Enteral feeding is generally accepted in patients who cannot take nutrients orally. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a major enteral means for the introduction of nutritional solutions. However, jejunal feeding is sometimes employed instead of gastric feeding in cases of post-gastrectomy or repeated aspiration after PEG. The digestion and absorption of nutrients in trans-jejunal feeding might be different from those in trans-gastric feeding. In the present study, we measured the serum concentations of micronutrients and vitamins in the cases of direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (D-PEJ), compared to those of PEG. The enteral feeding has been continued for more than six months in all the cases. Serum copper and zinc concentration were significantly decreased in the D-PEJ group, whereas no significant difference in the concentrations of iron, selenium, vitamins A, B12 and E was ovserved between the two groups. Anemia and neutropenia were frequently observed in many patients with D-PEJ. These conditions were associated with copper deficiency. Much attention should be paid to copper and zinc deficiency in long-term trans-jejunal feeding.
Upper case dee ; Percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy [PEJ] ; Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy ; Serum ; Feeding

Two conservatively treated cases of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis are reported here. The first case was a 31-year-old diabetic woman. She was referred to our department. Examinations for gross hematuria were made. US, CT and MRI revealed a renal tumor in the upper pole of the left kidney. The second case was an 86-year-old man with ileal conduit. He complained about pain in the right back. A mass of fist size was found. US, CT and MRI revealed right hydronephrosis connected to the subcutaneous tumor on the right back, and DIP revealed no-functioning right kidney. Because both cases showed some signs of inflammation in laboratory findings, we performed biopsy. Either of the two cases were pathologically diagnosed as xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. For this reason, Antibiotic therapy was continued. As a result, reduction of the tumors was seen. The prognosis was good.
Two ; Cases ; X-Ray Computed Tomography ; Pyelonephritis, Xanthogranulomatous ; Pyelonephritis

　　We describe a case of Inose-type hepatic encephalopathy due to congenital gastro-renal shunt that was effectively treated with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO). An 80-year-old woman repeatedly experienced syncope. Her plasma concentration of NH₃ was elevated to 2363 level and syncope attacks improved after the gastro-renal shunt was closed by B-RTO. Although a congenital gastro-renal shunt is usually treated by surgical ligation, B-RTO is can be effective and less invasive treatment for such cases.