BACKGROUND/AIMS: Both fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and fecal calprotectin (Fcal) results are useful biomarkers for ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the situations in which each marker should be used are largely unknown. METHODS: A total of 110 colonoscopy intervals of UC patients were assessed, and correlations between changes in colonoscopic findings and changes in the two aforementioned fecal markers were examined. RESULTS: Among patients with mucosal healing (MH) and negative FIT or Fcal results at the initial colonoscopy, FIT and Fcal findings exhibited accuracies of 93% (38/41) and 79% (26/33), respectively, for predicting the results of the subsequent examination. Among the 24 patients who showed endoscopic activity at the precedent colonoscopy and MH at the subsequent examination, positive-to-negative conversion of FIT and Fcal findings at the subsequent examination was observed in 92% (12/13) and 62% (8/13) of patients, respectively. Among the 43 patients who showed endoscopic activity at both the precedent and subsequent examinations, Fcal findings reflected the change in endoscopic activity better than FIT results (r=0.59, p<0.0001 vs r=0.30, p=0.054). CONCLUSIONS: The FIT is useful for confirming MH and the occurrence of relapse. In contrast, Fcal is useful for monitoring the mucosal status of patients with active inflammation.
Biomarkers ; Colitis ; Colitis, Ulcerative* ; Colonoscopy ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex* ; Recurrence ; Ulcer*

Anti-inflammatory therapy is generally considered to be prior to surgery for Takayasu disease to achieve better outcomes. We report two Takayasu arteritis patients with thoracic aneurysm. Case 1 was a 19-year-old woman who presented acute trachyphonia for one month. CT revealed aortic arch aneurysm of which maximal diameter was 64 mm with partial cystic protrusion. We performed urgent total arch replacement before anti-inflammation therapy was induced. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient discharged on steroid therapy. Case 2 was a 35-year-old woman who complained chest pain for two weeks. CT revealed a Valsalva aneurysm with maximal diameter 54 mm and the aortic wall of the arch including its branches was surrounded by thick low density area. As the FDG-PET confirmed inflammatory arteritis, initial steroid therapy was planned. However, one day before admission, the patient presented acute aortic dissection and did not respond to any resuscitation. We conclude that the right time of surgery or the initial induction of anti-inflammatory therapy for anuerysmal dilation by Takayasu arteritis is to be determined based not only on the inflammation level but also on aneurysmal size and the patient's severity of complaints.

Today, syphilitic aortic aneurysm is rarely diagnosed due to widespread use of penicillin for early syphilis. Large aneurysms can be symptomatic by compressing on adjacent organs. We report a case of a huge syphilitic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta complicated with airway obstruction and superior vena cava syndrome. A 62-year-old man presented with acute severe dyspnea and distention of superficial veins. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed an aneurysm of the ascending aorta extending to the transverse arch the diameter of which was 90 mm. The aneurysm compressed the bilateral main bronchi and superior vena cava. We performed an emergency operation because respiratory failure persisted despite the support of a ventilator. Since the aneurysm eroded the sternum, median sternotomy was performed under hypothermic circulatory arrest. Dissecting the aneurysm was complicated due to dense adhesion. Ascending aorta and partial arch replacement with reconstruction of the brachiocephalic trunk was successfully performed with antegrade cerebral perfusion. Postoperative computed tomography demonstrated that compression of the bilateral main bronchi was released. The result of preoperative syphilitic serologic test was strongly positive, and pathological findings of the aneurysm wall specimen was compatible with syphilitic aneurysm. Following treatment with benzyl penicillin for 14 days, the patient was discharged on the 19th postoperative day without specific complications.

Surgical stress is closely associated with the activity of the thyroid hormone. Although many patients undergoing cardiac surgery revealed markedly low triiodothyronine (T3), few patients showed symptomatic hypothyroidism. This condition is generally recognized as “non thyroidal illness (NTI) ” which is characterized by a low T3 level, despite the normal function of hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid system. NTI is generally considered as one of the biological defense mechanisms rather than a pathological condition, eliminating the requirement of medical intervention. Even if low T3 is observed in blood biochemical examination after open heart surgery, a cautious interpretation is required. We report an elderly case presenting severe fatigue and mild disorientation accompanied by significantly low thyroid hormone after aortic valve replacement. The morbidity was remarkably improved with medical treatment, suggesting hypothyroidism after cardiac surgery.

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) after cardiovascular surgery is a disease with a poor prognosis that is difficult to diagnose and treat. We report a case of NOMI diagnosed and treated immediately after open heart surgery. A 77-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to heart failure. Echocardiography showed the diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis. He underwent surgery for the replacement of the aortic valve. After surgery, the hemodynamics became unstable and lactate continued to rise. Contrast abdominal computed tomography revealed a smaller SMV sign and ischemic area in the intestinal wall. We suspected NOMI, and continuous intravenous administration of prostaglandin was started. Angiography revealed scattered vascular stenosis in the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, which led to the diagnosis of NOMI, and selective infusion of papaverine hydrochloride was started. Thereafter, hemodynamic improvement was observed and the patient was able to survive. To facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of NOMI, it is important to establish a protocol at the time of onset of illness to ensure smooth treatment.