. Many factors, mainly acute or chronic ischemia of the gastroduodenal mucosa, as well as its age-related involution, Helicobacter pylori infection, reflux gastritis, multiple organ dysfunction, drug-induced damage, etc., which are implicated in the pathogenesis of acute erosive gastropathies in patients with cardiovascular and other somatic diseases, are summarized.

[Acute gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers in coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

A total of 4684 autopsies made at Moscow multidisciplinary hospitals in 2002-2008 were studied to reveal the incidence and morphological features of acute gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers in coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cases with combined, background, and concomitant diseases that could be independent causes of gastroduodenal lesions were excluded. Patients older than 60 years with infarctions of the myocardium or brain, a concurrence of CHD, CVD, and COPD, and various diseases with chronic heart failure syndrome, particularly in the presence of arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus should be referred to as a risk group for acute gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers and their induced hemorrhages.

Role of routine small intestinal biopsy in adult patient with irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms

AIM

The clinical evaluation of patients with chronic diarrhea and/or abdominal pain requires a complex work-up. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether routine duodenal biopsy sampling of macroscopically normal mucosa of patients with irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms undergoing upper endoscopy assists in diagnosis and management.

METHODS

Consecutive adults scheduled for upper endoscopy for evaluation of uninvestigated dyspepsia and abdominal pain and/or chronic diarrhea based upon the history, were enrolled. Gastric biopsies and 3 duodenal biopsies were taken for histological evaluation.

RESULTS

A total of 786 sets of biopsies from 262 consecutive patients (200 females and 62 males, mean age 46 years; range: 15-82), were analyzed. Microscopic damage was observed in 212 of 262 patients (81%) with normal mucosa. Mild to moderate and severe duodenitis or villi atrophy was histologically confirmed in 65%, 26% and 8% of 212 patients respectively. The negative predictive value of a normal appearing duodenal mucosa was 19%. Additional tests confirmed celiac disease in 12 patients. Lactose malabsorption was present in 42%, bacterial overgrowth in 14%, and H. pylori infection in 28%. Colonoscopy performed in 92 patients revealed non specific colitis (25%), microscopic colitis (28%), Crohn's disease (1%), and diverticulosis (15%).

CONCLUSION

Duodenal biopsies revealed abnormalities in the majority of adults with chronic diarrhea and/or abdominal pain despite macroscopically normal gross findings. These results suggest that duodenal biopsies could be helpful in patients with chronic diarrhea and/or abdominal pain for the following work up.

[Features of connective tissue dysplasia and prognosis of chronic gastroduodenal diseases in children of school age]

Compatibility of such signs, as not differentiated connective tissue dysplasia and chronic gastroduodenitis is considered. 170 patients of school age with the confirmed diagnosis chronic gastroduodenitis are surveyed with the purpose of revealing signs of connective tissue dysplasia. It is shown, that symptoms of connective tissue dysplasia meet more often at children with chronic gastroduodenitis, than at children without inflammatory gastroduodenal disease. Following features of connective tissue dysplasia are most typical for children with gastroduodenal diseases: external (wrong bearing, flat-foot, a thin skin and others) and internal (a vegetative dysfunction, a biliary dyskinesia and others). Those features have the high informative importance for prognosis of inflammatory gastroduodenal disease in children.

[Chronic gastroduodenitis in children with atopic dermatitis]

The results of investigation of 49 children suffering from chronic gastroduodenitis and atopic dermatitis are presented. All the child underwent serological blood analyses for Epsteine-Barr virus antibodies and fibrogastroduodenoscopy with antral and duodenal mucosal biopsy. Hystomorphological and immunohystochemical studies of mucosal biopsy specimens for Epsteine-Barr virus were carried out. The role of Epsteine-Barr virus in genesis of chronic gastroduodenitis is detected.

[The clinical manifestations and duodenal mucosa in the patients with chronic pancreatitis and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine]

The current study was designed to test the role of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis. It was established that the bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine is noted in the majority of patients with chronic pancreatitis. We found an association between clinical manifestations of chronic pancreatitis, active duodenitis, duodenal lymphangiectasia and papillitis and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.