Inflammatory bowel diseases,namely ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease,are chronic and relapsing conditions that pose a growing burden on healthcare systems worldwide.Because of their complex and partly unknown et...Inflammatory bowel diseases,namely ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease,are chronic and relapsing conditions that pose a growing burden on healthcare systems worldwide.Because of their complex and partly unknown etiology and pathogenesis,the management of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can prove challenging not only from a clinical point of view but also for resource optimization.Artificial intelligence,an umbrella term that encompasses any cognitive function developed by machines for learning or problem solving,and its subsets machine learning and deep learning are becoming ever more essential tools with a plethora of applications in most medical specialties.In this regard gastroenterology is no exception,and due to the importance of endoscopy and imaging numerous clinical studies have been gradually highlighting the relevant role that artificial intelligence has in inflammatory bowel diseases as well.The aim of this review was to summarize the most recent evidence on the use of artificial intelligence in inflammatory bowel diseases in various contexts such as diagnosis,follow-up,treatment,prognosis,cancer surveillance,data collection,and analysis.Moreover,insights into the potential further developments in this field and their effects on future clinical practice were discussed.展开更多
Benign biliary strictures(BBS)might occur due to different pancreaticobiliary conditions.The etiology and location of biliary strictures are responsible of a wide array of clinical manifestations.The endoscopic approa...Benign biliary strictures(BBS)might occur due to different pancreaticobiliary conditions.The etiology and location of biliary strictures are responsible of a wide array of clinical manifestations.The endoscopic approach endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography represents the first-line treatment for BBS,considering interventional radiology and surgery when endoscopic treatment fails or it is not suitable.The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of possible endoscopic treatments for the optimal management of this subset of patients.展开更多
The morphological complexity of cells and tissues,whether normal or pathological,is characterized by two primary attributes:Irregularity and self-similarity across different scales.When an object exhibits self-similar...The morphological complexity of cells and tissues,whether normal or pathological,is characterized by two primary attributes:Irregularity and self-similarity across different scales.When an object exhibits self-similarity,its shape remains unchanged as the scales of measurement vary because any part of it resembles the whole.On the other hand,the size and geometric characteristics of an irregular object vary as the resolution increases,revealing more intricate details.Despite numerous attempts,a reliable and accurate method for quantifying the morphological features of gastrointestinal organs,tissues,cells,their dynamic changes,and pathological disorders has not yet been established.However,fractal geometry,which studies shapes and patterns that exhibit self-similarity,holds promise in providing a quantitative measure of the irregularly shaped morphologies and their underlying self-similar temporal behaviors.In this context,we explore the fractal nature of the gastrointestinal system and the potential of fractal geometry as a robust descriptor of its complex forms and functions.Additionally,we examine the practical applications of fractal geometry in clinical gastroenterology and hepatology practice.展开更多
Due to the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with surgical resection in this tract,endoscopic resection(ER)has taken the place of surgical resection as the first line treatment for non-ampullary duodenal...Due to the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with surgical resection in this tract,endoscopic resection(ER)has taken the place of surgical resection as the first line treatment for non-ampullary duodenal adenomas.However,due to the anatomical characteristics of this area,which enhance the risk of post-ER problems,ER in the duodenum is particularly difficult.Due to a lack of data,no ER technique for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumours(SNADETs)has yet been backed by strong,high-quality evidence;yet,traditional hot snare-based techniques are still regarded as the standard treatment.Despite having a favourable efficiency profile,adverse events during duodenal hot snare polypectomy(HSP)and hot endoscopic mucosal resection,such as delayed bleeding and perforation,have been reported to be frequent.These events are primarily caused by electrocautery-induced damage.Thus,ER techniques with a better safety profile are needed to overcome these shortcomings.Cold snare polypectomy,which has already been shown as a safer,equally effective pro-cedure compared to HSP for treatment of small colorectal polyps,is being increasingly evaluated as a potential therapeutic option for non-ampullary duodenal adenomas.The aim of this review is to report and discuss the early outcomes of the first experiences with cold snaring for SNADETs.展开更多
The stomach is the most frequently involved site for extranodal lymphomas,accounting for nearly two-thirds of all gastrointestinal cases.It is widely accepted that gastric B-cell,low-grade mucosal-associated lymphoid ...The stomach is the most frequently involved site for extranodal lymphomas,accounting for nearly two-thirds of all gastrointestinal cases.It is widely accepted that gastric B-cell,low-grade mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT)-lymphoma is caused by Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection.MALT-lymphomas may engender different clinical and endoscopic patterns.Often,diagnosis is confirmed in patients with only vague dyspeptic symptoms and without macroscopic lesions on gastric mucosa.H.pylori eradication leads to lymphoma remission in a large number of patients when treatment occurs at an early stage(Ⅰ-Ⅱ1).Neoplasia confined to the submucosa,localized in the antral region of the stomach,and without API2-MALT1 translocation,shows a high probability of remission following H.pylori eradication.When both bacterial infection and lymphoma recur,further eradication therapy is generally effective.Radiotherapy,chemotherapy and,in selected cases,surgery are the available therapeutic options with a high success rate for those patients who fail to achieve remission,while data on immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies (rituximab)are still scarce.The 5-year survival rate is higher than 90%,but careful,long-term follow-up is required in these patients since lymphoma recurrence has been reported in some cases.展开更多
Gastric cancer remains the second most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Screening programs in some Asian countries are impractical in the majority of other countries worldwide. Therefore, follo...Gastric cancer remains the second most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Screening programs in some Asian countries are impractical in the majority of other countries worldwide. Therefore, follow-up of precancerous lesions is advisable for secondary gastric cancer prevention. Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is recognized as a precancerous lesion for gastric cancer, increasing the risk by 6-fold. IM is highly prevalent in the general population, being detected in nearly 1 of every 4 patients undergoing upper endoscopy. The IM prevalence rate is significantly higher in patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, in first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients, in smokers and it increases with patient age. IM is the "breaking point" in the gastric carcinogenesis cascade and does not appear to regress following H. pylori eradication, although the cure of infection may slow its progression. Gastric cancer risk is higher in patients with incomplete-type IM, in those with both antral and gastric body involvement, and the risk significantly increases with IM extension over 20% of the gastric mucosa. Scheduled endoscopic control could be cost-effective in IM patients, depending on the yearly incidence of gastric cancer in IM patients, the stage of gastric cancer at diagnosis discovered at surveillance, and the cost of endoscopy. As a pragmatic behavior, yearly endoscopic control would appear justified in all IM patients with at least one of these conditions: (1) IM extension > 20%; (2) the presence of incomplete type IM; (3) first-degree relative of gastric cancer patients; and (4) smokers. In the remaining IM patients, a less intensive (2-3 years) could be proposed.展开更多
AIM: To investigate in a prospective study whether a simplifi ed clinical score prior to endoscopy in upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) patients was able to predict endoscopic findings at urgent endoscopy. METHOD...AIM: To investigate in a prospective study whether a simplifi ed clinical score prior to endoscopy in upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) patients was able to predict endoscopic findings at urgent endoscopy. METHODS: All consecutive UGIB patients referred to a single endoscopic center during a 16 mo period were enrolled. Before endoscopy patients were strati- fied according to a simple clinical score (T-score), including T1 (high-risk), T2 (intermediate-risk) and T3 (low-risk). Endoscopy was performed in all cases within 2 h, and high-risk stigmata were considered for further analysis. RESULTS: Out of the 436 patients included into the study, 126 (29%) resulted to be T1, 135 (31%) T2, and 175 (40%) T3. Overall, stigmata of recent haem-orrhage (SRH) were detected in 118 cases (27%). SRH occurred more frequently in T1 patients than in T2/T3 cases (85% vs 3.2%; χ2 = 304.5309, P < 0.001). Older age (t=3.311; P < 0.01) and presence of comor-bidities (χ2 = 14.7458; P < 0.01) were more frequently detected in T1 than in T2/T3 patients. CONCLUSION: Our simplifi ed clinical score appeared to be associated with the detection of endoscopic findings which may deserve urgent endoscopy. A further,randomised study is needed to assess its accuracy in safely scheduling endoscopy in UGIB patients.展开更多
Computed tomography colonography(CTC) in colorectal cancer(CRC) screening has two roles:one present and the other potential.The present role is,without any further discussion,the integration into established screening...Computed tomography colonography(CTC) in colorectal cancer(CRC) screening has two roles:one present and the other potential.The present role is,without any further discussion,the integration into established screening programs as a replacement for barium enema in the case of incomplete colonoscopy.The potential role is the use of CTC as a first-line screening method together with Fecal Occult Blood Test,sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.However,despite the fact that CTC has been officially endorsed for CRC screening of average-risk individuals by different scientif ic societies including the American Cancer Society,the American College of Radiology,and the US Multisociety Task Force on Colorectal Cancer,other entities,such as the US Preventive Services Task Force,have considered the evidence insuff icient to justify its use as a mass screening method.Medicare has also recently denied reimbursement for CTC as a screening test.Nevertheless,multiple advantages exist for using CTC as a CRC screening test:high accuracy,full evaluation of the colon in virtually all patients,non-invasiveness,safety,patient comfort,detection of extracolonic findings and cost-effectiveness.The main potential drawback of a CTC screening is the exposure to ionizing radiation.However,this is not a major issue,since low-dose protocols are now routinely implemented,delivering a dose comparable or slightly superior to the annual radiation exposure of any individual.Indirect evidence exists that such a radiation exposure does not induce additional cancers.展开更多
Patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may complain of dyspeptic symptoms without presence of macroscopic lesions on gastroduodenal mucosa. Such a condition is usually recognized as functional dyspeps...Patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may complain of dyspeptic symptoms without presence of macroscopic lesions on gastroduodenal mucosa. Such a condition is usually recognized as functional dyspepsia, and different pathogenetic mechanisms are involved. The role of H. pylori in these patients is controversial. Several trials assessed the potential role of H. pylori eradication in improving dyspeptic symptoms, and data of some meta-analyses demonstrated that cure of infection is associated with a small (10%), but significant therapeutic gain as compared to placebo. The reason for which dyspeptic symptoms regress in some patients following bacterial eradication, but persist in others remains unclear. Regrettably, trials included in the meta-analyses are somewhat different for study design, definition of symptoms, assessment of symptoms changes, and some may be flawed by potential pitfalls. Consequently, the information could be not consistent. We critically reviewed the main available trials, attempting to address future research in this field展开更多
Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) antibiotic resistance is the main factor affecting the efficacy of the current eradicating therapies. The aim of this editorial is to report on the recent information about the mechanism...Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) antibiotic resistance is the main factor affecting the efficacy of the current eradicating therapies. The aim of this editorial is to report on the recent information about the mechanisms accounting for the resistance to the different antibiotics currently utilized in H. pylori eradicating treatments. Different mechanisms of resistance to clarithromycin,metronidazole,quinolones,amoxicillin and tetracycline are accurately detailed(point mutations,redox intracellular potential,pump efflux systems,membrane permeability) on the basis of the most recent data available from the literature. The next hope for the future is that by improving the knowledge of resistance mechanisms,the elaboration of rational and efficacious associations for the treatment of the infection will be possible. Another auspicious progress might be the possibility of a cheap,feasible and reliable laboratory test to predict the outcome of a therapeutic scheme.展开更多
Some aspects related with the use of furazolidone as a rescue therapy for Helicobacter pylori （H pylorl） infection should be remarked, especially regarding its potential oncologic risk. The inclusion of furazolidone...Some aspects related with the use of furazolidone as a rescue therapy for Helicobacter pylori （H pylorl） infection should be remarked, especially regarding its potential oncologic risk. The inclusion of furazolidone in a treatment regimen for H pylori infection is, at least, controversial, and it does not appear to be safe.展开更多
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is highly prevalent in the general population.In the last decade,a potential relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) eradication and GORD onset has been claimed.The m...Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is highly prevalent in the general population.In the last decade,a potential relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) eradication and GORD onset has been claimed.The main putative mechanism is the gastric acid hypersecretion that develops after bacterial cure in those patients with corpus-predominant gastritis.We performed a critical reappraisal of the intricate pathogenesis and clinical data available in this field.Oesophagitis onset after H.pylori eradication in duodenal ulcer patients has been ascribed to a gastric acid hypersecretion,which could develop following body gastritis healing.However,the absence of an acid hypersecretive status in these patients is documented by both pathophysiology and clinical studies.Indeed,duodenal ulcer recurrence is virtually abolished followingH.pylori eradication.In addition,intra-oesophageal pH recording studies failed to demonstrated increased acid reflux following bacterial eradication.Moreover,oesophageal manometric studies suggest that H.pylori eradication would reduce-rather than favor-acid reflux into the oesophagus.Finally,data of clinical studies would suggest that H.pylori eradication is not significantly associated with eitherreflux symptoms or erosive oesophagitis onset,some data suggesting also an advantage in curing the infection when oesophagitis is already present.Therefore,the legend of "crazy acid" remains-as all the others a fascinating,but imaginary tale.展开更多
Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic active gastritis,peptic ulcer and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-lymphoma,and is also involved in carcinogenesis of the stom...Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic active gastritis,peptic ulcer and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-lymphoma,and is also involved in carcinogenesis of the stomach.H.pylori treatment still remains a challenge for physicians,since no current first-line therapy is able to cure the infection in all treated patients.Several factors may help in the eradication of therapy failure.We reviewed both bacterial and host factors involved in therapeutic management of the H.pylori infection.In addition,we evaluated data on the most successful therapy regimens-sequential and concomitant therapies-currently available for H.pylori eradication.展开更多
Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia(IM) of the stomach are common and are associated with an increased risk for gastric cancer.In the absence of guidelines,a pragmatic management has been performed in Western...Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia(IM) of the stomach are common and are associated with an increased risk for gastric cancer.In the absence of guidelines,a pragmatic management has been performed in Western countries in patients with these premalignant conditions.Recently,formal European guidelines have been delivered on this topic.Basically,it has been recommended that patients with extensive atrophic gastritis(AG) and/or extensive IM should be offered endoscopic surveillance every 3 years.On the contrary,no scheduled endoscopic/histological control has been advised for those patients with precancerous conditions confined to the antrum.In this commentary,we highlighted some potential weaknesses in the management formally recommended by the new guidelines.In detail,we discussed that AG and IM patients do not share the same gastric cancer risk,at least in Western countries,deserving a different approach.Some factors significantly associated with gastric cancer risk,such as IM type,first-degree family history of gastric cancer,and smoking habit have not been considered in tailoring the endoscopic follow-up.Finally,some data would suggest that a 3-year follow-up in patients with extensive gastric precancerous conditions could result in an inadequate secondary prevention.展开更多
Early detection of pancreatic cancer has long eluded clinicians because of its insidious nature and onset.Often metastatic or locally invasive when symptomatic,most patients are deemed inoperable.In those who are symp...Early detection of pancreatic cancer has long eluded clinicians because of its insidious nature and onset.Often metastatic or locally invasive when symptomatic,most patients are deemed inoperable.In those who are symptomatic,multi-modal imaging modalities evaluate and confirm pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.In asymptomatic patients,detected pancreatic lesions can be either solid or cystic.The clinical implications of identifying small asymptomatic solid pancreatic lesions(SPLs)of<2 cm are tantamount to a better outcome.The accurate detection of SPLs undoubtedly promotes higher life expectancy when resected early,driving the development of existing imaging tools while promoting more comprehensive screening programs.An imaging tool that has matured in its reiterations and received many image-enhancing adjuncts is endoscopic ultrasound(EUS).It carries significant importance when risk stratifying cystic lesions and has substantial diagnostic value when combined with fine needle aspiration/biopsy(FNA/FNB).Adjuncts to EUS imaging include contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS and EUS-elastography,both having improved the specificity of FNA and FNB.This review intends to compile all existing enhancement modalities and explore ongoing research around the most promising of all adjuncts in the field of EUS imaging,artificial intelligence.展开更多
BACKGROUND Endocuff-a plastic device with flexible projections-mounted on the distal tip of the colonoscope, promises improved colonic mucosa inspection.AIM To elucidate the effect of Endocuff on adenoma detection rat...BACKGROUND Endocuff-a plastic device with flexible projections-mounted on the distal tip of the colonoscope, promises improved colonic mucosa inspection.AIM To elucidate the effect of Endocuff on adenoma detection rate(ADR), advanced ADR(AADR) and mean number of adenomas per colonoscopy(MAC).METHODS Literature searches identified randomized-controlled trials evaluating Endocuffassisted colonoscopy(EAC) vs conventional colonoscopy(CC) in terms of ADR,AADR and MAC. The effect size on study outcomes was calculated using fixed or random effect model, as appropriate, and it is shown as relative risk(RR) [95%confidence interval(CI)] and mean difference(MD)(95%CI). The rate of device removal in EAC arms was also calculated.RESULTS We identified nine studies enrolling 6038 patients. All studies included mixed population(screening, surveillance and diagnostic examinations). Seven and two studies evaluated the first and the second-generation device, respectively. EAC was associated with increased ADR compared to CC [RR(95%CI): 1.18(1.05-1.32); Ι~2 = 71%]; EAC benefits more endoscopists with ADR ≤ 35% compared to those with ADR > 35% [RR(95%CI): 1.37(1.08-1.74); Ι~2 = 49% vs 1.10(0.99-1.24); Ι~2= 71%]. In terms of AADR and MAC, no difference was detected between EAC and CC [RR(95%CI): 1.03(0.85-1.25); Ι~2 = 15% and MD(95%CI): 0.30(-0.17-0.78);Ι~2 = 99%]. Subgroup analysis did not show any difference between the two device generations regarding all three endpoints. In EAC arms, the device had to be removed in 3%(95%CI: 2%-5%) of the cases mainly due to tortuous sigmoid or presence of diverticula along it.CONCLUSION EAC increases ADR compared to CC, especially for endoscopists with lower ADR. On the other hand, no significant effect on AADR and MAC was detected.展开更多
Colonoscopy is usually perceived as an invasive and potentially painful procedure, being also affected by a small, but definite, risk of major complications (cardiopulmonary complications, perforation, hemorrhage) and...Colonoscopy is usually perceived as an invasive and potentially painful procedure, being also affected by a small, but definite, risk of major complications (cardiopulmonary complications, perforation, hemorrhage) and even mortality. To improve both acceptability and safety, PillCam Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) (Given Imaging Ltd, Yoqneam, Israel) has been developed. CCE represents a non-invasive technique that is able to explore the colon without sedation and air insufflation. The Second Generation of Colon Capsule Endoscopy (PillCam Colon 2) (CCE-2) was proven to be an accurate tool to detect colonic neoplastic lesions when used in average risk individuals. To date, the evidence supports the use of CCE-2 in case of colonoscopy failure, in patients unwilling to perform colonoscopy and when colonoscopy is contraindicated. Other potential applications, such as colorectal cancer screening or diagnostic surveillance of inflammatory bowel disease need to be clarified. In this paper, the current “state of the art”, potential application of CCE and future needs are evaluated.展开更多
Hepatic encephalopathy(HE) is the second most common major complication in cirrhotics and it significantly impacts quality of life.Therapeutic approaches for HE treatment and prevention mainly continue to rely on ammo...Hepatic encephalopathy(HE) is the second most common major complication in cirrhotics and it significantly impacts quality of life.Therapeutic approaches for HE treatment and prevention mainly continue to rely on ammonia-lowering strategies and non-absorbable disaccharides are currently considered the cornerstone therapy.Non-absorbable antibiotics,such as neomycin and paramomycin,are effective in treatment of acute HE episodes but their prolonged use for recurrence prevention is hampered by possible side-effects.To overcome these limitations,rifaximin use has been proposed.Rifaximin has been shown to be not superior to non-absorbable disaccharides for either HE treatment or prevention,with a similar incidence of side-effects.Cirrhosis significantly increases rifaximin absorption and this could be a cause for concern.Following long-term rifaximin therapy,Clostridium difficile colitis has been observed and Candida albicans has been isolated from 20% of patients.In addition,selection of resistant mutants of both Gram-negative and-positive bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract cannot be definitely ruled out.Electrolyte alterations(sodium and potassium) have been reported during rifaximin therapy,a warning for its long-term use in cirrhotics.Moreover,a potential interference with vitamin K production should be considered which could further impair the already altered clotting status of these patients.The therapeutic cost of rifaximin is markedly higher than non-absorbable disaccharides.While waiting for further safety data,caution should be used to limit the use of rifaximin therapy for a very short-term period in selected HE cirrhotics not responding to nonabsorbable disaccharides.展开更多
AIM:To assess the efficacy and safety of a balanced approach using midazolam in combination with propofol,administered by nonanesthesiologists,in a large series of diagnostic colonoscopies.METHODS:Consecutive patients...AIM:To assess the efficacy and safety of a balanced approach using midazolam in combination with propofol,administered by nonanesthesiologists,in a large series of diagnostic colonoscopies.METHODS:Consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy were sedated with a single dose of midazolam(0.05 mg/kg)and lowdose propofol(starter bolus of 0.5 mg/kg and repeated boluses of 10 to 20 mg).Induction time and deepest level of sedation,adverse and serious adverse events,as well as recovery times,were prospectively assessed.Cecal intubation and adenoma detection rates were also collected.RESULTS:Overall,1593 eligible patients were included.The median dose of propofol administered was 70 mg(range:40120 mg),and the median dose of midazolam was 2.3 mg(range:24 mg).Median induction time of sedation was 3 min(range:14 min),and median recovery time was 23 min(range:1040 min).A moderate level of sedation was achieved in 1561(98%) patients,whilst a deep sedation occurred in 32(2%) cases.Transient oxygen desaturation requiring further oxygen supplementation occurred in 8(0.46%;95% CI:0.2%0.8%)patients.No serious adverse event was observed.Cecal intubation and adenoma detection rates were 93.5%and 23.4%(27.8%for male and 18.5%for female,subjects),respectively.CONCLUSION:A balanced sedation protocol provided a minimalization of the dose of propofol needed to target a moderate sedation for colonoscopy,resulting in a high safety profile for nonanesthesiologist propofol sedation.展开更多
Several studies have shown a significant adenoma miss rate up to 35%during screening colonoscopy,especially in patients with diminutive adenomas.The use of artificial intelligence(AI)in colonoscopy has been gaining po...Several studies have shown a significant adenoma miss rate up to 35%during screening colonoscopy,especially in patients with diminutive adenomas.The use of artificial intelligence(AI)in colonoscopy has been gaining popularity by helping endoscopists in polyp detection,with the aim to increase their adenoma detection rate(ADR)and polyp detection rate(PDR)in order to reduce the incidence of interval cancers.The efficacy of deep convolutional neural network(DCNN)-based AI system for polyp detection has been trained and tested in ex vivo settings such as colonoscopy still images or videos.Recent trials have evaluated the real-time efficacy of DCNN-based systems showing promising results in term of improved ADR and PDR.In this review we reported data from the preliminary ex vivo experiences and summarized the results of the initial randomized controlled trials.展开更多
文摘Inflammatory bowel diseases,namely ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease,are chronic and relapsing conditions that pose a growing burden on healthcare systems worldwide.Because of their complex and partly unknown etiology and pathogenesis,the management of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can prove challenging not only from a clinical point of view but also for resource optimization.Artificial intelligence,an umbrella term that encompasses any cognitive function developed by machines for learning or problem solving,and its subsets machine learning and deep learning are becoming ever more essential tools with a plethora of applications in most medical specialties.In this regard gastroenterology is no exception,and due to the importance of endoscopy and imaging numerous clinical studies have been gradually highlighting the relevant role that artificial intelligence has in inflammatory bowel diseases as well.The aim of this review was to summarize the most recent evidence on the use of artificial intelligence in inflammatory bowel diseases in various contexts such as diagnosis,follow-up,treatment,prognosis,cancer surveillance,data collection,and analysis.Moreover,insights into the potential further developments in this field and their effects on future clinical practice were discussed.
文摘Benign biliary strictures(BBS)might occur due to different pancreaticobiliary conditions.The etiology and location of biliary strictures are responsible of a wide array of clinical manifestations.The endoscopic approach endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography represents the first-line treatment for BBS,considering interventional radiology and surgery when endoscopic treatment fails or it is not suitable.The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of possible endoscopic treatments for the optimal management of this subset of patients.
文摘The morphological complexity of cells and tissues,whether normal or pathological,is characterized by two primary attributes:Irregularity and self-similarity across different scales.When an object exhibits self-similarity,its shape remains unchanged as the scales of measurement vary because any part of it resembles the whole.On the other hand,the size and geometric characteristics of an irregular object vary as the resolution increases,revealing more intricate details.Despite numerous attempts,a reliable and accurate method for quantifying the morphological features of gastrointestinal organs,tissues,cells,their dynamic changes,and pathological disorders has not yet been established.However,fractal geometry,which studies shapes and patterns that exhibit self-similarity,holds promise in providing a quantitative measure of the irregularly shaped morphologies and their underlying self-similar temporal behaviors.In this context,we explore the fractal nature of the gastrointestinal system and the potential of fractal geometry as a robust descriptor of its complex forms and functions.Additionally,we examine the practical applications of fractal geometry in clinical gastroenterology and hepatology practice.
文摘Due to the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with surgical resection in this tract,endoscopic resection(ER)has taken the place of surgical resection as the first line treatment for non-ampullary duodenal adenomas.However,due to the anatomical characteristics of this area,which enhance the risk of post-ER problems,ER in the duodenum is particularly difficult.Due to a lack of data,no ER technique for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumours(SNADETs)has yet been backed by strong,high-quality evidence;yet,traditional hot snare-based techniques are still regarded as the standard treatment.Despite having a favourable efficiency profile,adverse events during duodenal hot snare polypectomy(HSP)and hot endoscopic mucosal resection,such as delayed bleeding and perforation,have been reported to be frequent.These events are primarily caused by electrocautery-induced damage.Thus,ER techniques with a better safety profile are needed to overcome these shortcomings.Cold snare polypectomy,which has already been shown as a safer,equally effective pro-cedure compared to HSP for treatment of small colorectal polyps,is being increasingly evaluated as a potential therapeutic option for non-ampullary duodenal adenomas.The aim of this review is to report and discuss the early outcomes of the first experiences with cold snaring for SNADETs.
文摘The stomach is the most frequently involved site for extranodal lymphomas,accounting for nearly two-thirds of all gastrointestinal cases.It is widely accepted that gastric B-cell,low-grade mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT)-lymphoma is caused by Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection.MALT-lymphomas may engender different clinical and endoscopic patterns.Often,diagnosis is confirmed in patients with only vague dyspeptic symptoms and without macroscopic lesions on gastric mucosa.H.pylori eradication leads to lymphoma remission in a large number of patients when treatment occurs at an early stage(Ⅰ-Ⅱ1).Neoplasia confined to the submucosa,localized in the antral region of the stomach,and without API2-MALT1 translocation,shows a high probability of remission following H.pylori eradication.When both bacterial infection and lymphoma recur,further eradication therapy is generally effective.Radiotherapy,chemotherapy and,in selected cases,surgery are the available therapeutic options with a high success rate for those patients who fail to achieve remission,while data on immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies (rituximab)are still scarce.The 5-year survival rate is higher than 90%,but careful,long-term follow-up is required in these patients since lymphoma recurrence has been reported in some cases.
文摘Gastric cancer remains the second most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Screening programs in some Asian countries are impractical in the majority of other countries worldwide. Therefore, follow-up of precancerous lesions is advisable for secondary gastric cancer prevention. Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is recognized as a precancerous lesion for gastric cancer, increasing the risk by 6-fold. IM is highly prevalent in the general population, being detected in nearly 1 of every 4 patients undergoing upper endoscopy. The IM prevalence rate is significantly higher in patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, in first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients, in smokers and it increases with patient age. IM is the "breaking point" in the gastric carcinogenesis cascade and does not appear to regress following H. pylori eradication, although the cure of infection may slow its progression. Gastric cancer risk is higher in patients with incomplete-type IM, in those with both antral and gastric body involvement, and the risk significantly increases with IM extension over 20% of the gastric mucosa. Scheduled endoscopic control could be cost-effective in IM patients, depending on the yearly incidence of gastric cancer in IM patients, the stage of gastric cancer at diagnosis discovered at surveillance, and the cost of endoscopy. As a pragmatic behavior, yearly endoscopic control would appear justified in all IM patients with at least one of these conditions: (1) IM extension > 20%; (2) the presence of incomplete type IM; (3) first-degree relative of gastric cancer patients; and (4) smokers. In the remaining IM patients, a less intensive (2-3 years) could be proposed.
文摘AIM: To investigate in a prospective study whether a simplifi ed clinical score prior to endoscopy in upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) patients was able to predict endoscopic findings at urgent endoscopy. METHODS: All consecutive UGIB patients referred to a single endoscopic center during a 16 mo period were enrolled. Before endoscopy patients were strati- fied according to a simple clinical score (T-score), including T1 (high-risk), T2 (intermediate-risk) and T3 (low-risk). Endoscopy was performed in all cases within 2 h, and high-risk stigmata were considered for further analysis. RESULTS: Out of the 436 patients included into the study, 126 (29%) resulted to be T1, 135 (31%) T2, and 175 (40%) T3. Overall, stigmata of recent haem-orrhage (SRH) were detected in 118 cases (27%). SRH occurred more frequently in T1 patients than in T2/T3 cases (85% vs 3.2%; χ2 = 304.5309, P < 0.001). Older age (t=3.311; P < 0.01) and presence of comor-bidities (χ2 = 14.7458; P < 0.01) were more frequently detected in T1 than in T2/T3 patients. CONCLUSION: Our simplifi ed clinical score appeared to be associated with the detection of endoscopic findings which may deserve urgent endoscopy. A further,randomised study is needed to assess its accuracy in safely scheduling endoscopy in UGIB patients.
文摘Computed tomography colonography(CTC) in colorectal cancer(CRC) screening has two roles:one present and the other potential.The present role is,without any further discussion,the integration into established screening programs as a replacement for barium enema in the case of incomplete colonoscopy.The potential role is the use of CTC as a first-line screening method together with Fecal Occult Blood Test,sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.However,despite the fact that CTC has been officially endorsed for CRC screening of average-risk individuals by different scientif ic societies including the American Cancer Society,the American College of Radiology,and the US Multisociety Task Force on Colorectal Cancer,other entities,such as the US Preventive Services Task Force,have considered the evidence insuff icient to justify its use as a mass screening method.Medicare has also recently denied reimbursement for CTC as a screening test.Nevertheless,multiple advantages exist for using CTC as a CRC screening test:high accuracy,full evaluation of the colon in virtually all patients,non-invasiveness,safety,patient comfort,detection of extracolonic findings and cost-effectiveness.The main potential drawback of a CTC screening is the exposure to ionizing radiation.However,this is not a major issue,since low-dose protocols are now routinely implemented,delivering a dose comparable or slightly superior to the annual radiation exposure of any individual.Indirect evidence exists that such a radiation exposure does not induce additional cancers.
文摘Patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may complain of dyspeptic symptoms without presence of macroscopic lesions on gastroduodenal mucosa. Such a condition is usually recognized as functional dyspepsia, and different pathogenetic mechanisms are involved. The role of H. pylori in these patients is controversial. Several trials assessed the potential role of H. pylori eradication in improving dyspeptic symptoms, and data of some meta-analyses demonstrated that cure of infection is associated with a small (10%), but significant therapeutic gain as compared to placebo. The reason for which dyspeptic symptoms regress in some patients following bacterial eradication, but persist in others remains unclear. Regrettably, trials included in the meta-analyses are somewhat different for study design, definition of symptoms, assessment of symptoms changes, and some may be flawed by potential pitfalls. Consequently, the information could be not consistent. We critically reviewed the main available trials, attempting to address future research in this field
文摘Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) antibiotic resistance is the main factor affecting the efficacy of the current eradicating therapies. The aim of this editorial is to report on the recent information about the mechanisms accounting for the resistance to the different antibiotics currently utilized in H. pylori eradicating treatments. Different mechanisms of resistance to clarithromycin,metronidazole,quinolones,amoxicillin and tetracycline are accurately detailed(point mutations,redox intracellular potential,pump efflux systems,membrane permeability) on the basis of the most recent data available from the literature. The next hope for the future is that by improving the knowledge of resistance mechanisms,the elaboration of rational and efficacious associations for the treatment of the infection will be possible. Another auspicious progress might be the possibility of a cheap,feasible and reliable laboratory test to predict the outcome of a therapeutic scheme.
文摘Some aspects related with the use of furazolidone as a rescue therapy for Helicobacter pylori （H pylorl） infection should be remarked, especially regarding its potential oncologic risk. The inclusion of furazolidone in a treatment regimen for H pylori infection is, at least, controversial, and it does not appear to be safe.
文摘Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is highly prevalent in the general population.In the last decade,a potential relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) eradication and GORD onset has been claimed.The main putative mechanism is the gastric acid hypersecretion that develops after bacterial cure in those patients with corpus-predominant gastritis.We performed a critical reappraisal of the intricate pathogenesis and clinical data available in this field.Oesophagitis onset after H.pylori eradication in duodenal ulcer patients has been ascribed to a gastric acid hypersecretion,which could develop following body gastritis healing.However,the absence of an acid hypersecretive status in these patients is documented by both pathophysiology and clinical studies.Indeed,duodenal ulcer recurrence is virtually abolished followingH.pylori eradication.In addition,intra-oesophageal pH recording studies failed to demonstrated increased acid reflux following bacterial eradication.Moreover,oesophageal manometric studies suggest that H.pylori eradication would reduce-rather than favor-acid reflux into the oesophagus.Finally,data of clinical studies would suggest that H.pylori eradication is not significantly associated with eitherreflux symptoms or erosive oesophagitis onset,some data suggesting also an advantage in curing the infection when oesophagitis is already present.Therefore,the legend of "crazy acid" remains-as all the others a fascinating,but imaginary tale.
文摘Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic active gastritis,peptic ulcer and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-lymphoma,and is also involved in carcinogenesis of the stomach.H.pylori treatment still remains a challenge for physicians,since no current first-line therapy is able to cure the infection in all treated patients.Several factors may help in the eradication of therapy failure.We reviewed both bacterial and host factors involved in therapeutic management of the H.pylori infection.In addition,we evaluated data on the most successful therapy regimens-sequential and concomitant therapies-currently available for H.pylori eradication.
文摘Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia(IM) of the stomach are common and are associated with an increased risk for gastric cancer.In the absence of guidelines,a pragmatic management has been performed in Western countries in patients with these premalignant conditions.Recently,formal European guidelines have been delivered on this topic.Basically,it has been recommended that patients with extensive atrophic gastritis(AG) and/or extensive IM should be offered endoscopic surveillance every 3 years.On the contrary,no scheduled endoscopic/histological control has been advised for those patients with precancerous conditions confined to the antrum.In this commentary,we highlighted some potential weaknesses in the management formally recommended by the new guidelines.In detail,we discussed that AG and IM patients do not share the same gastric cancer risk,at least in Western countries,deserving a different approach.Some factors significantly associated with gastric cancer risk,such as IM type,first-degree family history of gastric cancer,and smoking habit have not been considered in tailoring the endoscopic follow-up.Finally,some data would suggest that a 3-year follow-up in patients with extensive gastric precancerous conditions could result in an inadequate secondary prevention.
文摘Early detection of pancreatic cancer has long eluded clinicians because of its insidious nature and onset.Often metastatic or locally invasive when symptomatic,most patients are deemed inoperable.In those who are symptomatic,multi-modal imaging modalities evaluate and confirm pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.In asymptomatic patients,detected pancreatic lesions can be either solid or cystic.The clinical implications of identifying small asymptomatic solid pancreatic lesions(SPLs)of<2 cm are tantamount to a better outcome.The accurate detection of SPLs undoubtedly promotes higher life expectancy when resected early,driving the development of existing imaging tools while promoting more comprehensive screening programs.An imaging tool that has matured in its reiterations and received many image-enhancing adjuncts is endoscopic ultrasound(EUS).It carries significant importance when risk stratifying cystic lesions and has substantial diagnostic value when combined with fine needle aspiration/biopsy(FNA/FNB).Adjuncts to EUS imaging include contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS and EUS-elastography,both having improved the specificity of FNA and FNB.This review intends to compile all existing enhancement modalities and explore ongoing research around the most promising of all adjuncts in the field of EUS imaging,artificial intelligence.
文摘BACKGROUND Endocuff-a plastic device with flexible projections-mounted on the distal tip of the colonoscope, promises improved colonic mucosa inspection.AIM To elucidate the effect of Endocuff on adenoma detection rate(ADR), advanced ADR(AADR) and mean number of adenomas per colonoscopy(MAC).METHODS Literature searches identified randomized-controlled trials evaluating Endocuffassisted colonoscopy(EAC) vs conventional colonoscopy(CC) in terms of ADR,AADR and MAC. The effect size on study outcomes was calculated using fixed or random effect model, as appropriate, and it is shown as relative risk(RR) [95%confidence interval(CI)] and mean difference(MD)(95%CI). The rate of device removal in EAC arms was also calculated.RESULTS We identified nine studies enrolling 6038 patients. All studies included mixed population(screening, surveillance and diagnostic examinations). Seven and two studies evaluated the first and the second-generation device, respectively. EAC was associated with increased ADR compared to CC [RR(95%CI): 1.18(1.05-1.32); Ι~2 = 71%]; EAC benefits more endoscopists with ADR ≤ 35% compared to those with ADR > 35% [RR(95%CI): 1.37(1.08-1.74); Ι~2 = 49% vs 1.10(0.99-1.24); Ι~2= 71%]. In terms of AADR and MAC, no difference was detected between EAC and CC [RR(95%CI): 1.03(0.85-1.25); Ι~2 = 15% and MD(95%CI): 0.30(-0.17-0.78);Ι~2 = 99%]. Subgroup analysis did not show any difference between the two device generations regarding all three endpoints. In EAC arms, the device had to be removed in 3%(95%CI: 2%-5%) of the cases mainly due to tortuous sigmoid or presence of diverticula along it.CONCLUSION EAC increases ADR compared to CC, especially for endoscopists with lower ADR. On the other hand, no significant effect on AADR and MAC was detected.
文摘Colonoscopy is usually perceived as an invasive and potentially painful procedure, being also affected by a small, but definite, risk of major complications (cardiopulmonary complications, perforation, hemorrhage) and even mortality. To improve both acceptability and safety, PillCam Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) (Given Imaging Ltd, Yoqneam, Israel) has been developed. CCE represents a non-invasive technique that is able to explore the colon without sedation and air insufflation. The Second Generation of Colon Capsule Endoscopy (PillCam Colon 2) (CCE-2) was proven to be an accurate tool to detect colonic neoplastic lesions when used in average risk individuals. To date, the evidence supports the use of CCE-2 in case of colonoscopy failure, in patients unwilling to perform colonoscopy and when colonoscopy is contraindicated. Other potential applications, such as colorectal cancer screening or diagnostic surveillance of inflammatory bowel disease need to be clarified. In this paper, the current “state of the art”, potential application of CCE and future needs are evaluated.
文摘Hepatic encephalopathy(HE) is the second most common major complication in cirrhotics and it significantly impacts quality of life.Therapeutic approaches for HE treatment and prevention mainly continue to rely on ammonia-lowering strategies and non-absorbable disaccharides are currently considered the cornerstone therapy.Non-absorbable antibiotics,such as neomycin and paramomycin,are effective in treatment of acute HE episodes but their prolonged use for recurrence prevention is hampered by possible side-effects.To overcome these limitations,rifaximin use has been proposed.Rifaximin has been shown to be not superior to non-absorbable disaccharides for either HE treatment or prevention,with a similar incidence of side-effects.Cirrhosis significantly increases rifaximin absorption and this could be a cause for concern.Following long-term rifaximin therapy,Clostridium difficile colitis has been observed and Candida albicans has been isolated from 20% of patients.In addition,selection of resistant mutants of both Gram-negative and-positive bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract cannot be definitely ruled out.Electrolyte alterations(sodium and potassium) have been reported during rifaximin therapy,a warning for its long-term use in cirrhotics.Moreover,a potential interference with vitamin K production should be considered which could further impair the already altered clotting status of these patients.The therapeutic cost of rifaximin is markedly higher than non-absorbable disaccharides.While waiting for further safety data,caution should be used to limit the use of rifaximin therapy for a very short-term period in selected HE cirrhotics not responding to nonabsorbable disaccharides.
文摘AIM:To assess the efficacy and safety of a balanced approach using midazolam in combination with propofol,administered by nonanesthesiologists,in a large series of diagnostic colonoscopies.METHODS:Consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy were sedated with a single dose of midazolam(0.05 mg/kg)and lowdose propofol(starter bolus of 0.5 mg/kg and repeated boluses of 10 to 20 mg).Induction time and deepest level of sedation,adverse and serious adverse events,as well as recovery times,were prospectively assessed.Cecal intubation and adenoma detection rates were also collected.RESULTS:Overall,1593 eligible patients were included.The median dose of propofol administered was 70 mg(range:40120 mg),and the median dose of midazolam was 2.3 mg(range:24 mg).Median induction time of sedation was 3 min(range:14 min),and median recovery time was 23 min(range:1040 min).A moderate level of sedation was achieved in 1561(98%) patients,whilst a deep sedation occurred in 32(2%) cases.Transient oxygen desaturation requiring further oxygen supplementation occurred in 8(0.46%;95% CI:0.2%0.8%)patients.No serious adverse event was observed.Cecal intubation and adenoma detection rates were 93.5%and 23.4%(27.8%for male and 18.5%for female,subjects),respectively.CONCLUSION:A balanced sedation protocol provided a minimalization of the dose of propofol needed to target a moderate sedation for colonoscopy,resulting in a high safety profile for nonanesthesiologist propofol sedation.
文摘Several studies have shown a significant adenoma miss rate up to 35%during screening colonoscopy,especially in patients with diminutive adenomas.The use of artificial intelligence(AI)in colonoscopy has been gaining popularity by helping endoscopists in polyp detection,with the aim to increase their adenoma detection rate(ADR)and polyp detection rate(PDR)in order to reduce the incidence of interval cancers.The efficacy of deep convolutional neural network(DCNN)-based AI system for polyp detection has been trained and tested in ex vivo settings such as colonoscopy still images or videos.Recent trials have evaluated the real-time efficacy of DCNN-based systems showing promising results in term of improved ADR and PDR.In this review we reported data from the preliminary ex vivo experiences and summarized the results of the initial randomized controlled trials.
