The management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding is standardized according to European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines [1 ]. Telangiectasias due to radiation esophagitis are classically managed with argon plasma coagulation (APC) [2 ]
[3 ]. Radiological or surgical management is proposed when APC treatment fails with ongoing bleeding due to radiation esophagitis. Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) is a rare complication of Barrett’s esophagus [4 ]. Endoscopic resection of localized MANEC can be performed, whereas in cases of extensive MANEC, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are indicated. Recently, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been used to treat Barrett’s esophagus with low or high grade dysplasia without visible lesions [5 ]. RFA allows cicatrization scarification of esophageal mucosa without recurrence of Barrett. We report a case of chronic esophageal bleeding due to recurrent MANEC combined with radiation-induced telangiectasias, treated successfully with the combination of cap-mucosectomy and RFA.
A 77-year-old man presented with recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding that required blood transfusion. He was treated for MANEC on Barrett’s esophagus with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Upper endoscopy showed a bleeding flat lesion associated with oozing from radiation-induced telangiectasia ([Fig. 1 a, b ]). APC was performed without success. Combined treatment with cap-mucosectomy and RFA was proposed to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding ([Video 1 ]).
Fig. 1 Upper gastrointestinal bleeding. a Oozing telangiectasias. b Spontaneous bleeding of a flat 0-IIa lesion on Barrett’s esophagus. c Scar after cap-mucosectomy. d Application of circumferential radiofrequency ablation on telangiectasias.
Video 1 Endoscopic management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to recurrence of esophageal mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma and radiation-induced telangiectasias.
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The 0-IIa lesion was resected using cap-mucosectomy with a hot asymmetric snare ([Fig. 1 c ]). During the same procedure, RFA using a 360° catheter was applied to the telangiectasias ([Fig. 1 d ]). No adverse events occurred. Histological examination showed a recurrence of MANEC and chemotherapy was started. At 3 months, upper endoscopy showed no recurrence of telangiectasias ([Fig. 2 ]), some Barrett’s islands, and a benign esophageal stricture without clinical signs. Hemoglobin remained stable without blood transfusion.
Fig. 2 Endoscopy 3 months after combined cap-mucosectomy and radiofrequency ablation showed substenosis of the esophagogastric junction without recurrence of telangiectasias.
This case highlights a new utilization of RFA to treat recurrent bleeding from radiation esophagitis. Esophageal stricture seems to be the main adverse event when treating Barret’s esophagus with high grade dysplasia.
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