Stocky/Packed Pancreas: A Case of Focal Drug-Induced Acute Pancreatitis Mimicking Cancer.

Drug-induced acute pancreatitis (DIP) is a recognised but underreported entity in the literature. Immunotherapy drugs have been described as one possible emerging cause, although the pathogenic mechanism is still largely unclear. To date, only a few cases have been reported, even if in recent times there is an over-increasing awareness of this pathologic entity.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a systematic review of the literature.

 Surgery is the mainstay therapy for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (P-NETs), but it is associated with significant adverse events (AEs). In recent years, endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) has been described for treating P-NETs. We performed a systematic literature review aimed at exploring the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of EUS-RFA in treatment of P-NETs.

Predictors of advanced colorectal neoplasia at initial and surveillance colonoscopy after positive screening immunochemical faecal occult blood test.

Background: Characteristics such as gender and lifestyle are not taken in account in colorectal cancer screening and surveillance recommendations.

Aims: To identify factors associated with advanced neoplasia at initial and surveillance colonoscopy.

Methods: In this observational study, 750 individuals with positive faecal occult blood test, aged 50-74 years, underwent a first screening colonoscopy in 2007-2009.

Same-day 2-L PEG-citrate-simethicone plus bisacodyl vs split 4-L PEG: Bowel cleansing for late-morning colonoscopy.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, acceptability and feasibility of bisacodyl plus low volume polyethyleneglycol-citrate-simeticone (2-L PEG-CS) taken the same day as compared with conventional split-dose 4-L PEG for late morning colonoscopy.

Methods: Randomised, observer-blind, parallel group, comparative trial carried out in 2 centres. Out patients of both sexes, aged between 18 and 85 years, undergoing colonoscopy for diagnostic investigation, colorectal cancer screening or follow-up were eligible.

Confocal laser endomicroscopy for in vivo diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus and associated neoplasia: a pilot study conducted in a single Italian centre.

Background: Diagnosis and management of Barrett's oesophagus are controversial. Technical improvements in real-time recognition of intestinal metaplasia and neoplastic foci provide the chance for more effective target biopsies. Confocal laser endomicroscopy allows to analyze living cells during endoscopy.

Linear array ultrasonography to stage rectal neoplasias suitable for local treatment.

Background: Because of the many therapeutic options available, a reliable staging is crucial for rectal neoplasia management. Adenomas and cancers limited to the submucosa without lymph node involvement may be treated locally.

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of endorectal ultrasonography in the staging of neoplasias suitable for local treatment.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease management according to contemporary international guidelines: a translational study.

Aim: To test the Genval recommendations and the usefulness of a short trial of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in the initial management and maintenance treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients.

Methods: Five hundred and seventy seven patients with heartburn were recruited. After completing a psychometric tool to assess quality of life (PGWBI) and a previously validated GERD symptom questionnaire (QUID), patients were grouped into those with esophagitis (EE, n = 306) or without mucosal damage (NERD, n = 271) according to endoscopy results.

Is it possible to clinically differentiate erosive from nonerosive reflux disease patients? A study using an artificial neural networks-assisted algorithm.

Background: The use of either symptom questionnaires or artificial neural networks (ANNs) has proven to improve the accuracy in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the differentiation between the erosive and nonerosive reflux disease based upon symptoms at presentation still remains inconclusive.

Aim: To assess the capability of a combined approach, that is, the use of a novel GERD questionnaire - the QUestionario Italiano Diagnostico (QUID) questionnaire - and of an ANNs-assisted algorithm, to discriminate between nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD) and erosive esophagitis (EE) patients.

The proton pump inhibitor test for gastroesophageal reflux disease: optimal cut-off value and duration.

Background: There is no accepted gold standard for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Aim: To assess the optimal cut-off value and duration of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) test in GERD patients with and without oesophagitis.

Methods: Prospective study of 544 patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy and treated for 2 weeks with PPIs at double dose, and for 3 additional months at standard dose.

Endoscopic surveillance for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) family members in a Southern Italian region.

Background: Surveillance in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) family members recommends baseline colonoscopy starting at age 20 and then surveillance colonoscopy every 1-2 years.

Aims: To verify adherence to the guidelines for HNPCC family members enrolled in endoscopic surveillance.

Methods: Data regarding 11 HNPCC families was retrieved from our database.

Outcome of nonerosive gastro-esophageal reflux disease patients with pathological acid exposure.

Aim: To assess the management and outcome of nonerosive gastro-esophageal reflux disease (NERD) patients who were identified retrospectively, after a 5-year follow-up.

Methods: We included patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms who had a negative endoscopy result and pathological 24-h esophageal pH-monitoring while off therapy. We interviewed them after an average period of 5 years (range 3.

Blood ammonia levels in liver cirrhosis: a clue for the presence of portosystemic collateral veins.

Background: Portal hypertension leads to the formation of portosystemic collateral veins in liver cirrhosis. The resulting shunting is responsible for the development of portosystemic encephalopathy. Although ammonia plays a certain role in determining portosystemic encephalopathy, the venous ammonia level has not been found to correlate with the presence or severity of this entity.

Potential role for the common cystic fibrosis DeltaF508 mutation in Crohn's disease.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an epithelial barrier disease that is thought to result from a dysregulated interaction with bacteria in the intestine of genetically predisposed individuals. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which is mutated in the autosomal recessive disease cystic fibrosis, modulates gut permeability, mucus production, and epithelial interactions with bacteria. The cystic fibrosis DeltaF508 mutation is commonly found in the general population and has been shown to result in a reduced number of CFTR molecules at the surface of epithelial cells.