Massive hemorrhage in pregnancy caused by a diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the rectum--EUS as imaging modality of choice.

Hemorrhoidal bleeding is common during pregnancy. Other preexisting anorectal conditions can also be exacerbated by the increased vascular volume and pelvic congestion. We present the case of a young woman who developed life-threatening rectal bleeding requiring early delivery.

Calcium sensitization in human esophageal muscle: role for RhoA kinase in maintenance of lower esophageal sphincter tone.

A rise in intracellular-free calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) concentration is important for initiating contraction of smooth muscles, and Ca(2+) sensitization involving RhoA kinase can sustain tension. We previously found that [Ca(2+)](i) was comparable in cells from the esophageal body (EB) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscles, despite the fact that the LES maintains resting tone. We hypothesized that Ca(2+) sensitization contributes to contraction in human esophageal muscle.

Metastatic breast cancer to the gastrointestinal tract: a case series and review of the literature.

Metastatic breast cancer involving the hepatobiliary tract or ascites secondary to peritoneal carcinomatosis has been well described. Luminal gastrointestinal tract involvement is less common and recognition of the range of possible presentations is important for early and accurate diagnosis and treatment. We report 6 patients with a variety of presentations of metastatic breast cancer of the luminal gastrointestinal tract.

Tachykinin receptor expression and function in human esophageal smooth muscle.

Tachykinins are present in enteric nerves of the gastrointestinal tract and cause contraction of esophageal smooth muscle; however, the mechanisms involved are not understood. Our aim was to characterize tachykinin signaling in human esophageal smooth muscle. We investigated functional effects of tachykinins on human esophageal smooth muscle using tension recordings and isolated cells, receptor expression with reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoblotting, intracellular Ca2+ responses using fluorescent indicator dyes, and membrane currents with patch-clamp electrophysiology.

Esomeprazole 20 mg vs. pantoprazole 20 mg for maintenance therapy of healed erosive oesophagitis: results from the EXPO study.

Background: Following initial healing of erosive oesophagitis, most patients require maintenance therapy to prevent relapse.

Aim: To compare endoscopic and symptomatic remission rates over 6 months' maintenance therapy with esomeprazole or pantoprazole (both 20 mg once daily) in patients with healed erosive oesophagitis.

Methods: Patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and endoscopically confirmed erosive oesophagitis at baseline were randomized to receive esomeprazole 40 mg or pantoprazole 40 mg for up to 8 weeks.