Crohn's disease: is there any link between anal and luminal phenotypes?

International audiencePURPOSE: Perianal Crohn's disease (CD) encompasses a variety of lesion similar to luminal disease, which are usually not distinctly assessed. Links between luminal and perianal CD phenotype remains therefore underreported, and we aimed to describe both luminal and perianal phenotype and their relationships. METHODS: From January 2007, clinical data of all consecutive patients with CD seen in a referral center were prospectively recorded. Data recorded until October 2011 were extracted and reviewed for study proposal. RESULTS: A total of 282 patients (M/F, 108/174; aged 37.8 ± 16.2 years) were assessed that included 154 cases (54.6 %) with anal ulceration, 118 cases (41.8 %) with fistula, 49 cases (17.4 %) with stricture, and 94 cases without anal lesion (33.3 %). Anal ulcerations were associated with fistulas (N = 87/154) in more than half of patients (56.5 %) and were isolated in 55 patients (35.7 %). Most of strictures (94 %) were associated with other lesions (N = 46/49). Harvey-Bradshaw score was significantly higher in patients with ulcerations (p \textless 0.001) as compared to those with perianal fistulas (p = 0.15) or with anal strictures (p = 0.16). Proportions of complicated behavior (fistulizing or stricturing) of luminal CD were similar according to anal lesions: anal fistulas were not significantly associated to penetrating Montreal phenotype (N = 4/31 p = 0.13) as well as anal stricture and stricturing Montreal phenotype (N = 3/49, p = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: The phenotype of luminal disease does not link with the occurrence and the phenotype of perianal Crohn's disease. Anal ulcerations denote a more severe disease on both luminal and perianal locations and should consequently be taking into account in physician decision-makin

Spina Bifida and anorectal dysfunction : from Clinic to neuroepithelial dysfunction

Le Spina Bifida est une maladie congénitale rare due à anomalie de fermeture du tube neural ayant des conséquences physiques et fonctionnelles multiples. La prise en charge des séquelles digestives du Spina Bifida ne fait l’objet d’aucun consensus national ou international. Les objectifs de cette thèse translationnelle étaient de caractériser les plaintes anorectales des patients adultes ayant un Spina Bifida, d’en préciser les mécanismes physiopathologiques sous-jacents à partir des données de la manométrie anorectale et du barostat rectal et en étudiant les fonctions de la barrière épithéliale intestinale. Les plaintes anorectales des patients adultes ayant un Spina Bifida représentent leur deuxième plainte en terme de fréquence et sont l’incontinence fécale, et la constipation. Ces troubles peuvent évoluer au cours du temps ce qui justifie un suivi digestif au long cours. Le niveau lésionnel neurologique n’est ni associé aux troubles digestifs ni à à leur évolution. Les patients ayant un Spina Bifida ont une atteintede la fonction anale (défaut de contraction) et des fonctions rectales (diminution du tonus et de la compliance rectale). Ils ont également une hyperperméabilité paracellulaire et une diminution de la densité du tissu conjonctif; ces 2 anomalies étant corrélées entre elles. L’augmentation de la perméabilité paracellulaire était négativement corrélée avec la compliance rectale. Enfin, les patients ayant un Spina Bifida ont une augmentation de l’expression de TGFBeta1. Les anomalies des fonctions anorectales et de la barrière épithéliale intestinale pourraient être des cibles thérapeutiques potentielles dans la prise en charge des troubles anorectaux des patients adultes ayant un Spina Bifida.Spina Bifida is a rare congenital disorder caused by an abnormal neural tube closure with multiple physical and functional consequences. The management of the digestive disorders of Spina Bifida is not consensual. The objectives of this present work were to characterize the anorectal complaints of adult patients with Spina Bifida, to specify the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms from the data of anorectal manometry and rectal barostat and to study the functions of the intestinal epithelial barrier. The anorectal complaints of adult patients with Spina Bifida represent their second complaint and are faecal incontinence and constipation. These disorders can change over time which justifies long-term digestive follow-up. The level of neurological lesion is neither associated with digestive disorders nor with their evolution. Patients with Spina Bifida have impaired anal function (lack of contraction) and rectal function (decreased tone and rectal compliance). They also have paracellular hyperpermeability and decreased connective tissue density ; these 2 anomalies are interrelated. The increase in paracellular permeability was negatively correlated with rectal compliance. Finally, patients with Spina Bifida have an increased expression of TGFBeta1. Abnormalities of anorectal function and intestinal epithelial barrier may be potential therapeutic targets in the management of anorectal disorders in adult patients with Spina Bifida

Endoscopic resection of a rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor using the submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) technique

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Outcomes of Perianal Fistulising Crohn's Disease Following Anti-TNF alpha Treatment Discontinuation

International audienceBackground Discontinuation of antitumour necrosis factor (TNF)alpha therapy with perianal fistulising Crohn's disease remains controversial due to the risk of severe relapse without any clear evidence. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the rate and type of perianal and luminal relapses following anti-TNF alpha discontinuation. Methods All patients treated with anti-TNF alpha for perianal fistulising Crohn's disease with subsequent discontinuation of therapy were retrospectively reviewed from a prospective database (1998-2016). Cumulative probabilities of relapse-free survival were estimated by actuarial analysis. Results After a median follow-up of 62 months, 24 of the 45 patients experienced perianal relapse. A new surgical drainage was needed in 19 (79%) patients. The cumulative probabilities of perianal relapse at 1 and 5 years were 24% and 55%, respectively. Ileal localization (L1) at diagnosis, persistence of an external fistula opening, second line anti-TNF alpha use, or prior dose optimization was associated with perianal relapse, whereas continuation of immunosuppressive agents decreased this risk (HR = 0.3). Luminal relapse occurred in 42% of patients at 5 years. The cumulative probability of global relapse at 5 years was 67%. Retreatment with anti-TNF alpha allowed further remission in 23 of 24 (96%) patients. Conclusion Half of patients with perianal fistulising Crohn's disease relapse within 5 years after anti-TNFa discontinuation. Immunosuppressant continuation may decrease this risk. The high risk of relapse (perianal and luminal) may suggest a benefit in pursuing biologics over a longer period in patients with perianal fistulas

Quelle est la place du gastroentérologue dans la prise en charge des séquelles digestives des patients ayant un Spina Bifida ?

International audienceLe Spina Bifida est une maladie congénitale rare due à une anomalie de fermeture du tube neural. Elle génère un plurihandicap et sa prise en charge doit être pluridisciplinaire. Les troubles digestifs anorectaux rapportés le plus souvent sont la constipation et l’incontinence fécale et constituent la deuxième plainte en terme de fréquence, après les troubles urologiques. La prise en charge des séquelles digestives des patients ayant un Spina Bifida n’est pas codifiée. Le niveau lésionnel n’est pas corrélé aux plaintes digestives, ce qui nécessite une évaluation initiale précise et globale. L’évaluation du terrain et de l’importance du handicap, le recueil des plaintes, un examen clinique notamment neuropérinéal guident la prise en charge thérapeutique initiale. En cas d’échec du traitement de première ligne, la manométrie anorectale et le temps de transit colique peuvent être utiles. Le traitement repose sur les massages abdominaux, les laxatifs oraux et/ou locaux, les manoeuvres défécatoires, la rééducation et les irrigations coliques rétrogrades/antérogrades

Ileocecal valve opening with double clip and rubber band for countertraction facilitates R0 en bloc resection of laterally spreading tumors

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A systematic literature review on solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is there a therapeutic consensus in 2018?

International audiencePurpose - To screen all treatments tested for solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) without rectal prolapse and to assess their efficacy. Method - A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on the treatment of SRUS without rectal prolapse. The types of treatment and their efficacy were collected and critically assessed. Results - A selection of 20 studies among the 470 publications focusing on SRUS provided suitable data for a total of 516 patients. Only 2 studies were randomised prospective trials that focused on argon plasma treatment. The mean follow-up was 21.8 months and ranged from 0.25 to 90 months. Most of the studies focused on surgery, including rectopexy, stapled transanal rectal resection, excision of the ulcer, the Delorme procedure, proctectomy, low anterior resection, and ostomy. Populations of the studies were heterogeneous and selected outcomes were specific (failure of medical or surgical treatment). Conservative treatment (high-fibre diet, laxatives, change of defecatory habits, and biofeedback treatment) induced a symptomatic improvement in 71/91 patients (63.6%) and healing of mucosal lesion in 17/51 patients (33.3%). Surgeries (all types) improved SRUS in 77% (54-100%) of patients. Argon plasma coagulation is a promising technique but longer follow-up is necessary. Conclusions - The general quality of the studies focusing on the treatment of SRUS was poor due to the heterogeneity of the population, the sample size of the cohorts, and the heterogeneity of efficacy assessments. The therapeutic approach appears to be multimodal and multidisciplinary and validated in centres of expertise. Further studies evaluating multimodal strategies are needed

Perianal Crohn's disease results in fewer pregnancies but is not exacerbated by vaginal delivery

International audienceBackground Despite a high prevalence of Crohn's disease in women of childbearing age, disease-related factors that may impact fertility and perianal Crohn's disease after delivery remain unclear. Methods Self-administered questionnaires related to childbirth were completed by women with Crohn's disease referred to a single gastroenterology unit. A survival analysis was performed for statistical purposes. Results A total of 184 patients were assessed, including 63 nulliparous women. The cumulative probabilities of having a child were 30%, 51% and 72% at the ages of 25, 30 and 35 years, respectively. Women with colonic disease, prior abdominal surgery and perianal disease were less likely to experience childbirth. After a median follow-up of 165 weeks post-delivery, the cumulative probabilities of fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease occurrence were 8%, 12% and 21% at 1, 2 and 5 years following childbirth, respectively. Contrary to a prior history of perianal Crohn's disease and colonic location, mode of delivery was not associated with perianal fistula. An episiotomy in the group of women with prior anal lesions did not result in a higher rate of fistula recurrence. Conclusion Perianal Crohn's disease is associated with fewer pregnancies, however perianal fistulas were less affected by obstetric events than their own natural history

Long-term results of pneumatic dilatation for relapsing symptoms of achalasia after Heller myotomy

International audienceBACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of pneumatic dilatation (PD) to treat symptom recurrence after Heller myotomy (HM). METHODS: Consecutive patients receiving PD for relapsing symptoms following prior HM were included in this retrospective single-center study. Eckardt score ≤3 and/or ∆ Eckardt (difference between Eckardt score before and after dilatation) ≥3 defined the success of initial dilatation. Patients who maintained response longer than 2 months after initial dilatation were defined as short-term responders. Relapsers were offered further on-demand dilatation. Remission was defined as an Eckardt score ≤3 at the study endpoint. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to determine relapse rates. KEY RESULTS: Eighteen patients (11 women, seven men) were included from January 2004 to January 2013. Ten patients had type I achalasia, and seven had type III, according to the Chicago classification. Thirty-nine PDs were performed (1.5 [1-2.25] per patient). All patients had short-term responses. The remission rate at the endpoint, after a median follow-up of 33 months, was 78%, but 44% were treated with on-demand PD during the follow-up interval. The proportions of patients without relapse and subsequent PD were 72% at 12 months, 65% at 24 and 36 months, and 49% at 48 months. No factors predictive of long-term response, particularly the type of achalasia, could be identified in this series. There were no perforations. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: In treating symptom recurrence following HM, PD was safe and effective over the long term when combined with subsequent PD

Quality of life in 1870 patients with constipation and/or fecal incontinence Constipation should not be underestimated

International audienceBackground - Quality of life is increasingly seen as important, but remains difficult to assess in patients with functional anorectal complaints. Objective - We aimed to quantify quality of life and to analyse the symptomatic descriptors associated with a poor outcome in patients with faecal incontinence (FI) and/or constipation. Methods - The characteristics of the patients, data from self-administered questionnaires and from physical examinations were evaluated prospectively for all cases of functional anorectal disease over a period of thirteen years. Functional anorectal disease included faecal incontinence (FI) and/or constipation. Patients with scores in the lowest quartile of the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) were considered to have suffered severe alterations to their quality of life, and were compared with the other patients. Results - In total, 1870 patients with functional anorectal disease were included (470 with a severely altered quality of life (GIQLI < 70)). Constipation predominated (1212/1870; 65.1%) and severe FI was frequent (761/1870; 40.9%). Severely altered quality of life was significantly associated with constipation (P = 0.0001), urinary urgency and incontinence (P = 0.0001), depression (P = 0.001), diabetes (P = 0.0224), severe FI (P = 0.0001), neurological disease (P = 0.0138) and liquid stools (P = 0.0002) in multivariate analysis. Conclusion - Several treatable factors are associated to an impaired quality of life in patients with functional anorectal disorders. Intervention studies are mandatory (stool consistency and frequency)