Endoscopy 2007; 39: E320
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-966802
Unusual cases and technical notes

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Hyperplastic gastric polyps after argon plasma coagulation treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE)

J.  S.  Baudet1 , H.  Salata1 , M.  Soler1 , V.  Castro2 , D.  Díaz-Bethencourt1 , M.  Vela1 , S.  Morales1 , J.  Avilés1
  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Ntra. Sra. de Candelaria University Hospital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
  • 2Department of Histology, Ntra. Sra. de Candelaria University Hospital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Further Information

J. S. Baudet, MD

Gastroenterology Service

Htal. Universitario Ntra. Sra. de Candelaria

Crra. del Rosario 145

Santa Cruz de Tenerife 38010

Spain

Fax: +34-922600056

Email: baudetjs@yahoo.es

Publication History

Publication Date:
08 January 2008 (online)

Table of Contents

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a noncontact technique of electrocoagulation in which energy is transmitted via ionized argon gas flow. The tip of the catheter should be kept between 1 mm and 3 mm away from the mucosa. APC has become increasingly popular for treating gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). Its main advantage is that coagulation is more superficial, thus reducing the risk of complications [1].

We present two patients who underwent endoscopic APC treatment for anemia secondary to GAVE. After the third APC session in one patient and after the fourth APC session in the other both developed a large antral ulcer and the treatment must be discontinued. These patients were subsequently found to have developed hyperplastic gastric polyps, 8 months and 14 months after the treatment, respectively ([Fig. 1], [2]); their laboratory tests showed hypergastrinemia (1520 pg/mL and 1980 pg/mL, respectively; normal range < 100 pg/mL).

Zoom Image

Fig. 1 Endoscopic image of two antral polyps against a typical background of watermelon stomach, in which several subepithelial ectasias can be observed in the central mucosa.

Zoom Image

Fig. 2 Histological views showing a polypoid formation with branching, dilated, and tortuous hyperplastic foveolae (hematoxylin and eosin [H & E] stain, original magnifcation × 1) (a), and a higher-power view showing hyperplastic gastric foveolae in an intensely inflammatory stroma (H & E stain, original magnification × 4) (b).

Hyperplastic gastric polyps developing after electrocoagulation treatment of GAVE were first reported after endoscopic Nd:YAG laser treatment [2]. Hyperplastic gastric polyps occurring after APC treatment for GAVE are rare [3]. APC is a more superficial method of coagulation, implying lower thermal aggression. Several circumstances can increase thermal injury during this treatment, such as repeat coagulation of specific areas or the use of high-energy settings. However, the most important cause is contact between the tip of the catheter and the mucosa during the procedure. When this happens, temperatures can reach 100 °C, causing deep coagulation with cell vaporization and significant thermal injury [4].

Hypergastrinemia, one of the factors linked to the development of GAVE [5], might also play an important role in the development of hyperplastic gastric polyps. Gastrin stimulates gastric mucosa cell growth, and this could increase the response of the gastric mucosa to injury.

To conclude, we must be aware that APC treatment for GAVE can lead to the development of hyperplastic gastric polyps, as a reaction of the mucosa to thermal injury. The development of these polyps is favored by hypergastrinemia. Refined APC techniques which avoid thermal injury will help to prevent this complication.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CCL_1AB_2AD_3AC

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References

  • 1 Kwan V, Bourke M J, Williams S J. et al . Argon plasma coagulation in the management of symptomatic gastrointestinal vascular lesions: experience in 100 consecutive patients with long-term follow-up.  Am J Gastroenterol. 2006;  101 58-63
  • 2 Geller A, Gostout C J, Balm R K. Development of hyperplastic polyps following laser therapy for watermelon stomach.  Gastrointest Endosc. 1996;  43 54-56
  • 3 Izquierdo S, Rey E, Gutiérrez del Olmo C. et al . Polyp as a complication of argon plasma coagulation in watermelon stomach.  Endoscopy. 2005;  37 921
  • 4 Jensen D M, Chaves D M, Grund K E. Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of watermelon stomach.  Endoscopy. 2004;  36 640-647
  • 5 Quintero E, Pique J M, Bombi J A. et al . Gastric mucosal vascular ectasias causing bleeding in cirrhosis.  Gastroenterology. 1987;  93 1054-1061

J. S. Baudet, MD

Gastroenterology Service

Htal. Universitario Ntra. Sra. de Candelaria

Crra. del Rosario 145

Santa Cruz de Tenerife 38010

Spain

Fax: +34-922600056

Email: baudetjs@yahoo.es

#

References

  • 1 Kwan V, Bourke M J, Williams S J. et al . Argon plasma coagulation in the management of symptomatic gastrointestinal vascular lesions: experience in 100 consecutive patients with long-term follow-up.  Am J Gastroenterol. 2006;  101 58-63
  • 2 Geller A, Gostout C J, Balm R K. Development of hyperplastic polyps following laser therapy for watermelon stomach.  Gastrointest Endosc. 1996;  43 54-56
  • 3 Izquierdo S, Rey E, Gutiérrez del Olmo C. et al . Polyp as a complication of argon plasma coagulation in watermelon stomach.  Endoscopy. 2005;  37 921
  • 4 Jensen D M, Chaves D M, Grund K E. Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of watermelon stomach.  Endoscopy. 2004;  36 640-647
  • 5 Quintero E, Pique J M, Bombi J A. et al . Gastric mucosal vascular ectasias causing bleeding in cirrhosis.  Gastroenterology. 1987;  93 1054-1061

J. S. Baudet, MD

Gastroenterology Service

Htal. Universitario Ntra. Sra. de Candelaria

Crra. del Rosario 145

Santa Cruz de Tenerife 38010

Spain

Fax: +34-922600056

Email: baudetjs@yahoo.es

Zoom Image

Fig. 1 Endoscopic image of two antral polyps against a typical background of watermelon stomach, in which several subepithelial ectasias can be observed in the central mucosa.

Zoom Image

Fig. 2 Histological views showing a polypoid formation with branching, dilated, and tortuous hyperplastic foveolae (hematoxylin and eosin [H & E] stain, original magnifcation × 1) (a), and a higher-power view showing hyperplastic gastric foveolae in an intensely inflammatory stroma (H & E stain, original magnification × 4) (b).