commonly enteric coated aspirin (53%) at no more than 325 mg/d forhealth maintenance more than evidenced-based indications. Also six pa-tients (16%) were taking other agents with documented minimal gastrodu-odenal toxicity in the literature: nonacetylated salicylates (3) and selectivecyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors (3). Lesions were consistent with NSAIDenteropathy as described in the literature and disappeared after drug with-drawal.Conclusions: We suggest that even non-steroidal agents whose gastrodu-odenal toxicity is low may produce a chemical ileitis. This should not beconfused with primary disease of the small bowel, and may be an under-diagnosed cause of GI blood loss. Terminal ileoscopy should be performedroutinely at the time of colonoscopy.

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Calibration of images of the wireless capsule endoscopeShlomo Lewkowicz D.Sc., Ofra Zinaty M.Sc., Arkady Glukhovsky D.Sc.and Harold Jacob MD FACG*. 1Given Imaging, Yoqneam, Israel.

Purpose: To calculate a calibration scale for clinical images of the wirelesscapsule in the small bowel.Methods: The optical object surface of the capsule is planned to suit thesmall intestine. The depth of field is higher in the center and graduallyshorter on the side. The lens has a adapting magnification in differentangles, since usually the distance from the lens to the object in the smallintestine is longer in the center and closer on the edges. This way theobserver usually sees the structures in the entire image in the same mag-nification. Since there are no objects of known size in the intestine, artificialmarkers were introduced. The subjects ingested both poppy and sesameseeds which are 0.7–0.9 mm and 1.7 � 2.8 mm respectively. The seedstravel through the GI tract without change of dimensions and while retain-ing their shape and form (tested in aquatic solution for �24h) Based oncalibration images taken from a known distance, by that capsule beforeingestion, the dimensions of the images, where the seeds were clearlyvisible, are calculated.Results: Numerous images with one or more seeds were selected foranalysis. Figure 1 is a typical image of the small bowel taken by the capsulewith a sesame in the side. The folds and the small Villi are clearly visible.The magnification in that angle is derived from a reference grid of 2mmsquares which cover 17pix. Sesame seed length and width are 57pix �2.8mm and 38pix � 1.7mm respectively, its viewing angle is 14° fromcenterline. Based on the distance from the reference grid and knowing theactual dimensions of the seed it is possible to evaluate the distance from thedome to the center of the seed which is 4.4mm. The extrapolated length ofthe object surface in that image is about 20 mm.Conclusions: The calibrated scale provides the observer with a practicaltool for analyzing the images of the wireless capsule endoscope. Theseseeds can be used safely and effectively as markers for imaging of the GItract.

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Helicobacter pylori eradication and recurrence of duodenal ulcerafter 3 year follow-up resultsManzoor Ahmed Mir (Ph. D.). Moscow, Russia.

At present Helicobacter Pylori (HP) infection seems to be the major causeof peptic ulcer disease and anti bacterial drugs make up the main cure ofthe HP-positive patients who suffer from peptic ulcer. However, littleinformation is available in the literature on the incidence of recurrences ofsuccessful eradication.

The objective of the present study was the evaluation of the effect oferadication of HP on the incidence of recurrence of duodenal ulcer. 63 HPPositive patients with DU were observed. All the patients were treated withcomplex therapy (proton pump inhibator, clarithromycin, amoxillin) Aftersuccessful eradication and healing of DU the patients were under study for3 years. Every 6–8 months the patients were done endoscopy and HP tests.During this period NSAIDS were not taken by the patients.

Results: The recurrence of DU were observed in 3.8 %, 7.5 % and 13.2of the patients during the 1st, 2nd and after the 3 year term respectively.

Recurring HP infection was observed in 1.9 % of the patients after one yearterm, in 1.9 % of the patients after 2 year term and in 5.7 % of the patientsafter 3 year. The recurrence of DU was not associated recurring infection.It was observed that most recurrences of disease are due to the stress 38.5% and 15.4 % of the patients with the recurrence of DU are smokers.Conclusion: Regardless of successful HP eradication therapy the recur-rence of DU were observed in 24.5 % of the patients during 3 years. Thesefact suggest that the HP infection may not be always causative for thepeptic ulcer disease.

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Chronic mesenteric ischemia affects carbohydrate digestion withoutaffecting absorption or morphologyWong K Moon, M.D.1, S Wang, M.D.1, S Slonim1, G M Gray1, R LDalman1, Daniel J Gagne, M.D.1, Devora E Hathaway, BSN1 andPhilip F Caushaj, M.D., FACG1*. 1Department of Surgery, TempleUniversity School of Medicine Clinical Campus, The WesternPennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.

Purpose: Magnetic resonance (MR) oximetry accurately measures supe-rior mesenteric venous (SMV) oxygen saturation. Using this test, there isa significant quantitative decrease in post-prandial SMV oxygen saturationin patients and animal models with chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). Byusing MR oximetry in a canine model of CMI, we assessed the effect ofreduced mesenteric perfusion on intestinal structure and function.Methods: Progressive superior mesenteric artery (SMA) stenosis wasinduced in 11 dogs over 1 to 12 following surgical placement of an ameroidring constrictor. The presence of CMI was assessed by 1) �70% SMAdiameter reduction via catheter directed angiography, and 2) diminishedpost-prandial SMV oxygen saturation using MR. Four control animals,created by substituting non-constricting plastic ring for ameroid occluder,were monitored as noted for the CMI group. Duodenal, proximal jejunal,and middle jejunal segments were taken from each dog and examined forhistology, for a cell replication marker Ki-67, and for mucosal enzymes(disaccharidases and amino-oligopeptidases). Absorption was measuredusing the D-xylose test.Results: Post-operatively, control dogs gained weight (mean_SE, 2.7_1.3kg, p � 0.005) but CMI dogs did not (�0.2_0.3kg). Mean post-prandialSMV 02 saturation increased 3.9_0.9% in the control group and decreased6.9_1.0% in the CMI group (p � 0.001). At harvest, intestines were viableand intact in all animals. Villous heights, crypt depths, and surface entero-cytes were not significantly different for all groups. The Ki-67 localized tothe crypts and ceased abruptly at the villous: crypt junction in all groups.AOP was not significantly different, but the disaccharidases were signifi-cantly reduced: (�55%), sucrase (�36%), and isomaltase (�38%) in theduodenum and proximal jejunum. A similar trend was noted in the middlejejunal segment. D-xylose absorption test was not significantly differentbetween the groups.Conclusions: CMI, documented by decreased post-prandial mesentericvenous oxygen saturation and angiography, causes reduced disaccharidasefunction and not absorption. Patients with this disease may benefit fromglucose ingestion to maximize their nutritional status before surgery.

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Safety of endosonography in octogenariansAli T. Nawras MD, Mark L. Rosenblatt MD, Marc F. Catalano, FACGMD* and Joseph E. Geenen, FACG MD. 1Pancreatic Biliary Center,St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States; and2Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, United States.

Purpose: The role of EUS in the evaluation of gastrointestinal (GI) andnon-GI disease is well-established. Rare complications have been reportedincluding bleeding, perforation, pancreatitis, and adverse reaction to med-

S109AJG – September, Suppl., 2001 Abstracts