Diagnostic Value of Gastric Mucosal Biopsies in Horses with Glandular Disease

• Published in: Equine veterinary journal 2015-09, Vol.47 (S48), p.9-9
• Main Authors: Crumpton, S.M., Baiker, K., Hallowell, G.D., Habershon-Butcher, J.L., Bowen, I.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Endoscopy; Horses; Studies
• ISSN: 0425-1644; 2042-3306
• DOI: 10.1111/evj.12486_18

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Equine gastric glandular disease (EGGD) is a common condition, for which the underlying pathophysiology is undetermined. Endoscopic mucosal biopsies have been proposed as a method for adapting therapy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate diagnostic information obtained from endoscopic mucosal biopsies. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, experimental study. METHODS: Twenty‐one horses undergoing elective humane slaughter were subjected to gross examination of the glandular mucosa. Glandular pathology was graded using EGUS Council guidelines from digital camera images. Mucosal biopsies were obtained using a ‘single‐bite’ (1.8 mm; A and 2.4 mm; B) or ‘double bite’ technique (2.4 mm; C) using endoscopic biopsy instruments. Tissue was formalin fixed, processed and stained using standard protocols. Inflammatory infiltrates visualised histologically were graded (mild, moderate or severe) and compared with ulcer grade. Full thickness biopsies were also obtained adjacent to the biopsy site and of other visual lesions and inflammatory cell counts were compared with mucosal biopsies using ICC. RESULTS: Full thickness samples were artefact free and allowed visualisation of all layers. Mucosal biopsy samples contained mucosa in all samples, submucosa in 55% (C), 61% (A) and 66% (B) of samples and glands in 50% (B), 66% (A) and 100% (C). Samples from A were too small for histological assessment (33%) and tissue damage was commonly seen in A and B (n = 8 and n = 10) when compared with C (n = 3). Horses with normal glandular appearance (grade 0; n = 7) mostly demonstrated mild gastritis (n = 5). Severe gastritis was identified in mild EGGD (grade 1/2), whilst mild and moderate gastritis was identified in all EGGD grades. There was no histological evidence of ulceration or erosion. There was poor agreement between cell numbers and sampling techniques (ICC