Macroamylasemia as the First Manifestation of Celiac Disease

Macroamylasemia is a biochemical disorder characterized by an elevated serum amylase activity resulting from the circulation of a macromolecular complex of amylase with a serum component, often an immunoglobulin. The increased molecular weight of this complex prevents the normal renal excretion of the enzyme. A few cases of celiac patients with macroamylasemia have been published in whom the biochemical disorder disappeared after treatment with a gluten-free diet

Capsule endoscopy: Future horizons

Capsule endoscopy (CE) was launched at the beginning of this millennium and has since become a well established methodology for evaluating the entire small bowel for manifold pathologies. CE far exceeded early expectations by providing a tool for establishing the correct diagnosis for elusive gastrointestinal (GI) conditions such as obscure GI bleeding, Crohn’s disease, polyposis syndrome and others. Contemporary CE, like radiology, gives results that can only be read, unlike conventional endoscopic procedures which enable concomitant biopsy when indicated. This is one of the major limitations of the technique. The ideal CE should improve the quality of the image and have a faster frame rate than the currently available one. There should be a therapeutic capsule capable of performing a biopsy, aspirating fluid, delivering drugs as well as measuring the motility of the small bowel wall. Another major leap forward would be the capability of remote control of the capsule’s movement in order to navigate it to reach designated anatomical areas for carrying out a variety of therapeutic options. Technology for improving the capability of the future generation capsule is almost within grasp and it would not be surprising to witness the realization of these giant steps within the coming decade

Post-pyloric feeding

Postpyloric feeding is an important and promising alternative to parenteral nutrition. The indications for this kind of feeding are increasing and include a variety of clinical conditions, such as gastroparesis, acute pancreatitis, gastric outlet stenosis, hyperemesis (including gravida), recurrent aspiration, tracheoesophageal fistula and stenosis in gastroenterostomy. This review discusses the differences between pre- and postpyloric feeding, indications and contraindications, advantages and disadvantages, and provides an overview of the techniques of placement of various postpyloric devices