Mohamed Ebrahim

Background/Objectives: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the current gold standard in patients with acute cholecystitis. Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) remains an option for those who are not surgical candidates but is associated with adverse effects. We studied technical success and patient satisfaction for endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) after initially receiving a PC drain. Methods: A multi-center study was conducted at 4 institutions involving patients who initially received a PC. These patients were given the option to transition to receive EUS-GBD. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess patient satisfaction comparing PC vs. EUS-GBD. Demographic data, including age, sex, reason for PC, complications, and patient satisfaction scores, were collected. Result: All seven patients who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy rated their experience as 1 (very dissatisfied), whereas the same patients rated EUS-guided gallbladder drainage with a mean satisfaction score of 4.7 (very satisfied). Conclusions: EUS-GBD is effective and offers higher satisfaction scores in patients who are not surgical candidates.

Objectives: Endoscopic transmural drainage and necrosectomy (ETDN) is a well-established technique for managing walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON). However, ETDN may be insufficient in some cases, necessitating adjunctive techniques such as video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) or endoscopic ultrasound-guided transcolonic drainage and necrosectomy (EUS-TC). The optimal step-up strategy in these patients remains unclear. We aimed to assess management of WON beyond the reach of ETDN. Methods: Patients with WON undergoing EUS-TC or VARD were identified from a prospectively maintained database between 2017 and 2024. Results: Forty-five consecutive patients (median age 53 years; median WON size 24 cm) were included, with a median follow-up of 19 months. Thirty-three patients (73%) underwent VARD, and 12 patients (27%) underwent EUS-TC. The median length of stay (LOS) was 85 days (IQR 48–126) for the VARD group and 74 days (IQR 40–152) for the EUS-TC group, and did not differ significantly (p = 0.818). In-hospital mortality was 18% (n = 8), all due to organ failure, with no difference between the two groups, p = 0.661. Thirty-seven (82%) patients achieved complete resolution (28 VARD, 9 EUS-TC). Overall, 10 (27%) patients (eight in VARD group and 3 in EUS-TC group, one patient was treated with both VARD and EUS-TC) developed 12 external fistulas (10 enterocutaneous (six colo-cutaneous, four small bowel) and two pancreatico-cutaneous. All pancreatico-cutaneous fistulas were managed conservatively, whereas all six patients with colo-cutaneous fistulas necessitated intervention. Conclusions: EUS-TC and VARD are both viable options for managing transgastrically inaccessible WON, although management remains associated with substantial LOS and external fistula formation. Graphical

Background and Aim: Hepatic encephalopathy is an important cause of morbidity in cirrhosis patients. The presence of spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSS) is associated with an increased risk of recurrent/refractory hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Embolization of SPSS has been shown to improve HE symptoms, but it may worsen portal hypertension and related complications. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of SPSS embolization for recurrent/refractory HE. Materials and Methods: Five databases were screened to identify studies assessing the efficacy of SPSS embolization for HE. The random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled rates, and I2% values were used to assess heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 331 patients with recurrent or refractory HE despite medical management. The etiology of cirrhosis included ethanol abuse, chronic viral hepatitis, MASH, and others. Following embolization, 82% of patients had HE-related clinical improvement, and 71% of patients became free from HE-related hospitalization. The mean difference in pre- and post-embolization serum ammonia levels was 104 [77-130], p

Background/Objectives: Pancreatic neoplasms, including adenocarcinoma, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), and high-grade cystic lesions, often require surgical resection as a form of curative treatment. However, comorbidities and high-risk features may preclude surgery. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative with proven cytoreductive efficacy in solid tumors. This case series evaluates the safety and efficacy of EUS-RFA in patients with various unresectable, non-metastatic pancreatic neoplasms. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on eight patients who underwent EUS-RFA at our institutions between July 2021 and February 2025. All patients were deemed unsuitable surgical candidates due to comorbidities such as advanced age, cardiovascular disease, renal insufficiency, and COPD or due to patient resistance to surgical intervention. EUS-RFA was performed using a 19-gauge RFA needle (Taewoong Corporation). Follow-up imaging was conducted 3 to 6 months after the completion of RFA treatment. Results: All eight patients demonstrated a good to excellent response in terms of tumor size reduction. The most notable response was observed in a patient with pNET, resulting in complete resolution from 15.6 × 12.0 mm to 0.0 × 0.0 mm after two RFA treatments. Other neoplasms, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), also demonstrated significant reductions. Mild post-procedure complications, including pancreatitis and abdominal pain, were noted in three cases. Conclusions: EUS-RFA is a promising alternative for managing unresectable pancreatic neoplasms in high-risk patients. Our findings support its use across various tumor types with favorable outcomes and minimal complications, reinforcing its role in expanding therapeutic options beyond surgery.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis is rare yet critical illness that can result in lethal bowel ischemia and infarction. This report details a case of SMA thrombosis with associated superior mesenteric vein (SMV) narrowing, secondary to mesenteric torsion in a 26-year-old female with history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. The patient’s presenting symptoms were severe epigastric pain, vomiting, and significant anemia. Imaging confirmed SMA thrombosis with early signs of bowel ischemia. Interventional radiology promptly performed an SMA angiogram and initiated thrombolysis with a tenecteplase infusion, which led to near-complete resolution of the thrombus. This case draws attention to the necessity for early diagnosis and swift management of SMA thrombosis, particularly in post-surgical patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy. The resolution of this case demonstrates the value of a collaborative care, combining interventional radiology and general surgery to prevent bowel ischemia.

Background: Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a known hypersensitivity reaction to biologic agents, often linked to tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)inhibitors. We present a rare case of LCV in a patient receiving tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)receptor. Case presentation: A 33‐year‐old Asian female with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis presented to the rheumatology clinic complaining of a new rash that started a few days after an infusion of tocilizumab. Her rheumatoid arthritis had been managed with upadacitinib for several years, which was discontinued due to persistent transaminitis. She was started on tocilizumab after a 4‐month break from biologics. Following the first tocilizumab infusion, she recalled having transient fatigue and several red dots on her forearms and feet. A few days after the second infusion, she developed a purpuric rash on her lower extremities and forearms. Skin biopsy confirmed LCV. The rash resolved slowly in a month after discontinuation of tocilizumab and prescription of prednisone 20 mg daily. At her 3‐month follow‐up, the patient remained in remission, and her rheumatoid arthritis was uneventfully managed with abatacept. Conclusions: While most cases of biologic‐associated LCV are induced by TNF‐α inhibitors, only two known cases of tocilizumab‐induced hypersensitivity vasculitis have been published in the literature. Our case represents only the third reported instance in the literature, highlighting the need to raise awareness of tocilizumab as a potential cause of leukocytoclastic vasculitis and the importance of prompt recognition and management.

Background Anastomotic strictures following colectomy and proctectomy are a significant cause of benign lower gastrointestinal tract (LGIT) obstruction, with a reported incidence of up to 30%. Endoscopic interventions such as balloon dilation, stricturotomy, mechanical dilation, electrocautery incision, and stent placement are utilized for management. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic interventions for the management of benign LGIT anastomotic strictures. Methods Literature search was performed for published full-text articles using the Embase, Pubmed, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane databases for endoscopic management of anastomosis strictures and related terms including endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD), stricturotomy (EST), mechanical dilation, electrocautery incision (ECI), and stent placement. Results A total of 1363 patients from 33 studies were included. The most common indication for anastomosis was colorectal cancer (92%). Overall technical success (ability to pass the endoscope) was achieved in 93% of cases, with immediate clinical success in 85% and sustained success in 81% at follow-up. ECI demonstrated the highest clinical success rates (98% immediate, 91% at the end of follow-up). Adverse events occurred in 6% of patients, most commonly perforation, which was most frequent with EBD. Stent placement showed high initial success but had issues with stent migration and adverse events. Conclusion Overall, EBD and ECI were the most effective, with ECI showing the highest success rates. Despite its technical challenges, EST was both effective and safe. This study underscores the need for further prospective research comparing various endoscopic interventions to improve management strategies for LGIT anastomotic strictures.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent condition globally, often necessitating intravenous iron therapy. We present a case of a 71-year-old female with IDA who experienced a severe anaphylactic reaction shortly after commencing a sodium ferric gluconate complex infusion. Prompt cessation of the infusion and administration of epinephrine with steroids led to rapid recovery. This case underscores the importance of recognizing and managing rare yet potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions to intravenous iron formulations, highlighting the need for vigilance among healthcare providers.