[Endoscopic band ligation, for gastric antral vascular ectasia: report of two cases].

Gastric antral vascular ectasia is an uncommon cause of chronic anemia, occasionally associated with cirrhosis. The most accepted therapy is argon plasma coagulation (APC), however there are refractory cases. We report two females with cirrhosis, aged 60 and 72 years, in whom management with APC was insufficient and in whom the need for hospital admissions and transfusions were reduced using the technique of endoscopic band ligation.

[Frequency of celiac disease among patients with psoriasis].

Background: A possible relationship has been reported between psoriasis and celiac disease, with common pathogenic mechanisms that may need further investigation.

Aim: To investigate the presence of clinical and serological markers for celiac disease in a group of Chilean psoriatic patients.

Material And Methods: We included 80 psoriatic patients (42 males) aged 16 to 79 years, whose serum was tested for antitransglutaminase antibodies (ATGA) and antiendomysial antibodies (AEMA).

[Glucose tolerance alterations and frequency of metabolic syndrome among patients with non alcoholic fatty liver disease].

Background: Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated to diabetes mellitus, obesity, disturbances in serum lipid levels, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Aim: To assess glucose tolerance and the presence of metabolic syndrome among patients with biopsy proven NAFLD.

Patients And Methods: Serum lipid levels, hepatic function tests were measured and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 46 patients (mean age 45+/-12 years, 36 females) without history of diabetes mellitus and with steatosis in a liver biopsy.

[Primary biliary cirrhosis: a thirteen years experience].

Background: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic disease, which can progress to hepatic failure.

Aim: To study the clinical presentation, pathological features, treatment and outcome of a group of patients with PBC.

Material And Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of 115 patients (110 females, age range 30-76 years) with PBC.

[Factors associated with the severity of liver damage in chronic hepatitis C].

Background: Twenty percent of patients with chronic hepatitis C evolve to cirrhosis in 10 to 20 years. The degree of steatosis and hepatic iron stores in liver biopsy increase the risk. Age, high body mass index, diabetes mellitus and alcohol consumption are factors associated to the severity of liver damage.

[Mesenteric vein thrombosis: clinical manifestations, treatment and outcome].

Background: Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is uncommon and accounts for 5-10% of all mesenteric ischemic events. In 80% of cases, an etiologic factor is found. The clinical presentation varies and the diagnosis is made based on imaging studies.