Blood miRNA expression pattern is a possible risk marker for natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in multiple sclerosis patients.

BACKGROUND: Natalizumab has shown its efficacy in reducing multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses and progression of disability; however, it has been associated with an increased risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The differential expression of microRNA (miRNA), the small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, in natalizumab-treated patients has been reported and miRNA have also been described as good candidates for disease biomarkers. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the effect of natalizumab therapy on the miRNA expression pattern and to search for miRNAs that can predict PML on an individual basis. METHODS: The expression of 754 microRNAs was measured in blood samples from 19 relapsing-remitting MS patients at three time points during natalizumab therapy, using TaqMan OpenArray panels. Two patients included in this study developed PML after more than 2 years of therapy. RESULTS: We found that the expression level of three miRNAs (let-7c, miR-125a-5p and miR-642) was affected after 6 months of therapy (t6). Furthermore, we observed a differential expression of another three miRNAs (miR-320, miR-320b and miR-629) between the PML and non-PML groups after 12 months of treatment (t12); and a positive correlation was found between therapy time and the expression of miR-320. CONCLUSIONS: Natalizumab modified the expression levels of three miRNAs after a 6-month treatment. We suggest miR-320, miR-320b and miR-629 as possible biomarkers for individual PML risk assessment.

Progression of diffuse esophageal spasm to achalasia: incidence and predictive factors.

The progression of certain primary esophageal motor disorders to achalasia has been documented; however, the true incidence of this decay is still elusive. This study aims to evaluate: (i) the incidence of the progression of diffuse esophageal spasm to achalasia, and (ii) predictive factors to this progression. Thirty-five patients (mean age 53 years, 80% females) with a manometric picture of diffuse esophageal spasm were followed for at least 1 year. Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease confirmed by pH monitoring or systemic diseases that may affect esophageal motility were excluded. Esophageal manometry was repeated in all patients. Five (14%) of the patients progressed to achalasia at a mean follow-up of 2.1 (range 1-4) years. Demographic characteristics were not predictive of transition to achalasia, while dysphagia (P= 0.005) as the main symptom and the wave amplitude of simultaneous waves less than 50 mmHg (P= 0.003) were statistically significant. In conclusion, the transition of diffuse esophageal spasm to achalasia is not frequent at a 2-year follow-up. Dysphagia and simultaneous waves with low amplitude are predictive factors for this degeneration.

Experience with tocilizumab in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are immune-mediated inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system involving astrocytes, B lymphocytes, anti-aquaporin 4, and such inflammatory mediators as interleukin-6. Several immunosuppressants are used in their treatment. Tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, may be a treatment option. METHOD: We performed an observational, retrospective study analysing parameters of effectiveness (annualised relapse rate, disability, and radiological progression) and safety of tocilizumab in patients with NMOSD in whom previous immunosuppressant treatment had failed. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab in clinical practice in patients with NMOSD not responding to other immunosuppressants. RESULTS: Five patients with NMOSD were analysed. Sixty percent of patients were women; mean age at diagnosis was 50±5.3 years and mean progression time was 4.5±3.6 years. Previously administered immunosuppressants were rituximab (in all 5), cyclophosphamide (2), and azathioprine (1). Mean time of exposure to tocilizumab was 2.3±1 years. Mean annualised relapse rate was 1.8±1.3 in the year prior to the introduction of tocilizumab and 0.2±0.4 the year after (P<.05), representing a reduction of 88.9%. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, tocilizumab is safe and effective in patients with NMOSD showing no response to other immunosuppressants.

13th Post-ECTRIMS Meeting: review of the new developments presented at the 2020 ECTRIMS Congress (II). / XIII Reunión Post-ECTRIMS: revisión de las novedades presentadas en el Congreso ECTRIMS 2020 (II).

INTRODUCTION: For more than a decade, after the ECTRIMS Congress, Spain has hosted the Post-ECTRIMS meeting, where neurologists with expertise in multiple sclerosis (MS) meet to review the new developments presented at the ECTRIMS. AIM: This article, published in two parts, summarises the presentations of the post-ECTRIMS meeting, held online on 16 and 17 October 2020. DEVELOPMENT: This second part highlights the importance of gender and age in understanding the pathology of the disease and optimising its management. The advances made in paediatric MS, from a neuropsychological and neuroimaging point of view, are presented. In turn, special attention is paid to the findings that contribute to a more personalised approach to therapy and to choosing the best treatment strategy (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) for each patient. Similarly, results related to possible strategies to promote remyelination are addressed. Although there are no major advances in the treatment of progressive forms, some quantitative methods for the classification of these patients are highlighted. In addition, the study also includes results on potential tools for assessment and treatment of cognitive deficits, and some relevant aspects observed in the spectrum of neuromyelitis optica disorders. Finally, the results of the papers considered as breaking news at the ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS are detailed. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the advances presented were related to the knowledge of paediatric MS, remyelination strategies and cognitive assessment in MS.

TITLE: XIII Reunión Post-ECTRIMS: revisión de las novedades presentadas en el Congreso ECTRIMS 2020 (II).Introducción. Desde hace más de una década, tras el Congreso ECTRIMS, se celebra en España la reunión post-ECTRIMS, donde neurólogos expertos en esclerosis múltiple (EM) se reúnen para revisar las novedades presentadas en el ECTRIMS. Objetivo. En el presente artículo, publicado en dos partes, se resumen las ponencias de la reunión post-ECTRIMS, celebrada los días 16 y 17 de octubre de 2020 virtualmente. Desarrollo. En esta segunda parte se destaca la importancia del género y la edad en la compresión de la patología de la enfermedad y la optimización de su manejo. Se exponen los avances realizados en la EM pediátrica desde un punto de vista neuropsicológico y de neuroimagen. Por su parte, cobran especial protagonismo los hallazgos que contribuyen a realizar un enfoque del tratamiento más personalizado y a elegir la mejor estrategia de tratamiento (farmacológica y no farmacológica) para cada paciente. De igual forma, se abordan los resultados relacionados con las estrategias posibles que promuevan la remielinización. Aunque no hay grandes avances en el tratamiento de formas progresivas, se destacan algunos métodos cuantitativos para la clasificación de estos pacientes. Además, se incluyen los resultados sobre herramientas potenciales de evaluación y tratamiento de los déficits cognitivos, y algunos aspectos relevantes observados en el espectro de los trastornos de la neuromielitis óptica. Por último, se detallan los resultados de las ponencias consideradas como noticias de última hora en el ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS. Conclusiones. Se presentaron avances principalmente sobre el conocimiento de la EM pediátrica, las estrategias de remielinización y la evaluación cognitiva en la EM.

13th Post-ECTRIMS Meeting: review of the new developments presented at the 2020 ECTRIMS Congress (I). / XIII Reunión Post-ECTRIMS: revisión de las novedades presentadas en el Congreso ECTRIMS 2020 (I).

INTRODUCTION: For more than a decade, following the ECTRIMS Congress, the Post-ECTRIMS Meeting has been held in Spain, where neurologists with expertise in multiple sclerosis (MS) from all over the country meet to review the most relevant latest developments presented at the ECTRIMS congress (on this occasion held together with ACTRIMS). AIM: This article, published in two parts, summarises the presentations that took place at the Post-ECTRIMS Meeting, held online on 16 and 17 October 2020. DEVELOPMENT: This first part includes the latest results regarding the impact of the environment and lifestyle on risk of MS and its clinical course, and the role of epigenetics and genetic factors on these processes. Findings from preclinical and clinical research on the lymphocyte subtypes identified and the involvement of lymphoid follicles and meningeal involvement in the disease are discussed. Changes in brain structure are addressed at the microscopic and macroscopic levels, including results from high-resolution imaging techniques. The latest advances on biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of MS, and on the involvement of the microbiome in these patients are also reported. Finally, results from patient registries on the impact of COVID-19 in MS patients are outlined. CONCLUSIONS: There have been new data on MS risk factors, the impact of MS at the cellular and structural level, the role of the microbiome in the disease, biomarkers, and the relationship between COVID-19 and MS.

TITLE: XIII Reunión Post-ECTRIMS: revisión de las novedades presentadas en el Congreso ECTRIMS 2020 (I).Introducción. Desde hace más de una década, tras el congreso ECTRIMS, se celebra en España la reunión Post-ECTRIMS, donde neurólogos expertos en esclerosis múltiple (EM) de toda España se reúnen para revisar las principales novedades presentadas en el ECTRIMS (en esta ocasión, celebrado junto con el ACTRIMS). Objetivo. En el presente artículo, publicado en dos partes, se resumen las ponencias que tuvieron lugar en la reunión Post-ECTRIMS, celebrada los días 16 y 17 de octubre de 2020 de forma virtual. Desarrollo. En esta primera parte se incluyen los últimos resultados acerca del impacto del ambiente y el estilo de vida sobre el riesgo de EM y su curso clínico, y el papel de la epigenética y los factores genéticos sobre estos procesos. Se discuten los hallazgos en investigación preclínica y clínica sobre los subtipos de linfocitos identificados, y la implicación de los folículos linfoides y la afectación meníngea en la enfermedad. Los cambios en la estructura cerebral se abordan a nivel microscópico y macroscópico, incluyendo resultados de técnicas de imagen de alta resolución. También se presentan los últimos avances sobre biomarcadores para el diagnóstico y el pronóstico de la EM, y sobre la afectación del microbioma en estos pacientes. Por último, se esbozan los resultados de registros de pacientes sobre el impacto de la COVID-19 en los pacientes con EM. Conclusiones. Ha habido nuevos datos sobre factores de riesgo de la EM, impacto de la EM a nivel celular y estructural, papel del microbioma en la enfermedad, biomarcadores y la relación entre COVID-19 y EM.

Experience with tocilizumab in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. / Experiencia con tocilizumab en pacientes con espectro de la neuromielitis óptica.

INTRODUCTION: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are immune-mediated inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system involving astrocytes, B lymphocytes, anti-aquaporin 4, and such inflammatory mediators as interleukin-6. Several immunosuppressants are used in their treatment. Tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, may be a treatment option. METHOD: We performed an observational, retrospective study analysing parameters of effectiveness (annualised relapse rate, disability, and radiological progression) and safety of tocilizumab in patients with NMOSD in whom previous immunosuppressant treatment had failed. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab in clinical practice in patients with NMOSD not responding to other immunosuppressants. RESULTS: Five patients with NMOSD were analysed. Sixty percent of patients were women; mean age at diagnosis was 50±5.3 years and mean progression time was 4.5±3.6 years. Previously administered immunosuppressants were rituximab (in all 5), cyclophosphamide (2), and azathioprine (1). Mean time of exposure to tocilizumab was 2.3±1 years. Mean annualised relapse rate was 1.8±1.3 in the year prior to the introduction of tocilizumab and 0.2±0.4 the year after (P <.05), representing a reduction of 88.9%. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, tocilizumab is safe and effective in patients with NMOSD showing no response to other immunosuppressants.

Development and validation of a brief electronic screening test for cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (SCI-MS Test).

OBJECTIVE: Although cognitive impairment (CI) is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), it is difficult to suspect in patients with low disability and there is a lack of brief and effective CI screening tools with a define cut-off point to be used during routine clinic visits. This study aims to validate the Electronic Screening Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis (SCI-MS) test for CI among MS patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational study that included adult patients, diagnosed with MS, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≤6.5, without relapses within the last 2 months and no depression symptoms. The SCI-MS test consists of two modules: questionnaire (SCI-MS-Q) and pictogram matching tool (SCI-MS-P) measured for score and time. At inclusion, patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II test), the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Test (BRB-N) and the SCI-MS. The SCI-MS feasibility, test-retest reliability and predictive validity were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 194 patients (59.3% female) were included: mean (SD) age of 42 (9) years, mean time since diagnosis of 10 (7) years, 89.7% relapsing-remitting MS, and median (Q1-Q3) EDSS of 2.0 (1.0-3.5). According to BRB-N, 26.8% of patients had CI. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach alpha: 0.97). The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.88 for the SCI-MS-Q, 0.09 for the SCI-MS-P score and 0.48 for the SCI-MS-P time, corresponding to AUC of the ROC curves of 0.571, 0.574 and 0.714, respectively. For a clinically significant cut-off point of ≥60 seconds, the reached CI sensitivity of SCI-MS-P time was 0.75 and the specificity 0.51. CONCLUSION: SCI-MS showed good psychometric properties. SCI-MS-P time of pictogram completion had an acceptable diagnostic accuracy of CI in MS patients with low disability. SCI-MS-P time of pictogram completion tool is an easy and quick score that can help neurologists to early identify CI in MS patients that should be further assessed to confirm CI diagnosis and to describe its characteristics and mainly affected domains.

Carcinosarcoma of the liver: a case report.

Primary hepatic carcinosarcoma is a rare malignant hepatic tumor containing both carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. A 40-year-old man referred to our liver transplant team because of hepatic cirrhosis was on the waiting list, having undergone all liver tests, ultrasonography, and with normal serum alpha fetoprotein markers every 6 months to search for a tumor. He underwent a liver transplantation without complication. The pathologic findings of the original liver indicated carcinosarcoma. We have reviewed the literature on this subject.

XIII Reunión Post-ECTRIMS: revisión de las novedades presentadas en el Congreso ECTRIMS 2020 (I) / 13th Post-ECTRIMS Meeting: review of the new developments presented at the 2020 ECTRIMS Congress (I)

Introducción: Desde hace más de una década, tras el congreso ECTRIMS, se celebra en España la reunión Post-ECTRIMS, donde neurólogos expertos en esclerosis múltiple (EM) de toda España se reúnen para revisar las principales novedades presentadas en el ECTRIMS (en esta ocasión, celebrado junto con el ACTRIMS). Objetivo: En el presente artículo, publicado en dos partes, se resumen las ponencias que tuvieron lugar en la reunión Post-ECTRIMS, celebrada los días 16 y 17 de octubre de 2020 de forma virtual. Desarrollo: En esta primera parte se incluyen los últimos resultados acerca del impacto del ambiente y el estilo de vida sobre el riesgo de EM y su curso clínico, y el papel de la epigenética y los factores genéticos sobre estos procesos. Se discuten los hallazgos en investigación preclínica y clínica sobre los subtipos de linfocitos identificados, y la implicación de los folículos linfoides y la afectación meníngea en la enfermedad. Los cambios en la estructura cerebral se abordan a nivel microscópico y macroscópico, incluyendo resultados de técnicas de imagen de alta resolución. También se presentan los últimos avances sobre biomarcadores para el diagnóstico y el pronóstico de la EM, y sobre la afectación del microbioma en estos pacientes. Por último, se esbozan los resultados de registros de pacientes sobre el impacto de la COVID-19 en los pacientes con EM. Conclusiones: Ha habido nuevos datos sobre factores de riesgo de la EM, impacto de la EM a nivel celular y estructural, papel del microbioma en la enfermedad, biomarcadores y la relación entre COVID-19 y EM.(AU)

Introduction: For more than a decade, following the ECTRIMS Congress, the Post-ECTRIMS Meeting has been held in Spain, where neurologists with expertise in multiple sclerosis (MS) from all over the country meet to review the most relevant latest developments presented at the ECTRIMS congress (on this occasion held together with ACTRIMS). Aim: This article, published in two parts, summarises the presentations that took place at the Post-ECTRIMS Meeting, held online on 16 and 17 October 2020. Development: This first part includes the latest results regarding the impact of the environment and lifestyle on risk of MS and its clinical course, and the role of epigenetics and genetic factors on these processes. Findings from preclinical and clinical research on the lymphocyte subtypes identified and the involvement of lymphoid follicles and meningeal involvement in the disease are discussed. Changes in brain structure are addressed at the microscopic and macroscopic levels, including results from high-resolution imaging techniques. The latest advances on biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of MS, and on the involvement of the microbiome in these patients are also reported. Finally, results from patient registries on the impact of COVID-19 in MS patients are outlined. Conclusions: There have been new data on MS risk factors, the impact of MS at the cellular and structural level, the role of the microbiome in the disease, biomarkers, and the relationship between COVID-19 and MS.(AU)

XIII Reunión Post-ECTRIMS: revisión de las novedades presentadas en el Congreso ECTRIMS 2020 (II) / 13th Post-ECTRIMS Meeting: review of the new developments presented at the 2020 ECTRIMS Congress (II)

Introducción: Desde hace más de una década, tras el Congreso ECTRIMS, se celebra en España la reunión post-ECTRIMS, donde neurólogos expertos en esclerosis múltiple (EM) se reúnen para revisar las novedades presentadas en el ECTRIMS. Objetivo: En el presente artículo, publicado en dos partes, se resumen las ponencias de la reunión post-ECTRIMS, celebrada los días 16 y 17 de octubre de 2020 virtualmente. Desarrollo: En esta segunda parte se destaca la importancia del género y la edad en la compresión de la patología de la enfermedad y la optimización de su manejo. Se exponen los avances realizados en la EM pediátrica desde un punto de vista neuropsicológico y de neuroimagen. Por su parte, cobran especial protagonismo los hallazgos que contribuyen a realizar un enfoque del tratamiento más personalizado y a elegir la mejor estrategia de tratamiento (farmacológica y no farmacológica) para cada paciente. De igual forma, se abordan los resultados relacionados con las estrategias posibles que promuevan la remielinización. Aunque no hay grandes avances en el tratamiento de formas progresivas, se destacan algunos métodos cuantitativos para la clasificación de estos pacientes. Además, se incluyen los resultados sobre herramientas potenciales de evaluación y tratamiento de los déficits cognitivos, y algunos aspectos relevantes observados en el espectro de los trastornos de la neuromielitis óptica. Por último, se detallan los resultados de las ponencias consideradas como noticias de última hora en el ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS. Conclusiones: Se presentaron avances principalmente sobre el conocimiento de la EM pediátrica, las estrategias de remielinización y la evaluación cognitiva en la EM.(AU)

Introduction: For more than a decade, after the ECTRIMS Congress, Spain has hosted the Post-ECTRIMS meeting, where neurologists with expertise in multiple sclerosis (MS) meet to review the new developments presented at the ECTRIMS. Aim: This article, published in two parts, summarises the presentations of the post-ECTRIMS meeting, held online on 16 and 17 October 2020. Development: This second part highlights the importance of gender and age in understanding the pathology of the disease and optimising its management. The advances made in paediatric MS, from a neuropsychological and neuroimaging point of view, are presented. In turn, special attention is paid to the findings that contribute to a more personalised approach to therapy and to choosing the best treatment strategy (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) for each patient. Similarly, results related to possible strategies to promote remyelination are addressed. Although there are no major advances in the treatment of progressive forms, some quantitative methods for the classification of these patients are highlighted. In addition, the study also includes results on potential tools for assessment and treatment of cognitive deficits, and some relevant aspects observed in the spectrum of neuromyelitis optica disorders. Finally, the results of the papers considered as breaking news at the ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS are detailed. Conclusions: Most of the advances presented were related to the knowledge of paediatric MS, remyelination strategies and cognitive assessment in MS.(AU)

[Fingolimod: effectiveness and safety in routine clinical practice. An observational, retrospective, multi-centre study in Navarra, Gipuzkoa and La Rioja]. / Fingolimod: efectividad y seguridad en la practica clinica habitual. Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y multicentrico en Navarra, Gipuzkoa y La Rioja.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in clinical practice in Navarra, Gipuzkoa and La Rioja regions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multi-centre study with recurrent multiple sclerosis patients treated with fingolimod, following the product data sheet. The following data were evaluated: annualised relapse rate (ARR), percentage of patients free from relapses, disability using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the percentage of patients without gadolinium-enhancing lesions. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were treated with fingolimod: 6% were naive, and 58% and 35% were patients previously treated with an immunomodulator and natalizumab, respectively. Fingolimod lowered the ARR after the first (67%; 1 to 0.3; p < 0.0001) and second (89%; 1 to 0.1; p < 0.0001) years of treatment, and thus the number of patients free from relapses during the treatment increased. The baseline EDSS was 3 and after treatment with fingolimod was 2.5 in both years. The percentage of patients without gadolinium-enhancing lesions after the first year of treatment was 77%. Similar results were observed in naive patients and in those previously treated with an immunomodulator. In patients previously treated with natalizumab no changes were observed following the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The use of fingolimod in clinical practice showed an effectiveness similar to that observed in clinical trials. There were no changes in the ARR after changing from natalizumab, and only one patient presented a 'relapse' after withdrawal of natalizumab. Fingolimod acts like a safe drug, with scarce side effects and a low percentage of drop-outs.

TITLE: Fingolimod: efectividad y seguridad en la practica clinica habitual. Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y multicentrico en Navarra, Gipuzkoa y La Rioja.Objetivo. Evaluar la efectividad y seguridad del fingolimod en la practica clinica en las regiones de Navarra, Gipuzkoa y La Rioja. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio retrospectivo y multicentrico de pacientes con esclerosis multiple recurrente tratados con fingolimod, siguiendo la ficha tecnica. Se evaluo la tasa anualizada de brotes (TAB), el porcentaje de pacientes libres de brotes, la discapacidad usando la escala expandida del estado de discapacidad (EDSS) y el porcentaje de pacientes sin lesiones captantes de gadolinio. Resultados. Un total de 113 pacientes fueron tratados con fingolimod: el 6%, naive, y el 58% y 35%, pacientes tratados previamente con inmunomodulador y natalizumab, respectivamente. El fingolimod disminuyo la TAB tras el primer (67%; 1 a 0,3; p < 0,0001) y segundo (89%; 1 a 0,1; p < 0,0001) año de tratamiento, y aumento asi el porcentaje de pacientes libres de brotes durante el tratamiento. La EDSS basal fue 3 y despues del tratamiento con fingolimod fue 2,5 en ambos años. El porcentaje de pacientes sin lesiones captantes de gadolinio tras el primer año de tratamiento fue del 77%. Resultados similares se observaron en los pacientes naive y en los tratados previamente con inmunomodulador. En los pacientes tratados previamente con natalizumab no se observaron cambios tras el tratamiento. Conclusiones. El uso del fingolimod en la practica clinica mostro una efectividad similar a la eficacia observada en ensayos clinicos. No hubo cambios en la TAB al cambiar desde natalizumab, y solo un paciente tras suspender el natalizumab presento 'rebrote'. El fingolimod se comporta como un farmaco seguro, con escasos efectos adversos y con un bajo porcentaje de abandonos.

Magnetic resonance cholangiography in the diagnosis of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in the diagnosis of biliary tract complications (BC) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 21 OLT patients who underwent routine follow-up MRC using a breath-hold T2-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence with half-Fourier acquisition (HASTE), 5 had an elevated serum alkaline phosphatase level. Diagnostic confirmation was obtained with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) (n = 11), surgery (n = 3), or clinical and laboratory follow-up of at least 1 year (n = 8). RESULTS: In 13 patients, no abnormality of the biliary tract was detected using MRC. In 8 patients, anastomotic strictures were diagnosed, 7 of which were confirmed at surgery or using ERC. One patient with normal findings at MRC and abnormal liver function test results was found to have a stricture at ERC. All patients with normal MRC and liver function tests had 1 year of uneventful follow-up and were considered true-negative cases. We found that MRC had 87.5% sensitivity, 92.3% specificity, 87.5% positive predictive value, 92.3% negative predictive value, and 90.4% accuracy for the diagnosis of BC. CONCLUSION: MRC is a valuable examination to detect BC after OLT. It provides useful information for planning interventional procedures.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: infectious complications and microbiological aspects.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and microbiological characteristics of the infectious complications among simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations (SPKT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the first 45 SPKT the mean age was 34 years (range, 21 to 49) and the mean duration of follow-up 13 months (range, 2 to 27 months). RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (51%) presented at least one to three episodes (1.7 mean) of infectious complications that needed hospitalization. The etiology of the infections included 71% bacterial (44% gram-negative rods and 27% gram-positive cocci), 16% viral (12% from CMV and 4% from Herpes sp) and 13% fungal (8% by Candida sp and 4% by others fungus). Wound and urinary infections were most frequent, occurring in 22% and 28% of the patients, respectively. All patients who were submitted to vesical drainage developed infections in contrast a rate of only 44% among patients undergoing enteric drainage. CONCLUSION: Infectious complications are the main cause of morbidity and mortality following simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation, especially with vesical drainage. The use of enteric drainage combined with administration of broad spectrum prophylactic antibiotics is recommended.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with a duplicated cystic duct.

Cystic duct duplication with a single gallbladder is one of the most uncommon abnormalities of the biliary tract, with fewer than 15 instances published. The authors describe a 49-year-old patient undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in whom a second cystic duct was found, initially misdiagnosed as the biliary tract. The cholecystectomy was performed successfully with the aid of intraoperative cholangiography. It is the first time a duplicated cystic duct has been treated successfully using a laparoscopic approach.

[Alkaline reflux gastritis. Surgical treatment]. / Gastrite alcalina de refluxo. Tratamento cirúrgico.

The authors present the results of 35 patients with alcaline gastritis submitted to truncal vagotomy and jejunostomy by Roux in technic. Preoperative diagnosis was founded in clinical symptoms and endoscopy with histopathology. In a follow-up of 84,8% of the patients, clinical results were excellent or good in 92,8%, showing relief of pain and vomits, gastric endoscopy almost normal and on histopathology.

[Solid cystic tumor of the pancreas. Case report]. / Tumor sólido-cístico de pâncreas. Relato de caso.

The solid and cystic tumour of the pancreas is a rare entity that occurs in young women. Clinically the patients are often asymptomatic, the tumor of variable size (2-10 cm) and show a fibrous encapsulation. In contrast to adenocarcinoma of pancreatic ductal cells, which is the most frequent tumor of the pancreas, this tumour have a slow growth, usually do not have metastases and have a favourable prognosis. The authors related the case and have done a revision of the illness.

[Hepatocellular carcinoma: treatment of 23 cases]. / Carcinoma hepatocelular: tratamento de 23 casos.

In this study, we compared the clinical aspects of the patients with hepatocarcinoma treated in the Clinical and Surgical Gastroenterology Division, Federal University of São Paulo Medical School. Thirty three patients with hepatocarcinoma were treated between 1989 and 1997, 23 were treated surgically or by chemotherapy. Ten of them, in bad clinical conditions, were treated only with supportive treatment. Among the 23 treated patients, 12 were treated surgically, 10 with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and one with systemic chemotherapy. The liver nodes size varied from 2.6 to 20 cm, being 82% greater than 5 cm. The mean survival was 14.8 months for the surgical treated patients and 9.8 months for the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization treated patients. These differences were not significant by the Kaplan-Meyer curve. The patients with liver nodes under 5 cm had better survival (P < 0.05). We can conclude that independent of the clinical stage, the size of the liver node is an important factor on prognosis. Patients with live nodes smaller than 5 cm have better survival than the others with greater tumors.

[Transduodenal endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts and peripancreatic collection]. / Drenagem endoscópica transduodenal de pseudocisto da cabeça do pâncreas e de coleçäo peripancreática.

Until recently, the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts was mainly surgical. However, two non-surgical invasive approaches are now possible: percutaneous aspiration under ultrasonic or CT monitoring and endoscopic drainage. PURPOSE--To report the result obtained using endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts. METHODS--11 consecutive patients admitted with pancreatic pseudocyst had chronic pancreatitis and 1 patient had a well defined paraduodenal collection originated from acute necrotising pancreatitis. Endoscopic cystoduodenostomy was performed in the area of close contact with the digestive wall. A standard Olympus duodenoscope was used to reach the bulging wall and to allow the diatermic fistula. RESULTS--The success rate was 91.7%. Hemorrhage occurred in 1 patient (8.3%) controlled without blood transfusion. Endoscopic cystoduodenostomy was the definitive treatment in 10 patients 36 months after the procedure. One patient underwent gastrojejunostomy after 14 months for duodenal obstruction following relapsing pancreatitis. There was no relapsing cyst. There was no death following the endoscopic procedure. CONCLUSION--the endoscopic cystoduodenostomy constitutes an alternative procedure for the drainage of paraduodenal pseudocysts whenever restricted to the precise morphological indication of paraintestinal pseudocyst bulging into the duodenal lumen.

[Hepatocarcinoma: analysis of 14 cases]. / Hepatocarcinoma: análise de 14 casos.

In Brazil, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not a common tumour. Virus B hepatitis and cirrhosis play an important role in the development of HCC. The authors described 14 cases of HCC registered in our service during the last 33 months. PURPOSE--Evaluate clinical and laboratory aspects of the hepatocarcinoma treated in our service. MATERIAL--Fourteen patients evaluated between 1990 and 1993 were described. Ten were men the median age was 53 years. RESULTS--The main symptoms were: abdominal pain, weight loss and jaundice. Among the fourteen patients, 42% percent were positive for HBsAg, 0.7% for anti HCV and 57% were cirrhotic. Eighty percent had an advanced disease and serum alphafeto-protein was elevated in 92%. The patients underwent different kinds of treatment. Systemic chemotherapy was started in 5 patients, however without any response. Surgery was done in three patients, one underwent partial resection of the tumour and in the others a total resection was carried out. CONCLUSION--The hepatocarcinoma is rare in our service, eighty percent had advanced disease and 42% were positive for HBsAg.