Clinical Case Summary

A 32-year-old male with a history of mild alcohol consumption and previous alcohol-related pancreatitis presented to the emergency department with 24 hours of typical abdominal pain. Blood tests revealed elevated pancreatic enzymes in the pancreatitis range. The patient denied any recent alcohol or drug intake. He reported his last bowel movement was 24 hours prior. An abdominal X-ray showed colonic loop dilation and rectal gas, but no signs of bowel obstruction. He was admitted with a diagnosis of a second episode of mild acute pancreatitis, likely alcohol-related.
Abdominal ultrasound was performed but was limited by significant bowel gas; however, a large anechoic collection was noted in the pancreatic area. After 48 hours of hospitalization, the patient’s condition worsened with abdominal distension and vomiting. An adynamic ileus was suspected, and a nasogastric tube and prokinetic agents were administered, with partial clinical improvement.
Due to sudden clinical deterioration with severe pain despite analgesia, increased abdominal distension, and high-pitched metallic bowel sounds, a new abdominal X-ray was performed, showing dilated small bowel loops with air-fluid levels. An urgent abdominal CT scan revealed findings consistent with small bowel obstruction due to cecal volvulus, with no signs of acute pancreatitis. The patient underwent emergency surgery with favorable outcome.
Discussion: Amylase and lipase may also be elevated in extra-pancreatic conditions, highlighting the importance of thorough history-taking, physical examination, and complementary imaging—especially when alarm signs are present or the diagnosis is unclear. Other pancreatic enzymes have been evaluated in clinical trials, but none have demonstrated superior diagnostic value. There is currently no consensus on the appropriate upper limit of normal.

References

1. Beij A, Verdonk RC, van Santvoort HC, de-Madaria E, Voermans RP. Acute Pancreatitis: An Update of Evidence-Based Management and Recent Trends in Treatment Strategies. United European Gastroenterology Journal. John Wiley and Sons Inc; 2025
2. Tenner S, Vege SS, Sheth SG, Sauer B, Yang A, Conwell DL, et al. American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines: Management of Acute Pancreatitis. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2024 Mar 1;119(3):419–37.
3. Jacquemin Q, Coulier B, Rubay B. Acute volvulus of the cecum. J Belgian Soc Radiol. 2020;104(1):40,1-3.
4. Naveed M, Jamil LH, Fujii-Lau LL, Al-Haddad M, Buxbaum JL, Fishman DS, et al. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on the role of endoscopy in the management of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction and colonic volvulus. Gastrointest Endosc. 2020;91(2):228-35

Clinical Case Summary

Post-procedural haemorrhage following percutaneous liver biopsy is a rare yet potentially life-threatening complication, with fistulisation of a hepatic haematoma into the gastrointestinal tract being an exceedingly rare event.
A 75-year-old lady with suspected autoimmune liver disease underwent an ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy with a 16G needle, performed in a single pass and no immediate complications. Two hours later, the patient developed haemorrhagic shock and was transferred to the ICU, where a contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed a 10 × 9 cm hepatic haematoma in the right lobe with active arterial extravasation and haemoperitoneum (Figure 1). Angiography confirmed active bleeding from a segmental branch of the right hepatic artery (Figure 2), which was successfully embolised with microcoils (Figure 3).
Follow-up CT scan 45 days later showed persistent encapsulated haematoma with fistulisation to duodenal bulb (Figure 4). Gastroscopy showed no haemorrhagic content through the fistula (Figure 5). Given the patient's stable condition and reviewed by a multidisciplinary team, surgery was not required. Radiological control after three months, shows near-complete haematoma resolution and fistula closure (Figure 6). Autoimmune hepatitis was confirmed, and immunosuppressive therapy deferred until resolution of the acute complication.
Percutaneous liver biopsy is safe, with ultrasound guidance reducing complication risk. The most common adverse event is pain, in up to 25% of cases. Haemorrhagic complications, including haemoperitoneum, hepatic haematoma, or haemobilia, occur in 0.01–0.5% of cases. Haemobilia, the rarest complication (~0.006%), presents with abdominal pain, jaundice, and melaena. In cases of active bleeding, selective arterial embolisation is preferred. Fistulisation into the gastrointestinal tract is rare and usually associated with large haematomas. Early diagnosis and intervention were key to preventing a fatal outcome in this case.

References

Tian G, Kong D, Jiang T, Li L. Complications After Percutaneous Ultrasound‐Guided Liver Biopsy. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. 2020 Jan 30;39(7):1355–65.

Clinical Case Summary

Introduction: The most common complications of ERCP include acute pancreatitis, post-sphincterotomy bleeding, and intestinal perforation. Traumatic arterio-biliary fistulas, although rare, have been reported following manipulation. This case presents severe haemorrhage secondary to an arterio-biliary fistula.
Case Report: A 61-year-old male, chronic alcoholic with chronic liver disease (BCLC-B) and distal bile duct stricture of filarial aetiology, was admitted for biliary stent replacement. Post-procedure, the patient developed worsening clinical parameters, including abdominal pain, leucocytosis, and elevated cholestasis markers. Imaging revealed the proximal end of the stent was in the cystic duct, requiring a second ERCP for repositioning.
The patient's condition deteriorated with severe acute cholangitis, haemorrhagic rectal bleeding, and haemodynamic instability. CT showed further biliary dilatation and haematic content within the bile ducts. A third ERCP was performed to remove clots and place a covered metallic stent to control the bleeding. Despite this, haemorrhage persisted. CT-angiography revealed a 9 mm pseudoaneurysm from the pancreaticoduodenal arcade and pancreatic artery (Figure 1). Selective embolisation was successful (Figure 2), with follow-up confirming no further aneurysm filling (Figures 3 and 4).
Discussion: Arterio-biliary fistulas are typically iatrogenic or traumatic, often following biliary or hepatic procedures like liver biopsy or cholecystectomy. Post-ERCP incidence is rare, with only three reported cases. Diagnosis requires high clinical suspicion and angiography. Fistulas can cause pseudoaneurysms, which may lead to haemobilia, presenting as gastrointestinal bleeding. Management is multidisciplinary; conservative treatment is suitable for small, non-bleeding fistulas, while endoscopic or radiological interventions are used for severe cases. Early intervention is key to favourable outcomes.

References

1. Rai R. Potentially fatal haemobilia due to inappropriate use of an expanding biliary stent. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2003;9(10):2377.
2. Berry R, Han J, Mohit Girotra, Tabibian JH. Hemobilia: Perspective and Role of the Advanced Endoscopist. 2018 Jul 12;2018:1–12.
3. Delayed Massive Hemobilia After Biliary Stenting. Endoscopy. 2003 Nov;35(11):976–7.
4. Siu, W. T., Chau, C. H., Ka Bo Law, B., Yau, K. K., Luk, Y. W., & KaWah Li, M. Non-operative management of endoscopic iatrogenic haemobilia: case report and review of literature. Acta gastro-enterologica Belgica. 2005;68(4): 428–431.
5. Panno, C., Gutiérrez, S. C., Echeverría, R., Garbe, C., Milocco, M., Ianniccillo, H., Valenzuela, M., Cubilla, A., Alvarez, F., & Alvarez, E. Hemobilia secundaria a pseudoaneurisma de la arteria hepática [Hemobilia secondary to hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm]. Acta gastroenterologica Latinoamericana. 2015;45(2):133–136.

Clinical Case Summary

Pseudoachalasia mimics the manometric features of primary achalasia but arises from secondary causes. In lung cancer, it is a rare paraneoplastic manifestation, unrelated to mechanical oesophageal compression. Early recognition and management can improve nutritional status and potentially influence oncological prognosis.
Case report: A 79-year-old woman presented with a three-month history of progressive dysphagia for solids and liquids (Eckardt score 5), accompanied by 7 kg weight loss. Upper endoscopy was unremarkable. A barium swallow showed delayed oesophageal emptying.
High-resolution manometry revealed elevated resting pressure and impaired relaxation at the oesophagogastric junction (OGJ), unresponsive to multiple rapid swallows (Figure 1). Oesophageal contractility was severely impaired, with 90% failed swallows and 70% showing panesophageal pressurization (Figure 2). Two episodes of oesophageal shortening were also noted. Findings were consistent with type II achalasia, but with atypical features.
Given the patient’s smoking history, weight loss, and unusual manometric pattern, thoracic CT was performed, revealing a 13 mm right lower lobe paravertebral nodule (Figure 3) with distal oesophageal wall thickening. Bronchoscopy confirmed lung adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent right lower lobectomy and mediastinal lymphadenectomy.
Four months post-operatively, with dietary modification and nutritional support, the patient reported symptom resolution and weight gain.
Discussion: Pseudoachalasia accounts for ~2% of achalasia cases, often due to malignancy. While most commonly linked to oesophageal or gastric cancer, lung adenocarcinoma is a rare cause. A paraneoplastic mechanism involving myenteric plexus neuronal damage is suspected. Clinicians should consider pseudoachalasia in elderly patients with rapidly progressive dysphagia, significant weight loss, and atypical manometry. Management focuses on oncological treatment and nutritional optimisation.

References

Hirano T, Miyauchi E, Inoue A, Ryotaro Igusa, Chiba S, Sakamoto K, et al. Two cases of pseudo-achalasia with lung cancer: Case report and short literature review. Respiratory Investigation. 2016 Jul 16;54(6):494–9.

Introduction

Functional bowel disorders are characterized by the presence of altered bowel habits with or without abdominal pain.¹ Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is diagnosed based on recurrent abdominal pain; however, distinctions in the clinical phenotypes of IBS subtypes and other functional bowel disorders (FBDs), such as functional diarrhea (FD) and functional constipation (FC), remain underexplored.^2,3

Aims & Methods

Aims: This study aimed to characterize the clinical presentation of IBS with predominant constipation (IBS-D) and IBS with predominant diarrhea (IBS-C), differentiating them from FD and FC, while recognizing the overlapping symptoms and the continuum between these conditions. Additionally, we examined the prevalence of psychological disorders and extra-intestinal comorbidities and identified potential mediators linking IBS to anxiety and depression.
Methods: Using data from the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study, we analyzed 54,127 participants across 26 countries, including 2,195 patients with IBS. Clinical, dietary and psychological characteristics were assessed using validated questionnaires. Subgroup analyses compared IBS subtypes with FBDs, while mediation analyses (using the PROCESS macro and Baron and Kenny's method⁴) identified mediators of IBS-psychological distress relationship.

Results

As compared to patients with IBS-D, patients with IBS-C reported more severe pain characteristics, including prolonged pain episodes (50.7% vs. 47.0% of the time with pain lasting >30 minutes, p=0.030) and pain episodes that escalated to a sustained severe intensity (44.2% vs. 38.1%, p=0.026), frequently accompanied by back pain (36.7% vs. 30.9%, p<0.001). Regular use of prescribed pain medications was also more frequent in IBS-C (39.3%) than IBS-D (31.8%, p=0.004). In contrast, as compared to IBS-C, patients with IBS-D showed a stronger association of pain with changes in stool consistency (70% vs. 60% of time with pain, p<0.001) and frequency (mean 61.3% vs. 57.8% of time with pain, p=0.008). These associations remained significant in multiple regression models, which confirmed that IBS-C is more strongly linked to prolonged and escalating pain episodes, while IBS-D is more closely linked to pain associated with changes in stool frequency and consistency. As compared to FD, IBS-D patients reported greater dissatisfaction with bowel function (57.3±28.4 vs. 44.2±29.8, p<0.001), and more frequent loose stools (without constipation treatments) (60.0% vs. 50.0% of bowel movements, p<0.001), particularly after meals (60.0% vs. 40.0% of loose stools, p<0.001). IBS-C shows more severe constipation-related symptoms compared to FC (p<0.001). Mediation analyses revealed that concerns about bowel function, embarrassment discussing it, and work-related impairments partially mediated the relationship between IBS and psychological distress.

Conclusion

IBS-C is associated with more severe pain episodes, including prolonged and escalating pain, while in IBS-D pain is more strongly linked to bowel habit changes. These findings highlight the distinct clinical profiles of IBS subtypes and emphasize the need for personalized, multimodal management strategies. Identifying mediators of psychological distress in IBS can guide targeted interventions, improving patient outcomes.

References

1. Lacy, B. E. et al. Bowel Disorders. Gastroenterology (2016) doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2016.02.031.
2. Savarino, E. et al. Functional bowel disorders with diarrhoea: Clinical guidelines of the United European Gastroenterology and European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility. United European Gastroenterol J 10, 556–584 (2022).
3. Mearin, F. et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and functional constipation in the adult. Revista espanola de enfermedades digestivas 108, 332–63 (2016).
4. Baron, R. M. & Kenny, D. A. The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. J Pers Soc Psychol 51, 1173–82 (1986).

Introduction

Psychological comorbidities such as anxiety and depression are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Alexithymia, defined by difficulty in identifying and describing emotions, may increase symptom perception and impact disease outcomes. Its relationship with psychological distress and clinical activity remains unclear, particularly across IBD phenotypes.

Aims & Methods

This study aimed to explore the correlations between alexithymia, clinical variables, and psychopathological symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and to compare profiles between Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Patients aged 18–70 years with confirmed CD or UC were recruited from outpatient and day-hospital settings. Exclusion criteria included diagnosed psychiatric or neurological disorders, malignancy, or recent head trauma. Participants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS- 20), the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) for psychological distress, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), including both anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D) subscales. A cut-off score of ≥51 on the TAS-20 was used to define the presence of alexithymia. Clinical and demographic data were collected, including disease activity indices, disease phenotype, endoscopic findings, extraintestinal manifestations, and current therapies. Descriptive statistics were reported as mean ± standard deviation. Analyses included t-tests, Pearson correlations, ANCOVA, and multivariate linear regression. p<0.05 considered significant.

Results

A total of 103 patients with IBD were included (CD = 45; UC = 58). The mean TAS-20 score was 45.0 ± 11.0 in CD and 42.7 ± 10.4 in UC, with no significant difference between groups. The overall prevalence of alexithymia (TAS-20 ≥ 51) was 24.3%, with comparable rates in CD (22.2%) and UC (25.9%, p = 0.845). In CD, TAS-20 scores were significantly correlated with endoscopic disease activity (CDEIS: r = 0.35, p = 0.023) and with the presence of fistulas or abscesses (r = 0.38, p = 0.042). No significant correlations were observed with CDAI, disease phenotype, or perianal disease alone. In UC, clinical disease activity independently predicted alexithymia (SCCAI: β = 7.29, p = 0.023). With regard to psychological symptoms, TAS-20 scores were significantly correlated in CD with HADS-D (r = 0.58, p < 0.001), HADS-A (r = 0.34, p = 0.021), SCL-90 GSI (r = 0.37, p = 0.012), and paranoid ideation (r = 0.43, p = 0.003). In UC, significant correlations were also observed with HADS-A (r = 0.52), HADS-D (r = 0.39), and SCL-90 GSI (r = 0.45), all with p < 0.005. In multivariate analysis, the SCL-90 GSI score independently predicted alexithymia in UC (β = 11.78, p < 0.001). The effect of diagnosis (CD vs UC) on TAS-20 scores was not significant (p = 0.079) after adjusting for anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

Alexithymia is a common trait in IBD, with comparable prevalence in CD and UC. In CD, it is associated with endoscopic disease severity and fistulizing complications, while in UC, with clinical activity. In both groups, psychological distress, especially depression, is a key correlate. These findings underscore the value of assessing emotional processing in patients with active or complicated IBD to support more targeted multidisciplinary care.