Positive white nipple sign on esophageal varices: Not a just bystander; our experience

Background and study aims The goal of this study was to assess whether a white nipple sign on esophageal varices is of no prognostic significance or mandates more attention. Patients and methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 2601 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for variceal bleed from January 2008 to January 2020. Intraprocedural events like onset of active spurt while performing endoscopy, active spurt while attempting to band the varix with a nipple, need for rescue glue therapy required to control bleed in cases of failed endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL), slipping of band and rebleed despite successful band application, need for emergency intubation, and pulmonary aspiration-related complications were noted. Results A total of 2601 patients underwent endoscopy for variceal bleeding. Of them, 631 had a positive white nipple sign. Of that subgroup, 137 (21.7 %) patients developed active spurt during endoscopy. In patients with the white nipple sign, 12.3 % required endotracheal intubation and 6.7 % developed aspiration pneumonia, which were significantly higher than in those without the sign. Rescue glue injection in esophageal varices was needed in 5.6 % as compared to 0.6 % in those without white nipple. Conclusions The white nipple sign is not only a predictor of recent bleed, but it carries statistically significant increased risk of intraoperative bleeding, need for endotracheal intubation, esophageal glue injections, and aspiration-related complications. Therefore, it is not just a bystander, but rather, a sign of increased danger and a need to be more vigilant with patient management.

Outcome of patients treated with N-Butyl-2-cyanoacrylate in gastric variceal bleeding.

Objective: Aim of study was to determine outcomes of patients treated with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Study Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Department of Gastroenterology at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro. Period: December 2019 to March 2020. Material & Methods: A Retrospective study was conducted between by viewing medical records and endoscopy reports. Total 31 patients were enrolled with gastric variceal bleed that underwent endoscopic injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate we examined the mortality rate, hemostasis, Hospital stay, need of blood transfusion, and effectiveness of procedure. Results: A Total of 31 patients, out of which 18 (58.1 %) were male; the mean age was 55.23±8.778 years. Of these patients 23 (74.2 %), had concomitant esophageal varices, Child-Pugh class-A, B, C were seen in 4, 20 & 7 patients (12.9, 64.5 % & 22.6) respectively. Average duration of hospital stay was 5 to 8 days in 22 cases (71.0 %). Less than 3 pints of PRBC were transfused in 17 cases (54.8 %). Hemostasis was achieved in 27 patients (87%). Overall mortality rate was 3 out of 31(9.7%). one patient was referred for TIPSS. No complications from cyanoacrylate injection were observed. Conclusion: Standardized injection technique and regimen ensures the success and safety of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection for the treatment of gastric fundal varices in experienced hands.