Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2168-8184 17 7 2025 The Challenge of Diagnosing Scirrhous Gastric Cancer by Endoscopic Biopsy: A Case Report e87334 EN Yuka Ikeda Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic IkedaDepartment of Internal Medicine, Clinic Ikeda Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tadashi Yoshino Department of Pathology, Okayama University Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Nobumasa Ikeda Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic Ikeda Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Scirrhous gastric cancer, also known as linitis plastica, is a rare and aggressive subtype of gastric carcinoma that poses significant diagnostic challenges due to its submucosal infiltration and often normal-appearing mucosa. We report a case involving a 30-year-old Japanese woman who presented with a six-month history of epigastric pain and postprandial vomiting. Initial endoscopic examination revealed erythema and mucosal swelling, with limited antral distensibility and resistance during duodenal intubation. Despite 12 mucosal biopsies, histopathological examination revealed no evidence of malignancy. Given the strong clinical and endoscopic suspicion of scirrhous gastric cancer, additional deep sections and immunohistochemical staining were performed. These revealed scattered signet-ring cell carcinoma and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, with positive immunostaining for p53 and Ki67. The patient underwent total gastrectomy, and the diagnosis of scirrhous gastric cancer was confirmed on the resected specimen. This case highlights the importance of a high index of clinical suspicion, close collaboration between endoscopists and pathologists, and the utility of ancillary diagnostic tools, such as immunohistochemistry, in identifying subepithelial gastric malignancies that may be missed on conventional biopsy. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 64 14 2025 Myeloid Sarcoma in the Small Intestine 2155 2159 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomohiro Kamio Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shoichiro Hirata Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsunori Matsueda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daisuke Kametaka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Myeloid sarcoma is a rare extramedullary tumor of immature myeloid cells that is often associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We herein report an 81-year-old man who presented with intestinal obstruction due to myeloid sarcoma of the small intestine. Diagnostic challenges were overcome using double-balloon enteroscopy and a biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma. The patient subsequently developed AML but responded well to chemotherapy. This case underscores the importance of considering myeloid sarcoma in the differential diagnosis of small-bowel tumors. Highlighting the significance of a histological analysis, even in patients presenting with small bowel obstruction, the early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes, particularly in patients without a history of hematologic malignancies. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2168-8184 17 5 2025 Pseudoachalasia Due to Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Involving the Esophagus e84161 EN Manami Honda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazuya Miyamoto Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences We report a rare case of pseudoachalasia secondary to malignant pleural mesothelioma involving the esophagus. A 66-year-old man presented with progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and postprandial hiccups. Endoscopic examination showed esophageal dilation with luminal narrowing at the esophagogastric junction, but no mucosal abnormalities. Computed tomography revealed an irregular-shaped mass extending from the peri-esophagogastric junction to the retroperitoneum, accompanied by pleural effusion, right-sided hydronephrosis, and multiple hepatic lesions. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration from the mass lesion through the esophageal lumen revealed epithelioid malignant mesothelioma. This case highlights the importance of considering malignant mesothelioma in the differential diagnosis of pseudoachalasia, particularly when imaging reveals extrinsic esophageal compression without mucosal lesions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2168-8184 17 4 2025 Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors in the Stomach With Tumor Growth and Hemorrhage During Conservative Management: A Report of Two Cases e82046 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoru Kikuchi Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shinji Kuroda Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are often detected incidentally during esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Although surgical resection is the standard treatment for GISTs, patients with significant comorbidities may not be eligible for surgery and are managed conservatively. Herein, we report two cases of gastric GISTs that were initially observed during the management of other comorbidities but subsequently became enlarged, resulting in gastrointestinal bleeding. These cases highlight the potential risks of tumor progression and bleeding in patients undergoing conservative management. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2168-8184 17 2 2025 Gastric Metastasis of Renal Cell Carcinoma Initially Diagnosed by Esophagogastroduodenoscopy e79651 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomohiro Kamio Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shoichiro Hirata Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Here, we report a rare case of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) initially detected as a gastric metastasis. A 58-year-old man with epigastric discomfort underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which revealed a reddish semi-pedunculated lesion with a whitish coating. Biopsy and imaging confirmed clear cell RCC metastasis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a primary renal tumor with pancreatic and lymph node metastases. Despite chemotherapy treatment, the patient died after 10 months. Gastric metastases from RCC, although rare, should be considered in highly vascular gastric lesions with white coatings. Clinicians must be vigilant for metastatic diseases with atypical gastric findings. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2168-8184 17 12 2025 Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Following Intestinal Obstruction in a Patient With Crohn’s Disease e100138 EN Ayano Nishio Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Toshihiro Inokuchi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mikako Ishiguro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuki Aoyama Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masahiro Takahara Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakiko Hiraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kohei Oguni Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital Hideharu Hagiya Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuto Matsuoka Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomoyuki Kanazawa Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a rare, life-threatening complication of invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections. We report the case of a 24-year-old woman with Crohn's disease receiving immunosuppressive therapy who developed STSS following intestinal obstruction. On day 2, she developed fever, altered mental status, hypoxemia, erythema, and hypotension. Chest CT revealed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, and blood cultures grew emm1-positive M1UK Streptococcus pyogenes, confirming STSS. Early multidisciplinary intervention resulted in rapid recovery without sequelae. This case emphasizes the importance of considering iGAS-induced STSS in septic shock, especially in immunocompromised patients, and highlights the need for prompt recognition and treatment. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier BV Acta Medica Okayama 2772-5723 5 2 2026 Feasibility and Diagnostic Utility of Mucosal T-Cell Flow Cytometry for Intestinal Graft-Versus-Host Disease 100820 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takumi Kondo Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daisuke Ennishi Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuharu Fujii Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mai Hiramatsu Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Araki Hirabata Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Takahide Takahashi Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background and Aims: Timely diagnosis of intestinal complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy, and cytomegalovirus infection, is essential for appropriate management. This study evaluated whether mucosal T-cell profiling from endoscopic biopsies could support the diagnosis of these post-transplant conditions.<br> Methods: We prospectively analyzed 58 intestinal biopsy specimens from 21 post-HSCT patients. Paired samples were obtained from the stomach and duodenum during upper endoscopy and from the ileum and large intestine during colonoscopy. Lymphocytes were isolated from each specimen and analyzed using flow cytometry. These data were integrated with those of a previously collected cohort (35 patients, 51 samples) for comparative immunophenotypic analysis across histologically defined groups.<br> Results: Duodenal biopsies yielded more lymphocytes than did gastric biopsies (mean ± standard deviation: 532 ± 823 vs 233 ± 392 cells; P = .070), with comparable yields between the ileum and colon. Among 41 evaluable cases, the CD56+:CD3+ ratio was significantly lower in patients with GVHD (5.5 ± 2.2%) than in those with nonspecific or no inflammation (28.4 ± 16.3%; P = .006). A cutoff value of <11% provided 85.7% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity for diagnosing GVHD (area under the curve = 0.91).<br> Conclusion: Mucosal T-cell profiling using endoscopic biopsies is feasible and may aid in the diagnosis of GVHD after HSCT. A decreased CD56+:CD3+ ratio is a promising marker for distinguishing GVHD from other post-transplant intestinal conditions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 64 20 2025 Two Cases of Esophageal Mucosal Damage Observed after Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Esophageal Motility Disorders 2979 2984 EN Shoichiro Hirata Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomohiro Kamio Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuya Satomi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenta Hamada Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Sakae Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Noriaki Manabe Division of Endoscopy and Ultrasonography, Department of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences This report presents two cases of esophageal mucosal damage following peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for esophageal motility disorders. In the first case, delayed perforation and mediastinitis occurred on postoperative day 15 and the patient was treated with endoscopic clipping and antibiotics. In the second case, although no perforation was observed, extensive mucosal injury developed the day after POEM which was successfully managed by fasting and antibiotic therapy. These findings highlight the need for careful patient management to minimize the risks associated with POEM, while maximizing its therapeutic benefits. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI AG Acta Medica Okayama 2072-6694 17 16 2025 Prognostic Impact of Gastrointestinal Immune-Related Adverse Events Depends on Nutritional Status in Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors 2634 EN Shoichiro Hirata Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Emi Tanaka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masahiko Sue Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yasuto Takeuchi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tomoki Yoshikawa Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshie Maki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Tomohiro Kamio Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Daisuke Kametaka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Katsunori Matsueda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Chihiro Sakaguchi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kenta Hamada Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Background: Gastrointestinal immune-related adverse events (GI-irAEs) are recognized complications of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), but their prognostic relevance and associated risk factors remain unclear. This study aimed to assess whether baseline nutritional status, measured using the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), modifies the prognostic impact of GI-irAEs, and to identify clinical factors associated with their occurrence. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1104 cancer patients treated with ICIs at a single institution. GI-irAEs were defined as gastrointestinal symptoms requiring clinical intervention. Patients were stratified by irAE type and PNI (≥40 vs. <40), and differences in survival and treatment response were evaluated. Potential risk factors for developing GI-irAEs were also examined. Results: GI-irAEs occurred in 2.7% of patients and were associated with prolonged overall survival (median: 28.7 vs. 14.0 months) among those with PNI ≥ 40. This survival advantage was not observed in patients with PNI < 40. The PNI-dependent prognostic pattern was specific to GI-irAEs and not observed for non-GI irAEs. Similar trends were confirmed in 4- and 8-week landmark analyses. Differences in objective response rate and disease control rate by PNI status were most pronounced in patients with GI-irAEs. The use of anti-CTLA-4 antibodies was significantly associated with GI-irAE development (odds ratio 4.24; 95% confidence interval 1.73–10.39). Conclusions: GI-irAEs appear to confer a survival benefit primarily in patients with preserved nutritional status. PNI may serve as a useful tool to contextualize the clinical relevance of GI-irAEs and help identify patients most likely to benefit from immune activation during ICI therapy. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0815-9319 39 12 2024 Long‐term outcomes of endoscopic resection of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in late‐elderly patients 2664 2671 EN Katsunori Matsueda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Keisuke Fukui Faculty of Societal Safety Sciences, Kansai University Shoichiro Hirata Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Takuya Satomi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Shoko Inoo Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Kenta Hamada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Background and Aim: As the population ages, the number of elderly patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is increasing. We aimed to clarify the indications for endoscopic resection (ER) in late-elderly patients with ESCC in terms of life expectancy.<br> Methods: Patients aged ≥75 years who underwent ER for ESCC at our institution from January 2005 to December 2018 were enrolled. Clinical data, including the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA-PS), Charlson comorbidity index, and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), were collected at the time of ER. The main outcome measure was overall survival (OS).<br> Results: Two hundred eight consecutive patients were enrolled. The patients' median age was 78 years (range, 75–89 years). The 5-year follow-up rate was 88.5% (median follow-up period, 6.6 years). The 5-year OS rate was 79.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 72.2–84.8), and 5-year net survival standardized for age, sex, and calendar year was 1.04 (95% CI, 0.98–1.09). In the multivariate analysis, an ASA-PS of 3 (hazard ratio, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.16–5.17) and PNI of <44.0 (hazard ratio, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.38–5.40) were independent prognostic factors. When neither of these factors was met, the 5-year OS rate was 87.8% (95% CI, 80.0–92.9), and 5-year net survival was 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02–1.14).<br> Conclusions: ER for ESCC in late-elderly patients may improve life expectancy. ER is recommended in patients with a good ASA-PS and PNI. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 63 12 2024 Gastric Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma That Relapsed after 11 Years Subsequent to Achieving Complete Remission 1697 1702 EN Shoko Inoo Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Motoyuki Ootuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences A 38-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue in the stomach (gastric MALT lymphoma). Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed the absence of t (11;18) (q21;q21) translocation but the presence of extra copies of MALT1, indicating tetrasomy 18. Helicobacter pylori eradication led to complete remission (CR). However, the gastric MALT lymphoma relapsed after 11 years old. This case underscores the need for long-term observation (>10 years) of patients with gastric MALT lymphoma. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the correlation between trisomy/tetrasomy 18 and the recurrence propensity. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 63 10 2025 Idiopathic Gastric Antral Ulcers 1367 1371 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences A Japanese woman presented with gastric antral ulcers accompanied by erosion and edema, demonstrating a chronic pattern of improvement and recurrence for more than six years. The patient had no relevant treatment history, and Helicobacter pylori infection was ruled out. Other potential etiologies contributing to gastric ulcers were eliminated on the basis of endoscopic biopsy and blood laboratory findings. Consequently, the patient was diagnosed with idiopathic gastric antral ulcer. This disease is often overlooked, and the chronological endoscopic images provided in this report can be used as a reference. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 1471-230X 25 1 2025 A study on the timing of small-bowel capsule endoscopy and its impact on the detection rate of bleeding sources 434 EN Daisuke Kametaka Division of Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshihiro Inokuchi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakiko Hiraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background Small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is an essential diagnostic tool for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly for identifying bleeding sources in the small intestine. The timing of SBCE is thought to affect its diagnostic yield; however, the optimal timing remains unknown.<br> Methods This retrospective study analyzed 131 patients with overt gastrointestinal bleeding managed with SBCE at our institution between May 2015 and December 2022. Patients were categorized into four groups based on the interval between their last bleeding episode and SBCE: 1–7, 8–14, 15–28, and ≥ 29 days.<br> Results Positive findings were observed in approximately 50% of the cases across all intervals, with no statistically significant differences in the detection rates. Vascular lesions were detected primarily within 1–14 days, whereas inflammatory lesions, tumors, and diverticula were identified across all intervals. Notably, 25% of the patients with negative SBCE findings were later diagnosed with sources of non-small bowel bleeding, highlighting the value of follow-up endoscopic evaluations.<br> Conclusions Our findings suggest that SBCE can be effective regardless of the time after a bleeding event, contrary to previous recommendations emphasizing its early use. Clinicians should consider performing SBCE whenever feasible to improve the diagnostic outcomes for gastrointestinal bleeding, irrespective of the elapsed time since the last episode. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0944-1174 2025 Distinct age-related effects of homologous recombination deficiency on genomic profiling and treatment efficacy in gastric cancer EN Yoshie Maki Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshiyasu Kono Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Toshiki Ozato Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hideki Yamamoto Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Akira Hirasawa Department of Clinical Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Daisuke Ennishi Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Shuta Tomida Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Shinichi Toyooka Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Kenta Hamada Faculty of Medicine, Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Seiji Kawano Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Motoyuki Otsuka Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Background The incidence of gastric cancer among younger patients is increasing globally, with growing attention being paid to the role of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). However, the effect of HRD on treatment outcomes and prognosis in this population remains unclear.<br> Methods We analyzed clinical and genomic data from the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics database. Younger patients (≤ 39 years, n = 140) were compared with older patients (≥ 65 years, n = 1118) diagnosed with gastric cancer. This study focused on mutations in homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes and their association with tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and treatment outcomes.<br> Results In older patients, HRD was associated with higher TMB and microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) status, whereas no such correlations were observed in younger patients. Notably, MSI-H status was not observed in the younger group. Younger patients with HRD had a significantly shorter time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS) than those without HRD. Conversely, in older patients, there was no significant difference in TTF or OS based on HRD status.<br> Conclusion HRR gene mutations influence genomic profiling, TMB, and MSI differently depending on the age of gastric cancer onset, suggesting potential effects on treatment efficacy and prognosis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 64 3 2025 Characteristics of Early Gastric Cancer in a Patient with a History of Helicobacter pylori Infection and No History of Eradication Therapy 343 350 EN Sakiko Kuraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shoko Ino Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuya Satomi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenta Hamada Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Objective The characteristics of gastric cancer in patients with atrophic mucosa and no apparent history of Helicobacter pylori eradication have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study examined the clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer in these patients.<br> Methods We retrospectively examined the endoscopic and pathological characteristics of gastric cancer in patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection.<br> Patients We divided the patients into 2 groups: those with gastric atrophy and no history of eradication (group A; n=102) and those with a history of eradication (group B; n=161). In group A, patients were further divided into mild atrophy (group C) and severe atrophy (group D) groups, while group B was further divided into those who underwent eradication treatment >5 years ago (group E) and those who underwent eradication 1-5 years ago (group F).<br> Results Group A comprised significantly older individuals (75±8.0 vs. 71±7.5 years old, p<0.001) with a higher frequency of elevated gastric cancer than group B (32.4% vs. 17.4%, p=0.006). Compared with group E, group A was older and had a greater incidence of elevated gastric cancer. The incidence of gastric cancer in the U or M region was lower in group C than in group D.<br> Conclusion Gastric cancer in patients with gastric atrophy and no history of eradication was associated with an older age and higher frequency of elevated-type morphology than in those with a history of eradication. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2397-9070 9 4 2025 Frequency and Characteristics of Gastrointestinal Diseases in Patients With Neurofibromatosis e70151 EN Manami Honda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasushi Yamasaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakiko Hiraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy,Okayama University Hospital Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background and Aim: Patients with neurofibromatosis (NF) frequently experience gastrointestinal symptoms, but the specific characteristics of these lesions are not well understood.<br> Methods: To investigate the prevalence and nature of gastrointestinal diseases in this population, we analyzed the gastrointestinal lesions identified through endoscopic examinations in patients with NF.<br> Results: We included 225 patients with NF type 1 (NF1) and 15 with NF type 2 (NF2). None of the NF2 patients underwent endoscopy. Among the NF1 patients, 27 received endoscopies, and 13 (59%) had gastrointestinal lesions. These 13 patients were predominantly male (10 males and three females), with a median age of 53 years (range: 19-76 years). The identified lesions included colorectal polyps (n = 6), gastrointestinal stromal tumors ([GIST], n = 4), subepithelial lesions (n = 3), gastric fundic gland polyps (n = 3), diffuse intestinal ganglioneuromatosis (n = 2), esophageal polyps (n = 2), a Schwann cell hamartoma (n = 1), esophageal cancer (n = 1), and a gastric hyperplastic polyp (n = 1). All GISTs and one case of diffuse intestinal ganglioneuromatosis were surgically resected. Interestingly, six out of 13 patients were asymptomatic. Additionally, all patients who required surgery were 40 years of age or older.<br> Conclusions: These findings suggest that routine endoscopic examinations, along with imaging techniques like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, could be beneficial for the early detection of gastrointestinal lesions in NF1 patients aged 40 and above. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2077-0383 14 4 2025 Natural Course and Long-Term Outcomes of Gastric Subepithelial Lesions: A Systematic Review 1055 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background/Objectives: Gastric subepithelial lesions (SELs) are often incidentally detected during endoscopic examinations, with most patients being asymptomatic and lesions measuring <20 mm. Despite their generally indolent nature, certain SELs, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors, require resection. Current guidelines recommend periodic surveillance; however, the natural course and long-term outcomes of gastric SELs have not been sufficiently investigated. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on the progression, growth rate, and risk factors associated with gastric SELs to inform clinical management strategies. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed was conducted for peer-reviewed studies published between January 2000 and November 2024. Eligible studies included original studies on the follow-up and progression of gastric SELs. Non-English articles, reviews, case reports, and unrelated topics were excluded. In total, 277 articles were screened, with 15 additional articles identified through manual screening. Ultimately, 41 articles were included in the analysis. The study protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024614865). Results: Large-scale studies reported low growth rates of 2.0-8.5% over 2.0-5.0 years, while smaller studies reported a broader range of growth rates of 5.4-28.4%. The factors contributing to these discrepancies include patient selection, follow-up duration, and growth criteria. Risk factors for lesion size increase include larger initial lesion size, irregular margins, heterogeneous echo patterns, and certain tumor locations. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for individualized management strategies based on lesion size, imaging characteristics, and risk factors. The close monitoring of high-risk lesions is crucial for timely intervention. Standardized growth criteria and optimized follow-up protocols are essential for improving clinical decision making and patient outcomes. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 63 21 2024 Endoscopic and Histological Gastritis in University Students with Helicobacter pylori Infection 2875 2884 EN Shotaro Okanoue Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Sakae Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenji Yokota Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuka Obayashi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Makoto Abe Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Yanai Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Objective Although the characteristics of Helicobacter pylori infection have been extensively reported, there is a lack of consensus regarding its characteristics in young adults. The present study examined the endoscopic and histological characteristics of young adults who underwent eradication therapy for H. pylori infection.<br> Methods We examined the H. pylori infection status of first-year students at Okayama University School of Medicine and Dentistry between 2014 and 2020. A total of 152 (6.8%) students who were positive for H. pylori antibody or pepsinogen tests were enrolled in the study. Among them, 107 students underwent endoscopy, and their biopsy samples were investigated. Seventy-five students were diagnosed with H. pylori infections.<br> Results Of 75 H. pylori-positive patients, 57 (76.0%) had endoscopic atrophic gastritis, and 42 (56.0%) had histological atrophy. A few patients had severe atrophic gastritis. All 65 patients who underwent an eradication assessment were successfully treated. After successful eradication, 26 patients underwent endoscopic follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 32.9 months. A histological evaluation revealed that gastric antrum atrophy had subsided in 11 of 14 patients, and atrophy in the lesser curvature of the gastric body had subsided in 7 of 8 patients.<br> Conclusion More than half of young adults with H. pylori infection had atrophic gastritis. We found mild atrophy in young adults, which subsided shortly after eradication treatment. This study provides a foundation for future studies to evaluate the validity of eradication therapy in preventing gastric cancer in patients. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Acta Medica Okayama 2364-3722 11 01 2022 Differences in color between early gastric cancer and cancer-suspected non-cancerous mucosa on linked color imaging E90 E96 EN Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuya Satomi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Shotaro Okanoue Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Kenta Hamada Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Background and study aims Linked color imaging (LCI) can enhance the original color of each area and may useful to detect tumorous lesions during esophagogastroduodenoscopy. However, LCI may also enhance cancer-suspected non-cancerous regional color change. We conducted a retrospective image analysis to investigate the color characteristics of early gastric cancer (EGC) and cancer-suspected non-cancerous mucosa (CSM) in LCI.<br> Methods LCI images of both EGC and CSM were retrospectively collected from the database of the institution. Fifteen endoscopists individually judged each image as EGC or CSM. The color difference between the inside and outside of the lesions was measured by CIE-Lab analysis in both groups and compared.<br> Results A total of 245 LCI images of EGC (169) and CSM (76) were extracted and randomly lined for image collection. The test by the endoscopists showed accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 64.0 %, 63.7 %, and 64.0 %, respectively. Although the color difference between EGC and CSM was almost the same (12.5 vs. 12.9, not significant), each parameter of ΔL (bright: –0.3 vs. –2.7, P  < 0.001), Δa (Reddish: 7.2 vs. 9.6, P = 0.004), and Δb (Yellowish: 6.4 vs. 3.8, P  < 0.001) was significantly different in the groups. The color feature of both positive ΔL and Δb to EGC showed accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 54.7 %, 39.6 %, 88.2%, respectively.<br> Conclusions The total color difference was almost the same between EGC and CSM; however, their color tones were different on linked color imaging. Although the color characteristics of EGC had high specificity, they also had low sensitivity. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Acta Medica Okayama 2364-3722 11 04 2023 Degree of pharyngeal deformation caused by pharyngeal endoscopic submucosal dissection is associated with the incidence of aspiration pneumonia E351 E357 EN Makoto Abe Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Yuka Obayashi Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Yuki Baba Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Kenta Hamada Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Sakae Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Hiromitu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Takuma Makino Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yohei Noda Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hidenori Marunaka Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Background and study aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is one of the most minimally invasive treatments for superficial squamous cell cancer of the pharynx. However, aspiration pneumonia (AsP) associated with postoperative deformity of the pharynx may occur. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of AsP and the degree of pharyngeal deformity after pharyngeal ESD.<br> Patients and methods This was a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent pharyngeal ESD at Okayama University Hospital between 2006 and 2017. The degree of pharyngeal deformation was assessed using the pharyngeal deformation grade (PDG). The primary endpoint was the frequency of AsP as a long-term adverse event.<br> Results Among the 52 patients enrolled, nine developed aspiration pneumonia, with a 3-year cumulative incidence of 9.0 % (95 % confidence interval [CI], 3.3 %–22.0 %). There were 16, 18, 16, and two patients that had PDG 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Patients with a history of radiotherapy, as a treatment of head and neck cancer (44.4 % vs. 11.6 %; P = 0.02) and the high PDG group (PDG 2 and 3) (77.8 % vs. 25.6 %; P = 0.005) had a significantly higher incidence of AsP. The 3-year cumulative incidence rate of AsP after ESD in the high PDG group was significantly higher than that in the low PDG group (PDG 0 and 1) (23.9 % [95 %CI, 9.2.–49.5%] vs. 0 %; P = 0.03).<br> Conclusions The incidence of aspiration pneumonia in the long-term course after pharyngeal ESD was revealed. The incidence of aspiration pneumonia may be associated with pharyngeal deformity, but further studies are needed. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Nature Acta Medica Okayama 2199-1154 11 4 2024 Clinical Significance of Prior Ramucirumab Use on the Effectiveness of Nivolumab as the Third-Line Regimen in Gastric Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study 557 564 EN Yuka Obayashi Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital Shoichiro Hirata Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Makoto Abe Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital Koji Miyahara Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital Masahiro Nakagawa Department of Endoscopy, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital Michihiro Ishida Department of Surgery, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital Yasuhiro Choda Department of Surgery, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital Kenta Hamada Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Background and Objective Because vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition has been suggested to improve immune cell function in the cancer microenvironment, we examined whether using ramucirumab (RAM) before nivolumab usage is more effective in advanced gastric cancer. <br> Methods This was a multicenter retrospective observational study. We analyzed patients who received nivolumab monotherapy as the third-line regimen for unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric cancer between October 2017 and December 2022. They were divided into the RAM (RAM-treated) group and the non-RAM (non-treated) group according to the RAM usage in the second-line regimen. The primary outcome was to compare the overall survival after nivolumab administration in the third-line regimen between the RAM and non-RAM groups. <br> Results Fifty-two patients were included in the present study: 42 patients in the RAM group and ten patients in the non-RAM group. The median overall survival was significantly longer in the RAM group than in the non-RAM group (8.5 months vs 6.9 months, p < 0.05). In the RAM group, patients without peritoneal metastasis had significantly better median overall survival than those with peritoneal metastasis (23.8 months vs 7.7 months, p = 0.0033). Multivariate Cox-proportional hazards analyses showed that the presence of peritoneal metastasis (hazard ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval 1.0-5.7) alone was significantly associated with overall survival in the RAM group. <br> Conclusions The use of RAM prior to nivolumab monotherapy may contribute to prolonged survival in patients with gastric cancer, especially those without peritoneal metastasis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 0815-9319 39 12 2024 Rates and risk factors of bleeding after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection with continuous warfarin or 1‐day withdrawal of direct oral anticoagulants 2760 2766 EN Shoichiro Hirata Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenta Hamada Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hirokazu Mouri Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital Koji Miyahara Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hospital Takao Tsuzuki Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital Kenji Yamauchi Department of Gastroenterology, Mitoyo General Hospital Sayo Kobayashi Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Sakuma Takahashi Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Ryuta Takenaka Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Shinichiro Hori Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital Masafumi Inoue Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital Tatsuya Toyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Fukuyama Medical Center Mamoru Nishimura Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama City Hospital Shuhei Ishiyama Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital Jiro Miyaike Department of Internal Medicine, Saiseikai Imabari Hospital Ryo Kato Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center Minoru Matsubara Department of Internal Medicine, Sumitomo Besshi Hospital Naoko Yunoki Department of Internal Medicine, Akaiwa Medical Association Hospital Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hideki Ishikawa Department of Molecular-Targeting Prevention, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama Gut Study Group Background and Aim: The 2017 Japanese guidelines recommend continuing warfarin therapy during the perioperative period or discontinuing direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) only on the day of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer. However, their safety has not been sufficiently explored. This study aimed to validate this management method.<br> Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study analyzed the characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection between July 2017 and June 2019. The patients were categorized according to the use of warfarin or DOACs.<br> Results: Among the 62 eligible patients, 53 (85%) were male (median age, 76 years). Warfarin was used in 10 patients (16%) and DOACs in 52 patients (84%). Fourteen patients taking DOACs (27%) used concomitant antiplatelet agents, with seven patients (13%) continuing treatment at the time of the endoscopic procedure. No postprocedural bleeding occurred in patients receiving warfarin (0%), whereas 10 cases (19%) of bleeding occurred in patients receiving DOACs: rivaroxaban, 0% (0/22); dabigatran, 0% (0/2); edoxaban, 43% (6/14); and apixaban, 29% (4/14). The type of anticoagulant (P < 0.01) and continuation of antiplatelet therapy (P = 0.02) were risk factors for postprocedural bleeding in patients receiving DOACs. Intraprocedural bleeding requiring transfusion or symptomatic thromboembolic events were not reported.<br> Conclusions: Continuous warfarin therapy is preferred. DOAC withdrawal 1 day before a procedure is associated with a high bleeding rate, which may differ for different types of anticoagulants. The continuation of antiplatelet medications in patients receiving DOACs carries a high risk of bleeding and is a future challenge. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 136 2 2024 インフリキシマブが著効した免疫関連有害事象大腸炎の１例 69 73 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Sakiko Hiraoka Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Okayama University Hospital Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University 　A 52-year-old Japanese man diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer initiated chemotherapy with tremelimumab, durvalumab, nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel, and carboplatin. On the fourth day of the first treatment course, he developed a fever, followed by watery diarrhea exceeding 10 episodes per day and bloody stools the next day. Immunotherapy-related adverse event colitis was diagnosed through CT scans and colonoscopy examinations. Despite the ineffectiveness of systemic steroid administration, prompt alleviation of symptoms was achieved through the administration of infliximab. In our case, the patient developed Grade 3 diarrhea, prompting the initiation of intravenous prednisolone at 80mg/day in accordance with guidelines. However, symptom improvement was not attained. In situations where symptoms persist beyond three days despite systemic steroid administration, the consideration of adjunctive infliximab use at a dosage of 5mg/kg becomes necessary. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 2192-4449 14 1 2024 A case of membranous nephropathy complicated by Cronkhite–Canada syndrome successfully treated with mizoribine 72 80 EN Hiroyuki Nakanoh Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenji Tsuji Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shiho Morimoto Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazuhiko Fukushima Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Haruhito A. Uchida Department of Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jun Wada Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Cronkhite–Canada syndrome (CCS) is a non-hereditary disorder characterized by non-neoplastic hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyposis, hair loss, nail atrophy, hyperpigmentation, and diarrhea. While the relationship between CCS and nephritis remains unclear, seven cases of nephritis complicated by CCS have been reported to date, all of which were membranous nephropathy (MN). A 57-year-old man presented with taste disturbance, hair loss, nail plate atrophy, skin pigmentation, and frequent diarrhea. Endoscopic findings showed multiple polyposis of the stomach and large intestine. Given the above, he was diagnosed with CCS. The symptoms gradually improved with prednisolone treatment, although urinary protein and hypoproteinemia appeared during the tapering of prednisolone. He was diagnosed with MN using a renal biopsy, and immunofluorescence microscopy with IgG subclass staining showed predominantly diffuse granular capillary wall staining of IgG4. The cause of secondary MN was not found, including malignant tumors. Nephrotic-range proteinuria persisted despite treatment with prednisolone and cyclosporine. Additional treatment with mizoribine resulted in incomplete remission type 1 of nephrotic syndrome, suggesting that mizoribine may be a treatment option for patients with CCS with steroid-resistant MN. Considering a high prevalence of hypoproteinemia due to chronic diarrhea and protein-losing enteropathy in patients with CCS, proteinuria might be overlooked; thus, follow-up urinalysis would be recommended in patients with CCS. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Baishideng Publishing Group Acta Medica Okayama 1007-9327 30 16 2024 Drug-induced mucosal alterations observed during esophagogastroduodenoscopy 2220 2232 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Several features of drug-induced mucosal alterations have been observed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, i.e., the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. These include pill-induced esophagitis, desquamative esophagitis, worsening of gastroesophageal reflux, chemotherapy-induced esophagitis, proton pump inhibitor-induced gastric mucosal changes, medication-induced gastric erosions and ulcers, pseudomelanosis of the stomach, olmesartan-related gastric mucosal inflammation, lanthanum deposition in the stomach, zinc acetate hydrate tablet-induced gastric ulcer, immune-related adverse event gastritis, olmesartan-asso-ciated sprue-like enteropathy, pseudomelanosis of the duodenum, and lanthanum deposition in the duodenum. For endoscopists, acquiring accurate knowledge regarding these diverse drug-induced mucosal alterations is crucial not only for the correct diagnosis of these lesions but also for differential diag-nosis of other conditions. This minireview aims to provide essential information on drug-induced mucosal alterations observed on esophagogastroduodenoscopy, along with representative endoscopic images. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

BMC Acta Medica Okayama 1471-230X 24 1 2024 Endoscopic manifestation of intestinal transplant-associated microangiopathy after stem cell transplantation 140 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daisuke Ennishi Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuharu Fujii Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ken-Ichi Matsuoka Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshihiro Inokuchi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakiko Hiraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background Endoscopic features of intestinal transplant-associated microangiopathy (iTAM) have not been comprehensively investigated. This study aimed to examine the endoscopic characteristics of patients diagnosed with iTAM.<br> Methods This retrospective analysis included 14 patients pathologically diagnosed with iTAM after stem cell transplantation for hematolymphoid neoplasms (n = 13) or thalassemia (n = 1). The sex, age at diagnosis, endoscopic features, and prognosis of each patient were assessed. Serological markers for diagnosing transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy were also evaluated.<br> Results The mean age at the time of iTAM diagnosis was 40.2 years. Patients diagnosed based on the pathognomonic pathological changes of iTAM presented with diverse symptoms at the times of endoscopic examinations, including diarrhea (n = 10), abdominal pain (n = 5), nausea (n = 4), appetite loss (n = 2), bloody stools (n = 2), abdominal discomfort (n = 1), and vomiting (n = 1). At the final follow-up, six patients survived, while eight patients succumbed, with a median time of 100.5 days (range: 52-247) post-diagnosis. Endoscopic manifestations included erythematous mucosa (n = 14), erosions (n = 13), ulcers (n = 9), mucosal edema (n = 9), granular mucosa (n = 9), and villous atrophy (n = 4). Erosions and/or ulcers were primarily observed in the colon (10/14, 71%), followed by the ileum (9/13, 69%), stomach (4/10, 40%), cecum (5/14, 36%), duodenum (3/10, 30%), rectum (4/14, 29%), and esophagus (1/10, 10%). Cytomegalovirus infection (n = 4) and graft-versus-host disease (n = 2) coexisted within the gastrointestinal tract. Patients had de novo prolonged or progressive thrombocytopenia (6/14, 43%), decreased hemoglobin concentration (4/14, 29%), reduced serum haptoglobin level (3/14, 21%), and a sudden and persistent increase in lactate dehydrogenase level (2/14, 14%). Peripheral blood samples from 12 patients were evaluated for schistocytes, with none exceeding 4%.<br> Conclusions This study provides a comprehensive exploration of the endoscopic characteristics of iTAM. Notably, all patients exhibited erythematous mucosa throughout the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by prevalent manifestations, such as erosions (93%), ulcers (64%), mucosal edema (64%), granular mucosa (64%), and villous atrophy (29%). Because of the low positivity for serological markers of transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy in patients with iTAM, endoscopic evaluation and biopsy of these lesions are crucial, even in the absence of these serological features. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Science and Business Media LLC Acta Medica Okayama 0930-2794 37 9 2023 Diagnostic accuracy of frozen section biopsy for early gastric cancer extent during endoscopic submucosal dissection: a prospective study 6736 6748 EN Mayu Kobashi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shigenao Ishikawa Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Tomoki Inaba Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuki Aoyama Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomo Kagawa Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Yasuto Takeuchi Department of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital Midori Ando Department of Pathology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Satoko Nakamura Department of Pathology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background Accurate diagnosis of the lateral extent of early gastric cancer during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is crucial to achieve negative resection margins. Similar to intraoperative consultation with a frozen section in surgery, rapid frozen section diagnosis with endoscopic forceps biopsy may be useful in assessing tumor margins during ESD. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of frozen section biopsy.<br> Methods We prospectively enrolled 32 patients undergoing ESD for early gastric cancer. Biopsy samples for the frozen sections were randomly collected from fresh resected ESD specimens before formalin fixation. Two different pathologists independently diagnosed 130 frozen sections as “neoplasia,” “negative for neoplasia,” or “indefinite for neoplasia,” and the frozen section diagnosis was compared with the final pathological results of the ESD specimens.<br> Results Among the 130 frozen sections, 35 were from cancerous areas, and 95 were from non-cancerous areas. The diagnostic accuracies of the frozen section biopsies by the two pathologists were 98.5 and 94.6%, respectively. Cohen’s kappa coefficient of diagnoses by the two pathologists was 0.851 (95% confidence interval: 0.837–0.864). Incorrect diagnoses resulted from freezing artifacts, a small volume of tissue, inflammation, the presence of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with mild nuclear atypia, and/or tissue damage during ESD.<br> Conclusions Pathological diagnosis of frozen section biopsy is reliable and can be applied as a rapid frozen section diagnosis for evaluating the lateral margins of early gastric cancer during ESD. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2077-0383 13 7 2024 A Prospective Observational Study on Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection under Continuous Administration of Antithrombotic Agents 1886 EN Daisuke Kawai Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryuta Takenaka Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Taisuke Obata Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Takashi Yamamoto Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Shoichiro Hirata Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Ko Miura Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Koji Takemoto Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Hirofumi Tsugeno Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Shigeatsu Fujiki Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Background: This study aimed to assess the completion rate and postoperative bleeding incidence of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric tumors under continuous antithrombotic therapy. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted including 88 patients with 100 gastric lesions who underwent gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and received continuous antithrombotic therapy. Additionally, retrospective data on gastric ESD in 479 patients with 534 lesions who did not receive antithrombotic therapy were collected for comparison. Results: The en bloc resection rates (100% in the continuous antithrombotic therapy group vs. 100% in the non-antithrombotic therapy group) and complete resection rates (97.0% vs. 96.3%, respectively) were high and comparable between the groups. No significant differences were found in the specimen size or procedure time. Perforation rates were low (0% vs. 2.3%, respectively) and were not significantly different between the groups. However, postoperative bleeding occurred significantly more frequently in the continuous antithrombotic therapy group (10.2% vs. 4.2%, respectively) than in the non-antithrombotic therapy group. The subgroup analysis revealed a higher incidence of postoperative bleeding in patients receiving thienopyridine derivatives. Conclusions: Continuous administration of antithrombotic agents, especially thienopyridines, increased the risk of postprocedural hemorrhage following gastric ESD. These findings support the need for careful consideration of pharamcological management before ESD, aligning with the current guidelines. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Nature Portfolio Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 14 1 2024 Long-term monitoring of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in patients with extra copies of the MALT1 gene 4953 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryuta Takenaka Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Koji Miyahara Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hospital Shotaro Okanoue Department of Gastroenterology, Mitoyo General Hospital Masao Yoshioka Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital Chihiro Sakaguchi Department of Gastroenterology, Shikoku Cancer Center Kumiko Yamamoto Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Yoshinari Kawai Department of Gastroenterology, Onomichi Municipal Hospital Tatsuya Toyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, Fukuyama Medical Center Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences The objective of this study was to clarify the long-term prognosis of patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma with additional copies of MALT1. In this multicenter retrospective study, we enrolled 145 patients with gastric MALT lymphoma who underwent fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis to detect t(11;18) translocation. The patient cohort was divided into three groups: Group A (n = 87), comprising individuals devoid of the t(11;18) translocation or extra MALT1 copies; Group B (n = 27), encompassing patients characterized by the presence of the t(11;18) translocation; and Group C (n = 31), including patients with extra MALT1 copies. The clinical outcomes in each cohort were collected. Over the course of a mean follow-up of 8.5 ± 4.2 years, one patient died of progressive MALT lymphoma, while 15 patients died due to etiologies unrelated to lymphoma. The progression or relapse of MALT lymphoma was observed in 11 patients: three in Group A, two in Group B, and six in Group C. In Groups A, B, and C, the 10-year overall survival rates were 82.5%, 93.8%, and 86.4%, respectively, and the 10-year event-free survival rates were 96.1%, 96.0%, and 82.9%, respectively. The event-free survival rate in Group C was significantly lower than that in Group A. However, no differences were observed in the 10-year event-free survival rates among individuals limited to stage I or II1 disease (equivalent to excluding patients with stage IV disease in this study, as there were no patients with stage II2), with rates of 98.6%, 95.8%, and 92.3% for Groups A, B, and C, respectively. In conclusion, the presence of extra copies of MALT1 was identified as an inferior prognostic determinant of event-free survival. Consequently, trisomy/tetrasomy 18 may serve as an indicator of progression and refractoriness to therapeutic intervention in patients with gastric MALT lymphoma, particularly stage IV gastric MALT lymphoma. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2036-7414 15 1 2024 Differential Diagnoses and Management Approaches for Gastric Polyposis 122 144 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Multiple gastric polyps are observed in various polyposis syndromes and conditions associated with polypoid lesion development in the stomach. Polyposis syndromes often occur concurrently with specific malignant tumors and can manifest at any point in an individual's lifespan, thus explaining the diversity in surveillance methods. Furthermore, genetic counseling and surveillance are essential not only for the patients themselves but also for their blood relatives. Therefore, the accurate diagnosis and appropriate surveillance of multiple gastric polyps are crucial for improving patient outcomes. This review aims to provide essential information on such lesions along with representative endoscopic images of familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Cowden syndrome, Cronkhite-Canada syndrome, juvenile polyposis syndrome, gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach, neuroendocrine tumors in autoimmune gastritis, proton pump inhibitor-related gastric mucosal changes, and multiple submucosal heterotopic glands. We wish for this review to serve as a valuable resource for endoscopists seeking to deepen their comprehension of gastric polyposis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Nature Portfolio Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 14 1 2024 Endoscopic and clinical features of gastric emphysema 2202 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryuta Takenaka Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Tatsuya Toyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Fukuyama Medical Center Masahide Kita Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama City Hospital Takao Tsuzuki Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital Masao Yoshioka Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital Tatsuhiro Gotoda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital Shotaro Okanoue Department of Gastroenterology, Mitoyo General Hospital Minoru Matsubara Department of Gastroenterology, Sumitomo Besshi Hospital Chihiro Sakaguchi Department of Endoscopy, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Gastric emphysema is characterized by the presence of intramural gas in the stomach without bacterial infection. Due to its rarity, most reports on gastric emphysema have been limited to single-case studies, and this condition's clinical and endoscopic features have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we analyzed 45 patients with gastric emphysema from 10 institutions and examined their characteristics, endoscopic features, and outcomes. The mean age at diagnosis of gastric emphysema in our study population (35 males and 10 females) was 68.6 years (range, 14-95 years). The top five underlying conditions associated with gastric emphysema were the placement of a nasogastric tube (26.7%), diabetes mellitus (20.0%), post-percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (17.8%), malignant neoplasms (17.8%), and renal failure (15.6%). Among the 45 patients, 42 were managed conservatively with fasting and administration of proton pump inhibitors. Unfortunately, seven patients died within 30 days of diagnosis, and 35 patients experienced favorable recoveries. The resolution of gastric emphysema was confirmed in 30 patients through computed tomography (CT) scans, with a mean duration of 17.1 +/- 34.9 days (mean +/- standard deviation [SD], range: 1-180 days) from the time of diagnosis to the disappearance of the gastric intramural gas. There were no instances of recurrence. Endoscopic evaluation was possible in 18 patients and revealed that gastric emphysema presented with features such as redness, erosion, coarse mucosa, and ulcers, with fewer mucosal injuries on the anterior wall (72.2%), a clear demarcation between areas of mucosal injury and intact mucosa (61.1%), and predominantly longitudinal mucosal injuries on the stomach folds (50.0%). This study is the first English-language report to analyze endoscopic findings in patients with gastric emphysema. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Wiley Acta Medica Okayama 2397-9070 8 1 2023 Clinical significance of gastrointestinal bleeding history in patients who undergo left atrial appendage closure e13009 EN Tatsuya Kikuchi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Koji Nakagawa Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masakazu Miyamoto Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoichi Takaya Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shoichiro Hirata Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shoko Inoo Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Sakiko Kuraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Shotaro Okanoue Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Katsunori Matsueda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Takuya Satomi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Kenta Hamada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Background and Aim: Anticoagulant users with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) sometimes suffer from gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and have difficulty continuing the medication. Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has been developed for such situations. We aimed to clarify the clinical significance of a history of GIB in comparison to other factors in patients who had undergone LAAC.<br> Methods: From October 2019 to September 2023, patients with NVAF who underwent LAAC at our hospital were enrolled. We investigated the percentage of patients with a history of GIB who underwent LAAC and compared the incidence of post-LAAC bleeding in these patients compared to those with other factors.<br> Results: A total of 45 patients were included. There were 19 patients (42%) with a history of GIB who underwent LAAC. In a Kaplan–Meier analysis, the cumulative incidence of bleeding complications after LAAC was significantly higher in patients with a history of GIB in comparison to patients with other factors. There were eight cases of post-LAAC bleeding in total, and seven cases had GIB.<br> Conclusions: We need to recognize that GIB is a significant complication in patients who undergo LAAC. The management of GIB by gastroenterologists is essential to the success of LAAC. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

BMC Acta Medica Okayama 1710-1492 19 1 2023 Successful use of dupilumab for egg-induced eosinophilic gastroenteritis with duodenal ulcer: a pediatric case report and review of literature 103 EN Mitsuru Tsuge Department of Pediatric Acute Diseases, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenji Shigehara Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital Kazuhiro Uda Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Yukie Saito Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital Masato Yashiro Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital Masanori Ikeda Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Hospital Hirokazu Tsukahara Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Academic Field of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background Non-esophageal eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder (non-EoE-EGID) is a rare disease in which eosinophils infiltrate parts of the gastrointestinal tract other than the esophagus; however, the number of patients with non-EoE-EGID has been increasing in recent years. Owing to its chronic course with repeated relapses, it can lead to developmental delays due to malnutrition, especially in pediatric patients. No established treatment exists for non-EoE-EGID, necessitating long-term systemic corticosteroid administration. Although the efficacy of dupilumab, an anti-IL-4/13 receptor monoclonal antibody, for eosinophilic esophagitis, has been reported, only few reports have demonstrated its efficacy in non-EoE EGIDs.<br> Case presentation A 13-year-old boy developed non-EoE-EGID with duodenal ulcers, with chicken eggs as the trigger. He was successfully treated with an egg-free diet, proton pump inhibitors, and leukotriene receptor antagonists. However, at age 15, he developed worsening upper abdominal pain and difficulty eating. Blood analysis revealed eosinophilia; elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate; and elevated levels of C-reactive protein, total immunoglobulin E, and thymic and activation-regulated chemokines. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a duodenal ulcer with marked mucosal eosinophilic infiltration. Gastrointestinal symptoms persisted even after starting systemic steroids, making it difficult to reduce the steroid dose. Subcutaneous injection of dupilumab was initiated because of comorbid atopic dermatitis exacerbation. After 3 months, the gastrointestinal symptoms disappeared, and after 5 months, the duodenal ulcer disappeared and the eosinophil count decreased in the mucosa. Six months later, systemic steroids were discontinued, and the duodenal ulcer remained recurrence-free. The egg challenge test result was negative; therefore, the egg-free diet was discontinued. Blood eosinophil count and serum IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin-3 levels decreased after dupilumab treatment. The serum levels of IL-5 and eotaxin-3 remained within normal ranges, although the blood eosinophil counts increased again after discontinuation of oral prednisolone.<br> Conclusions Suppression of IL-4R/IL-13R-mediated signaling by dupilumab may improve abdominal symptoms and endoscopic and histologic findings in patients with non-EoE-EGID, leading to the discontinuation of systemic steroid administration and tolerance of causative foods. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 77 5 2023 Endoscopic Manifestations and Clinical Characteristics of Localized Gastric Light-Chain Amyloidosis 545 552 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shouichi Tanaka Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center Tatsuya Toyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Fukuyama Medical Center Mamoru Nishimura Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama City Hospital Takao Tsuzuki Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital Koji Miyahara Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital Shin Negishi Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Shogen Ohya Kawaguchi Medical Clinic Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Original Article 10.18926/AMO/65978 To determine the endoscopic and clinical features of localized gastric amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, we retrospectively examined the characteristics of nine patients (eight men and one woman) encountered by the hospitals in our network. Lesions were predominantly flat and depressed with surface vascular dilatation (n=5); others were characterized by subepithelial lesions (n=2), mucosal color change (n=1), and a mass-like morphology with swollen mucosal folds (n=1). Colonoscopy (n=7), video capsule enteroscopy (n=2), serum (n=5) and urine immunoelectrophoresis (n=4), and bone marrow examination (n=3) were performed to exclude involvement of organs other than the stomach. As treatment for gastric lesions of AL amyloidosis, one patient each underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (n=1) and argon plasma coagulation (n=1), while the remaining seven patients underwent no specific treatment. During a mean follow-up of 4.2 years, one patient died 3.2 years after diagnosis, but the cause of death, which occurred in another hospital, was unknown. The remaining eight patients were alive at the last visit. In conclusion, although localized gastric AL amyloidosis can show various macroscopic features on esophagogastroduodenoscopy, flat, depressed lesions with vascular dilatation on the surface are predominant. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. Acta Medica Okayama 1948-5190 15 7 2023 Review of oral and pharyngolaryngeal benign lesions detected during esophagogastroduodenoscopy 496 509 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenta Hamada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Recent advancements in endoscopy equipment have facilitated endoscopists’ detection of neoplasms in the oral cavity and pharyngolaryngeal regions. In particular, image-enhanced endoscopy using narrow band imaging or blue laser imaging play an integral role in the endoscopic diagnosis of oral and pharyngolaryngeal cancers. Despite these advancements, limited studies have focused on benign lesions that can be observed during esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the oral and pharyngolaryngeal regions. Therefore, this mini-review aimed to provide essential information on such benign lesions, along with representative endoscopic images of dental caries, cleft palate, palatal torus, bifid uvula, compression by cervical osteophytes, tonsil hyperplasia, black hairy tongue, oral candidiasis, oral and pharyngolaryngeal ulcers, pharyngeal melanosis, oral tattoos associated with dental alloys, retention cysts, papilloma, radiation-induced changes, skin flaps, vocal cord paresis, and vocal fold leukoplakia. Whilst it is imperative to seek consultation from otolaryngologists or dentists in instances where the diagnosis cannot be definitively ascertained by endoscopists, the merits of attaining foundational expertise pertaining to oral and pharyngolaryngeal lesions are unequivocal. This article will be a valuable resource for endoscopists seeking to enhance their understanding of oral and pharyngolaryngeal lesions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Acta Medica Okayama 2364-3722 10 06 2022 Prospective multicenter study of the efficacy and safety of cold forceps polypectomy for ≤ 6-mm non-ampullary duodenal low-grade adenomas E712 E718 EN Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Joichiro Horii Department of Gastroenterology, Fukuyama Medical Center Ryuta Takenaka Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Central Hospital Hiroyuki Nakagawa Department of Endoscopy, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital Kazuhiro Matsueda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital Takao Tsuzuki Department of Internal Medicine, Himeji Red Cross Hospital Masahide Kita Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital Yasushi Yamasaki Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Jun Tomoda Department of Internal Medicine, Akaiwa Medical Association Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Background and study aims　Because the endoscopic treatment for non-ampullary duodenal adenoma (NADA) has a non-negligible risk of adverse events (AEs), a safe and easy treatment for NADA is desirable. This was a multicenter prospective trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of cold forceps polypectomy (CFP) for diminutive NADAs.<br> Patients and methods　This study was prospectively conducted at six general hospitals and one university hospital. The inclusion criteria were histologic and endoscopic diagnosis of low-grade NADA measuring ≤ 6 mm. A second endoscopy was scheduled for 1 month after CFP. After confirmation of the success of CFP, 6-month and 12-month surveillance endoscopies were scheduled. The primary endpoint was the endoscopic and histologic disease disappearance rates at the 12-month endoscopy.<br> Results　Thirty-nine lesions from 38 patients were prospectively included. Median tumor size at enrollment was 5 mm (range 3–6 mm). There were four cases of remnant lesions at the second endoscopy, and the lesion disappearance rate of single CFP was 89.7 % (35 /39; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 76.9 %–97.9 %). In three cases, complete removal of the lesion was achieved with a single re-CFP, but one case required four repeat CFPs. The lesion disappearance rate at 12-month endoscopy was 97.4 % (38 /39; 95 %CI, 86.8 %–99.5 %). During the follow-up period, no AEs related to CFP were observed.<br> Conclusions　CFP for NADA ≤ 6 mm was safe and effective in this study. This common endoscopic method to remove lesions may be an option for treatment of diminutive NADAs. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 77 4 2023 An Unusual Presentation of Chest Pain and Laryngeal Discomfort in a Pregnant Woman: A Case Report and Literature Review 429 431 EN Misa Sasanami Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Atsuyoshi Iida Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryousuke Hirai Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takashi Obara Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kohei Tsukahara Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tetsuya Yumoto Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromichi Naito Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Atsunori Nakao Department of Emergency, Critical Care and Disaster Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Case Report 10.18926/AMO/65755 Intramural esophageal dissection (IED), characterized by bleeding into the submucosal space, leads to mucosal separation and dissection. The most prevalent symptoms are sudden chest or retrosternal pain, hematemesis, and dysphagia. Therefore, acute coronary syndrome and aortic dissection are among its most notable differential diagnoses. A 31-year-old pregnant woman presented with acute chest pain, laryngeal discomfort, and hematemesis. Emergency esophagogastroscopy revealed longitudinal mucosal dissection (upper esophagus to esophagogastric junction). The patient was successfully treated by avoiding the ingestion of solid foods. Clinicians should consider a diagnosis of IED for pregnant patients with acute chest pain, especially if hematemesis is present. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 77 4 2023 Feasibility of Flow Cytometry Analysis of Gastrointestinal Tract-Residing Lymphocytes in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients 347 357 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takumi Kondo Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daisuke Ennishi Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuharu Fujii Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ken-ichi Matsuoka Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takahide Takahashi Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Araki Hirabata Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Fumio Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshinobu Maeda Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Original Article 10.18926/AMO/65740 The feasibility of lymphocyte isolation and flow cytometry using a single endoscopic biopsy specimen from the gastrointestinal tract of patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has not been investigated. We acquired 51 endoscopic biopsy specimens from the gastrointestinal tract of 35 patients. We divided the flow cytometry samples into two groups: group A, successful lymphocyte isolation (n=24), and group B, incomplete isolation (n=27). We compared the backgrounds of the samples between the groups to reveal crucial elements in the successful isolation of lymphocytes residing in the gastrointestinal tract. Comparison between the groups revealed lymphocyte isolation success rates differed between biopsy sites. Isolation was most successful in samples from the duodenum (8/9, 88.9%), followed by the ileum (4/8, 50.0%), large intestine (4/11, 36.4%), and stomach (8/23, 34.8%). Tacrolimus was used more frequently in group B (92.6%) than in group A (62.5%) (p=0.015). Logistic regression analysis revealed that isolation from the duodenum or ileum was a significant factor for successful isolation, while tacrolimus use was not statistically significant. In conclusion, the duodenum and ileum are more suitable sites than the stomach and colorectum for acquiring samples for flow cytometry. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Editorial Office of Gut and Liver Acta Medica Okayama 1976-2283 17 3 2022 Postoperative Bleeding Risk after Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in Patients Receiving a P2Y12 Receptor Antagonist 404 411 EN Ryosuke Hirai Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shoko Inoo Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakiko Kuraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shotaro Okanoue Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuya Satomi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenta Hamada Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background/Aims: The safety of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in users of a P2Y12 receptor antagonist (P2Y12RA) under current guidelines has not been verified.<br> Methods: Patients treated by gastric ESD at Okayama University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2020 were registered. The postoperative bleeding rates of patients (group A) who did not receive any antithrombotic drugs; patients (group B) receiving aspirin or cilostazol monotherapy; and P2Y12RA users (group C) those on including monotherapy or dual antiplatelet therapy were compared. The risk factors for post-ESD bleeding were examined in a multivariate analysis of patient background, tumor factors, and antithrombotic drug management.<br> Results: Ultimately, 1,036 lesions (847 patients) were enrolled. The bleeding rates of group B and C were significantly higher than that of group A (p=0.012 and p<0.001, respectively), but there was no significant difference between group B and C (p=0.11). The postoperative bleeding rate was significantly higher in dual antiplatelet therapy than in P2Y12RA monotherapy (p=0.014). In multivariate analysis, tumor diameter ≥12 mm (odds ratio [OR], 4.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.99 to 9.31), anticoagulant use (OR, 4.03; 95% CI, 1.64 to 9.86), and P2Y12RA use (OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.07 to 10.70) were significant risk factors for postoperative bleeding.<br> Conclusions: P2Y12RA use is a risk factor for postoperative bleeding in patients who undergo ESD even if receiving drug management according to guidelines. Dual antiplatelet therapy carries a higher risk of bleeding than monotherapy. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1467-3037 45 7 2023 Update in Molecular Aspects and Diagnosis of Autoimmune Gastritis 5263 5275 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of autoimmune gastritis, particularly its molecular aspects. The most noteworthy recent advancement lies in the identification of several candidate genes implicated in the pathogenesis of pernicious anemia through genome-wide association studies. These genes include PTPN22, PNPT1, HLA-DQB1, and IL2RA. Recent studies have also directed attention towards other genes such as ATP4A, ATP4B, AIRE, SLC26A7, SLC26A9, and BACH2 polymorphism. In-depth investigations have been conducted on lymphocytes and cytokines, including T helper 17 cells, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17E, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-19, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-15, transforming growth factor-β1, IL-13, and diminished levels of IL-27. Animal studies have explored the involvement of roseolovirus and H. pylori in relation to the onset of the disease and the process of carcinogenesis, respectively. Recent studies have comprehensively examined the involvement of autoantibodies, serum pepsinogen, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis. The current focus lies on individuals demonstrating atypical presentations of the disease, including those diagnosed in childhood, those yielding negative results for autoantibodies, and those lacking the typical endoscopic characteristics of mucosal atrophy. Here, we discuss the recent developments in this field, focusing on genetic predisposition, epigenetic modifications, lymphocytes, cytokines, oxidative stress, infectious agents, proteins, microRNAs, autoantibodies, serum pepsinogen, gastrin, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and microscopic findings, and the risk of gastric neoplasm. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Springer Acta Medica Okayama 2168-8184 15 5 2023 Collagenous Colitis in a Patient With Gastric Cancer Who Underwent Chemotherapy e39466 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Shunsuke Kagawa Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shoko Inoo Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Motoyuki Otsuka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Herein, we present a case of collagenous colitis in a patient who underwent chemotherapy for gastric cancer, comprising five cycles of S-1 plus oxaliplatin and trastuzumab, followed by five cycles of paclitaxel and ramucirumab and seven cycles of nivolumab. The subsequent initiation of trastuzumab deruxtecan chemotherapy led to the development of grade 3 diarrhea after the second cycle of treatment. Collagenous colitis was diagnosed via colonoscopy and biopsy. The patient's diarrhea improved following the cessation of lansoprazole. This case highlights the importance of considering collagenous colitis as a differential diagnosis, in addition to chemotherapy-induced colitis and immune-related adverse event (irAE) colitis, in patients with similar clinical presentations. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 77 3 2023 Endocrinological Changes after Anamorelin Administration in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer 235 241 EN Sakiko Kuraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuya Satomi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tatsuhiro Yamazaki Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenta Hamada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hironari Kato Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Fumio Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Original Article 10.18926/AMO/65488 Changes in hormone levels in patients with cancer cachexia after anamorelin administration have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to determine how anamorelin affects the endocrine system in patients with gastrointestinal cancer and cachexia. We prospectively enrolled 13 patients and comprehensively investigated their body weight and levels of serum albumin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and hormones before (week 0) and 3 and 12 weeks after anamorelin administration. The variables were evaluated at week 3 in 9 patients and at week 12 in 5 patients. At week 3, anamorelin administration resulted in body weight gain and increased the levels of growth hormone and HbA1c, as well as insulin-like growth factor-1 standard deviation scores (IGF-1 SD scores). At the same time, negative correlations were observed between ΔIGF-1 SD score and Δthyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) and between ΔIGF-1 SD score and Δfree testosterone. ΔBody weight and ΔIGF-1 SD score correlated positively at week 12. These results suggest that TSH and free testosterone levels can be affected 3 weeks after anamorelin administration; however, those variables tend to return to a state of equilibrium, and anabolic effects of anamorelin appear in long-term (≥ 12 weeks) users. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Baishideng Publishing Group Acta Medica Okayama 1007-9327 29 12 2023 Review of lymphoma in the duodenum: An update of diagnosis and management 1852 1862 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences The presentation, subtype, and macroscopic images of lymphoma vary depending on the site of the tumor within the gastrointestinal tract. We searched PubMed for publications between January 1, 2012 and October 10, 2022, and retrieved 130 articles relating to duodenal lymphoma. A further 22 articles were added based on the manual screening of relevant articles, yielding 152 articles for full-text review. The most predominant primary duodenal lymphoma was follicular lymphoma. In this review, we provide an update of the diagnosis and man-agement of representative lymphoma subtypes occurring in the duodenum: Follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, mantle cell lymphoma, and T-cell lymphomas. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

AME Publishing Company Acta Medica Okayama 2078-6891 14 2 2023 Lesion size, elevated morphology, and non or closed-type atrophy are predictive factors for gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type rather than oxyntic gland adenoma 554 562 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Chiaki Kusumoto Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Kokan Fukuyama Hospital Masahiro Nakagawa Department of Endoscopy, Hiroshima City Hospital Kazuhiro Matsueda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital Sayo Kobayashi Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Masao Yoshioka Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital Tomoki Inaba Tatsuya Toyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Chihiro Sakaguchi Department of Endoscopy, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center Shouichi Tanaka Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background: An oxyntic gland neoplasm confined to the mucosal layer (T1a) is classified as an oxyntic gland adenoma, whereas that with submucosal invasion (T1b) is defined as gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type (GA-FG). <br> Methods: To reveal the differences in clinical features between them, we retrospectively investigated 136 patients with 150 oxyntic gland adenoma and GA-FG lesions. <br> Results: The univariate analysis revealed that the mean size (GA-FG vs. oxyntic gland adenoma, 7.7±5.4 vs. 5.5±3.1 mm), the prevalence of elevated morphology (79.1% vs. 51.8%), black pigmentation within the lesion (23.9% vs. 9.6%), and non or closed-type atrophy (81.2% vs. 65.1%) were different between the two groups. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that ≥5 mm lesion size (odds ratio, 2.96; 95% confidence interval: 1.21–7.23), elevated morphology (odds ratio, 2.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.06–5.45), and no or closed-type atrophy (odds ratio, 2.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.07–5.80) were factors in distinguishing GA-FG from oxyntic gland adenoma. When oxyntic gland neoplasms with no or one feature were judged as oxyntic gland adenomas and those with two or three features were judged as GA-FG, the sensitivity and specificity were 85.1% and 43.4% for GA-FG, respectively. <br> Conclusions: We identified three possible distinctive features of GA-FG compared to oxyntic gland adenoma: lesion size ≥5 mm, elevated morphology, and no or closed-type atrophy. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 134 3 2022 トシリズマブ投与中に十二指腸憩室炎を認めた１例 166 170 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Yuki Baba Department of Internal Medicine, Mitoyo General Hospital Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University Hiroyuki Okada Professor Emeritus, Okayama University 　A Japanese woman was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 41. At the age of 56, her rheumatoid arthritis worsened and a subcutaneous injection of tocilizumab and oral prednisolone was administered, which led to an improvement of arthritis. At the age of 57, right lower abdominal pain and vomiting suddenly appeared. Abdominal computed tomography showed a parapapillary diverticulum in the descending duodenum. The diverticulum was filled with residue, and an inflammation of the surrounding adipose tissue was observed; no free air was found. The patient was diagnosed with duodenal diverticulitis and treated with antibiotics, which resulted in an uneventful recovery. The maximum value of CRP was 1.88㎎/dL on the third day of hospitalization. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed on the 8th day of hospitalization revealed a parapapillary diverticulum with adhesion of pus and redness of the mucosa at the opening of the diverticulum, consistent with diverticulitis. This case highlights that diverticulitis in infrequent areas such as the duodenum may occur in patients who are treated with tocilizumab. In addition, inflammation of diverticulitis may be underestimated because abnormal laboratory values such as those induced by inflammatory reactions are less likely to occur during tocilizumab treatment. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Cureus Inc. Acta Medica Okayama 2168-8184 14 11 2022 Increased CCR4+ and Decreased Central Memory CD4+ T Lymphocytes in the Background Gastric Mucosa of Patients Developing Gastric Cancer After Helicobacter pylori Eradication: An Exploratory Study e31713 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Takahide Takahashi Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Araki Hirabata Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Fumio Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Horoyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences The composition of lymphocytes in the gastric mucosa following the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in patients with and without gastric cancer has not been compared. This study performed a single spot analysis of gastric mucosal lymphocytes after H. pylori eradication in patients with (n = 13) and without (n = 20) gastric cancer. Our comprehensive analysis of lymphocyte composition in the gastric mucosa revealed that: i) the proportion of CD8+/CD3+ cells was relatively higher in the peri-tumor mucosa than in the background mucosa; ii) the proportion of CCR4+/CD3+ cells was higher, and the ratio of CD62L+/CD3+CD4+ cells was relatively lower in the gastric mucosa of cancer patients than in non-cancer patients; and iii) the proportion of CD45RA-CD62L+/CD3+CD4+ cells, namely, the central memory CD4+ T -cell fraction, was lower in the gastric mucosa of cancer patients than in non-cancer patients. Although the exact mechanism of the altered proportions of CCR4+/CD3+ and central memory CD4+ cells in the gastric mucosa of patients with cancer is unknown, focusing on lymphocytes in the gastric mucosa might help improve our understanding of gastric cancer development after H. pylori eradication. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 77 1 2023 Scattered Tiny Whitish Protrusions in the Stomach Are a Clue to the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Gastritis 75 80 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenta Hamada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Case Report 10.18926/AMO/64365 Herein, we report two patients with autoimmune gastritis who had undergone multiple esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedures for 17 and 9 years, respectively, before their diagnosis. Instead, they had been diagnosed with and treated for Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis. The correct diagnosis was made when scatterings of tiny whitish protrusions in the gastric mucosa were detected on esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Our findings suggest that scattered tiny whitish bumps may be a clue to the diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Cureus Acta Medica Okayama 2168-8184 14 12 2022 Multiple White Plaques in the Esophagus: A Possible Case of Esophageal Mucosal Alteration Associated With Immune-Related Adverse Events of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors e32710 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Horoyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences We report two cases of multiple white plaques in the esophagus that emerged after the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Both patients developed enterocolitis as immune-related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed duodenal involvement and multiple white plaques in the esophagus. A biopsy of the esophagus showed predominant CD3+ lymphocyte infiltration, suggesting that esophageal mucosal alterations were associated with immune-related adverse events. In addition, histopathology showed keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in the first case while increased inflammatory cell infiltration in the intraepithelial and subepithelial layers was observed in the second case. These data suggest a different pathogenesis of the multiple esophageal white plaques between the two cases. Although further investigation is needed to elucidate the significance of these observations, recognition of the esophageal plaques may be important for prompt diagnosis of immune-related adverse events when associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Hindawi Ltd Acta Medica Okayama 2090-6528 2022 2022 Zinc Acetate Dihydrate Tablet-Associated Gastritis Occurring in a Post-Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipient 4637707 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Akifumi Matsumura Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences A 65-year-old Japanese woman underwent umbilical cord blood transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia. Zinc acetate dihydrate tablets were administered for hypozincemia after transplantation, and vomiting and appetite loss occurred soon thereafter. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed mucosal redness, erosion, white coat adhesion, and ulcers. Although graft-versus-host disease, intestinal transplant-associated microangiopathy, and cytomegalovirus infection were considered as possible causes, we diagnosed the patient with zinc acetate dihydrate tablet-associated gastric mucosal alterations based on the endoscopic features. This case reinforces the notion that medication-associated gastric lesions should be suspected in patients taking zinc acetate dihydrate tablets. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Acta Medica Okayama 0025-7974 101 41 2022 Endoscopic findings of gastric neoplasms in familial adenomatous polyposis are associated with the phenotypic variations and grades of dysplasia e30997 EN Mayu Kobashi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakiko Kuraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shoko Inoo Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shotaro Okanoue Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuya Satomi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenta Hamada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Makoto Abe Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are at increased risk of developing gastric neoplasms. However, endoscopic findings have not been sufficiently investigated. We investigated the phenotypic expression of gastric adenoma (low-grade dysplasia) and gastric cancer (high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma) in patients with FAP and clarified their relationships to endoscopic findings. Of 29 patients with FAP who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy between 2005 and 2020, 11 (38%) had histologically confirmed gastric neoplasms, including 23 lesions of gastric adenoma and 9 lesions of gastric cancer. The gastric neoplasms were classified into 3 phenotypes (gastric, mixed, or intestinal type) according to the immunostaining results and evaluated for location (U or M region: upper or middle third of the stomach or L region: lower third of the stomach), color (same as the background mucosa, whitish, or reddish), macroscopic type (elevated, flat, or depressed), background mucosal atrophy (present or absent), fundic gland polyps in the surrounding mucosa (present or absent), and morphologic changes in tumor size. Elevated whitish gastric adenomas were further subdivided by macroscopic type (flat elevated, protruded, or elevated with a central depression) and color (milky- or pinkish-white). The gastric adenomas included gastric (11/23, 48%), mixed (4/23, 17%), and intestinal (8/23, 35%) phenotypes. In contrast, no lesions of gastric cancers showed a gastric phenotype (0/9, 0%), while 5 (56%) and 4 (44%) lesions were intestinal and mixed phenotypes, respectively. Gastric cancers were significantly more likely than gastric adenomas to present as reddish depressed lesions with gastric atrophy. All gastric-type adenomas occurred in non-atrophic mucosa, in mucosa with fundic gland polyps in the periphery, in the U or M region, and as flat elevated or protruded lesions with a milky-white color. Half of the lesions increased in size. Meanwhile, the typical endoscopic features of intestinal-type adenomas included occurrence in the L region and elevated pinkish-white lesions with central depression. None of the intestinal-type adenomas increased in size during the observation period. We believe that these endoscopic features will be useful for the prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of gastric neoplasms in patients with FAP. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Acta Medica Okayama 0025-7974 101 34 2022 Site-specific differences in T lymphocyte composition of the gastric mucosa after Helicobacter pylori eradication e30241 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takahide Takahashi Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Natsuki Watanabe Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Makoto Abe Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Sakae Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Fumio Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Yanai Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences In our earlier work, we revealed that inflammation of the lesser curvature of the gastric body and antrum could constitute independent risk factors for gastric cancer development, while inflammation of the greater curvature was not. The aims of this study were as follows: first, to reveal the differences between T lymphocyte populations of the gastric antrum and the greater and lesser curvatures of the gastric body in patients after Helicobacter pylori eradication; second, to analyze the correlation between the composition of the stomach-resident T lymphocytes and time from H. pylori eradication; and third, to evaluate the sex differences in T lymphocyte subsets after H. pylori eradication. To investigate site-specific differences in stomach-resident T lymphocytes after H. pylori eradication, we performed flow cytometry analysis on samples taken from the gastric antrum, greater curvature of the gastric body, and lesser curvature of the gastric body of 20 patients. We also analyzed the correlation between the composition of the stomach-resident T lymphocytes and the time from H. pylori eradication. The lymphocyte subsets of the antrum and lesser curvature of the body were similar. In contrast, compared to those in the greater curvature of the gastric body, CD4(+)/CD3(+) lymphocyte subsets (43.8 +/- 19.4% vs 31.7 +/- 14.6%) were elevated in the lesser curvature of the body, whereas CD8(+)/CD3(+) (67.1 +/- 21.3% vs 80.4 +/- 12.0%), CD7(+)/CD3(+) (91.2 +/- 4.6% vs 93.7 +/- 3.8%), CCR4(+)/CD3(+) (7.7 +/- 8.1% vs 10.4 +/- 7.0%), CD45RA(+)/CD3(+)CD4(+) (27.2 +/- 24.8% vs 39.5 +/- 20.8%), and CD45RA(+)/CD3(+)CD4(-) (14.2 +/- 11.1% vs 18.7 +/- 11.5) were lower. Linear regression analysis showed a negative correlation between the time after H. pylori eradication and CD4(+)/CD3(+) (P < .05, R-2 = 0.198). There were no significant differences between men and women with respect to the lymphocyte populations. These results indicate that there are site-specific differences in lymphocyte composition in the stomach after H. pylori eradication. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Hindawi Ltd Acta Medica Okayama 2090-6528 2022 2022 Helicobacter suis-Associated Gastritis Mimicking Conventional H. pylori-Associated Atrophic Gastritis 4254605 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Somay Yamagata Murayama Department of Fungal Infection, National Institute of Infectious Diseases Masahiko Nakamura Omura Satoshi Memorial Institute, Kitasato University Kenta Hamada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences A 45-year-old Japanese man underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which revealed spotty redness at the gastric fornix, mucosal swelling, diffuse redness in the corpus, and mucosal atrophy in the gastric angle and antrum. Histological examination showed rod-shaped bacteria that appeared larger than Helicobacter pylori. The patient tested positive for rapid urease test, and serum anti-H. pylori IgG antibody test results were negative. Further examination of the bacteria revealed that H. suis antibody test was positive, and the presence of H. suis was confirmed using H. suis-specific real-time PCR. H. suis was successfully eradicated after triple therapy with vonoprazan, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. This case reinforces the notion that non-H. pylori Helicobacter species such as H. suis and H. heilmannii may be involved in the pathogenesis of active gastritis in patients who test negative for H. pylori antibodies. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 61 13 2022 Zinc Acetate Dihydrate Tablet-associated Gastric Lesions 1931 1938 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakiko Kuraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenta Hamada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Makoto Abe Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence and endoscopic features of zinc acetate dihydrate tablet-associated gastric lesions. <br> Methods We retrospectively examined the endoscopic features of 47 patients taking zinc acetate dihydrate tablets who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy. <br> Results Gastric mucosal alterations, including redness, erosions, ulcers, and adhesion of the white coat, were observed in 29 of 47 patients (61.7%). Among patients with gastric lesions (group A), there was a sig-nificantly higher percentage of symptomatic patients in comparison to patients without lesions (group B) (65.5% vs. 22.2%; p<0.01). The background characteristics of the two groups did not differ to a statistically significant extent. On esophagogastroduodenoscopy, mucosal redness (n=27, 93.1%), erosions (n=26, 90.0%), adhesion of the white coat (n=25, 86.2%), and ulcers (n=9, 31.0%) were observed. None of the 19 patients who previously underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy had gastric lesions before starting zinc acetate dihy-drate. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed after the cessation of zinc acetate dihydrate intake in six patients, and revealed the resolution of gastric lesions. <br> Conclusion Gastric lesions were observed in 29 of 47 patients who were taking zinc acetate dihydrate tab-lets. The most common endoscopic findings were mucosal redness (93.1%), erosions (90.0%), adhesion of the white coat (86.2%), and ulcers (31.0%). Although the exact pathogenesis is uncertain, we believe that un-derstanding the unique manifestations of this gastric lesion will help physicians manage adverse events in pa-tients taking zinc acetate dihydrate tablets. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1467-3037 44 6 2022 Characterization of Gastric Tissue-Resident T Cells in Autoimmune and Helicobacter pylori-Associated Gastritis 2443 2452 EN Daisuke Kametaka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takahide Takahashi Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Araki Hirabata Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Kenta Hamada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Fumio Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Data regarding the in-depth surface marker profiles of gastric tissue-resident lymphocytes in autoimmune and Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis are lacking. In this study, we investigated potential differences in lymphocyte composition between these profiles. We enrolled patients with autoimmune (n = 14), active (current infection of H. pylori in the stomach; n = 10), and inactive gastritis (post-eradication of H. pylori; n = 20). Lymphocytes were isolated from the greater curvature of the stomach and lesser curvature of the body and analyzed using flow cytometry. The CD8(+)/CD3(+) and CD4(+)/CD3(+) ratios differed between the samples. Body CD4(+)/antrum CD4(+), which is calculated by dividing the CD4(+)/CD3(+) ratio in the body by that in the antrum, was significantly higher in autoimmune gastritis (3.54 +/- 3.13) than in active (1.47 +/- 0.41) and inactive gastritis (1.42 +/- 0.77). Antrum CD8(+)/CD4(+) in autoimmune gastritis (7.86 +/- 7.23) was also higher than that in active (1.49 +/- 0.58) and inactive gastritis (2.84 +/- 2.17). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of antrum CD8(+)/CD4(+) was 0.842, and the corresponding optimal cutoff point was 4.0, with a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 93.3%. We propose that an antrum CD8(+)/CD4(+) ratio > 4.0 is a potential diagnostic marker for autoimmune gastritis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

BMC Acta Medica Okayama 1471-230X 22 1 2022 Endoscopic features of oxyntic gland adenoma and gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type differ between patients with and without Helicobacter pylori infection: a retrospective observational study 294 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Chiaki Kusumoto Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Kokan Fukuyama Hospital Masahiro Nakagawa Department of Endoscopy, Hiroshima City Hospital Kazuhiro Matsueda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital Sayo Kobayashi Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Masao Yoshioka Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital Tomoki Inaba Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Tatsuya Toyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, Fukuyama Medical Center Chihiro Sakaguchi Department of Endoscopy, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center Shouichi Tanaka Department of Gastroenterology, Iwakuni Clinical Center Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background The endoscopic features of oxyntic gland adenoma and gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type have not been fully investigated in relation to Helicobacter pylori infection status. We compared the morphology, color, and location of these lesions between patients with and without H. pylori infection. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 165 patients (180 lesions) from 10 institutions. We divided the patients into the (i) Hp group (patients with current H. pylori infection [active gastritis, n = 13] and those with past infection [inactive gastritis, n = 76]) and (ii) uninfected group (H. pylori-uninfected patients, n = 52). We compared the clinical and endoscopic features of the two groups. We also performed an analysis between (i) lesions with atrophy of the surrounding gastric mucosa (atrophy group) and (ii) lesions without atrophy of the surrounding gastric mucosa (non-atrophy group). Results The average age was older in the Hp group than in the uninfected group (68.1 +/- 8.1 vs. 63.4 +/- 8.7 years, p < 0.01). Although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.09), multiple lesions were observed in 9 of 89 patients (10.1%) in the Hp group and in only 1 of 52 patients (1.9%) in the uninfected group. Meanwhile, significant differences were observed in the prevalence of lesions located in the gastric fornix or cardia (uninfected group: 67.3% vs. Hp group: 38.0%, p < 0.01), with an elevated morphology (80.0% vs. 56.0%, p < 0.01), with a subepithelial-like appearance (78.2% vs. 42.0%, p < 0.01), and with a color similar to that of the peripheral mucosa (43.6% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.02). The male-to-female ratio, lesion size, and presence or absence of vascular dilatation or black pigmentation on the surface were not different between the two groups. In the analysis comparing lesions with and without mucosal atrophy, the prevalence of multiple lesions was significantly higher (p = 0.02) in the atrophy group (5/25 patients, 20.0%) than in the non-atrophy group (7/141 patients, 5.0%). Conclusions The endoscopic features of oxyntic gland adenoma and gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type differ between patients with and without H. pylori infection. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Hindawi Ltd. Acta Medica Okayama 2090-6528 2022 2022 Two Cases of Duodenal Ulcers That Developed after Transcatheter Procedures for Unruptured Visceral Artery Aneurysms 9988216 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yusuke Kawai Department of Gastroenterology, Mitoyo General Hospital Mayu Uka Department of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yusuke Matsui Department of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takao Hiraki Department of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Herein, we report two cases of duodenal ulcers that developed after transcatheter procedures for the treatment of unruptured artery aneurysms. Both patients recovered after the administration of nothing by mouth, intravenous fluids, and proton-pump inhibitors. Notably, the duodenal ulcer was unchanged in one patient six days after endovascular treatment and improved in the other patient 13 days after angiography. These cases suggest that conservative treatment is acceptable in patients with duodenal ischemia that develops as an adverse effect of endovascular procedures. The usefulness of esophagogastroduodenoscopy in such patients has also been highlighted. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 1467-3037 44 4 2022 Laminin 511-E8 Fragment Offers Superior Adhesion Properties for Gastric Cancer Cells Compared with Full-Length Laminin 511 1539 1551 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hidenori Shiraha Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mayu Kobashi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shigeru Horiguchi Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Simple Summary Numerous studies over the past few decades have revealed that the interactions of gastric cancer cells with laminins through integrins play important roles in tumor cell proliferation, infiltration, and metastasis. However, the association between gastric cancer cells and the laminin E8 fragment, which is the smallest integrin-binding component, has not been investigated. In this study, we revealed that the laminin 511-E8 fragment had a greater impact on the adhesion, morphology, and proliferation of gastric cancer cells than full-length laminin 511. Thus, the laminin 511-E8 fragment is considered to be suitable for investigating the interaction between gastric cancer cells and extracellular matrices in tumor invasion and metastasis. Further, the involvement of Cdc42 in the laminin 511-E8 fragment-induced enhanced adhesion of gastric cancer cells was suggested. Background: The interaction between cancer cells and laminin (Ln) is a key event in tumor invasion and metastasis. Previously, we determined the effect of full-length Ln511 on gastric cancer cells. However, the interactions between the Ln511-E8 fragment, a truncated protein of Ln511, and gastric cancer cells have not been investigated. Methods: We investigated the adhesion properties of gastric cancer cells to full-length Ln511 and Ln511-E8 fragments. Results: The proliferation of four gastric cancer cell lines (SH-10-TC, MKN74, SC-6-JCK, and MKN45) was highest on the Ln511-E8 fragment. Further, a larger cytoplasm was observed in SH-10-TC and MKN74 cells cultured on full-length Ln511 or Ln511-E8 fragments. The percentage of adhesive cells was highest on the Ln511-E8 fragment in all four cell lines. Moreover, adhesion of the gastric cancer cells to Ln511-E8 fragment-coated plates was reduced by the Cdc42 GTPase inhibitor in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting the involvement of Cdc42 in the Ln511-E8 fragment-induced enhanced adhesion of gastric cancer cells. Conclusions: The Ln511-E8 fragment had a greater impact on the adhesion, morphology, and proliferation of gastric cancer cells than full-length laminin. Thus, the Ln511-E8 fragment is suitable for investigating the interaction between gastric cancer cells and extracellular matrices in tumor invasion and metastasis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Public Library Science Acta Medica Okayama 1932-6203 16 8 2021 Clinical and phenotypical characteristics of submucosal invasive carcinoma in non-ampullary duodenal cancer e0256797 EN Katsunori Matsueda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryuta Takenaka Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Masahiro Nakagawa Department of Endoscopy, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital Kazuhiro Matsueda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Tomohiro Toji Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takahito Yagi Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital Toshiyoshi Fujiwara Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Objective The rare incidence of submucosal invasive non-ampullary duodenal carcinoma has led to scant information in literature; therefore, we compared the clinicopathological features between submucosal invasive carcinoma (SM-Ca), mucosal carcinoma (M-Ca), and advanced carcinoma (Ad-Ca). Materials We retrospectively analyzed 165 patients with sporadic non-ampullary duodenal carcinomas (SNADCs) from four institutions between January 2003 and December 2018. The SNADCs were divided to three groups according to histological diagnosis: SM-Ca, M-Ca, and Ad-Ca. The clinicopathological characteristics and mucin phenotypes were compared between groups. Results Among the 165 SNADCs, 11 (7%) were classified as SM-Ca, 70 (42%) as M-Ca, and 84 (51%) as Ad-Ca. We found that all SM-Ca (P = 0.013) and most Ad-Ca (P = 0.020) lesions were located on the oral-Vater; however, an almost equal distribution of M-Ca lesions was found between the oral- and anal-Vater. No significant difference was observed between the tumor diameter of M-Ca and SM-Ca; however, 45% (5/11) of SM-Ca were <= 10 mm. A total of 73% (8/11) of SM-Ca were classified as gastric phenotype and no lesions were classified as intestinal phenotype; whereas most M-Ca were classified as intestinal phenotype (67%, 8/12). Conclusions SM-Ca lesions were all located on the oral-Vater and were highly associated with the gastric mucin phenotype, which were different from the features of most M-Ca. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 133 3 2021 十二指腸に濾胞性リンパ腫，リンパ濾胞過形成，リンパ管腫およびリンパ管拡張を合併した1 例 175 180 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama University Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences 　A 70-year-old Japanese man underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy that revealed multiple whitish duodenal granules. The histopathological analysis of the biopsied specimen led to the diagnosis of duodenal-type follicular lymphoma. The lesion showed spontaneous improvement ; however, 14 months later a few small whitish granules were observed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Observation under magnification revealed slightly elevated opaque white spots and whitish granular protrusions of roughly the same size that were uniformly distributed in the duodenal bulb. The duodenal bulb lesions were histopathologically diagnosed as lymphoid hyperplasia. The patient also exhibited lymphangiectasia (which presented as scattered white spots) and lymphangioma (which presented as a soft submucosal tumor with white spots on the surface) in the second portion of the duodenum. This patient presented with four white lesions in the duodenum : duodenal-type follicular lymphoma, lymphoid hyperplasia, lymphangiectasia, and lymphangioma. Careful endoscopic evaluation enabled a prompt diagnosis in this case. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Sage Publications Inc. Acta Medica Okayama 0394-6320 36 2022 Enriched CD45RA(-)CD62L(+) central memory T and decreased CD3(+)CD56(+) natural killer T lymphocyte subsets in the rectum of ulcerative colitis patients 1 12 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takahide Takahashi Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Natsuki Watanabe Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshihiro Inokuchi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakiko Hiraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Fumio Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Objectives To investigate the distinctive features of lymphocytes promoting inflammation in ulcerative colitis. Methods We performed flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and colorectal mucosa lymphocytes in ulcerative colitis patients (n = 13) and control patients (n = 5). Results CD62L(+)/CD3(+)CD4(+) (35.7 +/- 14.0% vs. 19.9 +/- 6.4%) and CD62L(+)/CD3(+)CD4(-) cells (17.1 +/- 17.4% vs. 2.4 +/- 3.9%) were higher in the rectum of ulcerative colitis patients than in control patients. Subpopulation analysis revealed that CD45RA(-)CD62L(+)/CD3(+)CD4(+), that is, central memory T cell fraction in CD4(+) T cells, was significantly increased in the rectum of ulcerative colitis, compared to that in control patients (23.3 +/- 10.5% vs. 8.2 +/- 4.0%). Comparison of rectum and colon samples in ulcerative colitis patients indicated that CD56(+)/CD3(+) was decreased in the rectum compared to that in the colon (11.3 +/- 12.5% vs. 21.3 +/- 16.5%). The ratio of CD56(+)/CD3(+) was also decreased in the rectum of active ulcerative colitis patients compared to that in ulcerative colitis patients at the endoscopic remission stages (2.8 +/- 1.7% vs. 18.5 +/- 13.3%). Conclusion We demonstrated that CD62L(+) T lymphocytes, particularly the CD45RA(-)CD62L(+) T cell subset that represents central memory T cells, were increased in the rectum of patients with ulcerative colitis. In addition, the CD56(+)/CD3(+) subset (natural killer T cells) was decreased in the rectum compared to that of less inflamed colonic mucosa. These results suggest that the enrichment of central memory T lymphocytes and the reduction of natural killer T cells in the gut mucosa are involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Lippincott Williams ＆ Wilkins Acta Medica Okayama 0025-7974 100 40 2021 Scoring systems for differentiating gastrointestinal stromal tumors and schwannomas from leiomyomas in the stomach e27520 EN Shotaro Okanoue Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takuya Satomi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenta Hamada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Sakae Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Makoto Abe Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences There is no practical predictive model for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). To establish a practical predictive model for the diagnosis of subepithelial lesions in the stomach, we reviewed patients with GISTs (n = 89), schwannomas (n = 7), and leiomyomas (n = 28). The tumor was more frequently found along the gastric cardia in the leiomyoma group (57.1%) than in the GIST/schwannoma group (2.1%, P < .01). Contrast enhancement (57.3% vs 0%, P < .01) and intra-tumoral necrosis (34.4% vs 0.0%, P < .01) were more frequently observed in the GIST/schwannoma group than in the leiomyoma group. On endoscopic ultrasonography, 58.3% of GISTs/schwannomas showed uneven echogenicity, whereas the echogenicity was uneven in 21.4% of leiomyomas (P < .01). There were no differences between the tumor color and the presence or absence of ulcer formation, tumor bleeding, irregularity of the tumor margin, cystic spaces, and hyperechoic spots between the 2 groups. Based on these results, we developed a 2-step diagnostic algorithm for GISTs/schwannomas. The first step comprises 1 endoscopic feature: a cardiac or non-cardiac location. Tumors with a cardiac location were judged as leiomyomas and those with a non-cardiac location were judged as GISTs/schwannomas, with 96.9% sensitivity and 57.1% specificity for GIST/schwannoma diagnosis. The second step comprises a combination of endoscopic (non-cardiac location), radiologic (positive contrast enhancement and intra-tumoral necrosis), and endosonographic (uneven echogenicity) features for a total of 4 points. We assigned 1 point to each feature. Tumors with scores of 2 to 4 were judged as GISTs/schwannomas, with 81.3% sensitivity and 92.9% specificity for GIST/schwannoma diagnosis. Our predictive model will be a practical guide for the management of gastric subepithelial lesions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Acta Medica Okayama 0025-7974 100 39 2021 Clinical characteristics and course of sporadic non-ampullary duodenal adenomas A multicenter retrospective study e27382 EN Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Kazuhiro Matsueda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital Masahiro Nakagawa Department of Endoscopy, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital Tomoki Inaba Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Masahiro Takatani Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Society Himeji Hospital Ryuta Takenaka Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Masao Yoshioka Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital Atsushi Imagawa Department of Gastroenterology, Mitoyo General Hospital Masafumi Inoue Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital Seiyuu Suzuki Department of Internal Medicine, Sumitomo Besshi Hospital Jun Tomoda Department of Internal Medicine, Akaiwa Medical Association Hospital Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Okayama Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Hospital Sporadic non-ampullary duodenal adenoma (SNADA) is a rare disease, and therefore, its clinical characteristics have not been comprehensively investigated. Furthermore, owing to the high complication rates and severity of endoscopic resection, treatment strategies vary among facilities. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the clinical characteristics and course of SNADA. We extracted clinical and histological records of SNADA cases diagnosed in 11 hospitals between September 1999 and August 2014. The patients were divided into "no-resection" and "resection" groups based on the initial treatment approach. We investigated the long-term outcome of the "no-resection" group and treatment results of the "resection" group, with particular interest in endoscopic resection. Overall, 299 patients were diagnosed with SNADA. The median age at diagnosis was 67 years (range, 31-88 years), with approximately twice as many men as women. The median tumor size was 8.0 mm (2-60 mm). In total, 161 patients were initially selected for no-resection and 138 underwent resection. Age >70 years and the presence of either severe illness or poor performance status were significantly related to opting for no-resection. In the no-resection group, 101 patients underwent endoscopic follow-up for at least 1 year. During the observational period (2.5 +/- 2.2 years), 27 lesions (27%) disappeared following cold forceps biopsy, and 13 lesions (14%) presented lateral growth. Four lesions (4%) changed to mucosal carcinoma, 3 were treated endoscopically, and 1 was surgically resected. Nineteen patients died; however, no one died of duodenal carcinoma. In the endoscopic resection group, en bloc resection was achieved in 78% of patients. However, the complication rate for perforation was 7%, and endoscopic submucosal dissection was associated with a 36% perforation rate. With the low incidence of cancer development and no disease specific death, the strategy of initially not performing resection could be considered especially for the older adults, poor-prognosis patients, or small lesions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 60 14 2021 Squamous Metaplasia of the Stomach Associated with Lymphoma Infiltration 2229 2234 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuharu Fujii Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences We herein report a patient who presented with follicular lymphoma. Although the stomach was initially intact, mucosal redness and multiple erosions appeared in the gastric body owing to infiltration of the follicular lymphoma cells. Subsequently, a slightly depressed, white area lacking gastric mucosal structure was detected in the lesser curvature of the gastric cardia and body, where lymphoma cell infiltration was also pathologically observed beneath the stratified squamous epithelium. This case indicated that, although infrequent, prolonged mucosal injury owing to lymphoma infiltration can cause squamous metaplasia in the stomach. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 60 11 2021 Two Cases of Endometriosis in the Cecum Detected by Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography with Air/Carbon Dioxide Insufflation 1697 1701 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuusaku Sugihara International Sugihara Eye-Medical Clinic, Japan and ４Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Keita Harada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakiko Hiraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshitaka Kondo Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences We herein report two patients with endometriosis in the cecum. Both patients presented with a protruding, subepithelial tumor on colonoscopy and were diagnosed with cecal endometriosis after surgical resection. It is notable that the cecal lesions were not initially identified on computed tomography (CT), while CT colonography with air/carbon dioxide insufflation resulted in the detection of the cecal tumor. These cases highlight the possibility of false-negative results on conventional CT in patients with cecal endometriosis. We consider CT colonography with air/carbon dioxide insufflation useful for detecting cecal tumors in such cases. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 60 7 2021 Risk Factors for Gastric Cancer after the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Evaluated Based on the Background Gastric Mucosa: A Propensity Score-matched Case-control Study 969 976 EN Yuka Obayashi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Sakae Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Makoto Abe Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Yanai Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Objective<br> The eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) reduces the risk for gastric cancer (GC) development, but it cannot prevent GC completely. We investigated the risk factors of early GC development after the eradication of H. pylori, based on the histological characteristics of gastric mucosa. <br><br> Methods<br> Sixty-one patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for early GC after successful H. pylori eradication (Group A) and 122 patients without developing a gastric neoplasm over 3 years after successful H. pylori eradication (Group B) were analyzed. We compared the histological findings of the patients enrolled in Group A and Group B before and after the propensity score-matching.<br><br> Results<br> Comparing the characteristics of two the groups, Group A consisted predominantly of males, had significantly more elderly patients, and the years after successful eradication tended to be longer. We performed score matching for these three factors to reduce the influence of any confounding factors. After matching, the scores of inflammation for Group A (n=54) was significantly higher than those of Group B (n =54) at the greater curvature of the antrum, the lesser curvature of the corpus, and the greater curvature of the corpus. According to a multivariate analysis, inflammation of the greater curvature of the antrum and lesser curvature of the corpus were found to be independent risk factors. The risk ratio and 95% CI were 5.92 (2.11-16.6) (p<0.01), and 3.56 (1.05-13.2) (p=0.04), respectively.<br><br> Conclusion<br>A continuous high level of inflammation of the background gastric mucosa may he a risk factor for gastric cancer onset after H. pylori eradication. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

S. Karger AG Acta Medica Okayama 0012-2823 102 2021 Gastric Adenoma: A High Incidence Rate of Developing Carcinoma and Risk of Metachronous Gastric Cancer according to Long-Term Follow-Up 878 886 EN Yuki Okamoto Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Sakae Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Makoto Abe Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada epartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Introduction:<br> Gastric adenomas are histologically defined as benign epithelial tumors. While some of them remain adenomas for a long time, others progress to carcinomas. However, long-term outcomes of such cases are not entirely clear. Here, we explored the risk factors and incidence of developing carcinoma from gastric adenoma as well as metachronous gastric cancer.<br> Methods:<br> This study was conducted at a facility that adopted a follow-up strategy for gastric adenoma. Lesions histologically diagnosed as gastric intestinal-type adenomas between January 2004 and December 2016 were analyzed. Clinicopathological data were collected from patients’ medical records, and histological changes from adenoma to carcinoma during endoscopic follow-up and risk factors of cancer development were evaluated.<br> Results:<br> This study involved 409 lesions from 376 patients. The analysis of the development of gastric cancer from adenoma and metachronous gastric cancer was ultimately performed for 282 lesions from 258 patients and 269 lesions from 246 patients, respectively, due to different follow-up periods. The 5-year rate of carcinoma development was 34.0%. Risk factors for carcinoma development upon multivariate analysis were lesion size ≥15 mm and morphological depression. All cases with both factors developed gastric carcinoma, and 50.5% of those with either factor developed carcinoma within 5 years. Gastric adenoma was accompanied by metachronous gastric cancer in 1.5% of the patients annually. The only risk factor for metachronous gastric carcinoma was primary adenoma progressing to carcinoma during the follow-up period.<br> Discussion/Conclusion:<br> Given the high rate of carcinoma development in patients with risk factors, resection of gastric adenoma should be considered during the initial examination. Careful observation and follow-up should also be conducted to detect not only changes in the primary adenoma but also the occurrence of metachronous carcinoma, especially in cases of adenoma progressing to carcinoma. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Nature Research Acta Medica Okayama 2045-2322 11 1 2021 Endoscopic resection is a suitable initial treatment strategy for oxyntic gland adenoma or gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Chiaki Kusumoto Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Kokan Fukuyama Hospital Masahiro Nakagawa Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hospital Sayo Kobayashi Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Masao Yoshioka Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital Tomoki Inaba Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Tatsuya Toyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, Fukuyama Medical Center Shinichiro Hori Department of Endoscopy, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center Shouichi Tanaka Department of Gastroenterology, Iwakuni Clinical Center Kazuhiro Matsueda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences The aim of this study was to reveal the histological features of oxyntic gland adenomas and gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic-gland type (GA-FG). We retrospectively examined the histological features of 126 lesions of oxyntic gland adenoma and/or GA-FG in 116 patients. The prevalence of oxyntic gland adenomas and GA-FG was approximately equal. The majority of the lesions were resected by endoscopic mucosal resection using a diathermic snare (EMR, n=42) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD, n=72). Histologically, there were no lesions with invasion at the level of the muscularis propria or deeper, and lymphovascular invasion was present in 1.6%. Of the ESD and EMR specimens, there were no lesions that were positive for vertical margins. Among the eight GA-FG patients with deep (>= 500 mu m) submucosal invasion, six were treated with endoscopic resection alone, and no recurrence was documented. No patients died of the disease during the median follow-up period of 14.5 months. In conclusion, all lesions were confined to the mucosa or submucosa and were negative for vertical margins. Lymphovascular invasion was present in only 1.6% of the patients. Thus, we believe that endoscopic resection is a suitable initial treatment method for oxyntic gland adenoma and GA-FG. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. Acta Medica Okayama 1007-9327 27 11 2021 Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric tube cancer: A multicenter retrospective study 1043 1054 EN Takuya Satomi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomoki Inaba Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Masahiro Nakagawa Department of Endoscopy, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital Hirokazu Mouri Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital Masao Yoshioka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital Shoichi Tanaka Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center Tatsuya Toyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Fukuyama Medical Center Sayo Kobayashi Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University BACKGROUND Recent improvements in the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer have led to the increased occurrence of gastric tube cancer (GTC) in the reconstructed gastric tube. However, there are few reports on the treatment results of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for GTC. AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESD for GTC after esophagectomy in a multicenter trial. METHODS We retrospectively investigated 48 GTC lesions in 38 consecutive patients with GTC in the reconstructed gastric tube after esophagectomy who had undergone ESD between January 2005 and December 2019 at 8 institutions participating in the Okayama Gut Study group. The clinical indications of ESD for early gastric cancer were similarly applied for GTC after esophagectomy. ESD specimens were evaluated in 2-mm slices according to the Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma with curability assessments divided into curative and non-curative resection based on the Gastric Cancer Treatment Guidelines. Patient characteristics, treatment results, clinical course, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS The median age of patients was 71.5 years (range, 57-84years), and there were 34 men and 4 women. The median observation period after ESD was 884 d (range, 8-4040 d). The median procedure time was 81 min (range, 29-334 min), the en bloc resection rate was 91.7% (44/48), and the curative resection rate was 79% (38/48). Complications during ESD were seen in 4% (2/48) of case, and those after ESD were seen in 10% (5/48) of case. The survival rate at 5 years was 59.5%. During the observation period after ESD, 10 patients died of other diseases. Although there were differences in the procedure time between institutions, a multivariate analysis showed that tumor size was the only factor associated with prolonged procedure time. CONCLUSION ESD for GTC after esophagectomy was shown to be safe and effective. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

HINDAWI LTD Acta Medica Okayama 2090-6528 2021 2021 A Case of Myoepithelial Hamartoma: Morphological Variation Supported by OCT4 Expression 6617370 EN Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenji Nishida Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Satoru Kikuchi Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science Tadashi Yoshino Department of Pathology, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science In this report, we describe a patient with myoepithelial hamartoma, which is regarded as synonymous with adenomyosis and heterotopic pancreas. Endoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor in the antrum of the stomach. Subsequently, distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed. Histological findings of adenomyomatous lesion and heterotopic pancreatic tissue were observed in this lesion. The distribution of OCT4, which is a pluripotency marker, varied in each part. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 1349-7235 59 11 2020 Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Rebleeding in Patients with Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding 1345 1350 EN Yuki Baba Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshihiro Inokuchi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Keita Harada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Objective With the advent of capsule endoscopy (CE) and double-balloon endoscopy (DBE), the diagnosis and treatment of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) have markedly progressed. However, rebleeding sometimes occurs and is difficult to diagnose and treat. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical features of OGIB and risk factors for rebleeding in our hospital. </br> Methods A total of 195 patients who underwent CE and/or DBE for OGIB in our hospital from January 2009 to July 2016 were included in the present study. We analyzed 168 cases of small intestinal OGIB, after excluding 27 cases of extra small intestinal bleeding. The clinical characteristics and risk factors related to rebleeding were retrospectively studied. </br> Results Among the 168 patients who were included in the analysis, 95 patients (56.5%) were male. The mean age was 64.5 years (range, 8 to 87 years). Hypertension (31.0%) was the most frequent comorbidity, followed by chronic kidney disease (19.0%). The final diagnoses were ulcerative lesions (n=50, 29.8%), vascular lesions (n=30, 17.9%), tumors (n=7, 4.2%), and diverticula (n=2, 1.2%). The bleeding source was undetermined in the remaining 79 cases (47.0%). Rebleeding was confirmed in 29 cases (17.3%). In a univariate analysis, chronic kidney disease, vascular lesions, and overt previous bleeding were significantly associated with the risk of rebleeding. A multivariate analysis showed that chronic kidney disease, vascular lesion, and overt previous bleeding were significantly associated with the risk of rebleeding. </br> Conclusion Patients with OGIB with overt previous bleeding, vascular lesions, and/or chronic kidney disease had a higher risk of rebleeding. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Baishideng Publishing Group Acta Medica Okayama 1007-9327 26 13 2020 Review of the diagnosis of gastrointestinal lanthanum deposition 1439 1449 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Haruo Urata Central Research Laboratory, Okayama University Medical School Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Lanthanum carbonate is used for treatment of hyperphosphatemia mostly in patients with chronic renal failure. Although lanthanum carbonate is safe, recently, lanthanum deposition in the gastrointestinal mucosa of patients has been reported in the literature. This review provides an overview of gastroduodenal lanthanum deposition and focuses on disease’s endoscopic, radiological, and histological features, prevalence, and outcome, by reviewing relevant clinical studies, case reports, and basic research findings, to better understand the endoscopic manifestation of gastrointestinal lanthanum deposition. The possible relationship between gastric lanthanum deposition pattern and gastric mucosal atrophy is also illustrated; in patients without gastric mucosal atrophy, gastric lanthanum deposition appears as diffuse white lesions in the posterior wall and lesser curvature of the gastric body. In the gastric mucosa with atrophy, lanthanum-related lesions likely appear as annular or granular whitish lesions. Moreover, these white lesions are probably more frequently observed in the lower part of the stomach, where intestinal metaplasia begins. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 59 4 2020 Cytomegalovirus Colitis Followed by Colonic Pseudolipomatosis and Gastric Emphysema in a Post-resuscitation Patient 519 525 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nao Yamauchi Center for Graduate Medical Education, Okayama University Hospital Yuri Nakashima Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takahira Wada Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakiko Hiraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences A 64-year-old Japanese man suffered cardiopulmonary arrest, which may have resulted from sepsis and/or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic non-ketonic coma, and was admitted after successful resuscitation. He had watery diarrhea on day 18 and was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus enterocolitis. In addition, computed tomography performed on day 27 and colonoscopy revealed gastric emphysema and intestinal pseudolipomatosis, respectively. This report is the first to describe a patient with cytomegalovirus enterocolitis and subsequent gastric emphysema and pseudolipomatosis. Gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus infection may underlie gastric emphysema and intestinal pseudolipomatosis, particularly in patients with relative or obvious immune dysfunction. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine Acta Medica Okayama 0918-2918 59 23 2020 Four Cases of Desquamative Esophagitis Occurring after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation 3015 3022 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daisuke Ennishi Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ken-ichi Matsuoka Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Shotaro Okanoue Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuka Obayashi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Sakae Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences We herein report four patients with desquamative esophagitis that developed one to nine days after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Three patients underwent allogeneic PBSCT for leukemia, and the other underwent autologous PBSCT for pineoblastoma. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed mucosal sloughing and fresh blood in the esophagus. Fasting and intravenous proton pump inhibitor therapy in addition to blood transfusion improved the esophageal lesions within five to seven days in three patients. These cases indicate that desquamative esophagitis can occur in patients who receive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although blood transfusions may be required, it can be resolved within seven days. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 74 6 2020 Reality of Gastric Cancer in Young Patients: The Importance and Difficulty of the Early Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment 461 466 EN Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Review 10.18926/AMO/61204 Gastric cancer usually arises in middle-aged to older patients, and is rarely found in younger patients. The clin-ical characteristics, etiology, prognosis, preventive methods and treatment of gastric cancer in young patients have not been fully investigated because of its low prevalence. In this review, we discuss the current under-standing and clinical problems associated with gastric cancer in young patients. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is a major cause of gastric cancer, especially in older populations, is closely associated with gastric cancer in young patients as well as in older patients. Gastric cancer in young patients tends to be diagnosed at an advanced stage with alarm symptoms. However, young patients with advanced gastric cancer tend to have a favorable general condition and organ function, so they can tolerate intensive systematic chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the prognosis of gastric cancer in young patients with an advanced stage is not favorable. We should not take this rare disease lightly, given its poor prognosis if patients are diagnosed at an unresectable stage. The evaluation of the H. pylori infection status and performance of H. pylori eradication therapy to prevent gastric cancer in young patients as well as the development of more intensive chemotherapy regimens for unre-sectable gastric cancer in young patients are warranted. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

BMC Acta Medica Okayama 1471-2482 20 1 2020 Hemobilia after bile duct resection: perforation of pseudoaneurysm into intra-pancreatic remnant bile duct: a case report 307 EN Kazuhiro Yoshida Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuzo Umeda Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazuyuki Matsumoto Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hironari Kato Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mayu Uka Department of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yusuke Matsui Department of Radiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryuichi Yoshida Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takashi Kuise Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazuya Yasui Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kosei Takagi Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Araki Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takahito Yagi Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshiyoshi Fujiwara Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Background</br> Hemobilia occurs mainly due to iatrogenic factors such as impairment of the right hepatic or cystic artery, and/or common bile duct in hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery. However, little or no cases with hemobilia from the intra-pancreatic remnant bile duct after bile duct resection (BDR) has been reported. Here, we report a case of massive hemobilia due to the perforation of psuedoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) to the intra-pancreatic remnant bile duct after hepatectomy with BDR.</br> Case presentation</br> A 68-year-old male underwent extended right hepatectomy with BDR for gallbladder carcinoma. He presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding 2 months after the initial surgery. Upper endoscopy identified a blood clot from the ampulla of Vater and simultaneous endoscopic balloon tamponade contributed to temporary hemostasis. Abdominal CT and angiography revealed a perforation of the psuedoaneurysm of the GDA to the intra-pancreatic remnant bile duct resulting in massive hemobilia. Subsequent selective embolization of the pseudoaneurysm with micro-coils could achieve complete hemostasis. He survived without any recurrence of cancer and bleeding.</br> Conclusion</br> Hemobilia could occur in a patient with BDR due to perforation of the pseudoaneurysm derived from the GDA to the intra-pancreatic remnant bile duct. Endoscopic balloon tamponade was useful for a temporal hemostasis and a subsequent radiologic interventional approach. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 2215-0161 7 2020 Technique for single-step lymphocyte isolation from an endoscopic biopsy specimen for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal lymphoma 101095 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takahide Takahashi Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Natsuki Watanabe Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Sizuma Omote Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsunori Matsueda Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daisuke Ennishi Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Fumio Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tadashi Yoshino Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences In this paper, we introduce a simplified, one-step procedure for lymphocyte isolation from an endoscopically biopsied fragment. For lymphocyte isolation, an endoscopically harvested specimen and 5 mL of normal saline solution were placed in a wire mesh strainer set in a porcelain bowl. To obtain the lymphocyte suspension, the solid specimen was crushed using the rubber portion of a plunger of a 10 mL injection syringe. Flow cytometry was performed using the lymphocyte suspension. For validating our methods, the one-step lymphocyte isolation technique was used to perform flow cytometry on samples from 23 patients with (n = 12) or without (n = 11) gastrointestinal lymphoma. Flow cytometry of light chain expression was performed in all patient samples (feasibility: 100%). Sensitivity was 83.3% (10/12) and specificity was 100% (11/11). In conclusion, lymphocytes isolated from a single endoscopic biopsy specimen using our simplified and quick procedure are suitable for flow cytometry. Considering that flow cytometry has an important advantage of providing the results on the examination day itself, the results of this study suggest that flow cytometric analysis using our single-step lymphocyte isolation technique can be potentially used to diagnose lymphoma in the gastrointestinal mucosa. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Hindawi Acta Medica Okayama 2090-6528 2020 2020 Appendiceal Orifice Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis Mimicking Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma in the Cecum 8893604 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takahide Takahashi Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tomohiro Toji Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakiko Hiraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences A 55-year-old Japanese woman, who had been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 18 years of age, underwent screening endoscopy examinations. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed an extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) of the stomach. Colonoscopy showed a slightly elevated reddish lesion with dilated microvessels but no erosions or ulcers. Although MALT lymphoma in the cecum was endoscopically suspected, flow cytometry and pathological analyses led to the diagnosis of appendiceal orifice inflammation in ulcerative colitis. This case highlights the diversity of the endoscopic appearance of appendiceal orifice inflammation in ulcerative colitis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Hindawi Acta Medica Okayama 2090-6528 2020 2020 Eosinophilic Gastritis in a Patient Previously Treated with Dupilumab 6381670 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine,Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Toshi Murakami Satsuki Naika Clinic Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shohei Oka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine,Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine,Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine,Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences A 77-year-old Japanese man with bronchial asthma was treated with dupilumab. Dupilumab treatment was discontinued at the patient's request after two injections separated by a 2-week interval. The blood eosinophil count was elevated, and an esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed 3 months after dupilumab treatment revealed gastric ulcers; subsequently, eosinophilic gastritis was diagnosed from biopsy examinations. The gastric lesions were resolved by steroid administration. This case report underscores that eosinophil-associated gastrointestinal diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric lesions occurring in patients who were treated with dupilumab. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

MDPI Acta Medica Okayama 2077-0383 9 5 2020 Diagnostic Role of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in Gastric Mesenchymal Tumors 1301 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Koji Miyahara Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hospital Chihiro Sakaguchi Department of Endoscopy, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center Ryuta Takenaka Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Sayo Kobayashi Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Hirokazu Mouri Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital Shigetomi Tanaka Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Tatsuya Toyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, Fukuyama Medical Center Shouichi Tanaka Department of Gastroenterology, Iwakuni Clinical Center Mamoru Nishimura Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama City Hospital Kenji Yamauchi Department of Gastroenterology, Mitoyo General Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences There have been no comparative studies investigating the results of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with gastric mesenchymal tumors, including leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas, schwannomas, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). We retrospectively reviewed the data of 142 patients with pathologically diagnosed gastric mesenchymal tumors treated at 11 institutions. We analyzed the correlation between the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) evaluated using fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and the tumor size. The correlation between the SUVmax and mitotic index was also investigated in GISTs. The SUVmax (mean +/- standard deviation) was 0.5 +/- 0.6 in very low-risk GISTs (n = 42), 2.1 +/- 0.7 in low-risk GISTs (n = 26), 4.9 +/- 0.8 in intermediate-risk GISTs (n = 22), 12.3 +/- 0.8 in high-risk GISTs (n = 20), 1.0 +/- 1.0 in leiomyomas (n = 15), 6.9 +/- 1.2 in schwannomas (n = 10), and 3.5 in a leiomyosarcoma (n = 1). The SUVmax of GISTs with an undetermined risk classification was 4.2 +/- 1.3 (n = 8). Linear associations were observed between the SUVmax and tumor size in GISTs, leiomyomas, and schwannomas. The SUVmax of GISTs with a high mitotic index was significantly higher than that of GISTs with a low mitotic index (9.6 +/- 7.6 vs. 2.4 +/- 4.2). In conclusion, we observed positive correlations between the SUVmax and tumor size in GISTs, leiomyomas, and schwannomas. The SUVmax also positively correlated with the mitotic index and risk grade in GISTs. Schwannomas showed a higher FDG uptake than GISTs and leiomyomas. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 74 3 2020 Serum REIC/Dickkopf-3 Protein Level Predicts Disease-Free Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma 237 243 EN Atsushi Oyama Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Daisuke Uchida Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hidenori Shiraha Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroaki Sawahara Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Ryo Kato Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shigeru Horiguchi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Original Article 10.18926/AMO/59957 The physiological role of the reduced expression of immortalized cells (REIC)/Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3) protein in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the REIC/Dkk-3 protein on HCC cell proliferation and assessed the relationship between the serum REIC/Dkk-3 protein level and the prognosis in patients with HCC. We evaluated the REIC/Dkk-3 protein-induced anticancer effects on Huh7 and Hep3B cells (HCC cell lines) in the presence of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and found that combination treatment with REIC/Dkk-3 protein and PBMCs reduced the proliferation of HCC cells (Hep3B: 82.0%±16.3%; Huh7: 72.6%±9.1%). We also studied 194 HCC patients who underwent primary liver resection or primary radiofrequency ablation from 2008 to 2017. Serum REIC/Dkk-3 protein levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared to the prognostic data. The 3-year disease-free survival of the REIC/Dkk-3 high group was significantly higher than that in the REIC/Dkk-3 low group. In conclusion, this is the first study investigating the relationship between HCC patient survival and serum REIC/Dkk-3 protein levels in a large population. Based on the results, the serum REIC/Dkk-3 protein level should be considered a new prognostic marker for patients with HCC. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Hindawi Acta Medica Okayama 2090-6528 2020 2020 Intestinal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 7947540 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine,Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takahide Takahashi Division of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital Yoko Ota Department of Pathology & Experimental Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine,Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Noboru Asada Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Hospital Shuya Yano Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine,Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mayu Uka Department of Radiology, Okayama University Hospital Rei Nakamura Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine,Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuki Baba Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine,Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine,Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Practical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine,Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences A 44-year-old Japanese woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented to our hospital with abdominal pain. Radiological and endoscopic examinations led to the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the jejunum, which was subsequently resected. Patients with SLE reportedly have an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as demonstrated by our patient. Hence, lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neoplastic lesions emerging in SLE patients. In addition, flow cytometry using endoscopically biopsied fragments is useful for the immediate diagnosis of lymphoma, leading to timely and accurate preoperative staging. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 131 3 2019 ディスペプシア症状を訴えるヘリコバクター・ピロリ感染胃炎に対する除菌治療と，プロトンポンプ阻害剤，消化管運動機能改善剤の組み合わせ治療による症状改善効果の検討 139 143 EN Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Phamaceutical Sciences Tatsuya Toyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, Fukuyama Medical Center Ryuta Takenaka Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Chuo Hospital Masafumi Inoue Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama Red Cross Hospital Mamoru Ito Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Phamaceutical Sciences To investigate whether treatment comprised of Helicobacter pylori eradication followed by the administration of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) alone and a dual treatment with a PPI plus a prokinetic agent helps relieve symptoms, we treated 26 patients with H. pylori infection and dyspepsia with the sequential treatment and assessed their symptoms. Scores for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dyspepsia in a modified F-scale were significantly improved after the eradication of H. pylori, and symptoms were completely relieved in 13 patients. The remaining 13 patients received 4-week treatment with the PPI rabeprazole, and their GERD scores significantly improved after the treatment. The symptoms of five patients completely disappeared ; the other eight patients required dual treatment with a PPI plus the prokinetic acotiamide. Early satiety tended to be relieved after the dual treatment, but the improvement was not significant. Thus, in patients with dyspepsia and an H. pylori infection, the H. pylori should be eradicated first. The administration of a PPI is useful in patients with GERD symptoms, and a PPI+ acotiamide may be beneficial for residual symptoms of early satiety. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

HINDAWI Acta Medica Okayama 20906528 2019 A Bezoar Composed of Bilirubin Calcium, Calcium Carbonate, and Fatty Acid Calcium 5742672 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Haruo Urata Central Research Laboratory, Okayama University Medical School Shoichiro Hirata Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Toru Ueki Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Tetsuro Hanabata Department of Surgery, Teraoka Memorial Hospital Sho Takeda Department of Internal Medicine, Teraoka Memorial Hospital Akira Teraoka Department of Neurosurgery, Teraoka Memorial Hospital Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences A 68-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with bezoar in the stomach, which was endoscopically retrieved. The bezoar was composed of bilirubin calcium, calcium carbonate, and fatty acid calcium. Due to the presence of bilirubin calcium in the bezoar, we performed imaging studies of the bile duct; gallstones and common bile duct stones were identified. Although bezoar with components similar to bile is infrequently encountered, our findings suggest that a bezoar originating from bile should be considered among the differential diagnoses in patients without a recent consumption history of persimmons who demonstrate a mass in the digestive tract. This case highlights the importance of component analysis of gastric bezoars because its findings may alter the treatment plan. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

CANCER INTELLIGENCE Acta Medica Okayama 1754-6605 13 2019 Two cases of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma masquerading as follicular gastritis 933 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Kenji Nishida Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Tadashi Yoshino Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences In this report, we describe two cases of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) of the stomach, which presented with multiple small, whitish nodules in the gastric body. The endoscopic appearance was similar to that of lymphoid follicular hyperplasia found in follicular gastritis or nodular gastritis. Both patients were positive for Helicobacter pylori, and the eradication treatment resulted in complete remission of the lymphoma. However, recurrence was noted in one patient. These cases indicate that, although infrequent, gastric MALT lymphoma can show a nodular appearance resembling that of follicular gastritis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Hindawi Acta Medica Okayama 1687-6121 2019 Long-Term Outcome in Patients with a Solitary Peutz-Jeghers Polyp 8159072 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yuki Aoyama Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Seiyuu Suzuki Department of Gastroenterology, Sumitomo Besshi Hospital Sayo Kobayashi Department of Internal Medicine, Fukuyama City Hospital Tatsuya Toyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, Fukuyama Medical Center Yuki Moritou Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hiroshima Citizens Hospital Shinichiro Hori Department of Endoscopy, Shikoku Cancer Center Kazuhiro Matsueda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kurashiki Central Hospital Masao Yoshioka Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences BACKGROUND:<br/> Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with a solitary Peutz-Jeghers polyp (PJP) have not been fully investigated.<br/> METHODS:<br/> Solitary PJP was diagnosed when a single hamartomatous lesion was identified in the gastrointestinal tract of patients without mucocutaneous pigmentation or a family history of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. We retrospectively reviewed 51 patients (32 men and 19 women) with a solitary PJP and analyzed the sex, age at diagnosis, endoscopic features, and outcomes in this patient group. The STK11/LKB1 germline mutation was not investigated in any of the patients.<br/> RESULTS:<br/> The mean age of the 51 patients was 66.1 years. The polyp was found in the duodenum (N = 10), jejunum (N = 2), cecum (N = 2), transverse colon (N = 5), sigmoid colon (N = 21), or rectum (N = 11). Most of the polyps presented as a pedunculated lesion (N = 40), followed by semipedunculated (N = 9) and sessile (N = 2) morphologies. The mean size of a solitary PJP was 15.6 mm (range: 5 to 33 mm). During a mean endoscopic follow-up period of 4.5 years (range: 0.1 to 16.1 years), no recurrence was identified. Eighteen of the enrolled patients had a history of cancer or concomitant cancer. Five patients died due to non-gastrointestinal-related causes. No additional cancer or death directly related to solitary PJP was observed.<br/> CONCLUSIONS:<br/> Solitary PJPs did not recur in this study. Although examination of the entire gastrointestinal tract using esophagogastroduodenoscopy, enteroscopy, and colonoscopy is desirable to exclude Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, follow-up endoscopy after endoscopic polyp resection may be unnecessary, once the diagnosis of a solitary PJP is made. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 73 5 2019 A Granulation Polyp in the Colon Masquerading as Metastatic Cancer 457 461 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masahiro Takahara Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tatsuhiro Yamazaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshitaka Kondo Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakiko Hiraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Case Report 10.18926/AMO/57377 A 60-year-old Caucasian male was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and multiple metastases to the bone, spleen, and brain. He underwent radiotherapy for the brain and lumbar spine metastases, plus chemotherapy (cisplatin and pemetrexed). The chemotherapy was discontinued due to vomiting and hyponatremia, and nivolumab was then administered. Eight months later, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed tracer uptake in the colon. Colonoscopy revealed a reddish multinodular polyp in the sigmoid colon. The polyp showed irregular microvessels. No colonic mucosal surface structures were observed. Colonic metastasis of the lung carcinoma was highly suspected; the polyp was therefore surgically removed. The histological analysis revealed granulation tissue and suppurative inflammation without neoplastic changes. We diagnosed the lesion as a granulation polyp. Despite the difficulty in diagnosing these lesions due to their rarity and similarity to metastatic colon tumors, we suggest that recognizing the endoscopic features of the polyp surface may allow a preoperative diagnosis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Elsevier Acta Medica Okayama 15908658 51 1 2019 Gastric lanthanum phosphate deposition masquerading as white globe appearance 168 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Haruo Urata Central Research Laboratory, Okayama University Medical School Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 71 5 2017 The Usefulness of Colonoscopy for the Detection of Ileal Involvement in Intestinal Follicular Lymphoma Patients 391 398 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Katsuyoshi Takata Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Eiko Hayashi Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Sakiko Hiraoka Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tadashi Yoshino Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Original Article 10.18926/AMO/55436 　To evaluate the usefulness of colonoscopy for the detection of ileal involvement in patients with intestinal follicular lymphoma, seventeen patients with intestinal follicular lymphoma who underwent colonoscopy and biopsy sampling from the terminal ileum were enrolled. The patients were divided into 2 groups: cases with ileal involvement (n=6) and cases without ileal involvement (n=11). Patients’ clinical backgrounds were compared between the two groups. Subsequently, 10 board-certified endoscopists independently evaluated the endoscopic pictures and determined whether the ileum was involved with follicular lymphoma. Infiltration of follicular lymphoma cells were identified in 6 patients (35.3%). Cases with positive ileal involvement were diagnosed with follicular lymphoma at a younger age than were cases without ileal involvement (55.4±7.4 vs. 68.1±10.3 years, p=0.011). Macroscopically, in patients with ileal involvement, there were multiple polypoid elevations smaller than 5 mm in 4 cases, single polypoid elevation smaller than 5 mm in 1 case, and single polypoid elevation larger than 5 mm in 1 case. In patients without ileal involvement, there were no lesions in the terminal ileum in 7 cases, and multiple polypoid elevations smaller than 5 mm were seen in 4 cases. The accuracy of the macroscopic evaluation by 10 board-certified endoscopists was 68.8%. Colonoscopy is particularly recommended during the initial workup of patients with follicular lymphoma diagnosed at age ≤ 60 years. The diagnosis of ileal involvement based on morphology alone is difficult; thus, biopsy and pathologic diagnosis are required for accurate diagnosis. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 71 3 2017 Importance of Second-look Endoscopy on an Empty Stomach for Finding Gastric Bezoars in Patients with Gastric Ulcers 241 247 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Shouichi Tanaka Department of Gastroenterology, Iwakuni Clinical Center Yuki Moritou Department of Gastroenterology, Mitoyo General Hospital Tomoki Inaba Department of Gastroenterology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital Reiji Higashi Department of Internal Medicine, Hiroshima City Hospital Chiaki Kusumoto Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Kokan Fukuyama Hospital Naoko Yunoki hDepartment of Internal Medicine, Akaiwa Medical Association Hospital Shin Ishikawa Ishikawa Ichouka Clinic Yuko Okamoto Department of Internal Medicine, Ibara City Hospital Yoshinari Kawai Department of Gastroenterology, Onomichi Municipal Hospital Ken-ichi Kitada Department of Hepatology, Kurashiki Medical Center Ryuta Takenaka Department of Internal Medicine, Tsuyama Central Hospital Tatsuya Toyokawa Department of Gastroenterology, Fukuyama Medical Center Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Original Article 10.18926/AMO/55207 　Most gastric bezoars can be treated with endoscopic fragmentation combined with or without cola dissolution, whereas laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery is generally inevitable for small intestinal bezoars because they cause small bowel obstruction. Therefore, early diagnosis and management of gastric bezoars are necessary to prevent bezoar-induced ileus. To investigate the incidence of overlooked gastric bezoars during the initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy, we retrospectively reviewed the cases of 27 patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal bezoars. The bezoars were diagnosed using esophagogastroduodenoscopy (n=25), abdominal ultrasonography (n=1), and barium follow-through examination (n=1). Bezoars were overlooked in 9/25 patients (36.0%) during the initial endoscopy examination because the bezoars were covered with debris in the stomach. Of the 9 patients, 8 had concomitant gastric ulcers, and the other patient had gastric lymphoma. Although a computed tomography (CT) scan was performed before the second-look endoscopy in 8 of the 9 patients, the bezoars were mistaken as food debris on CT findings and were overlooked in these patients. In conclusion, gastric bezoars may not be discovered during the initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy and CT scan. In cases with debris in the stomach, second-look endoscopy is essential to detect bezoars. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 71 2 2017 Endoscopic Manifestations and Clinical Characteristics of Cytomegalovirus Infection in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract 97 104 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Eisei Kondo Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Hideharu Hagiya Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Osaka University Hospital Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Yoshiro Kawahara Departments of Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Fumio Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine Original Article 10.18926/AMO/54977 We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 14 patients (9 women, 5 men, mean age: 51.6 years) with cytomegalovirus (CMV) involvement in the esophagus, stomach, and/or duodenum diagnosed at a single center, to determine their endoscopic features and clinical backgrounds. Thirteen patients (92.9%) had hematologic disease; the other had rheumatoid arthritis. Of the former, 12 patients underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and 9 of these patients had graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) before undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). All 14 patients had been taking one or more immunosuppressive agents including cyclosporine (n=10), corticosteroids (n=9), mycophenolic acid (n=6), tacrolimus (n=3), and methotrexate (n=1). Tests for CMV antigenemia were positive in 11 patients (78.6%). EGD examinations revealed esophageal (n=3), gastric (n=9), and duodenal involvement (n=6). Macroscopically, esophageal lesions by CMV infection presented as redness (n=1), erosions (n=1), and ulcers (n=1). Gastric lesions manifested as redness (n=7), erosions (n=3), exfoliated mucosa (n=2), and verrucous erosions (n=1). Mucosal appearances in the duodenum varied: redness (n=2), ulcers (n=2), multiple erosions (n=2), single erosion (n=1), edema (n=1). CMV was detected even in the intact duodenal mucosa (n=1). In conclusion, physicians must recall the relevance of CMV infection when any mucosal alterations exist in the upper gastrointestinal tract of immunosuppressed patients. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 129 1 2017 アントラキノンの長期連用，及び摂取中止が大腸粘膜に与える影響 23 30 EN Eiji Iwano Kamogata Clinic Masaya Iwamuro Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Anthraquinone, an anthracene derivatives, is widely used as a purgative medicine. The long-term use of anthraquinone is known to cause melanosis coli and elevated lesions in the colon. However, the clinical course of patients who take anthraquinone over a long term and those who discontinue the drug has not been fully investigated. Here we investigated 22 patients who had colonic mucosal changes ( i.e., melanosis coli and elevated lesions) who had been taking anthraquinone for at least one year and discontinued it. We classified the elevated lesions into two subtypes:the small-lesion, which included multiple small nodules that were ＜ 2 mm in dia., and the large-lesion, which included a single or multiple nodules of ≥ 2-mm dia. We used colonoscopy to investigate the changes of colonic lesions between before and after the discontinuation of anthraquinone. The results indicated that the nodules of the small-lesion group were lymphoid follicle hyperplasia. In the large-lesion group, adenoma was most frequently observed ( n＝118) , followed by hyperplastic polyp ( n＝52) and inflammatory changes with edema ( n＝22) . Melanosis coli and elevated lesions were decreased or invisible after the discontinuation of anthraquinone. Our findings thus suggest that the long-term use of anthraquinone may cause some type of elevated lesions due to chronic inflammation. It is recommended that the use of anthraquinone be limited to a short term. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 71 1 2017 Lanthanum Deposition in the Stomach: Usefulness of Scanning Electron Microscopy for Its Detection 73 78 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Haruo Urata Central Research Laboratory, Okayama University Medical School Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Akemi Ando Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takahiro Nada Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kosuke Kimura Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kenji Yamauchi Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Chiaki Kusumoto Department of Gastroenterology, Nippon Kokan Fukuyama Hospital Fumio Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Case Report 10.18926/AMO/54828 After having been treated with lanthanum carbonate administration for 4 years for hyperphosphatemia, a 75-year-old Japanese woman undergoing hemodialysis was diagnosed with lanthanum phosphate deposition in the stomach. The deposition, seen as white microgranules, was observed using esophagogastroduodenoscopy with magnifying observation. To the best of our knowledge, these are the minutest endoscopy images of lanthanum phosphate deposition in the gastric mucosa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation enabled easier identification of the deposited material, which was visible as bright areas. The present case suggests the usefulness of SEM observation in the detection of lanthanum phosphate deposition in the gastrointestinal tract. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 128 3 2016 集学的治療により長期生存が得られた食道神経内分泌癌の2 例 207 212 EN Tatsuhiro Gotoda Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine， Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine， Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiyasu Kono Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine， Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kou Miura Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine， Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine， Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine， Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, , Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine， Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tadashi Yoshino Department of Pathology, , Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine， Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yasuhiro Shirakawad Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine， Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masahiro Tabata Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine， Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Mitsune Tanimoto Department of Hematology and Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine， Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine， Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences 　Esophageal neuroendocrine carcinoma （ECC） is rare and has a poor prognosis when presenting with vascular invasion and distant metastasis from an early stage. Multidisciplinary therapy with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may prolong survival in patients with advanced ECC, but there is as yet no standard therapy for advanced ECC. We treated two patients who have achieved long-term survival （＞ 4 years） who underwent multidisciplinary therapy, including chemotherapy, for ECC. Our experience with these two cases suggests that multidisciplinary therapy, including chemotherapy, may be effective for treating ECC at an advanced stage. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 128 3 2016 3 年間の内視鏡所見の変化を観察できた食道異所性皮脂腺の1 例 201 205 EN Masaya Iwamuro Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Hiroyuki Okada Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Keita Harada Department of Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Hiromitsu Kanzaki Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Keisuke Hori Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masahide Kita Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Seiji Kawano Department of Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Yoshiro Kawahara Department of Endoscopy, Okayama University Hospital Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Kazuhide Yamamoto Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences A 43-year-old Japanese woman was diagnosed with ectopic sebaceous glands in the esophagus by esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy. At the age of 46, typical ectopic sebaceous glands were recognized in the upper esophagus, whereas yellowish white granules were faintly observed in the lower esophagus. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy examinations were repeated when she was 47 and again at 50 years old, and the lesions in the lower esophagus had become more evident over the ensuing 3 years. Esophageal ectopic sebaceous glands are relatively infrequent, and there have been few case reports describing the progression of the endoscopic features. We also report the clinical and endoscopic features of the five similar cases with pathologically proven ectopic sebaceous glands in the esophagus. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 70 4 2016 A Rare Case of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma in a Patient with IgG4-Related Autoimmune Pancreatitis 279 283 EN Yoshito Nishimura Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazuki Ocho Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kou Hasegawa Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kosuke Kimura Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshihisa Hanayama Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Eisei Kondo Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Takehiro Tanaka Department of Pathology, Okayama University Hospital Fumio Otsuka Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Case Report 10.18926/AMO/54504 A 61-year-old Japanese man with IgG4-related autoimmune pancreatitis was referred to our hospital because of perspiration during food intake. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) with contrast media revealed multiple mesenteric lymphadenopathies. An open surgical abdominal biopsy and subsequent histopathological analysis revealed abnormally large lymphoid cells that were negative for CD3, CD5, and c-myc and positive for CD20 and bcl-2, leading to a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Here, we discuss the risk of malignancies, particularly malignant lymphoma in patients with IgG4-related disease. The importance of pathological analysis to reach the appropriate diagnosis in such cases should be emphasized. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 70 3 2016 Increased Serum KL-6 Levels Induced by Pulmonary Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infection in a Patient with RA-associated Lung Disease 217 221 EN Koichi Waseda Departments of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kazuki Ocho Departments of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kou Hasegawa Departments of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Kosuke Kimura Departments of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Masaya Iwamuro Departments of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Yoshihisa Hanayama Departments of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Eisei Kondo Departments of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Nobuaki Miyahara Departments of Hematology, Oncology, Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Fumio Otsuka Departments of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Case Report 10.18926/AMO/54422 KL-6 is a glycoprotein found predominantly on type II pneumocytes and alveolar macrophages, and often shows increased serum levels in patients with interstitial pneumonia. We report a case of mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection whose disease activity was correlated with KL-6 levels in serum. During treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) with prednisolone, chest image findings improved in association with decreased KL-6 levels. Following tapering of prednisolone, chest image findings deteriorated again as levels of KL-6 increased, suggesting recurrence of RA-ILD. Bronchoscopic examination revealed active MAC infection. Treatment of MAC infection not only improved chest image findings but also decreased KL-6 levels in serum, suggesting that KL-6 was increased by active MAC infection by itself, not by recurrence of RA-ILD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation of KL-6 elevation in serum in association with active MAC infection. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 69 6 2015 Clinical Features of Intestinal Behçet's Disease Associated with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Trisomy 8 365 369 EN Seiji Kawano Sakiko Hiraoka Hiroyuki Okada Mitsuhiro Akita Masaya Iwamuro Kazuhide Yamamoto Case Reports 10.18926/AMO/53912 Several studies have identified a relationship between myelodysplastic syndrome and Behçetʼs disease (BD), especially intestinal BD, and trisomy 8 appears to play an important role in these disorders. Despite this, only few case reports or series have been reported in gastroenterology, meaning that endoscopic findings and characteristics of intestinal BD have not been clarified yet. In this report, we describe three cases of intestinal BD associated with myelodysplastic syndrome and trisomy 8, and discuss the clinical features and problems of these disorders from a gastroenterology perspective. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 69 5 2015 Cytomegalovirus as an Insidious Pathogen Causing Duodenitis 319 323 EN Hideharu Hagiya Masaya Iwamuro Takehiro Tanaka Yoshihisa Hanayama Fumio Otsuka Case Report 10.18926/AMO/53679 A 60-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate for a decade complained of slight epigastric discomfort. A positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigenemia test indicated the probability of CMV-related gastrointestinal infection, for which esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed. Endoscopic findings showed a non-specific duodenal mucosal lesion;however, pathological investigation revealed evidence of CMV duodenitis. There is scarce information on the clinical and pathological features of CMV-related duodenitis, likely due to its low prevalence. CMV infection in the upper gastrointestinal tract should be considered as a differential diagnosis in high-risk individuals, particularly those with symptoms relating to the digestive system. Biopsy examinations are preferable for the definitive diagnosis of CMV gastrointestinal infection, even without specific endoscopic features. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 69 5 2015 Primary Duodenal Follicular Lymphoma Treated With Rituximab Monotherapy and Followed-up for 15 Years 301 306 EN Anna Seki Masaya Iwamuro Masao Yoshioka Nobuharu Fujii Hiroyuki Okada Soichiro Nose Katsuyoshi Takata Tadashi Yoshino Kazuhide Yamamoto Case Report 10.18926/AMO/53676 A 41-year-old woman was diagnosed with duodenal follicular lymphoma. She had no other lesions and was assigned to a "watch and wait" policy. Swelling of the inguinal lymph nodes appeared 45 months later, and rituximab monotherapy resulted in complete remission. However, follicular lymphoma recurred in the stomach, rectum and mesenteric and external iliac lymph nodes 81 months after the therapy. The patient received rituximab monotherapy again and has remained in complete remission in the fifteenth year after the initial diagnosis. This case suggests the usefulness of rituximab monotherapy in the long-term management of intestinal follicular lymphoma. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Okayama University Medical School Acta Medica Okayama 0386-300X 69 1 2015 Magnified Endoscopic Features of Duodenal Follicular Lymphoma and Other Whitish Lesions 37 44 EN Masaya Iwamuro Hiroyuki Okada Katsuyoshi Takata Yoshinari Kawai Seiji Kawano Junichiro Nasu Yoshiro Kawahara Takehiro Tanaka Tadashi Yoshino Kazuhide Yamamoto Original Article 10.18926/AMO/53120 The sensitivity and specificity of magnified endoscopic features for differentiating follicular lymphoma from other diseases with duodenal whitish lesions have never been investigated. Here we compared the magnified endoscopic features of duodenal follicular lymphoma with those of other whitish lesions. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of patients with follicular lymphoma (n＝9), lymphangiectasia (n＝7), adenoma (n＝10), duodenitis (n＝4), erosion (n＝1), lymphangioma (n＝1), and hyperplastic polyp (n＝1). The magnified features of the nine follicular lymphomas included enlarged villi (n＝8), dilated microvessels (n＝5), and opaque white spots of various sizes (n＝9). The lymphangiectasias showed enlarged villi, dilated microvessels, and white spots, but the sizes of the white spots were relatively homogeneous and their margin was clear. Observation of the adenoma and duodenitis revealed only whitish villi. Although the lymphangioma was indistinguishable from the follicular lymphomas by magnified features, it was easily diagnosed based on the macroscopic morphology. In conclusion, magnified endoscopic features, in combination with macroscopic features, are useful for differentiating follicular lymphomas from other duodenal diseases presenting whitish lesions. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Acta Medica Okayama 0815-9319 29 5 2014 Potential of adenovirus-mediated REIC/Dkk-3 gene therapy for use in the treatment of pancreatic cancer 973 983 EN Daisuke Uchida Hidenori Shiraha Hironari Kato Teruya Nagahara Masaya Iwamuro Junro Kataoka Shigeru Horiguchi Masami Watanabe Akinobu Takaki Kazuhiro Nouso Yasutomo Nasu Takahito Yagi Hiromi Kumon Kazuhide Yamamoto Background and AimThe reduced expression in immortalized cells REIC/the dickkopf 3 (Dkk-3) gene, tumor suppressor gene, is downregulated in various malignant tumors. In a prostate cancer study, an adenovirus vector carrying the REIC/Dkk-3 gene (Ad-REIC) induces apoptosis. In the current study, we examined the effects of REIC/Dkk-3 gene therapy in pancreatic cancer. MethodsREIC/Dkk-3 expression was assessed by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry in the pancreatic cancer cell lines (ASPC1, MIAPaCa2, Panc1, BxPC3, SUIT-2, KLM1, and T3M4) and pancreatic cancer tissues. The Ad-REIC agent was used to investigate the apoptotic effect in vitro and antitumor effects in vivo. We also assessed the therapeutic effects of Ad-REIC therapy with gemcitabine. ResultsThe REIC/Dkk-3 expression was lost in the pancreatic cancer cell lines and decreased in pancreatic cancer tissues. Ad-REIC induced apoptosis and inhibited cell growth in the ASPC1 and MIAPaCa2 lines in vitro, and Ad-REIC inhibited tumor growth in the mouse xenograft model using ASPC1 cells. The antitumor effect was further enhanced in combination with gemcitabine. This synergistic effect may be caused by the suppression of autophagy via the enhancement of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. ConclusionsAd-REIC induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in pancreatic cancer cell lines. REIC/Dkk-3 gene therapy is an attractive therapeutic tool for pancreatic cancer. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

岡山医学会 Acta Medica Okayama 0030-1558 126 2 2014 柿胃石の成分分析における標準物質としての柿渋の有用性 127 131 EN Masaya Iwamuro Yuko Okamoto Toshihiro Murata Yoshinari Kawai Hidenori Shiraha Hiroyuki Okada Kazuhide Yamamoto The definite diagnosis of persimmon phytobezoar (i.e., diospyrobezoar) is often accomplished by a component analysis using infrared spectroscopy. However, no studies have been conducted to investigate which substance is the best as a standard for the component analysis. Here we analyzed tannic acid, Japanese persimmon (kaki), fermented persimmon extract (kaki-shibu), conventional dried persimmon, and dried persimmon smoked in sulfur (ampo-kaki) by infrared spectroscopy to determine which would be optimal as a component analysis standard. The spectrum between 1,600 to 600cm－1 of a persimmon phytobezoar was quite similar to the spectrum of kaki-shibu rather than that of tannic acid. Consequently, we conclude that kaki-shibu should be used as a standard for infrared spectroscopy analyses of persimmon phytobezoars. No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.