About

Catiele Antunes, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Digestive Diseases department at Yale School of Medicine. She specializes in esophageal pathologies, including swallowing disorders, achalasia, refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), unexplained chest pain, and eosinophilic esophagitis. Dr. Antunes completed her gastroenterology training at Johns Hopkins Hospital and has expertise and interest in esophageal motility disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, eosinophilic and lymphocytic esophagitis, as well as functional esophageal pathologies. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology and serves as the Director of the Refractory GERD Clinic at Yale. Her research interests include esophageal diseases, esophageal motility disorders, esophageal stenosis, esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux, with numerous peer-reviewed publications in these areas. Dr. Antunes has received several awards, including the American College of Physicians Professionalism Award, the Outstanding Graduating Resident Award, and multiple teaching awards. In her free time, she enjoys baking, cooking healthy recipes, traveling, spending time with her family, learning languages, and exploring different cultures.

Research topics

• Internal medicine
• Medicine
• Radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Dermatology
• Surgery

Selected publications

• Vonoprazan Improves Nocturnal Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Nonerosive Reflux Disease

  The American Journal of Gastroenterology · 2025-10-13

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  INTRODUCTION: This analysis of a phase 3 randomized trial evaluated the efficacy of vonoprazan on prespecified end points for nighttime symptoms in patients with nonerosive reflux disease. METHODS: Adults with heartburn ≥4 d/wk and without erosive esophagitis were randomized to placebo, vonoprazan 10 mg, or vonoprazan 20 mg. After 4 weeks, subjects on placebo were rerandomized to vonoprazan 10 or 20 mg, and those already on vonoprazan continued the same dose for an additional 20 weeks. Nocturnal Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Severity and Impact Questionnaire (N-GSSIQ), a validated instrument for nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux disease, was completed at baseline and weeks 4, 12, and 24. Minimal important differences for N-GSSIQ total score and subscales were defined as ≥0.4. RESULTS: Among 772 subjects, the mean percentage of heartburn-free nights at week 4 was 43.3% for placebo vs 59.9% for vonoprazan 10 mg (least squares [LS] mean difference = 16.5%, P < 0.0001) and 56.4% for vonoprazan 20 mg (LS mean difference, 13.1%, P < 0.0001). Vonoprazan improved N-GSSIQ total score (LS mean difference vs placebo of -2.9 and -1.8 for vonoprazan 10 and 20 mg, respectively; P < 0.005 for both comparisons), nocturnal symptom severity subscale (LS mean difference vs placebo of -5.4 and -3.5 for vonoprazan 10 and 20 mg; P < 0.001 for both comparisons), and concern about nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux disease subscale (LS mean difference vs placebo of -2.0 for both vonoprazan 10 and 20 mg; P < 0.0001). The benefit on heartburn-free nights and N-GSSIQ scores was observed through the additional 20 weeks. DISCUSSION: Our study suggests that vonoprazan leads to relief of nighttime heartburn in patients with heartburn and a normal endoscopy.

  PublisherDOI

• S655 Vonoprazan Improves Nocturnal Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Non-Erosive Reflux Disease

  The American Journal of Gastroenterology · 2024

  1st authorCorresponding
  • Medicine
  • Internal medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  PublisherDOI

• Esophageal Radiography Interpretation: a Primer for the Gastroenterologist

  Current Gastroenterology Reports · 2023 · 4 citations

  1st authorCorresponding
  • Medicine
  • Radiology
  • Internal medicine
  PublisherDOI

• Esophageal Lichen Planus

  Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology · 2023 · 11 citations

  • Medicine
  • Dermatology
  • Internal medicine

  GOALS: To better understand the characteristics, treatment approaches, and outcomes of patients with esophageal lichen planus (ELP). BACKGROUND: ELP is a rare, often unrecognized and misdiagnosed disorder. Data on this unique patient population are currently limited to small, single-center series. STUDY: A multicenter, retrospective descriptive study was conducted of adults diagnosed with ELP over a 5-year period, between January 1, 2015, and October 10, 2020, from 7 centers across the United States. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients (average age 65 y, 86% female, 90% Caucasian) were included. Over half had at least 1 extraesophageal manifestation. Esophageal strictures (54%) and abnormal mucosa (50%) were frequent endoscopic findings, with the proximal esophagus the most common site of stricture. Approximately 20% had normal endoscopic findings. Topical steroids (64%) and/or proton pump inhibitors (74%) dominated management; endoscopic response favored steroids (43% vs. 29% respectively). Almost half of the patients required switching treatment modalities during the study period. Adjunctive therapies varied significantly between centers. CONCLUSIONS: Given its at times subtle clinical and endoscopic signs, a high index of suspicion and biopsy will improve ELP diagnosis, especially in those with extraesophageal manifestations. Effective therapies are lacking and vary significantly. Prospective investigations into optimal treatment regimens are necessary.

  PublisherDOI

• S1973 A Rare Case of McKittrick Wheelock Syndrome

  The American Journal of Gastroenterology · 2022-10-01

  articleSenior author

  Introduction: McKittrick Wheelock Syndrome (MWS) is a rare disorder characterized by distal colorectal tumors, most commonly benign secretory villous adenoma leading to secretory diarrhea with electrolyte depletion syndrome. Patients present with volume depletion, severe electrolyte derangement, specifically hyponatremia and hypokalemia, along with acute kidney injury (AKI). We present a rare case of an elderly female with severe electrolyte derangement in setting of MWS. Case Description/Methods: A 71-year-old woman with history of 4 months of watery diarrhea, fatigue, and anorexia presented after a syncopal episode. Notable labs Na 114 mEq/L, K 2.2 mEq/L, WBC 23.5K, and Cr 2.91 mg/dL. Stool electrolytes resulted in Stool Osm Gap 48 mOsm/kg consistent with secretory diarrhea. Of note, patient was hospitalized 3 times in the past 2 months for hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and AKI requiring temporary dialysis secondary to profuse diarrhea. A colonoscopy revealed a large rectal polypoid lesion with pathology consistent with a tubulovillous adenoma (Figure). She had aggressive electrolyte and fluid repletion with a robot assisted abdominoperineal resection. Subsequently, noted to have resolution of her symptoms and complete electrolyte correction upon follow up (Table). Discussion: Villous adenomas, normally a benign condition, can present with a life-threatening electrolyte derangements and volume depletion which makes the ability to diagnose and adequately treat MWS critical. Patients typically have multiple admissions with watery or mucous diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Labs significant for hyponatremia, hypokalemia, AKI, and leukocytosis. The tumors are large and often past the splenic flexure and low in the rectum, therefore flexible sigmoidoscopy can be reliably used rather than colonoscopy, which often delays diagnosis due to patients’ inability to prep. Treatment includes aggressive fluid and electrolyte repletion until tumor can be surgically resected. Few case reports suggest using indomethacin or octreotide as a bridge to surgery or as medical management for patients who are not surgical candidates. However, patients who are managed medically have a mortality rate up to ∼61-100%. Surgical management to definitively resolve symptoms, although minimally invasive options are being explored. A high index of suspicion and a systematic approach is critical to diagnose and provide life-saving treatment for MWS patients. Table 1. - Electrolytes: Comparison of Initial Admission vs. Post-Surgical Resection Electrolytes Initial Admission Post-surgical Resection Na 114 137 K+ 2.2 4.8 Cl 79 106 Creatinine 2.91 1.06 Figure 1.: Large rectal polypoid lesion with pathology consistent with a tubulovillous adenoma.

  PublisherDOI

• High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry in the Inpatient Setting: A Tertiary Referral Center Experience

  Foregut The Journal of the American Foregut Society · 2021-07-22

  article1st author

  High-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) is frequently used in the outpatient setting, but its role in the inpatient setting is unknown. We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent inpatient or outpatient HRM. Few differences were noted between groups and 28% of inpatients had an additional intervention. Tolerance of oral diet and diabetes were associated with a lower likelihood of additional intervention. Ultimately, the inpatient HRM group had unique characteristics and few subsequent interventions.

  PublisherDOI

• Advances in Our Understanding of the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  Clinical gastroenterology · 2021-01-01 · 1 citations

  book-chapter1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• S1305 Factors Affecting Fellowship Choices Among US Residents: A Nationwide Survey

  The American Journal of Gastroenterology · 2021-10-01

  articleSenior author

  Introduction: Despite the recognition of gender parity in medicine as crucial for creating a culture of diversity and equity, women are under-represented in the field of gastroenterology (GI). From 2007 to 2019, the total number of Internal Medicine female physicians have increased from 32% to 43 %. In GI the trend has not been the same. In fact, as of 2019, only a third of the gastroenterology trainees and 18% of practicing gastroenterologists were females. Literature is scarce on factors limiting female residents from pursuing a career in gastroenterology. To address this, we designed this nationwide survey. Methods: 500 ACGME accredited Internal Medicine and Medicine-Pediatrics programs were identified via FREIDA database. Individual emails were sent to program directors and program coordinators starting in May 2021. Results: A total of 144 residents have completed the survey until now. Demographics are shown in the figure A. Sixty-eight percent of respondents were interested in applying for a fellowship with the top 3 choices being GI (23%), Cardiology (13 %), and Pulmonary and Critical care (11%). Notably, 44 % (n=64) responded that they have previously considered a career in GI but of those, only about half (n=35) still have a plan to pursue. Of all the females who reported interest in GI, less than half (20 out 43) are still planning on applying for a GI fellowship. Among the factors cited by women no longer considering a career in GI are competitiveness of the fellowship, having a female mentor (70%) and exposure to GI during residency (97%) greatly impacted their career choice. Interestingly, 53% of these women didn’t have any female faculty in their GI department. More than half of the total respondents perceive GI as not female-friendly and only a quarter believed that endoscopy may be more challenging for women. Three-fourths of the total participants agreed that there is a need for more women in GI. Having a supportive partner, paid maternity leaves, work-life balance, financial security, proximity to family, and student loans were highlighted as some of the major factors that affect career choices in women. Conclusion: Preliminary results from our nationwide survey shows that >50% females who had interest in GI will not pursue a Gastroenterology fellowship career. Major reasons identified include lack of same sex mentorship, lack of clinical exposure during residency and rarity of female GI faculty in their respective institutes.Figure 1.: Demographic and Variables recorded in our Nationwide survey.

  PublisherDOI

• S3225 Anorectal Dysfunction in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  The American Journal of Gastroenterology · 2020-10-01

  article1st authorCorresponding

  INTRODUCTION: The genesis of symptoms in patients with both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and functional gastrointestinal disorders remains unclear. Anorectal dysfunction, if unrecognized in patients with IBD, may lead to suboptimal management. Early recognition of anorectal dysfunction allows for appropriate treatment and potential symptomatic improvement in patients with IBD. In this study, we evaluated a cohort of IBD patients who underwent evaluation with anorectal manometry (ARM) to determine the presence of anorectal dysfunction. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study. Patients eighteen-years or older with a diagnosis of IBD (Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease) who underwent ARM at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Bayview Medical Center between July 2016 and June 2019 were included. Demographic, clinical information, and ARM results were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included in this study: 8 with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and 6 with Crohn’s Disease (CD). Patients were predominantly females (64.3%). There were no differences in BMI or symptoms leading to ARM. Compared to CD, UC patients were older and had longer disease duration (23.7 (+/-6.7) years vs. 15.6 (+/-3.8), but these were not statistically significant. CD patients were more likely to be receiving biological therapy (83.3 vs. 25%, P = 0.03) (Table 1). Anorectal manometry findings were similar between the two groups except for a trend for delayed sensation in the UC patients. Since 50% of UC patients had pouches, we evaluated whether there were differences in manometric characteristics in these subgroups. Volume at first sensation (42.5 ml +/-20.6 vs 60 ml +/-93.4) and volume at urge (122.5 ml +/- 66.5 vs 72.5 ml +/-85.4) did not differ between UC with or without a pouch, respectively. Failed balloon expulsion test (BET) and rectal dyssynergy were frequent findings among all IBD patients (Table 2). CONCLUSION: Rectal dyssynergy and failed BET are common findings in patients with IBD undergoing ARM. Physician should keep an index of suspicion for overlapping anorectal dysfunction in their IBD patients as, if confirmed, pelvic floor therapy could be beneficial.Table 1.: Characteristics of subjects with IBD who underwent anorectal manometry for evaluation of anorectal disordersTable 2.: Anorectal manometry characteristics in patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD) who underwent evaluation of possible anorectal disorders

  PublisherDOI

• [Figure, Zenker diverticulum. Image courtesy S Bhimji MD]

  2020-08-10

  articleSenior author
  Publisher

Frequent coauthors

• Joshua A. Sloan

  Minneapolis VA Health Care System

  16 shared

• Elinor Zhou

  Johns Hopkins University

  13 shared

• Christopher Fain

  Henry Ford Health System

  11 shared

• Daniella Assis

  Johns Hopkins University

  10 shared

• Jad AbiMansour

  10 shared

• Ellen M. Stein

  University of Vermont

  10 shared

• Diogo O. Souza

  8 shared

• Olaya I. Brewer Gutierrez

  6 shared

Labs

• Digestive DiseasesPI

Education

• M.D.

  Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul

Awards & honors

• Benjamin Gouley MD Award (2017)
• Outstanding Graduating Resident Award (2016)
• Teacher Award for Graduating Resident (2016)
• Peer Review Scientific Merit Award (2016)
• Professionalism Award (2015)