DNA aneuploidy in colorectal adenomas. Role in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

INTRODUCTION: Aneuploidy has been observed in 6-27% of lesions known to be precursors of colorectal cancer, such as adenomas or ulcerative colitis. It has been suggested that aneuploidy may predispose to malignancy in these cases. However, its role in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence has not been definitely established. The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of aneuploidy in colon adenomas, as well as to study its possible role in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on a series of 57 large bowel adenomas measuring 10 mm or more, collected from 54 consecutive patients. All specimens were obtained either by endoscopic or by surgical resection. There were 49 adenomas with low-grade dysplasia, two with high-grade dysplasia, two intramucous carcinomas, and four microinvasive carcinomas. A flow cytometric DNA analysis was performed in fresh specimens following Vindelov's method. RESULTS: Aneuploid DNA was detected in five out of 49 low-grade dysplasia adenomas (10%), in all four high-grade dysplasia adenomas or intramucous carcinomas (100%), and in three out of four microinvasive carcinomas (75%). The association between aneuploidy and high-grade dysplasia adenomas, intramucous, or microinvasive carcinoma was statistically significant (p < 0.001). No association was found between aneuploidy and any of the following features: age, gender, clinical symptoms of patients, and size or location of adenomas. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of aneuploidy in this series was 10% in low-grade dysplasia adenomas, and 87% in high-grade dysplasia adenomas or carcinomas, and this difference was statistically significant. These findings suggest that aneuploidy may play a role in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

[Gastrointestinal anisakiasis. Study of a series of 25 patients]. / Anisakiasis gastrointestinal. Estudio de una serie de 25 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Infection with the parasite Anisakis simplex is common in Japan and northern European countries. The number of reported cases in Spain has increased since the first description in 1991. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence, clinical patterns, histopathological lesions, treatment, and outcome of Anisakis simplex infection in our environment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cases of gastrointestinal anisakiasis diagnosed in our center from December 1999 to January 2002 were studied. Only patients with detection of the parasite in oral endoscopy or the surgical specimen and those with elevated levels of specific IgE to Anisakis simplex, a clinical picture compatible with anisakiasis, or a history of raw fish intake were included. Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data, as well as diagnostic, histopathologic and therapeutic features, and outcome in these patients were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-five cases of gastrointestinal anisakiasis were diagnosed during the study period, representing an incidence of 3.87 cases per 100 000 inhabitants/year. All the patients had ingested raw anchovies. Two groups were observed. The first group was composed of 10 patients with a gastric form of the infection, in which the main symptom was epigastralgia (90%). Oral endoscopy was performed in all patients and the parasite was detected in five (50%). The second group was composed of 15 patients with intestinal involvement in which the main manifestations were symptoms mimicking appendicitis (80%). The most frequent finding of laparotomy and/or imaging tests (abdominal ultrasonography, intestinal transit, abdominal CAT) was terminal ileitis (80%). Seven patients underwent surgery: intestinal resection was performed in four with detection of Anisakis simplex in three. Eosinophilic infiltration was found in all surgical specimens. Treatment was symptomatic in most of the patients and outcome was favorable in all. CONCLUSIONS: Infection with Anisakis simplex should be investigated in patients with abdominal pain after intake of raw fish, ileitis of unclear origin, or eosinophilic gastroenteritis.