Biliary atresia(BA) is a serious digestive system disease caused by the obliteration of intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary system of infancy.Without prompt treatment,BA can cause biliary cirrhosis,and ultimately cause liver failure,leading to death.The early diagnosis of BA is crucial to the early treatment.At present,liver biopsy is considered to be the gold standard of diagnosis of BA,but this method has some shortcomings such as invasive,repeated sampling and subjectivity.In contrast,ultrasonography (US),magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hepatobiliary scintigraphy(HBS) gradually play important roles in clinical diagnoses of BA and become the hotspot of BA diagnoses.This paper focuses on reviewing the clinical applications of BA imaging diagnoses and the latest research progress.

Background/Aims: Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is characterized by elevated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) and preserved esophageal peristalsis. The clinical significance of EGJOO is uncertain. This study aim to describe the clinical characteristics of these patients and to find out potential parameters to predict patients’ symptom outcome. Methods: Consecutive patients who received high-resolution manometry examination in our hospital in 2013-2019 and met the diagnostic criteria of EGJOO were retrospectively included. Motility and reflux parameters as well as endoscopy and barium esophagogram results were studied and compared. Patients were also followed up to record their treatment methods and symptom outcomes. Results: A total of 138 EGJOO (accounting for 5.2% of total patients taking high-resolution manometry examination in our hospital) patients were included. Only 2.9% of these patients had persistent dysphagia. A total of 81.8% of EGJOO patients had symptom resolution during follow-up. Patients with persistent dysphagia had significantly higher upright IRP (16.6 [10.3, 19.8] vs 7.8 [3.2, 11.5]; P = 0.026) than those without. Upright IRP can effectively distinguished patients with persistent dysphagia (area under curve: 0.826; P = 0.026) using optimal cut-off value of 9.05 mmHg. Conclusion EGJOO patients with persistent dysphagia and higher upright IRP (median > 9.05 mmHg) needs further evaluation and aggressive management.

Background/Aims: There is less acid burden in Chinese gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients. However, the Lyon consensus proposed a higher threshold of acid exposure time (AET > 6%) for GERD. The aims are to apply the updated criteria in Chinese GERD patients and clarify its influence on clinical outcome. Methods: Patients who were referred for both esophageal high-resolution manometry and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring due to reflux symptoms were retrospectively screened. Those patients with AET > 4% was included and grouped into either AET 4-6% or AET > 6%. Their manometric profile, reflux profile, and response to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were evaluated. Adjunctive evidence proposed in the Lyon consensus was added in patients with AET 4-6% for therapeutic gain. Another group of patients (n = 144) with AET < 4% were included as non-GERD patients. Results: In total, 151 patients (102 males) were included with 113 patients AET > 6% (74.9%). GERD patients with AET > 4% were with more male, older patients, and higher body mass index compared with non-GERD patients. Meanwhile, GERD patients were less competent in esophagogastric junction pressure. However, the manometric and reflux profile were similar between patients with AET > 6% and 4-6%. The response rate of PPI therapy was 64.6% and 63.2%, respectively, in groups of AET > 6% and 4-6% (P > 0.05). When adjunctive evidence was added in patients with AET 4-6%, no therapeutic gain was obtained. Conclusions The efficacy of PPI therapy was similar in patients with AET > 6% and 4-6%. The increase of the AET threshold did not influence the clinical outcome of Chinese GERD patients.

Objective To explore the value of retrograde recanalization technique in treatment of TASCⅡ C/D femoropopliteal arteriosclerosis obliterans.Methods Totally 36 patients with TASCⅡ C/D femoropopliteal arteriosclerosis obliterans were retrospectively analyzed.Preoperative and postoperative ankle brachial index (ABI) and intermittent claudication were compared,as well as postoperative vascular patency rate and complications were analyzed.Results The retrograde recanalization technique were successfully performed in all 36 patients.The walking distance and ABI of 7 days,and 3,6,12 months postoperation were increased significantly compared with preoperation (all P＜0.05).The postoperative vascular patency rate of 3,6 and 12 months was 97.22％,91.67％ and 72.22％,respectively.There was no death nor amputation during the follow-up period,and the incidence of perioperative complications was 11.11 ％ (4/36).Conclusion Retrograde recanalization technique can be used to treat TASC Ⅱ C/D femoropopliteal arteriosclerosis obliterans when anterograde access failed.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of SilverHawk directional atherectomy device in the treatment of femoropopliteal occlusive disease. Methods From August 2012 to June 2014,46 patients(58 limbs)with femoropopliteal occlusive diseases in the treatment by SilverHawk directional atherectomy device were analyzed retrospectively . The mean lesion length and degree of diameter stenosisin the femoropopliteal stenoses(52 limbs) were (4.6 ± 2.3) cm and (85.6 ± 11.3)％.The mean lesion length in the femoropopliteal occlusions(6 limbs)was(6.3 ± 3.2)cm. Rutherford score was 3 ～ 5. Mean ABI was 0.45 ± 0.36. Patency was evaluated with color duplex sonography,CTA and DSA postoperatively. Results 46 patients(58 limbs)were recanalizated suc-cessfully via intraluminal approach. The overall technical success rate was 100％. The procedural success rate was 93.10％. Postoperative residual stenosis and ABI were(10.3 ± 6.2)％and 1.05 ± 0.32,which had statistical diff erence compared with preoperative(t=5.83,P=0.02). The average period of follow-up was 22 months. Mean ABI during the follow-up was 0.96 ± 0.15,which had statistical difference compared with preoperative(t = 5.09,P =0.03). The 6-month and 1-and 2-year primary patency rate was 94.83％、91.38％、84.48％,and secondary patency rate was 98.28％、96.55％、93.10％,respectively. Conclusion SilverHawk directional atherectomy device is safe and effective in treament offemoropopliteal occlusive disease ,with satisfactory early-middle results.

Objective:To observe the preventive effects of infliximab in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and to explore its mechanism.Methods:The mice AIH model was established by injecting concanavalin A (Con-A) into the caudal vein. Forty mice were divided into prevention group and control group, with 20 mice in each group. The mice of prevention group were injected intravenously with infliximab (20 mg/kg) one hour before Con-A injection and the mice of control group were administrated with 200 μL phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Serum was collected 3, 8, 12 and 24 h after Con-A/PBS injection. The serum level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was detected by colorimetry. The level of cytokine interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), IL-4, IL-17A, IL-10 and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 10 (CXCL10) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Liver samples were taken 12 h after Con-A/PBS injection for hematoxylin-eosin staining. Liver infiltrated lymphocytes were assessed by flow cytometry. The expression of T-box transcription factor 21 ( TBX21), GATA binding protein 3 ( GATA3), RAR related orphan receptor C ( RORC) and CXCL10 at mRNA level was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The expression of CXCL10 in liver was detected by Western blotting. Paired t test and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistic analysis. Results:At 8, 12, and 24 h after Con-A injection, the serum ALT level, AST level, IL-1β and IFN-γ of prevention group were all lower than those of control group ((545.8±190.3) U/L vs. (865.8±237.7) U/L, (947.6±267.9) U/L vs. (1 448.0±403.5) U/L, (508.6±131.1) U/L vs. (976.6±207.6) U/L; (620.7±132.0) U/L vs. (952.9±106.8) U/L, (801.6±212.0) U/L vs. (1 424.8±236.0) U/L, (632.1±117.8) U/L vs. (1 008.3±187.5) U/L; (31.38±10.12) ng/L vs. (48.12±11.53) ng/L, (39.34±11.40) ng/L vs. (60.00±14.17) ng/L, (29.49±8.22) ng/L vs. (46.89±5.50) ng/L; and (432.93±66.82) ng/L vs. (674.66±97.88) ng/L, (655.09±169.17) ng/L vs. (937.90±166.36) ng/L, (263.40±54.97) ng/L vs. (410.74±86.64) ng/L), and the differences were statistically significant ( t = 2.350, 2.308, 4.263, 4.374, 4.860, 3.806, 2.440, 2.541, 3.939, 4.560, 2.660 and 3.210; all P<0.05). The serum IL-6 levels 3, 8, 12 and 24 h after Con-A injection of prevention group were all lower than those of control group ((1 075.79±303.77) ng/L vs. (1 914.48±317.80) ng/L, (1 945.97±271.85) ng/L vs. (2 100.80±378.42) ng/L, (1 578.60±504.54) ng/L vs. (2 525.40±406.55) ng/L, (1 020.64±280.03) ng/L vs. (1 582.00±311.96) ng/L), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=4.266, 2.903, 3.267 and 2.994; all P < 0.05). At 3 h after Con-A injection, serum CXCL10 level and CXCL10 mRNA expression in liver tissues of prevention group were both lower than those of control group ((1 755.8±148.1) ng/L vs. (2 102.0±334.0) ng/L and 7.20±3.00 vs. 27.60±1.90), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=2.356 and 2.623, both P<0.05). At 3 and 8 h after Con-A injection, T- bet expression at mRNA level in liver tissues of prevention group was lower than that of control group (6.94±2.29 vs. 15.20±3.48 and 9.38±3.48 vs. 18.17±4.48), and the differences were both statistically significant ( t = 4.427 and 3.673, both P<0.05). However, 3, 8, 12 and 24 h after Con-A injection, there were no statistically significant differences in serum IL-4, IL-17A, IL-10, or GATA3 or RORC expression at mRNA level between prevention group and control group (all P > 0.05). Conclusions:Infliximab has certain preventive effects in mice AIH model, which may be achieved by antagonizing TNF-α and decreasing the expression of CXCL10 in liver, reducing the infiltration of T-helper 1 cells and CD8 + T cells into liver, and by reducing T lymphocyte activation induced by inflammatory cytokines thus alleviating the damage of T lymphocytes to hepatocytes.

Background/Aims: Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is characterized by elevated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) and preserved esophageal peristalsis. The clinical significance of EGJOO is uncertain. This study aim to describe the clinical characteristics of these patients and to find out potential parameters to predict patients’ symptom outcome. Methods: Consecutive patients who received high-resolution manometry examination in our hospital in 2013-2019 and met the diagnostic criteria of EGJOO were retrospectively included. Motility and reflux parameters as well as endoscopy and barium esophagogram results were studied and compared. Patients were also followed up to record their treatment methods and symptom outcomes. Results: A total of 138 EGJOO (accounting for 5.2% of total patients taking high-resolution manometry examination in our hospital) patients were included. Only 2.9% of these patients had persistent dysphagia. A total of 81.8% of EGJOO patients had symptom resolution during follow-up. Patients with persistent dysphagia had significantly higher upright IRP (16.6 [10.3, 19.8] vs 7.8 [3.2, 11.5]; P = 0.026) than those without. Upright IRP can effectively distinguished patients with persistent dysphagia (area under curve: 0.826; P = 0.026) using optimal cut-off value of 9.05 mmHg. Conclusion EGJOO patients with persistent dysphagia and higher upright IRP (median > 9.05 mmHg) needs further evaluation and aggressive management.

Background/Aims: Abdominal bloating or distension (AB/D) is a common complaint in the outpatient of gastroenterology department. Since the potential contributors are numerous and complex, a longitudinal study on the disease spectrum and natural history of patients was performed to better understand the key factors of AB/D. Methods: Consecutive patients with the chief complaint of AB/D referred to the outpatient clinic were screened. Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) were diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria. A 3-year follow-up was performed to seek for the changes in symptoms as well as disease spectrum. Results: A total of 261 participants were enrolled and 139 completed the follow-up. Most patients suffered from moderate to severe symptoms more than 1 day per week. Common causes of AB/D were FGIDs (51.7%) and organic diseases (17.2%). The latter group was older with lower body mass index (BMI). Functional dyspepsia was the most common type of FGIDs in AB/D. The symptoms of 18.0% of participants failed to improve at the end of the 3-year follow-up, and those diagnosed with FGIDs were most likely to continue to suffer. Abdominal pain was a positive predictive factor for good prognosis in the FGIDs group. Besides, only 22.7% of participants had a consistent diagnosis of FGIDs during follow-up. Conclusions FGIDs are the most common diagnosis in patients with AB/D. Symptoms were especially hard to be improved. Classification diagnoses of FGIDs in AB/D patients fluctuated significantly over time.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is cumbersome and difficult to operate,with a long operative time and high risk of postoperative complications,thus it is one of the most complicated operations among general surgery.With the popularization and progress of minimally invasive techniques,minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD) has obtained a well developing.It has been confirmed that MIPD is noninferior or even superior to the traditional open pancreaticoduodenectomy in term of the feasibility,safety and effects of radical cure.However,the relevant conclusions are mostly from single-center retrospective studies,without high-quality evidence support.The authors has reviewed the recent research progress of MIPD in the indications and contraindications,safety,feasibility and tumor curative effect,and illustrated the current status and prospects of MIPD with clinical experience and related literature,contributing to the standardization of MIPD in China.

Objective:To discuss the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of linear scleroderma (LS).Methods:A case of LS diagnosed in the Second Hospital of Shandong University in October 20, 2020, was reported and the clinical features and pathological documentation of the disease reported in the literature were reviewed.Results:A 24-year-old woman presented cicatricial alopecia on the left frontoparietal area and facial atrophy for about 10 years. Two years before, she began to suffer ptosis and neurological complaints. Clinical features of different stages of the disease are presented. All 15 patients reported in the literature were analyzed, with a median of 22 years and a male to female ratio of 9∶6. There were 4 cases of linear scleroderma with ipsilateral drooping eyelids and lateral contraction, 3 cases of linear scleroderma with demyelinating lesions, combined with lateral contraction, 3 cases of linear scleroderma combined with lateral atrophy, and 1 case of linear scleroderma with ipsilateral facial spasm. Two cases were with the chest sclerosing spot. Two cases of linear scleroderma were with epileptic seizure and white matter demyelination lesion. Six cases were treated with hormone, 2 cases were treated with methotrexate. One case was treated with both hormone and methotrexate. One case was treated with botulinum toxin. Three cases were treated with surgical correction of eyelid ptosis. One case was treated with ultraviolet A1 radiation phototherapy and 1 case was treated with vitamin therapy.Conclusions:Patients with scleroderma may have ipsilateral facial atrophy, blepharoptosis and facial spasm. Some patients involving the nervous system may have epilepsy and myelitis. And demyelinating lesions can be seen in magnetic resonance imaging. Localized scleroderma may develop into systemic scleroderma. Therefore, it is recommended to combine immunosuppressants as soon as possible to control the development of the disease if necessary.