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Biomedical subjects

J F Demarquay

Publications and source records attributed to J F Demarquay.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Endoscopic treatment of pancreatico-biliary malignancies.

Biliary obstructions, due to pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma, have an ominous prognosis. At the time of diagnosis, most patients are beyond any curative treatment. Palliative therapies, such as transhepatic biliary drainage, bypass surgery, and endoscopy, have an established role in the management of such patients. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) plays a key role, allowing diagnosis, collection of cytologic and bioptic specimens, and insertion of large-bore biliary stents. The major drawback of plastic stents is the high rate of clogging, requiring frequent stent exchange. In the 1990s, self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) were developed and randomized studies have shown their superiority over plastic stents. SEMS can be successfully used in patients with hilar tumors. Duodenal obstruction due to biliopancreatic neoplasms can also be managed endoscopically. ERCP can be performed on an outpatient basis in selected patients, reducing costs related to hospitalization. A team approach is mandatory to obtain the best results.

Biliary Tract Neoplasms↗

Role of fibrates and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in gallstone formation: epidemiological study in an unselected population.

Fibrate derivatives and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors modify homeostasis of cholesterol. The aim of this study was to assess in an unselected population whether these hypolipidemic drugs are risk factors for cholelithiasis or, conversely, are protective agents. Both sexes, all socioeconomic categories, pregnant women, and cholecystectomized subjects were included. Clinical data collection and gallbladder ultrasonography were both carried out in a double-blind fashion. Fibrate derivatives were predominantly fenofibrate, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors were simvastatin and pravastatin. On univariate analysis, age (>50 years), sex, and use of fibrates were found to be significantly related to the presence of cholelithiasis. Age, sex, and fibrate treatment remained independently correlated with the presence of gallstones on multivariate analysis. With fibrates, the relative risk for lithiasis was 1.7 (P = 0.04). The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors were not associated with a protective effect on univariate analysis. Of the lipid-lowering drugs, only fibrate derivatives were found to increase the risk of gallstone formation.

Anticholesteremic Agents↗

Argon plasma endoscopic section of biliary metallic prostheses.

We report our recent experience of using argon plasma to endoscopically cut biliary Wallstent prostheses in these patients. The first patient had a bleeding duodenal ulceration caused by the impaction of the prosthesis meshes whereas the second patient had an ill-positioned biliary stent with impaction into the opposite duodenal wall. Both prostheses were shortened using argon plasma. In the third patient, the lower extremity of a obstructed biliary Wallstent was positioned in the third duodenum preventing its endoscopic catheterization. After shortening using argon plasma, a new plastic stent could be inserted to allow drainage. The outcomes in these cases demonstrate the feasibility of endoscopically shortening metallic Wallstents after release using argon plasma.

Aged↗

Endoscopic bilateral metal stent placement for malignant hilar stenoses: identification of optimal technique.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify factors that facilitate bilateral insertion of metal stents in malignant hilar stenoses, for which plastic stents often result in incomplete drainage and subsequent cholangitis. METHODS: Between January 1994 and April 1998, we collected 45 cases of advanced (Bismuth stage II or higher) hilar malignant stenoses. The insertion technique was progressively modified and the success rate in the early period (1994 to 1995) was compared with that of a later period (1996) and the most recent period (1997 to 1998). RESULTS: Overall success rate was 73.3% (33 of 45). The success rates for the three periods were 50%, 67%, and 88% (p = 0.008), respectively. Cholangitis occurred in 3 of the patients with unilateral stents compared with 1 with bilateral stents. CONCLUSION: We have described a technique for endoscopic insertion of bilateral metallic stents for malignant hilar stenoses that results in high (>88%) and reproducible success rates.

Aged↗

Endoscopic management of sump syndrome after choledochoduodenostomy: retrospective analysis of 30 cases.

BACKGROUND: Side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy is a frequently performed operation. Postoperative biliary "sump syndrome" is infrequent, a complication for which endoscopic sphincterotomy is regarded as the treatment of choice. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 30 cases of sump syndrome and describe the symptoms, the delay before the appearance of symptoms, laboratory abnormalities, the nature of the biliary obstruction, and the outcome of endoscopic sphincterotomy including its efficiency and complications. RESULTS: The median clinical latency was 5 years (range 1 month to 28 years), the median delay between surgery and diagnosis was 6 years (range 1 month to 28 years). Fourteen patients had abdominal pain with fever, 5 had isolated abdominal pain, 4 had post-prandial pain, 4 had hepatic abscesses, and 3 had acute pancreatitis. Liver function tests were abnormal in 79%. During endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, food debris was identified in 18 patients in the biliary sump, biliary calculi in 10 patients, and a mixture of food and calculi in 2 patients. All patients underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy without complication. Recurrence during a median follow-up of 36 months (range 3 months to 11 years) was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Sump syndrome most often becomes symptomatic only after a long delay. Abdominal pain with fever was the most frequent symptom. Liver function tests were abnormal in the majority of patients. Food debris was the most frequent cause. Endoscopic sphincterotomy appeared to be a safe, reliable treatment.

Adult↗

A new source of drug-induced acute pancreatitis: codeine.

A variety of drugs have been reported to cause acute pancreatitis during the past 40 years. We report the first series of four cases of acute pancreatitis related to codeine ingestion. Four patients (three female, mean age 50.2 yr) presented with clinical, biochemical, and radiological evidence of acute pancreatitis. All four had ingested a therapeutic dose of codeine 1-3 h before the onset of abdominal symptoms. Unintentional rechallenge occurred in three cases and was followed by recurrence of acute pancreatitis in all three. All patients made a full recovery. All four patients had had a previous cholecystectomy. The likely underlying pathophysiological mechanism is codeine-induced spasm of the sphincter of Oddi combined with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction related to a previous cholecystectomy. Codeine ingestion leads to acute pancreatitis in some individuals. Previous cholecystectomy seems to predispose to codeine-induced pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗

Endoscopic Nd:YAG laser therapy for villous adenomas of the right colon.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic laser therapy is considered an acceptable treatment of benign colorectal adenomas. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of Nd:YAG laser to ablate right-sided colonic sessile adenomas. METHODS: Between January 1990 and February 1996, 56 patients underwent laser therapy because of high operative risk or refusal of surgery. Lesions were located as follows: cecum (23), ascending, (15), and hepatic flexure (18). Six patients (10.7%) had multiple polyps in the ascending colon. Histologic examination showed a tubulovillous pattern in 20 (35.7%) and a villous pattern in 36 (64.3%). Low-grade dysplasia was detected in 44 patients (78. 5%) and high-grade dysplasia in 12 (21.4%). RESULTS: The number of laser sessions ranged between 1 and 6 (median 3) and complete ablation, histologically confirmed, was achieved in 49 cases (87.5%). Seven patients (12.5%) underwent surgery: 2 for incomplete tumor destruction, 3 because of invasive carcinoma on repeated biopsies. Two patients (3.6%) had complications (one perforation of the cecum and one hemorrhage). Follow-up ranged from 6 to 60 months and no recurrences were observed. CONCLUSION: Laser therapy is an effective method for the destruction of sessile adenomas of the right colon in selected patients.

Adenoma, Villous↗

Prevalence of cholelithiasis: results of an epidemiologic investigation in Vidauban, southeast France. General Practitioner's Group of Vidauban.

Cholelithiasis leads to 80,000 cholecystectomies being performed every year in France, but its prevalence is still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of cholelithiasis in a random population of 1027 women and 727 men over the age of 30 in a small town in the southeast of France. Detailed clinical history, dietary investigation, and gallbladder ultrasound were collected for each subject and assessed by univariate analysis. A regression model was used in the multivariate analysis to detect the relative risk of cholelithiasis. Cholelithiasis was found in 130 individuals (global prevalence 13.9%). The relative risk for lithiasis was higher in women compared to men (1.89). Age (P<0.0001) and body mass index (BMI) >25 (P = 0.013) were also significant risk factors. Neither pregnancy nor oral contraceptive use proved to be risk factors. Typical biliary colic pain was the only symptom significantly associated with cholelithiasis (P<0.0001). These results show that the prevalence of gallstones in France is similar to that in Denmark and Italy.

Adult↗

Effect of endoscopic sphincterotomy on bile lithogenicity in patients with gallbladder in situ.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic sphincterotomy results in a continuous flow of bile into the duodenum and consequently leads to an increase in the frequency of enterohepatic bile acid cycling. Because bile acids are the driving force of biliary secretion, sphincterotomy may affect bile genesis. The present study was undertaken to determine the influence of endoscopic sphincterotomy on bile composition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The cholesterol saturation index and the bile acid pattern were determined in the gallbladder bile of lithiasis patients with (group III) or without sphincterotomy (group I), and in the hepatic bile of patients with gallbladder in situ who were checked at 3 months after the endoscopic procedure (group II). Stones from each patient were examined for chemical composition and microstructure. RESULTS: All the patients had cholesterol stones. After endoscopic sphincterotomy the molar percentages of cholesterol in the gallbladder bile of group III and in the hepatic bile of group II were significantly lower (-31% and -46% respectively) than in group I. Similarly, the cholesterol saturation index in the hepatic bile (0.79) and the gallbladder bile (0.86) from patients who had undergone sphincterotomy indicated undersaturation whereas bile from group I was oversaturated (1.25). On the other hand, endoscopic sphincterotomy did not modify the hydrophobicity index of the bile acid pool, even though deoxycholate content increased. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic sphincterotomy causes a marked decrease in the lithogenicity of bile and thus may prevent the risk of recurrence of cholesterol lithiasis.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Extensive aetiological investigations in acute pancreatitis: results of a 1-year prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data on acute pancreatitis are poorly defined. AIMS: To prospectively evaluate the aetiology of acute pancreatitis and to assess the benefits of intensive investigations. METHODS: In a prospective, 1-year study all cases of acute pancreatitis in the Nice catchment area were enrolled. Subjects underwent routine (serum calcium, phosphate and triglycerides; abdominal ultrasonography and CT scan) and additional, delayed intensive investigations (ERCP with bile sampling and/or endoscopy ultrasonography). RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one cases were included. After routine investigations, a biliary, alcoholic, miscellaneous or unknown origin was diagnosed in 43%, 31.4%, 9.9% and 15.7%, respectively. In subjects with biliary pancreatitis, 43% had no previous history of biliary disease. In the alcohol-related subgroup, pancreatitis recurred in 18.5% during 114.5 days mean follow-up. In subjects with a first episode of alcoholic pancreatitis, delayed supplemental investigations revealed underlying chronic pancreatitis in 92.8%. After routine investigations, a diagnosis of pancreatitis of unknown origin was made in 15.7% (n = 19) of subjects. Additional investigations revealed an underlying cause in 57.8% of these patients (n = 11), including malignancy (n = 3) and biliary disease (n = 4), reducing the overall rate of pancreatitis with no apparent cause to 6.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Investigative techniques, particularly ERCP, will reveal the underlying aetiology of pancreatitis in the majority of patients presenting with 'idiopathic' pancreatitis and should be considered when routine tests are negative.

Acute Disease↗

A study of the effect of age on pancreatic duct morphology.

BACKGROUND: Interpretation of endoscopic pancreatograms is difficult in elderly patients. Age-related parenchymal changes and associated ductographic changes are ill-defined, and it is sometimes difficult to distinguish these from pathologic processes. METHODS: To define age-related pancreatogram changes, all endoscopic retrograde pancreatograms performed in patients older than 70 years of age over a 6-year period were analyzed and compared with those of a control group (younger than 50 years of age). RESULTS: Of the 136 elderly subjects included in the study, 31 (22.8%) were found to have definite pathology. Comparing the remaining 105 subjects with the control group, the mean main pancreatic duct diameter (in millimeters) was larger in the head (5.3 vs. 3.3), body (3.7 vs. 2.3), and tail (2.6 vs. 1.6) (p < 0.05). The duct diameter also increased significantly in each of the age cohorts (70 to 79, 80 to 89, and 90 to 99 years). Only 33 of 105 (31.4%) of the elderly patients had duct diameters within defined normal limits. In the majority (63.3%), dilatation was global but in a minority it was confined to the head and/or body. In 21 subjects the ductal diameter was greater than 2 standard deviations above normal, and in 5 subjects it was greater than 3 standard deviations above normal. Dilatation of secondary ducts was also observed. CONCLUSION: The majority of elderly patients who do not have pancreatic pathology have a dilated pancreatic duct by comparison with younger patients. Patient age must be considered when interpreting endoscopic pancreatograms.

Adolescent↗

The role of therapeutic endoscopy associated with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy and bile acid treatment in the management of Caroli's disease.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Caroli's disease causes relapsing episodes of cholangitis due to the presence of intrahepatic lithiasis. Strategies for cholangitis prevention are still widely debated. Ursodeoxycholic acid, hepaticojejunostomy, partial hepatectomy, or transplantation, have all been proposed as therapeutic options. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of therapeutic endoscopy, and especially endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES), in the management of Caroli's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1983 and 1995, six patients with Caroli's disease (mean age 52, range 17-75) underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for acute cholangitis. Sphincterotomy was performed if common bile duct stones were present. Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, (ESWL) or intraductal electrohydraulic lithotripsy (IEL) were performed if necessary. RESULTS: The mean number of endoscopic sessions per patient was four (range three to seven). Sphincterotomy was performed in five patients and cholangioscopy in three. ESWL was performed twice in each of four patients. A Strecker expandable metal stent was placed in one patient to maintain sphincterotomy patency. In one patient, two sessions of IEL and pulsed laser were carried out. Complete clearance of intrahepatic stones was achieved in four of the six subjects (66.6%) and partial clearance in two patients. No morbidity or mortality was observed. During the follow-up (mean 6.2 years; range: 2.1-16.3), only two patients had acute cholangitis at nine months and three years, respectively, after the endoscopic treatment. Both had residual intrahepatic stones left after the initial endoscopic attempt at clearance. CONCLUSION: ERCP is a necessary diagnostic procedure which should always be carried out in patients with Caroli's disease. Our experience shows that ES does not result in an increased incidence of cholangitis and that therapeutic endoscopy allows complete clearance of intrahepatic stones in the majority of patients with unresectable symptomatic Caroli's disease. Nevertheless, the oncological risk in these patients remains unchanged, and they still have an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma.

Caroli Disease↗

The natural history of hereditary chronic pancreatitis: a study of 12 cases compared to chronic alcoholic pancreatitis.

The aim of this study was to document the natural history of chronic hereditary pancreatitis and to compare its evolution to that of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. Twelve subjects with chronic hereditary pancreatitis were followed up for a mean duration of 15.8 years (range, 1-23) and compared to subjects with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis who were followed up from 1972 to 1980. The subjects with chronic hereditary pancreatitis, when compared to those with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis, were found to have an earlier onset of symptoms (10.5 vs. 46.0 years, p < 0.05); a significant delay in diagnosis (14.3 vs. 3 years); a similar prevalence of pancreatic calcification (58 vs. 57%); a similar amount of pancreatic insufficiency; both endocrine (50 vs. 70%) and exocrine 42 vs. 38%); and a higher prevalence of pseudocysts (33 vs. 10%, p < 0.05). Only one pancreatic adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in a patient with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. Apart from the earlier onset and the delay in diagnosis, chronic hereditary pancreatitis has a natural history similar to that of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. The disease is progressive with a high incidence of complications, but all subjects were alive after follow-up.

Adolescent↗

Right-sided sciatalgia complicating Crohn's disease.

Neurological complications of Crohn's disease due to involvement of the extradural space are extremely rare. A 40-yr-old woman with Crohn's disease affecting the terminal ileum presented with a right-sided sciatalgia. The patient did not complain of diarrhea or constipation. The serum fibrinogen and the C-reactive protein were elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a mass in front of the sacrum up to but not including the first sacral vertebra. Surgical intervention, with resection of 15 cm of terminal ileum, led to the complete resolution of symptoms. In this case, the underlying cause of the neurological symptoms was most likely an infiltration of the right lumbosacral nerve caused by edema and inflammation of the terminal ileum in the vicinity of the presacral space. Unexplained lumbosacral neurological symptoms in a patient with Crohn's disease necessitate a magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scan to detect potential neurological compression.

Adult↗

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy.

AIM: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopacreatography and associated therapeutic procedures are widely used in routine clinical practice. The changes in the upper gastrointestinal anatomy after a Billroth II anastomosis may present technical difficulties at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopacreatography. METHODS AND PATIENTS: The case records of all patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopacreatography at our Unit from January 1985 to December 1995 were reviewed. All patients who had had a previous Billroth II anastomosis or gastroenteroanastomosis were included in this analysis. Of the 5994 procedures performed, 124 patients with Billroth II surgery and 10 with a gastroenteroanastomosis were identified. RESULTS: In these patients, the papilla was located in 89% of cases from 1985 to 1990 and in 100% of cases from 1991 to 1995. Overall, the success rates for pancreatography, cholangiography, and endoscopic sphincterotomy were 94%, 97.7%, and 100%, respectively. The morbidity and mortality rates were 7.4% and 0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopacreatography in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy is similar to that of a normal population.

Adult↗

Is biliary lithogenesis affected by length and implantation of cystic duct? Study of 270 patients with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

The gallbladder seems to play an important role in lithogenesis. Moreover, the morphology and the implantation of the cystic duct may also influence this process. Our purpose was to evaluate if the length and the implantation of the cystic duct may affect the formation of gallstones. Between April 1992 and March 1994, 270 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were included in the study, and the radiological length of the cystic duct was carefully recorded. Patients were divided into two groups: I, absence of lithiasis: 113 patients (65 men, 48 women); and II, gallbladder lithiasis or lithiasis in the common bile duct with or without gallbladder lithiasis: 157 patients (73 men, 84 women). A statistically significant difference was observed among the two groups regarding the insertion of the cystic duct: implantation on the left side of the common bile duct represented a risk factor of lithiasis. The length of the cystic duct was not directly implicated. Hypokinesis of the gallbladder is currently recognized as being a major factor in the initial steps of lithogenesis, but the implantation of the cystic duct can play an important role by increasing cystic duct resistance and causing a reduced washout effect of the gallbladder contents, including cholesterol crystals.

Adult↗