Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) in a colorectal cancer screening population: Prevalence, endoscopic features and oncological outcomes.

Background: Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) is characterized by a chronic inflammatory response involving the inter-diverticular colonic mucosa, sparing the rectum and the right colon.

Aims: to assess the prevalence of SCAD in a CRC screening program and to evaluate the differences in terms of oncological outcomes between SCAD and diverticulosis.

Methods: retrospective analysis from a prospectively-maintained database including all subjects undergoing first screening colonoscopy.

Intestinal permeability in patients with chronic liver diseases: Its relationship with the aetiology and the entity of liver damage.

Background: Alteration in intestinal permeability may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of both the progression of some chronic liver diseases and the onset of some complications in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Aims: To investigate the relationships between intestinal permeability, portal hypertension, alcohol use, plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and nitric oxide, expressed as s-nitrosothiols, and nitrite levels in patients with various types and degrees of chronic liver diseases.

Methods: 134 healthy volunteers and 83 patients with chronic liver damage entered the study.