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Gastroenterology Sep 2023Belching, bloating, and abdominal distention are all highly prevalent gastrointestinal symptoms and account for some of the most common reasons for patient visits to... (Review)
Review
DESCRIPTION
Belching, bloating, and abdominal distention are all highly prevalent gastrointestinal symptoms and account for some of the most common reasons for patient visits to outpatient gastroenterology practices. These symptoms are often debilitating, affecting patients' quality of life, and contributing to work absenteeism. Belching and bloating differ in their pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management, and there is limited evidence available for their various treatments. Therefore, the purpose of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Practice Update is to provide best practice advice based on both controlled trials and observational data for clinicians covering clinical features, diagnostics, and management considerations that include dietary, gut-directed behavioral, and drug therapies.
METHODS
This Expert Review was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership, and underwent internal peer review by the Clinical Practice Updates Committee and external peer review through standard procedures of Gastroenterology. These best practice advice statements were drawn from a review of the published literature based on clinical trials, the more robust observational studies, and from expert opinion. Because systematic reviews were not performed, these best practice advice statements do not carry formal ratings regarding the quality of evidence or strength of the presented considerations. Best Practice Advice Statements BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: Clinical history and physical examination findings and impedance pH monitoring can help to differentiate between gastric and supragastric belching. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: Treatment options for supragastric belching may include brain-gut behavioral therapies, either separately or in combination, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, diaphragmatic breathing, speech therapy, and central neuromodulators. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: Rome IV criteria should be used to diagnose primary abdominal bloating and distention. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: Carbohydrate enzyme deficiencies may be ruled out with dietary restriction and/or breath testing. In a small subset of at-risk patients, small bowel aspiration and glucose- or lactulose-based hydrogen breath testing may be used to evaluate for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: Serologic testing may rule out celiac disease in patients with bloating and, if serologies are positive, a small bowel biopsy should be done to confirm the diagnosis. A gastroenterology dietitian should be part of the multidisciplinary approach to care for patients with celiac disease and nonceliac gluten sensitivity. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: Abdominal imaging and upper endoscopy should be ordered in patients with alarm features, recent worsening symptoms, or an abnormal physical examination only. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: Gastric emptying studies should not be ordered routinely for bloating and distention, but may be considered if nausea and vomiting are present. Whole gut motility and radiopaque transit studies should not be ordered unless other additional and treatment-refractory lower gastrointestinal symptoms exist to warrant testing for neuromyopathic disorders. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: In patients with abdominal bloating and distention thought to be related to constipation or difficult evacuation, anorectal physiology testing is suggested to rule out a pelvic floor disorder. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 9: When dietary modifications are needed (eg, low-fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet), a gastroenterology dietitian should preferably monitor treatment. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 10: Probiotics should not be used to treat abdominal bloating and distention. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 11: Biofeedback therapy may be effective for bloating and distention when a pelvic floor disorder is identified. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 12: Central neuromodulators (eg, antidepressants) are used to treat bloating and abdominal distention by reducing visceral hypersensitivity, raising sensation threshold, and improving psychological comorbidities. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 13: Medications used to treat constipation should be considered for treating bloating if constipation symptoms are present. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 14: Psychological therapies, such as hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other brain-gut behavior therapies may be used to treat patients with bloating and distention. BEST PRACTICE 15: Diaphragmatic breathing and central neuromodulators are used to treat abdominophrenic dyssynergia.
Topics: Female; Humans; United States; Eructation; Celiac Disease; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Quality of Life; Constipation; Flatulence; Dilatation, Pathologic
PubMed: 37452811
DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.04.039 -
Circulation Research Jan 2021Blood eosinophil count and ECP (eosinophil cationic protein) associate with human cardiovascular diseases. Yet, whether eosinophils play a role in cardiovascular disease...
RATIONALE
Blood eosinophil count and ECP (eosinophil cationic protein) associate with human cardiovascular diseases. Yet, whether eosinophils play a role in cardiovascular disease remains untested. The current study detected eosinophil accumulation in human and murine abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) lesions, suggesting eosinophil participation in this aortic disease.
OBJECTIVE
To test whether and how eosinophils affect AAA growth.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Population-based randomized clinically controlled screening trials revealed higher blood eosinophil count in 579 male patients with AAA than in 5063 non-AAA control (0.236±0.182 versus 0.211±0.154, 10/L, <0.001). Univariate (odds ratio, 1.381, <0.001) and multivariate (odds ratio, 1.237, =0.031) logistic regression analyses indicated that increased blood eosinophil count in patients with AAA served as an independent risk factor of human AAA. Immunostaining and immunoblot analyses detected eosinophil accumulation and eosinophil cationic protein expression in human and murine AAA lesions. Results showed that eosinophil deficiency exacerbated AAA growth with increased lesion inflammatory cell contents, matrix-degrading protease activity, angiogenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and smooth muscle cell loss using angiotensin-II perfusion-induced AAA in and eosinophil-deficient ΔdblGATA mice. Eosinophil deficiency increased lesion chemokine expression, muted lesion expression of IL (interleukin) 4 and eosinophil-associated-ribonuclease-1 (mEar1 [mouse EOS-associated-ribonuclease-1], human ECP homolog), and slanted M1 macrophage polarization. In cultured macrophages and monocytes, eosinophil-derived IL4 and mEar1 polarized M2 macrophages, suppressed CD11bLy6C monocytes, and increased CD11bLy6C monocytes. mEar1 treatment or adoptive transfer of eosinophil from wild-type and mice, but not eosinophil from mice, blocked AAA growth in ΔdblGATA mice. Immunofluorescent staining and immunoblot analyses demonstrated a role for eosinophil IL4 and mEar1 in blocking NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) activation in macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Eosinophils play a protective role in AAA by releasing IL4 and cationic proteins such as mEar1 to regulate macrophage and monocyte polarization and to block NF-κB activation in aortic inflammatory and vascular cells.
Topics: Adoptive Transfer; Aged; Angiotensin II; Animals; Aorta, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Cells, Cultured; Dilatation, Pathologic; Disease Models, Animal; Eosinophils; Female; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-4; Macrophages; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout, ApoE; Monocytes; NF-kappa B; Phenotype; Ribonucleases; Vascular Remodeling; Mice
PubMed: 33153394
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.120.318182 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Apr 2021Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) develops when organ failure arises secondary to an increase in intraabdominal pressure. The abdominal pressure is determined by... (Review)
Review
Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) develops when organ failure arises secondary to an increase in intraabdominal pressure. The abdominal pressure is determined by multiple factors such as blood pressure, abdominal compliance, and other factors that exert a constant pressure within the abdominal cavity. Several conditions in the critically ill may increase abdominal pressure compromising organ perfusion that may lead to renal and respiratory dysfunction. Among surgical and trauma patients, aggressive fluid resuscitation is the most commonly reported risk factor to develop ACS. Other conditions that have also been identified as risk factors are ascites, hemoperitoneum, bowel distention, and large tumors. All patients with abdominal trauma possess a higher risk of developing intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). Certain surgical interventions are reported to have a higher risk to develop IAH such as damage control surgery, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and liver transplantation among others. Close monitoring of organ function and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) allows clinicians to diagnose ACS rapidly and intervene with target-specific management to reduce IAP. Surgical decompression followed by temporary abdominal closure should be considered in all patients with signs of organ dysfunction. There is still a great need for more studies to determine the adequate timing for interventions to improve patient outcomes.
PubMed: 33968300
DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i4.330 -
Journal of Kidney Cancer and VHL 2023Renal leiomyomas are rare benign mesenchymal tumors of kidney that affect adults of second to sixth decade. They can present as small asymptomatic multifocal lesions...
Renal leiomyomas are rare benign mesenchymal tumors of kidney that affect adults of second to sixth decade. They can present as small asymptomatic multifocal lesions that are identified only in autopsy, or as large solitary lesions that cause pain and abdominal distention. Histomorphologically it appears exactly like its counterpart in other soft tissues. Differentiating renal leiomyoma from the lipid-poor angiomyolipoma is difficult by morphology, hence immunohistochemical studies are recommended. The case described is that of a female patient aged 74 years with a small solitary lesion in right kidney, who presented with history of pain and abdominal distention. She underwent wedge resection, histopathologically and immunohistochemically diagnosed as renal leiomyoma.
PubMed: 37398509
DOI: 10.15586/jkcvhl.v10i2.264 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Aug 2018Fibrotic stricture is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD) affecting approximately half of all patients. No specific anti-fibrotic therapies are available;...
BACKGROUND
Fibrotic stricture is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD) affecting approximately half of all patients. No specific anti-fibrotic therapies are available; however, several therapies are currently under evaluation. Drug development for the indication of stricturing CD is hampered by a lack of standardised definitions, diagnostic modalities, clinical trial eligibility criteria, endpoints and treatment targets in stricturing CD.
AIM
To standardise definitions, diagnosis and treatment targets for anti-fibrotic stricture therapies in Chron's disease.
METHODS
An interdisciplinary expert panel consisting of 15 gastroenterologists and radiologists was assembled. Using modified RAND/University of California Los Angeles appropriateness methodology, 109 candidate items derived from systematic review and expert opinion focusing on small intestinal strictures were anonymously rated as inappropriate, uncertain or appropriate. Survey results were discussed as a group before a second and third round of voting.
RESULTS
Fibrotic strictures are defined by the combination of luminal narrowing, wall thickening and pre-stenotic dilation. Definitions of anastomotic (at site of prior intestinal resection with anastomosis) and naïve small bowel strictures were similar; however, there was uncertainty regarding wall thickness in anastomotic strictures. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the optimal technique to define fibrotic strictures and assess response to therapy. Symptomatic strictures are defined by abdominal distension, cramping, dietary restrictions, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and post-prandial abdominal pain. Need for intervention (endoscopic balloon dilation or surgery) within 24-48 weeks is considered the appropriate endpoint in pharmacological trials.
CONCLUSIONS
Consensus criteria for diagnosis and response to therapy in stricturing Crohn's disease should inform both clinical practice and trial design.
Topics: Catheterization; Clinical Trials as Topic; Colon; Consensus; Constriction, Pathologic; Crohn Disease; Dilatation; Endoscopy; Expert Testimony; Fibrosis; Humans; Intestinal Obstruction; Intestine, Small; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Reference Standards
PubMed: 29920726
DOI: 10.1111/apt.14853 -
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum Sep 2021A 46-year-old man with no significant medical or surgical history presented to the emergency department with a 1-week history of worsening constipation, abdominal...
A 46-year-old man with no significant medical or surgical history presented to the emergency department with a 1-week history of worsening constipation, abdominal distension, nausea, and nonbloody, nonbilious emesis. Workup included a CT scan that was notable for a 5.3 × 3.9 cm "apple core-type" mass located within the sigmoid colon with proximal large-bowel dilation. Carcinoembryonic antigen was 1.4. No metastatic disease was seen on chest, abdominal, or pelvic CT scans. Flexible sigmoidoscopy identified a sigmoid colon mass 30 cm from the anal verge with near complete obstruction. Biopsies of the mass did not show evidence of dysplasia or malignancy. The Gastroenterology service declined to place a stent without a malignancy diagnosis. The patient subsequently underwent exploratory laparotomy, sigmoid colectomy, and end colostomy. Recovery was uneventful. Final pathology showed diverticulitis with abscess formation and no evidence of malignancy. A completion colonoscopy was unremarkable, and the patient underwent colostomy reversal 3 months later.
Topics: Abdominal Abscess; Algorithms; Biopsy; Colectomy; Colon, Sigmoid; Constriction, Pathologic; Diagnosis, Differential; Dilatation; Diverticulitis, Colonic; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sigmoid Diseases; Sigmoidoscopy; Stents; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 34108366
DOI: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000002179 -
International Braz J Urol : Official... 2021This review aims to study the role of the abdominal wall in testicular migration process during the human fetal period. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This review aims to study the role of the abdominal wall in testicular migration process during the human fetal period.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a descriptive review of the literature about the role of the abdominal wall in testicular migration during the human fetal period.
RESULTS
The rise in intra-abdominal pressure is a supporting factor for testicular migration. This process has two phases: the abdominal and the inguinal-scrotal stages. The passage of the testis through the inguinal canal occurs very quickly between 21 and 25 WPC. Bilateral cryptorchidism in Prune Belly syndrome is explained by the impaired contraction of the muscles of the abdominal wall; mechanical obstruction due to bladder distention and structural alteration of the inguinal canal, which hampers the passage of the testis during the inguinoscrotal stage of testicular migration. Abdominal wall defects as gastroschisis and omphaloceles are associated with undescended testes in around 30 to 40% of the cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Abdominal pressure wound is an auxiliary force in testicular migration. Patients with abdominal wall defects are associated with undescendend testis in more than 30% of the cases probably due to mechanical factors; the Prune Belly Syndrome has anatomical changes in the anterior abdominal wall that hinder the increase of intra-abdominal pressure which could be the cause of cryptorchidism in this syndrome.
Topics: Cryptorchidism; Humans; Inguinal Canal; Male; Prune Belly Syndrome; Scrotum; Testis
PubMed: 32758302
DOI: 10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2021.99.03 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... 2016The most common cause of gas under diaphragm is hollow viscous perforation. In 10% of cases it can be due to rare causes, both abdominal and extra-abdominal, one of them...
INTRODUCTION
The most common cause of gas under diaphragm is hollow viscous perforation. In 10% of cases it can be due to rare causes, both abdominal and extra-abdominal, one of them being intra abdominal infection by gas forming organisms.
PRESENTATION OF THE CASE
A 51 year old male patient, a poorly controlled diabetic, presented with a second episode of severe pain abdomen and abdominal distention, with lower abdominal tenderness. Plain Xray of the abdomen in erect posture showed gas under the right dome of diaphragm and ultrasound abdomen confirmed gross pneumoperitoneum. On emergency laparotomy, a pancreatic abscess was discovered, which had ruptured through the inferior leaf of the transverse mesocolon.
DISCUSSION
There are many obscure causes for extra-intestinal and extra abdominal sources for gas under diaphragm which contribute to 10% of the etiology for the same.These are as follows: post laparotomy status, ruptured liver abscess, retroperitoneal air, biliary-enteric fistula, gall stone ileus, incompetent sphincter of Oddi, focal biliary lipomatosis, post scuba diving, post adeno-tonsillectomy, post dental extraction, following arthroscopy of the knee, intra abdominal sepsis by gas forming organisms and pneumatosis coli to name a few. In this case, Klebsiella was responsible for producing gas under the diaphragm.
CONCLUSION
Pancreatic abscess, in particular, as a extraintestinal source for gas under diaphragm has not been reported in English literature.
PubMed: 27771601
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.10.016 -
Gastroenterology & Hepatology Apr 2023Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is a benign condition characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of adipose tissue mainly of the small bowel mesentery. MP is...
Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is a benign condition characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of adipose tissue mainly of the small bowel mesentery. MP is commonly detected incidentally on cross-sectional imaging of the abdomen and can be asymptomatic in up to nearly half of patients. The most frequent clinical symptom reported is abdominal pain, followed by bloating/distention, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, fever, malaise, and nausea. On computed tomography, MP is seen as a mass-like area of increased fat attenuation within the small bowel mesentery, usually located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. This mass-like area envelops mesenteric vessels and displaces adjacent bowel segments. Lymph nodes are frequently seen within the area of mesenteric abnormality. One of the most common differential diagnoses of MP is lymphoma, and positron emission tomography/computed tomography may be performed if there is suspicion of a concurrent underlying malignancy. Because of the benign nature of MP, treatment decisions should be guided by severity of symptoms and presence of complications. First-line medical treatment is prednisone and tamoxifen. Surgery is reserved for cases of recurrent bowel obstruction. This article provides a review of MP, including its epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and treatment.
PubMed: 37705847
DOI: No ID Found -
Cureus Mar 2021Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a rare diagnosis that can be challenging to make as its symptoms, which include abdominal distention, nausea, and persistent...
Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a rare diagnosis that can be challenging to make as its symptoms, which include abdominal distention, nausea, and persistent vomiting, often overlap with many other acute abdominal pathologies. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can help the clinician identify gastric outlet obstruction in patients who present to the emergency department (ED). Sonographic identifiers include a markedly dilated stomach that is filled with both hyper- and hypoechoic contents and may extend into the lower abdomen in the pelvic views.
PubMed: 33859891
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13829