Myelodysplasia and malignancy-associated vasculitis.

While the link between malignancy and vasculitis has been known for some time, the association of vasculitis and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has only recently been reported. This article reviews the most current and landmark publications regarding MDS, as well as malignancy-associated vasculitis. We include theories of paraneoplastic associations, immune pathogenesis including an associated cytokine transcriptional factor (interferon regulatory factor-1 [IFN-1]), and the relationship to treatment.

ERCP in pregnancy: is it safe?

Background: Although rare, pancreaticobiliary disease during pregnancy can pose a serious risk to both the mother and fetus. Data regarding the relative safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during pregnancy are sparse.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 17 ERCP procedures performed at a single tertiary care referral center between January 2005 and April 2009.