Plummer-Vinson syndrome: is the immune system the missing piece?

Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS) is a rare disorder characterized by a triad of iron-deficiency anemia, cervical dysphagia, and post-cricoid esophageal webs. The exact relationship between anemia and web formation remains unclear, with current hypotheses lacking strong evidence. Although treating anemia generally resolves dysphagia, some cases require endoscopic intervention.

Ogilvie, when medical and endoscopic treatment fail.

Ogilvie syndrome is a functional disorder of colonic motility that causes acute and progressive dilation, which can lead to necrosis and perforation. Early diagnosis and management are essential to avoid serious complications. The case of a patient with Ogilvie syndrome refractory to medical and endoscopic treatment that required surgery is presented.

When intestinal obstruction is not a surgical condition.

We report the case of a middle-aged man who had undergone two diagnostic laparoscopies with no significant findings after he was attended at the emergency department with cramping pain, abdominal distention and vomiting, with radiological images simulating a small bowel obstruction. After multiple hospitalisations and an extensive set of tests, including a genetic study, he was diagnosed with chronic pseudo-obstruction, an uncommon, unrecognides syndrome with high morbidity. Being aware of this pathology can make it easier to diagnose, and thereby, we can avoid unnecessary surgical interventions, because its management and treatment are mainly based on pharmacological therapy.

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia: a rare disease as a cause of protein-losing enteropathy.

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disorder associated with protein-losing enteropathy. The main manifestations are those resulting from hypoalbuminemia. Diagnosis requires the typical endoscopic image of intestinal lymphangiectasia and increased 24-hour fecal alpha-1-antitrypsin clearance.

Outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy in patients with spastic esophageal motility disorders that do not fulfill Chicago Classification criteria.

Introduction: per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has become a mainstream treatment for achalasia and is a promising therapy in spastic disorders.

Methods: this is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data (case series). We present the first results of the use of POEM in patients with atypical spastic esophageal motor disorders that do not satisfy current Chicago Classification criteria.

Practical aspects of high resolution esophageal manometry.

High resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) is currently under development as can be seen in the various Chicago classifications. In order to standardize criteria in certain practical aspects with limited scientific evidence, the First National Meeting for Consensus in High Resolution Manometry of the Spanish Digestive Motility Group took place, bringing together a wide group of experts. The proposals were based on a prior survey composed of 47 questions, an exhaustive review of the available literature and the experience of the participants.

[A comparison of medical versus surgical treatment in Barrett's esophagus acid control].

Introduction: Barrett's oesophagus (BE) is an oesophageal injury caused by gastroesophageal acid reflux. One of the main aims of treatment in BE is to achieve adequate acid reflux control.

Objective: To assess acid reflux control in patients with BE based on the therapy employed: medical or surgical.