Hiroshima Y, Sagami R, Kuraoka N
… +32 more, Noguchi T, Matsuda Y, Terayama T, Azuma Y, Sato T, Nishikori H, Honda H, Goto Y, Noguchi H, Fukuchi S, Omori K, Motomura M, Okimoto T, Okamoto K, Mori H, Sato T, Takahashi K, Ozawa E, Ikeda E, Kanno A, Komoto S, Koga T, Ishida Y, Kobayashi K, Hinokuchi M, Ihara R, Ueda T, Fujimori N, Matsunari O, Noguchi C, Mizukami K, Murakami K
BACKGROUND: Acute cholangitis (AC) is life-threatening, requiring urgent biliary drainage. Endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD), often combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), may prevent post-endoscopic retrograde ch...BACKGROUND: Acute cholangitis (AC) is life-threatening, requiring urgent biliary drainage. Endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD), often combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), may prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP). However, sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) increases bleeding risk, raising concerns about EST safety. AIMS: To evaluate the risk of adverse events (AEs) and clinical outcomes associated with EBD with or without EST in patients with AC and SIC. METHODS: In this retrospective multicentre cohort study, data from enrolled patients were analysed using propensity score matching, and outcomes were compared between EST and non-EST groups. The primary endpoint was the AE rate difference between EBD with and without EST. Secondary endpoints included differences in clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Among 238 patients, 72 underwent EST and 166 did not. The AE incidence, particularly bleeding-related (11.1% vs. 0.6%, P<.001), was higher in the EST group (16.7% vs. 1.8%, P<.001) while PEP incidence (4.2% vs. 1.2%, P=.143) did not differ. Propensity score-matched analysis confirmed these findings. Clinical success or 28-day survival rates did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: EST significantly increases bleeding risk in patients with AC and SIC without reducing PEP incidence or improving clinical outcomes. EBD without EST can minimise bleeding risk while maintaining adequate biliary drainage.
Pyogenic granuloma (PG) or lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH) is a benign vascular tumor characterized by rapid growth, nodular hyperplasia, and bleeding propensity. Though common on skin/oral mucosa, esophageal occurren...Pyogenic granuloma (PG) or lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH) is a benign vascular tumor characterized by rapid growth, nodular hyperplasia, and bleeding propensity. Though common on skin/oral mucosa, esophageal occurrence is rare. We report a 34-year-old male with recurrent acid reflux. Upper endoscopy (July 2022) revealed a 10-mm polypoid lesion above the esophagogastric junction, absent 13 months prior. It was successfully resected via endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) after submucosal saline injection, with histology confirming esophageal PG (LCH). Our literature review identified and analyzed 21 previous detailed cases. Analysis of 22 total cases shows these lesions predominantly affect Asian males (M:F=19:3; mean age 57.8 ± 14.8 years). Most patients (71.6%) were symptomatic, primarily with dysphagia or gastrointestinal bleeding. Nearly half (50.0%) occurred in the lower esophagus, averaging 11.5 ± 6.2 mm in size. Over 50% appeared as reddish, exudate-covered nodules, typically pedunculated or semi-pedunculated. EMR effectively managed most cases. This report highlights esophageal PG's potential for rapid growth and supports EMR's diagnostic/therapeutic efficacy, underscoring the importance of recognizing this rare entity for appropriate management.
Gendard M, Seksik P, Stefanescu C
… +40 more, Meyer A, Nachury M, Nancey S, Savoye G, Allez M, Laharie D, Serrero M, Franchimont D, Mathieu N, Fumery M, Vuitton L, Nahon S, Gilletta C, Rouillon C, Nuzzo A, Berre CL, Caron B, Buisson A, Amil M, Charkaoui M, Cadiot G, Caillo L, Simon M, Reenaers C, Hébuterne X, Plastaras L, Atanasiu C, Kwiatek S, Uzzan M, Pelletier AL, Benezech A, Vidon M, Goutorbe F, Geyl S, Cellier C, Montuclard C, Moussata D, Altwegg R, Amiot A, GETAID-physical-activity-in-IBD study group
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The impact of Physical activity (PA) on the activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study included consecutive patients with...BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The impact of Physical activity (PA) on the activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study included consecutive patients with Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC). PA was assessed using the short International Physical Activity Questionnaire. PA was classified as low, medium or high PA. PA was also assessed according to WHO recommendations. IBD activity was evaluated using PRO-2, while IBD-related disability was assessed with the IBD-disk questionnaire. RESULTS: Among a total of 2514 patients (1715 CD), only 28.8% met the WHO recommendations on PA (49.8% had low PA, 35.2% had medium PA, and 15.0% had high PA). Medium and high PA levels were associated with a higher rate of patient-reported clinical remission in patients with CD (OR 1.30 [1.08-1.57] for medium PA, and 1.33 [1.03-1.72] for high PA vs. low PA; p-trend=0.02) but not in those with UC. Higher PA levels were associated with less IBD-related disability in both CD, and UC. CONCLUSION: In a large cohort of IBD patients, moderate and high PA was associated with higher rates of clinical remission in patients with CD and lower IBD-related disability in both CD and UC patients.
Roth GS, Cros J, Neuzillet C
… +15 more, Barbier E, Guarssifi M, Bennacer A, Ducreux M, Muller M, Edeline J, Manfredi S, Williet N, Dusetti N, Laurent-Puig P, Ruffino V, Chanez B, Nicolle R, Taieb J, Malka D
BACKGROUND: Ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC) is a rare and aggressive cancer with a 5-year overall survival (OS) rate ranging from 30% to 67% after resection due to a high recurrence rate. Yet, adjuvant therapy's role is s...BACKGROUND: Ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC) is a rare and aggressive cancer with a 5-year overall survival (OS) rate ranging from 30% to 67% after resection due to a high recurrence rate. Yet, adjuvant therapy's role is still debated. Recent French FFCD-AC cohort study highlighted that adjuvant therapy, can benefit intermediate and high-risk patients. Chemotherapy regimens, include gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil (5FU) but practices are highly heterogenous due to the low level of evidence. Previous studies suggest that combination chemotherapy, such as mFOLFIRINOX, could offer improved outcomes. DESIGN: PRODIGE 98 - AMPIRINOX trial (NCT06813976) is a multicenter, open-label, randomized phase 3 trial designed to compare the efficacy of adjuvant mFOLFIRINOX versus single-agent chemotherapy (capecitabine or gemcitabine) in patients with resected AAC. Primary outcome is disease free survival and secondary outcomes include overall survival (OS), safety and quality of life. Patients (ages 18-79) must have undergone macroscopically complete (R0/R1) resection of AAC, with exclusion of patients previously treated with chemotherapy, and pT1N0M0 tumors. Ancillary studies will focus on an in-depth molecular profiling of AAC to identify prognostic and predictive biomarkers. AMPIRINOX is currently recruiting and is expected to provide essential data on how to optimize treatment for AAC patients in the coming years.
López-García A, Suárez Ferrer C, Maroto-Martín C
… +33 more, Fernandez-Prada SJ, Marquina V, Rodríguez Glez GE, Mesonero F, Lucendo AJ, Flórez-Díez P, Casanova MJ, García-Morales N, Miranda-Bautista J, Vicuña M, Font G, Benítez JM, Bernal L, Miquel O, Mínguez A, Tejedor-Tejada J, Pérez-Galindo P, Elosua A, Lastiri EA, Brunet-Mas E, Llaó J, Rodríguez-Lago I, Ferreiro-Iglesias R, López L, González-Partida I, Ortega SP, Monsalve S, González-Vivó M, Márquez-Mosquera L, Murciano Gonzalo F, Zabana Y, Barreiro-de Acosta M, Young Group of GETECCU
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Crohn's disease (CD) affecting the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (upper CD [UCD]) is a rare phenotype, and data on its outcomes and treatment response are limited. METHODS: We conducted a multicen...BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Crohn's disease (CD) affecting the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (upper CD [UCD]) is a rare phenotype, and data on its outcomes and treatment response are limited. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of adult patients diagnosed with UCD between January 2000 and December 2019, with ≥ 1 year of follow-up. Extensive CD (ECD) was defined as concomitant jejunal, ileal and/or colonic involvement. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-seven UCD patients were included with a median follow-up of 10.7 years (IQR 5.7-14.2). Only nine (4.6%) had isolated UCD. The inflammatory phenotype predominated, with aphthous ulcers as the main endoscopic lesion (42%). Systemic corticosteroids and thiopurines were the most frequently prescribed therapies after UCD diagnosis. At weeks 14 and 52, response and remission rates for UCD and ECD were similar for all treatments, except higher rates with thiopurines and infliximab in UCD at both time points (p < 0.05). Ten (5.1%) patients shifted phenotype over time (most from inflammatory to stricturing). Two patients developed neoplasia (one gastric MALT lymphoma, one esophageal carcinoma). CONCLUSIONS: Upper gastrointestinal involvement in adult CD does not appear to alter immunosuppressive therapeutic needs compared with ECD requirements.
BACKGROUND: Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is central to Crohn's Disease (CD) care but limited by lengthy review and reader variability. We tested whether an artificial-intelligence (AI)-triaged, human-reviewed wor...BACKGROUND: Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is central to Crohn's Disease (CD) care but limited by lengthy review and reader variability. We tested whether an artificial-intelligence (AI)-triaged, human-reviewed workflow - SmartScan, SS - can serve as a first-line alternative to full-video (FV) review, reducing reading time while maintaining safety and score fidelity. METHODS: Single-center, randomized, assessor-blinded, dual-reader, 2 × 2 crossover non-inferiority reading study of OMOM® HD SBCE videos in adults with established CD. Each study underwent paired FV and SS reads. The primary endpoint was non-inferiority of the agreement on Lewis Score (LS) activity category plus stricture status. Secondary endpoints included LS category agreement, equivalence of continuous LS/CECDAI, within-tolerance agreement, stricture sensitivity, performance with short transit and low Brotz quality, and reading-time superiority. RESULTS: We analyzed 153 paired studies. SS and FV agreed on both LS category and stricture in 96.1 % (147/153), surpassing the non-inferiority (NI) margin (p = 0.005). LS category exact match was 96.7 %. Continuous scores were equivalent, and stricture sensitivity 100 % (11/11). Within-tolerance agreement was 91.5 % (140/153) but failed to meet the prespecified NI criteria. Results were similar with short transit and low Brotz quality. Mean reading time fell from 41.5 to 12.8 min (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SS achieved NI for the primary composite endpoint and preserved equivalence of continuous LS/CECDAI, while markedly reduced reading time. These data support an AI-triaged, human-reviewed workflow with selective escalation to FV when uncertainty arises.
Fan T, Wang J, Zhu L
… +20 more, Xiong Y, Zhang S, Liu J, Jiang C, Yin S, Tong X, Wang G, Jia B, Xia J, Yan X, Yao R, Chen Y, Shi Y, Liu X, Qiu Y, Geng T, Zhang Q, Zhu C, Wu C, Huang R
BACKGROUND: The association between serum HBV DNA levels and liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains controversial. We investigated this association in non-cirrhotic CHB patients. METHODS: A tot...BACKGROUND: The association between serum HBV DNA levels and liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains controversial. We investigated this association in non-cirrhotic CHB patients. METHODS: A total of 5,880 non-cirrhotic treatment-naïve CHB patients with ALT ≤2 × ULN were retrospectively included. Liver fibrosis was evaluated using FIB-4, APRI, LSM, or liver histology. RESULTS: The CHB patients had a median age of 38.0 years and 57.6% were male. There was a non-linear, parabolic association between serum HBV DNA loads and non-invasive fibrosis tests (APRI, FIB-4, and LSM). Patients with moderate serum HBV DNA levels (around 6 log IU/mL) had the highest APRI, FIB-4, and LSM values. After adjustment, the non-linear relationship between serum HBV DNA loads and non-invasive liver fibrosis indicators remained significant, especially in HBeAg-positive patients. Patients with moderate serum HBV DNA levels (around 6 log IU/mL) had the highest proportion of significant liver fibrosis as determined by APRI, FIB-4, LSM, and liver biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: A non-linear association was observed between serum HBV DNA levels and liver fibrosis in non-cirrhotic, treatment-naïve CHB patients with ALT ≤2 × ULN, with moderate HBV DNA levels (around 6 log₁₀ IU/mL) associated with a higher risk of fibrosis.
Chronic hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) infection represents the most severe form of viral hepatitis, characterized by accelerated progression to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. For decades,...Chronic hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) infection represents the most severe form of viral hepatitis, characterized by accelerated progression to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. For decades, Pegylated Interferon (PegIFNα) has been the only therapeutic option, with limited efficacy and poor tolerability. The approval of the HBV/HDV entry inhibitor Bulevirtide marked a turning point, by providing the first anti-HDV specific antiviral drug. This position paper, developed jointly by the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF) and the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases (SIMIT), updates prior national guidance by providing practical recommendations for diagnosis, staging, and treatment of chronic HDV infection.
BACKGROUND: Behavioural economics (BE)-inspired messages within invitations for immunochemical faecal tests (FIT), or offering alternative tests such as sigmoidoscopy (FS) or CT-colonography (CTC), are strategies to re-e...BACKGROUND: Behavioural economics (BE)-inspired messages within invitations for immunochemical faecal tests (FIT), or offering alternative tests such as sigmoidoscopy (FS) or CT-colonography (CTC), are strategies to re-engage non-respondents in subsequent colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rounds. This study evaluated their impact on screening participation. METHODS: In 2022-2023, a randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 20,225 non-respondents to the CRC Florence screening program. Individuals aged 54-70 were randomized into six groups: a control group receiving the standard invitation letter (SL); three groups receiving SL plus a feedback message (F), a social norm message (MN), or both (F+MN); and two groups offered FS or CTC as alternatives to FIT among invitees aged 58-60. The primary outcome was participation within 90 days. The trial was registered with ISRCTN (ISRCTN11841256). RESULTS: Participation was 5.7% in controls, and 7.4%, 6.7%, 6.6%, 2.0%, and 4.1% in the F, MN, F+MN, FS, and CTC groups. Invitees in the F group were more likely to participate (aOR=1.32; 95%CI:1.10-1.57), while FS invitees were less likely (aOR=0.39; 95%CI:0.27-0.54). CTC participation resembled controls aged 58-60 and was twice that of FS. CONCLUSION: BE-inspired interventions can increase CRC screening participation, whereas more invasive alternative tests did not. Future studies should explore preferences for different screening tests to identify more acceptable modalities and optimise participation.
BACKGROUND: Malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) is frequently unresectable, requiring palliative endoscopic drainage. While self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) are preferred over plastic stents (PSs), evidence re...BACKGROUND: Malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) is frequently unresectable, requiring palliative endoscopic drainage. While self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) are preferred over plastic stents (PSs), evidence regarding stent patency and patient survival remains limited. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of individual patient data (IPD) from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SEMSs and PSs in unresectable MHBO. Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library on June 15, 2025. The primary outcomes were stent patency and overall survival, analyzed using reconstructed Kaplan-Meier curves and stratified Cox models, with hazard ratios (HRs) assessed. Secondary outcomes included reintervention, technical and clinical success, and adverse events, assessed using random-effects risk ratios (RRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CI) RESULTS: Out of 2106 publications screened, five RCTs comprising 322 patients were included. SEMSs significantly improved stent patency (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.35-0.68) and overall survival (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.47-0.78) compared to PSs. Reintervention was lower with SEMSs (RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.59-0.97). No significant differences were found in technical and clinical success rates, or in adverse event rates, including pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and cholangitis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with unresectable MHBO, SEMSs offer superior stent patency and survival compared to PSs, with similar safety and procedural success. These findings reinforce previous guidelines recommending the preferential use of SEMSs for endoscopic palliation in MHBO.