The metabolic syndrome--new and old data.

Initially called the "X Syndrome" by Reaven, then the "Killer Quartet" by Kaplan, the MS prevalence has dramatically increased in the past decades. The first criteria elaborated by WHO in 1998, and afterwards reformulated in 1999, were conceived by diabetologists as a working instrument for clinical practice and they shall consequently be updated in accordance with the new acquisitions in this field. MS expresses the complex disorder of the organism energetic metabolism, having as central element insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinism, associated with the presence of some risk factors involved in the etiology and/or physiology of atherosclerosis.

Long-term outcome after pancreatic stenting in severe chronic pancreatitis.

Background And Study Aims: Although it has been proved that pancreatic stenting is effective in the symptomatic management of severe chronic pancreatitis, long-term outcomes after stent removal have not been fully evaluated.

Patients And Methods: A total of 100 patients (75 men, 25 women; median age 49) with severe chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic duct strictures were successfully treated for pancreatic pain using polyethylene pancreatic stents and were followed up for at least 1 year after stent removal. The stents were exchanged "on demand" (in cases of recurrence of pain) and a definitive stent removal was attempted on the basis of clinical and endoscopic findings.

The wirsungorrhagies: causes and management in 14 patients.

Background And Study Aims: Wirsungorrhagy is an extremely rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The present study describes 14 cases observed over a seven-year period.

Material And Methods: Among 10,000 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies performed between 1989 and 1996 we have identified 14 wirsungorrhagies, which were reviewed retrospectively.

[Adrenal tumors in children].

11 children (age 2-14 years) with adrenal tumors were treated between 1988-1995. 7 patients had adrenal cortical tumors (2 adenomas and 5 carcinomas) while 4 patients had medullar tumors (3 pheochromocytomas and 1 sympathoblastoma). Clinically, 3 patients presented Cushing syndrome, 4 had adreno-genital syndrome and 3 had paroxysmal tachycardia and hypertension.