Diagnosis of atypical GERD is often a challenge especially when heartburn and regurgitation are absent. Classic reflux symptoms are absent in 40–60% of patients with asthma, 57–94%of patients with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) symptoms, and 43–75% of patients selleck chemicals llc with chronic cough in whom reflux is suspected as the primary etiology. Therefore, GERD should be strongly considered in
the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with atypical symptoms when alternative diagnoses have been excluded.The aim of this study was to demonstrate the association between GERD and extradigestive manifestations and to evaluate the accuracy of the GERD’s diagnosis proposed by specialists other than gastroenterologists (pneumologists, ENTs’, cardiologists). Methods: A prospective study was conducted between November 2012- March 2013 at the Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Iasi. It included patients referred by pneumology, otolaryngology, cardiology departments with suspected GERD. All patients were investigated endoscopically and those without esophagitis were further investigated by 24-h impedance-pH metry. Results: The study included 24 patients, 12 males (50%) and 12 females (50%), the mean age 47 ± 14,46 years; 6 (25%) presented asthma, 17 (70,83%) hoarsness and 1 (4,16%) noncardiac chest pain. AZD2281 manufacturer All patients had typical symptoms (79,16%
pyrosis and 83,33% regurgitation). 11 (45,83%) had esophagitis at the upper endoscopy, 4 (16,66%) underwent 24-h impedance-pH metry and 9 (37,51%) underwent therapeutic test with PPI. Diagnosis of GERD was established in all cases. Conclusion: GERD often manifests with atypical symptoms hence gastroenterological
consult and investigations are highly beneficial for patients with asthma, dysphonia, chronic cough or pseudoangina. Key Word(s): 1. GERD; 2. heartburn; 3. chronic cough; 4. dysphonia, asthma; Presenting Author: SATIMAI ANIWAN Additional Authors: VICHAI VIRIYAUTSAHAKU, PHONTHEP ANGSUWATCHARAKON, PRADERMCHAI KONGKAM, SOMBAT TREEPRASERTSUK, RUNGSUN RERKNIMITR, PINIT KULLAVANIJAYA Corresponding Author: SATIMAI ANIWAN Affiliations: Chulalongkorn University selleck inhibitor Hospital Objective: In overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is recommended as one of the important investigations since it can provide not only diagnosis but also can provide therapy. However, there is no set-standard timing to perform DBE is those OGIBs. Hypothetically, some vascular lesions and ulcers may disappear if DBE is delayed. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic and therapeutic yields between urgent and non-urgent (later) DBE in patients with OGIB. Methods: Between 1/2006 to 2/2013, 120 patients with overt OGIB who underwent DBE were retrospectively reviewed. An urgent DBE was defined as DBE performed within 72 h.