Merkel cell carcinoma of the anorectum: a case report and review of the literature.

Merkel cell carcinoma is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma that most commonly arises in sun-exposed skin. Established risk factors include advanced age, fair skin, chronic ultraviolet light exposure and immunosuppression. Merkel cell polyomavirus infection is implicated in a subset of cases.

The role of carcinoembryonic antigen as an assessment tool for predicting disease severity among patients with colorectal cancer in resource-poor setting of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.

Introduction: the most reliable screening tool for colorectal cancer, colonoscopy, is not readily accessible in resource-deprived settings of KwaZulu-Natal. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in patients symptomatic for lower gastrointestinal (GI) pathology correlates with the histological presence and severity of primary colorectal cancer in a large referral centre. Perhaps CEA may have a larger role as a marker for colorectal cancer (CRC) development in these resource deprived communities.

Trends in demographics and management of obstructing colorectal cancer.

Introduction: Obstructing colorectal cancer (CRC) has an aggressive clinical course and poorer prognosis. With the increasing incidence and differing clinical and pathologic spectrum of CRC among Black patients, as well as a paucity of African studies, regional analysis is required. Our aim was to describe the demographics and management of obstructing CRC among the different racial groups in South Africa and to compare these parameters with international standards.

Use of amylase and alanine transaminase to predict acute gallstone pancreatitis in a population with high HIV prevalence.

Background: The etiology of acute pancreatitis can be difficult to determine early in the course of the disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between biochemical parameters and the cause of acute pancreatitis.

Methods: A prospectively collected database of patients admitted with acute pancreatitis between 2001 and 2008 was analyzed.