Barriers to the use of tests for early detection of colorectal cancer in Chile.

This study aimed to assess the use of colorectal cancer (CRC) tests for prevention and early detection, alongside exploring the associated barriers to these tests. A stratified national survey was conducted in Chile, involving 1893 respondents (with a 2.3% error margin and 95% confidence interval).

Colorectal cancer trends in Chile: A Latin-American country with marked socioeconomic inequities.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent malignant disease in the world. In some countries with established screening programs, its incidence and mortality have decreased, and survival has improved.

Aims: To obtain reliable data about the epidemiology of CRC in Chile, we analyzed the trends in the last ten years and the influence of observable factors on survival, including a nationwide health program for CRC treatment access (GES program).

Neostigmine® Improves Pancreatic Duct Visualization in Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography and Could Be a Cheap Alternative for Secretin.

Background: To determine the effect of intramuscular administration of Neostigmine® on the visualization of the pancreatic duct on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis or abdominal pain.

Methods: We reviewed patients undergoing magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography followed by a Neostigmine®-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Patients with a history of recurrent acute pancreatitis or abdominal pain who had a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography where the pancreatic duct was not entirely seen, were selected to undergo a second magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography 40 minutes after 0.

Paradoxical Stimulatory Response of Remanent Sphincter of Oddi to Buscapina After Endoscopic Sphincterotomy.

Background/aims: Endoscopic removal of bile duct stones has become the treatment of choice, which includes endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in the majority of cases, destroying at least partially the Oddi sphincter (OS). Loss of sphincter function in variable grade has been described, but changes in innervation are not known.

Methods: Endoscopic manometry of OS was performed in 14 patients after EST with specialized perfused catheter.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the pancreas - a rare tumor with an uncommon presentation and course: A case report and review of literature.

Background: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the pancreas (SCP) is a rare type of pancreatic neoplasm, and only a few cases have been described in the literature. Histologically, it is composed mostly of atypical spindle cells with apparent sarcomatous features.

Case Summary: This is a report of a 61-year-old Chilean woman who underwent medical investigation for acute abdominal pain.

NOD1 rs2075820 (p.E266K) polymorphism is associated with gastric cancer among individuals infected with cagPAI-positive H. pylori.

Background: Helicobacter pylori is detected by pathogen recognition receptors including toll-like receptors (TLR) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors, eliciting an innate immune response against this bacteria. The aim of this study was to assess if polymorphisms of TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, NOD1 and NOD2 genes are associated with gastric cancer, in particular in individuals infected with H. pylori.

[Variceal and non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Analysis of 249 hospitalized patients].

Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is one of the main reasons of hospitalization due to gastrointestinal causes. Reported mortality rates range from 5 to 12%.

Aim: To determine hospital mortality and associated risk factors in hospitalized patients with UGIB.

Association between autoimmune pancreatitis and ulcerative colitis: a report of 12 patients.

Introduction: pancreatic manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mainly include acute pancreatitis secondary to drugs and, less frequently, autoimmune pancreatitis, in particular type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis.

Methods: retrospective study of patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) and autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) in control at two centers in Santiago, Chile, between 2007 and 2018. Clinical data, laboratory results, images and response to treatment were recorded.

Acute pancreatitis in Chile: A multicenter study on epidemiology, etiology and clinical outcome. Retrospective analysis of clinical files.

Background: Epidemiology of acute pancreatitis (AP) is variable in different geographical regions.

Objectives: To compare etiology and severity of AP to published data from South America and the rest of world, study impact of demographical factors and treatment on its outcome in Chilean hospitals.

Methods: Multicenter observational study.

Polymorphisms in RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK Pathway Are Associated with Gastric Cancer.

The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway regulates certain cellular functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of this pathway leads to the occurrence and progression of cancers mainly by somatic mutations. This study aimed to assess if polymorphisms of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway are associated with gastric cancer.

-251T>A (rs4073) Polymorphism Is Associated with Prognosis in Gastric Cancer Patients.

Background/aim: Inflammation is a key process in gastric carcinogenesis. Cytokines are mediators of inflammation and are involved in metastasis and tumorigenicity. We previously assessed the role of cytokine gene polymorphisms in gastric cancer risk in Chile.

[Helicobacter pylori infection detected during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy].

Background: Helicobacter pylori (HP) is the most widespread chronic human infection worldwide and the most important pathogenic factor of gastric cancer. The calculated prevalence at the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile from 2002 to 2005 was 44.9%.

Polymorphisms in and Are Associated with Prognosis of Gastric Cancer Patients.

Background/aim: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program has been linked as a driver of metastatic dissemination by conferring migratory and invasive capacity to cancer cells. Gastric cancer (GC) patients with tumors expressing altered levels of EMT markers have low survival. This study aimed to assess if polymorphisms of CDH1, TWIST1, SNAIL2, ZEB1 and ZEB2 genes are associated with survival in GC patients.

[Morphine induced biliary pain. Case report].

Morphine produces contraction of Oddi’s sphincter, which can be severe and of longer duration in some pathological conditions. This exaggerated response can manifest as a colicky biliary pain, frequently accompanied by a dramatic increase in hepatic enzymes. We report a 32 years old female who consulted in the emergency room for severe low abdominal pain of gynecologic origin, which was completely controlled by morphine.

Association of Chronic Pancreatitis and Malignant Main Duct IPMN: A Rare but Difficult Clinical Problem.

We report the case of a 70-year-old woman who consulted for recurrent short episodes of mild-to-moderate abdominal pain. Dilated main pancreatic duct was seen on CAT scan and magnetic resonance, with multiple calcifications and intraductal stones, typical in CP. However, for a more pronounced cystic dilatation in the pancreatic head, we could not exclude the coexistence of a main duct IPMN.

Cystic Lesions in Autoimmune Pancreatitis.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) can be chronic or recurrent, but frequently completely reversible after steroid treatment. A cystic lesion in AIP is a rare finding, and it can mimic a pancreatic cystic neoplasm. Difficulties in an exact diagnosis interfere with treatment, and surgery cannot be avoided in some cases.

[Endoscopic treatment in chronic pancreatitis: long-term results in 18 patients].

Background: Intraductal stones, ductal abnormalities and pancreatic pseudocysts are part of chronic pancreatitis (CP). The goal of treatment is pain relief, resolution of local complications and relapse prevention. Endoscopic therapy (ET) can be considered in those who do not respond to medical treatment.