High ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease ratio in a population-based registry from Córdoba, Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have described the epidemiology and clinical behavior of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in South America. The aim of this study was to report on the prevalence, phenotype, and treatment of patients with IBD diagnosis in Capital Department of the Province of Córdoba, Argentina. METHODS: Data from adult patients (≥ 18 years-old) with IBD diagnosis that attended 12 public or private centers between 05/2014 and 05/2019 were included in a common registry. RESULTS: A total of 655 patients were included (females: 53.4%). The ratio of ulcerative colitis (UC) (n = 561) to Crohn's disease (CD) (n = 88) was 6.38, with age-adjusted IBD prevalence being 70.1 (95% confidence interval 70.08-70.12) cases/100,000 habitants. Extraintestinal manifestations were diagnosed in 22.8% of patients, and left-side colitis (46%) was the most frequent extension in UC patients. In CD patients, colonic involvement (55.7%) and non-stricturing/non-penetrating behavior (74%) were the most frequent presentations. Biologic therapy was used in 36.4% of CD patients and 9.1% of UC patients (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this population registry study, IBD prevalence was similar to that reported in other series in the region. A higher UC/CD ratio was observed due to the lower prevalence of CD compared to similar studies in South America.

Squamous cell carcinoma in Barrett's esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus (BE), consequence of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a premalignant condition, capable of turning into adenocarcinoma (ACa). However, the presence ofsquamous cell carcinoma (SCa) coexisting with Barrett's metaplasia is reported in some papers. The aim of this paper is to present 17 patients involving synchronous BE and SCa.

Giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus: a novel technical approach.

Fibrovascular polyps (FVPs) of the esophagus are rare, and their course is usually indolent until reaching enormous proportions. It is a dramatic entity owing to its tendency to cause bizarre complications. We describe a 49-year-old female patient with sudden dyspnoea that required digital maneuvers to clear the airway. After diagnosing, an FVP of the esophagus, a video-assisted endocavitary surgery was made. Histopathological examination revealed a fibrovascular polyp. Endoscopic controls after excision show no mass or symptoms recurrence.

Detection of the risk of adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus by means of tumor markers (p53 and Ki67).

The rising incidence of adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus has intensified the research into methods of early recognition of cancer risk, detecting cytological and architectural changes (dysplasia) or using biomarkers as predictive tests. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the involvement of two tumor markers: p53 (tumor suppressor gene) and Ki67 (proliferation marker), by means of immunohistochemical analysis with monoclonal antibodies designed for the specific localization of p53 and Ki67 antigens, in esophageal biopsies with columnar metaplasia of patients with and without dysplasia and adenocarcinoma, and to anticipate which ones are liable to suffer it in the future. Both markers were positive in all intestinal metaplasia patients with high-grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma, and even in some cases with low grade or without dysplasia. In contrast, in those who have gastric metaplasia, tumor markers were negative. Expression of biomarkers next to dysplasia reduces interobserver variation. Patients with these abnormalities have to be included into a surveillance protocol.