Esophagitis associated with alendronate sodium.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to E Pizzani.
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Intravenous drug abusers are subject to infective endocarditis from unusual pathogens, including the saprophytic species of Neisseria, sometimes transmitted by needles contaminated with oral secretions. We have recently encountered such a case, in which a 37-year-old man with vegetations on the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve had blood cultures positive for N sicca. A history of intravenous drug abuse using needles contaminated with oral secretions should alert clinicians to the possibility of infective endocarditis due to saprophytic Neisseria species.
Primary adrenal insufficiency is known to cause a wide spectrum of sometimes severe upper gastrointestinal symptoms; however, it has not previously been shown to be the cause of reversible gastric stasis. We have documented such a case in which the symptoms and physiologic abnormalities associated with gastric stasis were reversed by steroid replacement. A follow-up radionuclide gastric-emptying study after physiologic steroid replacement showed complete normalization of gastric emptying. Although gastric stasis has long been suspected of being present with primary adrenal insufficiency, this represents the first case in which it has been documented, and so should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with chronic nausea and vomiting.
In summary, we have found this technique to be useful in patients in whom coagulation therapy is not possible or effective. It must still be considered a technique which is undergoing evaluation. Prospective randomized trials comparing this therapy with other currently available therapies such a electrocoagulation, laser and conservative management must be completed to firmly define its place in treatment strategy for acute upper GI bleeding.