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Evidence from rheumatology supports a within-class treatment switch for JAK-inhibitors (JAKi), but data in ulcerative colitis (UC) remain limited. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of initiating a second JAKi in patients with UC previously treated with another JAKi. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study, including patients with UC starting a second JAKi after prior JAKi exposure. The primary endpoint was Week 12 steroid-free clinical remission (SFCR-rectal bleeding subscore = 0, stool frequency subscore ≤ 1, and no steroids). We included 243 patients (median follow-up: 38 [21-57] weeks). At Weeks 12, 26, and 52, SFCR was achieved in 116/243 (48%), 120/243 (49%), and 69/243 (28%), respectively. Secondary loss of response to the first JAKi was associated with higher SFCR at Week 12 compared to primary failure (odds ratio [OR] = 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-3.30, P = 0.02). Higher baseline disease activity (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.68-0.55, P < 0.01) and steroid use (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.13-0.42, P < 0.01) had lower odds of Week 12 SFCR. Endoscopic remission occurred in 22/243 (9%) (<Week 26) and 27/243 (11%) (26-78 weeks), and endoscopic improvement in 53/243 (22%) and 45/243 (19%), respectively. Sixty-seven (28%) patients discontinued the second JAKi, mostly due to primary (36/67) or secondary failure (22/67). Sixty-six adverse events (mostly acne and infections) occurred in 56 (23%) patients, without major thromboembolic or cardiovascular events. Treatment with a second JAKi is effective and safe in patients with UC already exposed to JAKi. Primary failure to a first JAKi and steroid use at initiation of the second JAKi might reduce the likelihood of success with the second JAKi.

Colonoscopy remains the cornerstone of colorectal cancer prevention and surveillance, but the procedure’s effectiveness is entirely dependent upon various quality indicators, such as detection rates, withdrawal time, adequate bowel preparation, cecal intubation rate and patient outcomes. Despite progress in endoscopic techniques, challenges persist in maintaining endoscopists’ consistent performance and improving quality metrics. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a “game changer” in the gastroenterology field, offering the opportunity to significantly increase colonoscopy quality. This review highlights the role of AI-driven technologies such as deep learning, computer vision, and real-time feedback mechanisms in optimizing key quality indicators of colonoscopy. The implementation of AI in colonoscopy may reduce human error, improve endoscopist’s consistency in real-time decision making, ensuring higher reliability and standardization during the procedure. Furthermore, AI has the potential to reshape how endoscopists perform and evaluate procedures, while improved lesion characterization may enable more precise selection for resection, reducing morbidity and the incidence of interval cancers. The review also addresses challenges and limitations in AI integration, including cost-effectiveness and its impact on endoscopist training. AI holds substantial promise for advancing colonoscopy quality and elevating overall patient care, paving the way for more effective and personalized medical approaches.

Background/Objectives: Entero-enteric fistula (EEF) formation following multiple magnet ingestion is a rare but severe complication among pediatric patients. The widespread availability of neodymium magnets in toys has increased incidence of ingestion and subsequent gastrointestinal injuries. This systematic review aims to summarize the clinical features, diagnostics, management and outcomes of pediatric EEF cases related to magnet ingestion and report our institution’s experience with four such cases. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed/Medline (January 1995–February 2025), focusing on EEF after ingestion of ≥2 magnets in patients ≤18 years old. Studies reporting original EEF cases were included. Data extraction included demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, intervention type, fistula number/location, hospital stay, complications and outcomes. Four institutional cases were also analyzed. Results: Sixty-nine studies encompassing 130 pediatric patients were included. Median age was 3.3 years; 58% were male. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (43%) and vomiting (29%). Abdominal X-ray identified magnets in all cases. Surgical intervention was required in 95.5%, while 5.5% were treated endoscopically. Ileal and jejunal fistulas were most common. Postoperative complications occurred in 19%, including bowel obstruction, infection and one death. Our four cases, aged 2 months to 5 years, each required surgery, with one patient readmitted for obstruction managed conservatively. Conclusions: Despite the case heterogeneity of this review, EEF is a potentially life-threatening complication of multiple magnet ingestion in children. Prompt diagnosis with abdominal X-ray and timely surgical management are essential. Increased clinical suspicion and public awareness are crucial for prevention and early intervention.

Timing of invasive coronary angiography in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) remains controversial. Angiographic risk and, hence, myocardium at risk are not necessarily considered in currently used non-ST elevation myocardial infarction management algorithms. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the SAVE score in NSTE-ACS patients to noninvasively identify patients with high-risk angiographic risk who might benefit from an early invasive strategy. We prospectively assessed 950 consecutive patients admitted to five different hospitals with a diagnosis of NSTE-ACS, 598 (491 male, mean age 63 ± 12 years) of whom were risk-stratified according to the SAVE risk score. The primary endpoint was the identification of high-risk angiographic features. High-risk angiographic features were observed in 347 (58%) (292 male/55 female). SAVE score was significantly higher in patients in the high-risk angiography group compared with patients without high-risk features [6 (4.5-8) ± vs. 4 (2-5.5); P < 0.001]. Using the proposed risk score, 79% (275 out of 347 patients) were correctly identified as having a high angiographic risk, and 58% (145 out of 251 patients with low-risk angiographic features) were also correctly identified by the SAVE score. The SAVE score adequately identified patients with high angiographic risk who may benefit from early invasive management strategies.

Hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by hypocalcemia accompanied by low or inappropriately normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The Bone Section of the Hellenic Endocrine Society reviewed the available evidence and the recent international guidelines and provided updated clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and optimal management of patients with HypoPT. Specifically, permanent post-surgical HypoPT should be considered if the disorder persists for more than 12 months after surgery, while in non-surgical cases, appropriate genetic testing should be applied, especially in young patients or those with syndromic features. In addition, the current report provides recommended and suggested laboratory and imaging examinations for the optimal management of patients with HypoPT. Concerning management, the panel recommends conventional therapy with calcium and vitamin D analogs as first-line treatment, while in patients with inadequate disease control, PTH replacement therapy should be considered with close monitoring. Finally, the challenges of the diagnosis and management of HypoPT in pregnancy are also discussed.

Coronary microvascular disease (CMVD) is not an uncommon complication after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), independent of prompt revascularization. It is a serious yet underdiagnosed disease that has a major impact on patient outcomes. Even when the infarct-related artery is successfully revascularized, a significant percentage of patients still have compromised microvascular circulation, which is linked to higher cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization for heart failure. The well-known invasive methods, such as the index of microvascular resistance (IMR) and the coronary flow reserve (CFR), have been considered as gold standards. However, they are constrained by their hazards and complexity. Non-invasive techniques, such as echocardiography Doppler for CFR assessment, positron emission tomography (PET), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), and some other techniques provide alternatives, but their accessibility, cost and implementation during the peri-AMI period raise obstacles to their wider use. This review highlights both invasive and non-invasive modalities as it examines the diagnostic methods and prognostic significance of CMVD development early after AMI. Enhancing long-term results in this high-risk population requires a thorough understanding of pathophysiology and a commitment to larger diagnostic and prognostic studies for CMVD.