Splenomegaly as a cause of fecal incontinence. A new problem in an old disease.

Eight patients with fecal incontinence were seen. All eight patients had massive splenomegaly secondary to myelofibrosis and myeloid metaplasia. Six of the eight patients underwent splenectomy for hypersplenism.

Gastroenterology: a hypothetical case of ascites incorporating a management self-test.

When ascites is the presenting symptom and the underlying disease is not apparent, the physician must be aware of the various diseases that may be associated with the accumulation of serous fluid in the abdominal cavity and the various approaches that are available to aid in the differential diagnosis.

Esophageal perforation. An unusual presentation with a benign clinical course.

A case of esophageal perforation occurring in a 75-year-old man is presented. The clinical presentation was benign and the diagnosis of esophageal perforation was made incidental to an upper gastrointestinal barium examination. Conservative management consisting of nasogastric suctioning, antibiotics and antacids was effective in minimizing the clinical course.