[Autoimmune pancreatitis: Report of 10 cases].

Background: Autoimmune pancreatitis is a special form of chronic pancreatitis, more common in men and usually presenting as obstructive jaundice or abdominal pain. It may be associated with other immunological disorders and sometimes it is possible to find positive serological markers. Typical images show pancreatic enlargement with focal or diffuse stenosis of the pancreatic duct but sometimes it presents as a focal pancreatic mass that is difficult to differentiate from pancreatic carcinoma.

[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.

[Adult celiac disease: clinical experience].

Background: The prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is unknown in Chile. We have recently noted a rise in the number of cases diagnosed among adults.

Aim: To describe the clinical characteristics of a group of adult celiac patients.

[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.