[Pirenzepine and cimetidine in the treatment of duodenal ulcer].

The efficacy of pirenzepin--of anticholinergic effect--and the H2-receptor blocking cimetidine has been studied in duodenal ulcer with random, double blind fashion. Recurrence examinations were carried out 6 and 12 months following the treatment. 50 patients were given pirenzepin and 50 cimetidine.

Alterations of vasoconstrictor and sodium-regulating hormone systems in vascularly decompensated liver cirrhosis.

Plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), aldosterone (PA), vasopressin (AVP), and the plasma renin activity (PRA) were examined in 15 vascularly decompensated patients suffering from liver cirrhosis, before and after administration of albumin and after a subsequent administration of furosemide. The initial ANP level was lower in 9 patients (group "A") and higher in 6 patients (group "B") than in healthy controls (Group "A": 19.5 +/- 3.

[Endoscopic diagnosis and therapy of benign stenosis of Vater's papilla].

Out of 921 endoscopic papillotomies (EPT) 110 (12%) were performed in patients with benign stenosis of the papilla of Vater. Among these patients were 96 after cholecystectomy and 14 with gallbladder in situ. The diagnostic aspects of the stenosis of papilla and the complications of EPT were investigated on the basis of these patients.

[Seasonal disposition of gastroduodenal ulcer--legend or reality?].

The seasonal activity of peptic gastroduodenal ulcers was studied on the basis of 17,106 gastroduodenoscopies which were done during a 10 years period. The activity of gastric and duodenal ulcer was increased only in autumn; their number in spring did not deviate from the average. The frequency of bleeding in duodenal ulcers was increased in autumn, whereas the gastric ulcer-bleeding was detected in more patients during winter.

[Endoscopic papillotomy in patients with the gallbladder in situ].

Out of 731 endoscopic papillotomies (EPT), 175 (24%) were performed in patients with gallbladders in place. Gallstones were detected in 91 cases both in the gallbladder and in the bile ducts. The EPT resulted in a symptomless condition in 44 of these cases without surgery.

Endoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of benign stenosis of the papilla of Vater.

Of 921 endoscopic sphincterotomies (EST) performed by the authors, 110 (12%) were done for benign stenosis of papilla of Vater. Based on these data, they consider the possibilities of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment in the stenosis of papilla. One of the conditions for the diagnosis of papilla stenosis is the detectability of dilated biliary tract by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography.

[Endoscopy of the bile ducts and pancreas in children].

ERCP was carried out in 8 children under 14 years age. The indications of examinations were in 7 cases obstructive jaundice caused in 3 patients by congenital anomalies of the biliary tract. In one case the ERCP was performed because of acute relapsing pancreatitis.

[Endoscopic occlusion treatment in patients with chronic pancreatitis].

Between 1980 and 1983 an endoscopic occlusion of pancreatic duct was performed in 12 patients with chronic pancreatitis. In 4 patients it could be achieved a complete, in 8 patients only a partial occlusion. Four patients became free of pain whereas 5 patients have been operated on following an aggrevation of disease.

[Gonadotropin-secreting liver cancer in ulcerative colitis].

The authors present the clinical and pathological data of a 28 year-old female patient, who died after several months of observation. The patient had a 15-year history of mild ulcerative colitis. On admission the diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis was made, but subsequently paraneoplastic gonadotropin secretion became apparent.

[Effect of somatostatin on metabolic changes following ERCP ].

An investigation was carried out on the ameliorating effect of cyclic somatostatin on the biochemical changes and impairment of glucose tolerance which follow endoscopic retrograde pancreatography. Serum amylase and plasma insulin and glucagon levels were significantly lower in a group of 20 patients receiving somatostatin prior to pancreatic radiography than in 35 control patients without such pretreatment. (Maximum increases in control and somatostatin-pretreated patients, respectively were: amylase: 4695 +/- 290; 1037 +/- 155 U/l p less than 0.

Changes in glucose tolerance after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Changes in oral glucose-tolerance have been studied in patients subjected to endoscopic retrograde pancreatography. Glucose tolerance is impaired 72 hours after ductography, and significant changes can still be seen even after one month; glucose tolerance returns to normal six to 12 months after pancreatography. In an attempt to discover the mechanism underlying impaired tolerance serial measurements were made of plasma insulin and glucagon levels.