Prevalence of chronic endometritis in infertile women undergoing hysteroscopy and its association with intrauterine abnormalities: A Cross-Sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic endometritis (CE) is an inflammatory condition with several different risk factors. We aimed to examine whether intrauterine abnormalities, such as endometrial polyps, submucosal myomas, intrauterine adhesions, or a septate uterus, were associated with an increased likelihood of developing chronic endometritis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 335 infertile women who underwent hysteroscopy surgery at the Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital Infertility Center, affiliated by Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, in 2022. All participants in the study underwent hysteroscopic surgery, which allowed for direct visualization of the intrauterine cavity, and endometrial biopsies were taken for further analysis. To characterize endometritis, plasma cell infiltration was assessed. Patients with ≥5 plasma cells observed in 10 high-power fields were defined as having chronic endometritis. RESULTS: Endometritis was observed in 51.3% of the patients, totaling 172 individuals. Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with endometrial polyps had 5.2 times higher odds of developing endometritis compared to patients without polyps (95% CI = 2.9, 9.2) (p-value <0.001). Similarly, patients with intrauterine adhesions had a significant increase in the odds of endometritis (OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 2.1, 10.1) (p-value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment or removal of endometrial abnormalities through hysteroscopic procedures may help to reduce the risk of chronic endometritis and improve fertility outcomes. Further research is necessary.

The association between anthropometric indicators and colorectal polyps and diverticulosis

Introduction: Colonic polyps and diverticulosis are common colon findings on colonoscopy. One of the risk factors of colorectal polyps and diverticulosis is the anthropometric index. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between the anthropometric index and colorectal findings. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included 536 patients referred to Razi Hospital, Rasht, Iran, in 2023 for colonoscopy evaluation. Demographical data, clinical characteristics, and colonoscopy findings were recorded for further analysis. All data were analyzed using SPSS.16 by considering a significant level < 0.05. Results: The results showed that 35.4% of the patients had polyps, with the majority having a single polyp. The patient's mean age was 55.94 ± 13.33 years; most were females (54.1%). The most common type of polyp was pedunculated, and most were located in the sigmoid colon. The prevalence of diverticular was 11.4%, most of which were also located in the sigmoid colon. Obesity was significantly associated with an increased risk of polyps, while overweight individuals had a higher risk of diverticula (P < 0.05). Age, rural residence, and low physical activity level were identified as factors associated with an increased risk of polyps and diverticula. Conclusion: The findings suggest that obesity and overweight are risk factors for polyps and diverticula, respectively. Further research is warranted to explore additional factors and develop preventive strategies for colorectal diseases. These results support the need for preventive strategies and screening programs to reduce the risk of future colorectal lesions. (AU)

Increased risk of preneoplastic colonic lesions and colorectal carcinoma in acromegaly: multicenter case-control study.

PURPOSE: Current international guidelines recommend colonoscopy in patients with acromegaly at the time of diagnosis, even though the risk of developing colorectal neoplasm is still controversial. The main objective of this Argentine multicenter study was to analyze through screening colonoscopy the presence of advanced neoplastic lesions considered as precancerous, in patients with acromegaly compared to a control group. METHODS: This is a case-control retrospective study. Full length colonoscopy of 70 acromegalic patients and 128 control subjects were studied. Polyps were classified into non pre-cancerous lesions and advance neoplastic lesions which included advanced adenomas (preneoplastic) and colorectal carcinomas. RESULTS: Thirty three out of 70 acromegalic patients and 32 out of 128 subjects controls presented polyps in the colonoscopy [47.1% vs 25%, p = 0.002, OR 2.68]. Non precancerous polyps were found in 11 (15.7%) and 23 (17.9%) (p = 0.690), while advanced neoplastic lesions were found in 22 (31.4%) and 9 (7.0%) (p = 0,0001 - OR: 6.06) patients and controls respectively. Advanced adenomas and colorectal carcinomas were found in 18 (27.3%) and 9 (7.0%) (p = 0,0006-OR: 4,57), and 4 (5.7%) and 0 (0.0%) p = 0.0063) of patients and controls respectively. The presence of insulin resistance was the only statistically significant associated factor among acromegalic patients with and without colonic polyps. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show an increased risk of preneoplastic colonic lesions and colorectal carcinoma in patients with chronic and sustained GH excess compared to a control group. This supports the recommendation to perform screening colonoscopy at diagnosis of acromegaly.

Non-neoplastic Polyps of the Gallbladder: A Clinicopathologic Analysis of 447 Cases.

There is no systematic histopathologic analysis of non-neoplastic polyps in the gallbladder. In this study, in addition to a computer search for cases designated as "polyp," a systematic review of 2533 consecutive routinely sampled archival and 203 totally submitted prospective cholecystectomies were analyzed for >2 mm polyps (cut-off was based on radiologic sensitivity). A total of 447 non-neoplastic polyps were identified. The frequency was 3% in archival cases and 5% in totally submitted cases. Only 21 (5%) were ≥1 cm. The average age was 52 years, and the female to male ratio was 3.1. Two distinct categories were delineated: (1) injury-related polyps (n=273): (a) Fibro(myo)glandular polyps (n=214) were small (mean=0.4 cm), broad-based, often multiple (45%), almost always (98%) gallstone-associated, and were composed of a mixture of (myo)fibroblastic tissue/lobular glandular units with chronic cholecystitis. Dysplasia seen in 9% seemed to be secondary involvement. (b) Metaplastic pyloric glands forming polypoid collections (n=42). (c) Inflammatory-type polyps associated with acute/subacute injury (11 granulation tissue, 3 xanthogranulomatous, 3 lymphoid). (2) Cholesterol polyps (n=174) occurred in uninjured gallbladders, revealing a very thin stalk, edematous cores devoid of glands but with cholesterol-laden macrophages in 85%, and cholesterolosis in the uninvolved mucosa in 60%. Focal low-grade dysplasia was seen in 3%, always confined to the polyp, unaccompanied by carcinoma. In conclusion, non-neoplastic polyps are seen in 3% of cholecystectomies and are often small. Injury-related fibromyoglandular polyps are the most common. Cholesterol polyps have distinctive cauliflower architecture, often in a background of uninjured gallbladders with cholesterolosis and may lack the cholesterol-laden macrophages in the polyp itself. Although dysplastic changes can involve non-neoplastic polyps, they do not seem to be the cause of invasive carcinoma by themselves.

Tamoxifen use as a malignancy risk factor in postmenopausal women with endometrial polyps.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed tamoxifen use as a malignancy risk factor in women with endometrial polyps. METHODS: This retrospective study included 675 women who underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy in 2010 to 2015 at the University of Campinas. Women were divided into tamoxifen use (n = 169) and no tamoxifen use (n = 506) groups. The primary outcome was endometrial cancer prevalence. Dependent variables included age, parity, years since menopause, presence of abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial pattern on hysteroscopy, and endometrial thickness. RESULTS: There were seven cases of endometrial cancer in the tamoxifen use group (4.14%) and 41 in the no tamoxifen use group (8.1%; P = 0.083). On performing multivariate analysis, tamoxifen use was not a risk factor for endometrial cancer (prevalence ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-1.14, P = 0.101). The no tamoxifen use group had an increased prevalence of malignancy when women presented with abnormal uterine bleeding (prevalence ratio 3.9, 95% CI 2.08-7.29, P < 0.001), age >60 years (prevalence ratio 2.1, 95% CI 1.12-3.93, P = 0.021), or nulliparous status (prevalence ratio 3.13, 95% CI 1.55-6.35, P = 0.002). The tamoxifen use group had increased prevalence of malignancy when women were >60 years (prevalence ratio 7.85, 95% CI 1.05-58.87, P = 0.006) or nulliparous (prevalence ratio 8.36, 95% CI 2.32-30.11, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Tamoxifen use was not related with a higher prevalence of endometrial cancer in women with endometrial polyps. Abnormal uterine bleeding, age > 60 years, and nulliparous status were associated with malignancy.

Vocal Fold Polyps: Literature Review

Abstract Introduction Vocal fold polyps are one of themost frequent benign laryngeal lesions, impacting the quality of life of those affected by them, primarily the vocal production. Despite being a well-established therapy in conjunction with surgery, speech therapy alone may also be effective in treating these lesions. As such, otolaryngologists and speech therapists need updated bibliographic knowledge on the issue. Objective To describe the literature findings on vocal fold polyps that discuss prevalence, etiology, histology, physiopathology, vocal characteristics or treatment. Data Synthesis The present study is a review article based on a bibliographic search using platforms, databases and search engines, with no restrictions on means of publication, methodological quality or language. All the articles on vocal fold polyps pertaining to the object of study published in the past 15 years were included. Among the characteristics investigated, the most discussed were prevalence of men, smoking as an etiological cofactor, the possibility of histological differentiation from vocal nodules, the relationship with cover minor structural alterations, and the indication and effectiveness of different treatment options. Conclusion Despite the discrepancies found in the present literature review on vocal fold polyps, there has been a notable scientific progress in the otolaryngologic techniques and in the effectiveness of speech therapy as initial treatment, with direct and indirect techniques, corroborating the need for scientific investigation of the issue.

Changing Trends in Gastric Polyps.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of gastric polyps varies around the world reflecting regional associations. We describe demographic features of patients with gastric polyp diagnosis treated between 1980 and 2016 at a referral center in Mexico City and analyzed trends of polyp subtype. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a blind review of archival slides of gastric biopsies with polyp diagnosis from the years 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2016. Initial diagnosis; patient's gender, age and symptoms; and number and location of lesions were recorded. Blind slide review and trend analysis were performed. RESULTS: In 3887 gastric biopsies, 192 patients (4.93%) with epithelial polyps were identified. The median age of patients was 58 years; 73% were female. Polyps were single in 143/192 cases (74.4%), almost 67% in the oxyntic mucosa, and 85% were associated with dyspepsia. The prevalence was 0.5%, 1.6%, 1.9%, 4.6%, and 9.6% for the years 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2016, respectively, resulting in a rising trend in the prevalence of epithelial polyps of 380% in 46 years. Fundic gland polyps (FGPs) had a global frequency of 66.6% (128/192). They were identified for the first time in the third period of the study, with a frequency of 28.6% (6/21), 66.6% (35/53), and 78.3% (87/111) for the years 2000, 2010, and 2016, respectively. Contrary, hyperplastic polyps (HPs) decreased 20%. A relative prevalence of 3.29%, 0.97%, and 0.15% was observed for FGP, HP, and gastric adenoma, respectively. DISCUSSION: The 1400% change of FGP explains the increased prevalence of gastric polyps. Chronic treatment with proton pump inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori eradication are possible explanations.

Endometrial polyps: when to resect?

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of malignant and premalignant endometrial polyps and to investigate the association of malignancy with specific factors. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of women submitted to hysteroscopic resection of endometrial polyps between January 2005 and July 2013 at a university hospital in southern Brazil. Data regarding clinical characteristics and pathology findings were collected from patient charts. RESULTS: Of 359 patients, 87.2% had benign polyps and 9.9% had hyperplasia without atypia. Atypical hyperplasia was found in 2.6% of the sample. Endometrial adenocarcinoma was found in one woman (0.3%). A correlation was observed between malignant/premalignant polyps and patient age, menopausal status, and uterine bleeding. All patients with malignancies/premalignancies had abnormal uterine bleeding. Higher frequency of malignant polyps was observed in tamoxifen users, however, without statistical significance (p = 0.059%). Malignancy was not correlated with arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, hormone therapy, endometrial thickness, and polyp diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant/premalignant findings had low prevalence and were absent in asymptomatic patients. From the data of this retrospective study, it is unclear whether routine polypectomy should be performed in asymptomatic patients. Further prospective studies including larger numbers of patients are required to guide treatment recommendations.

Characteristics of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Brazilian Patients.

PURPOSE: To report features of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Brazilian patients. PROCEDURES: Data were prospectively collected from patients diagnosed with neovascular AMD. Eyes were classified as having typical neovascular AMD, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), or retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). RESULTS: In total, 265 eyes of 207 patients of predominantly Caucasian ancestry were included; 166 (62.6%) eyes had typical neovascular AMD, 65 (24.5%) eyes had PCV, and 34 (12.8%) eyes had RAP. RAP demonstrated a higher percentage of bilateral cases (p = 0.015). The mean foveal subfield thickness was significantly lower in eyes with PCV (p < 0.001). Cases with typical neovascular AMD had a higher percentage of predominantly classic and minimally classic lesions on fluorescein angiography (FA; p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: In Brazilian patients, PCV and RAP represented 24.5 and 12.8% of neovascular AMD cases. Neovascular AMD subtypes differ in relation to clinical features, mean foveal subfield thickness and FA presentation.

Premalignant and malignant lesions in endometrial polyps in patients undergoing hysteroscopic polypectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of premalignant lesions and cancer in endometrial polyps, in patients undergoing hysteroscopic polypectomy. METHODS: The results of 1,020 pathological examinations of patients submitted to hysteroscopic polypectomy were analyzed, as well as their diagnostic and surgical hysteroscopy findings. As to their menstrual status, 295 (28.9%) patients were in menacme. Of the total, 193 (65.4%) presented abnormal uterine bleeding, and 102 (34.6%) were asymptomatic with altered endometrial echo on transvaginal ultrasound. Out of 725 (71.1%) postmenopausal patients, 171 (23.6%) were symptomatic (abnormal uterine bleeding), and 554 (76.4%) were asymptomatic with endometrial echo >5.0mm. RESULTS: Twenty-one (2.0%) patients presented premalignant lesions in the polyps, 13 had simple glandular hyperplasia, of which 5 had no atypia, and eight presented atypia. Eight polyps presented focal area of complex hyperplasia: 4 with atypia and 4 without lesions. Cancer was diagnosed in 5 (0.5%) polyps. Of the 21 polyps that harbored premalignant lesions, 12 were interpreted as benign in diagnostic and surgical hysteroscopy. Of the polyps with cancer, 4 were also histeroscopically interpreted as normal. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic polyps in menacme and in all postmenopausal women should be resected and submitted to histopathological examination, since they may have a benign aspect, even when harboring areas of cellular atypia or cancer.

Premalignant and malignant lesions in endometrial polyps in patients undergoing hysteroscopic polypectomy / Lesões precursoras e câncer em pólipos do endométrio de pacientes submetidas à polipectomia histeroscópica / Lesões precursoras e câncer em pólipos do endométrio de pacientes submetidas à polipectomia histeroscópica

Objective : To evaluate the incidence of premalignant lesions and cancer in endometrial polyps, in patients undergoing hysteroscopic polypectomy. Methods : The results of 1,020 pathological examinations of patients submitted to hysteroscopic polypectomy were analyzed, as well as their diagnostic and surgical hysteroscopy findings. As to their menstrual status, 295 (28.9%) patients were in menacme. Of the total, 193 (65.4%) presented abnormal uterine bleeding, and 102 (34.6%) were asymptomatic with altered endometrial echo on transvaginal ultrasound. Out of 725 (71.1%) postmenopausal patients, 171 (23.6%) were symptomatic (abnormal uterine bleeding), and 554 (76.4%) were asymptomatic with endometrial echo >5.0mm. Results : Twenty-one (2.0%) patients presented premalignant lesions in the polyps, 13 had simple glandular hyperplasia, of which 5 had no atypia, and eight presented atypia. Eight polyps presented focal area of complex hyperplasia: 4 with atypia and 4 without lesions. Cancer was diagnosed in 5 (0.5%) polyps. Of the 21 polyps that harbored premalignant lesions, 12 were interpreted as benign in diagnostic and surgical hysteroscopy. Of the polyps with cancer, 4 were also histeroscopically interpreted as normal. Conclusion : Symptomatic polyps in menacme and in all postmenopausal women should be resected and submitted to histopathological examination, since they may have a benign aspect, even when harboring areas of cellular atypia or cancer. .

Objetivo : Avaliar a incidência de lesões precursoras e câncer em pólipos do endométrio de pacientes submetidas à polipectomia histeroscópica. Métodos : Análise dos resultados de 1.020 exames anatomopatológicos de pacientes submetidas, em hospital público, à polipectomia histeroscópica, e achados em suas histeroscopias diagnóstica e cirúrgica. Em termos de estado menstrual, 295 (28,9%) pacientes encontravam-se na menacme. Do total, 193 (65,4%) apresentavam sangramento uterino anormal e 102 (34,6%) eram assintomáticas, com alteração da medida do eco endometrial à ultrassonografia transvaginal. Das 725 (71,1%) pacientes na pós-menopausa, 171 (23,6%) eram sintomáticas (sangramento uterino anormal) e 554 (76,4%) assintomáticas, com eco endometrial >5,0mm. Resultados : Vinte e uma (2,0%) pacientes apresentaram lesões precursoras nos pólipos, 13 com hiperplasia glandular simples, das quais 5 sem atipias e 8 com atipias. Oito pólipos apresentavam área focal de hiperplasia complexa, quatro com atipias e quatro sem lesões. Câncer foi diagnosticado em cinco (0,5%) pólipos. Dos 21 pólipos que abrigavam lesões precursoras, 12 foram interpretados como benignos nas histeroscopias diagnóstica e cirúrgica. Quatro dos pólipos com câncer também foram interpretados histeroscopicamente como normais. Conclusão : Os pólipos sintomáticos na menacme, bem como todos na pós-menopausa, devem ser ressecados para realização de exame anatomopatológico, por poderem apresentar aspecto benigno, mesmo quando abrigam áreas de atipia celular ou câncer. .

[Diagnostic hysteroscopy indications and results in Complexo Hospitalario Universitario De Ourense]. / Indicaciones y resultados de la histeroscopia diagnóstica ambulatoria en el Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic hysteroscopy is an endoscopic technique that allows the evaluation of the endocervical canal and uterine cavity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate indications, complications and referral to operative hysteroscopy. To analyze the correlation between sonographic display, hysteroscopy findings and histological diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective and descriptive study of 904 patients who underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2012. RESULTS: The most frequent indication was sonographic detection of endometrial polyps (75% were premenopausal and 71.2% postmenopausal). The complication rate associated with the test was 11.4%. The reduction experimented in operative hysteroscopies was from 31.2% in 2008 to 12.2% between January and June 2012. When a polyp or a myoma was detected by sonography, diagnostic hysteroscopy showed them in 64.4% y 62.5% of the cases, respectively. The correlation between hysteroscopic findings and histopathologic diagnosis was 77.7% for normal endometrium, 77.9% for polyps, 17.8% for hyperplasic appearance and 100% for carcinoma suspicion. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic hysteroscopy is a safe technique that allows small interventions avoiding operative hysteroscopies. There is a good relation between hysteroscopic visual inspection and anatomopathologic diagnosis, but biopsy should be taken except if normal endometrium is visualized.

Pólipos endometriais e seu risco de malignização: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e imunoistoquímicos / Endometrial polyps and the risk of malignancy: epidemiological, clinical and immunohistochemical aspects

Pólipos endometriais são neoformações resultantes de uma hiperplasia focal da camada basal do endométrio associada a um hiperestímulo hormonal. Sua etiologia ainda não está bem estabelecida, não havendo consenso sobre sua história natural, seu real significado como entidade patológica e sua relação com a neoplasia endometrial. Os pólipos endometriais são a principal indicação de histeroscopia cirúrgica, sem que haja, no entanto, um protocolo definido para seu melhor manejo. Uma visão abrangente sobre essa condição pode auxiliar na escolha da conduta mais adequada. (AU)

Endometrial polyps are neoformations that result from focal hyperplasia of the endometrial basal layer associated with hormonal hyperstimulation. Their pathogenesis is still unclear, and there is no consensus on their natural history, actual relevance as pathologic entities, and relationship with endometrial neoplasia. Endometrial polyps are the most frequent indication of surgical hysteroscopy, but their optimal management remains controversial. Therefore, an overview of this condition may help choosing the most adequate treatment strategies.(AU)

Is the immunohistochemical expression of proliferation (Ki-67) and apoptosis (Bcl-2) markers and cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2) related to carcinogenesis in postmenopausal endometrial polyps?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pattern of Ki-67, Bcl-2 and COX-2 expression in the glandular epithelium and stroma of malignant and benign endometrial polyps in postmenopause. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 390 postmenopausal women underwent surgical hysteroscopy; women with endometrial polyps were included. Polypoid lesions were histologically classified as benign, premalignant or malignant lesions. Ki-67, Bcl-2 and COX-2 expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry according to percentage of stained cells, staining intensity, and final score. RESULTS: The prevalence of malignancy in endometrial polyps was 7.1% and was associated with postmenopausal bleeding. The final score showed that only mean COX-2 expression was higher in malignant polyps both in the glandular epithelium (6.1 +/- 2.5) (p < 0.001) and stroma (2.4 +/- 3.0) (p < 0.01). There was a higher Bcl-2 expression, especially in the glandular epithelium, with no differences between benign polyps and premalignant/malignant polyps. Ki-67 expression was low in both benign polyps and premalignant/malignant polyps. CONCLUSION: Polyps in postmenopause have a high COX-2 expression that is higher in malignant polyps than in benign polyps. There was no difference in Ki-67 and Bcl-2 expression between malignant polyps and premalignant/malignant polyps.

Risk of malignancy in endometrial polyps in premenopausal and postmenopausal women according to clinicopathologic characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of endometrial premalignant and malignant polyps in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, as well as the clinical, ultrasound, and hysteroscopic factors associated with malignancy. METHODS: All women undergoing hysteroscopic resection of endometrial polyps from January 1998 to December 2008 were selected using a computerized database from the operating theater of the Prof. Dr. José Aristodemo Pinotti Women's Hospital, Women's Health Care Center/University of Campinas. Eight hundred seventy women with ages ranging from 25 to 85 years were included. Polyps were classified into benign (endometrial polyps and polyps with nonatypical simple hyperplasia and nonatypical complex hyperplasia), premalignant (polyps with atypical simple hyperplasia or atypical complex hyperplasia), and malignant. Statistical analysis was performed by measurement of the frequencies, means, and SD. The risk factors for malignancy were assessed by bivariate and multiple regression analyses, using the Epi-Info 2000 program and SAS (Statistical Analysis Software), version 9.2. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the women was 57.5 (10.6) years. Of these women, 76.4% were postmenopausal. Women were diagnosed with benign lesions in 95.8% of cases. Premalignant polyps accounted for 1.6% of the total number of cases. Malignant polyps represented 2.5% of the total sample. Postmenopausal bleeding and age greater than 60 years were the only factors that remained associated with a higher risk of malignancy with a prevalence ratio of 3.67 (95% CI, 1.69-7.97) and 1.5 (95% CI, 1.01-1.09), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rate of malignancy in endometrial polyps was higher in women with postmenopausal bleeding and advanced age.

[Endometrial polyps: clinical and epidemiological aspects and analysis of polymorphisms]. / Pólipos endometriais: aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e pesquisa de polimorfismos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and epidemiological risk factors for endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women with endometrial polyps, as well as the genetic polymorphism of the progesterone receptor (PROGINS). METHODS: A case-control study was designed with 160 postmenopausal women with endometrial polyps, compared to a normal Control Group of 400 postmenopausal women. The genotyping of PROGINS polymorphism was determined by the polymerase chain reaction. Clinical and epidemiological data were compared between benign endometrial polyps and 118 of the control subjects. Variables were also compared with regard to benign and malignant endometrial polyps. RESULTS: Comparison of the epidemiological variables between groups showed a significant difference for age, ethnicity, time since menopause, parity, tamoxifen use, hypertension and breast cancer, all of them more prevalent in the polyp group. After adjustment for age, statistical significance remained only for parity (OR=1.1), hypertension (OR=2.2) and breast cancer (OR=14.4). There were six cases of malignant polyps (3.7%). The frequency of bleeding was 23.4% for benign polyps and 100% for malignant polyps, with large polyps being detected in 54.6% of the benign cases and in 100 of the malignnat ones. The frequency of arterial hypertension was 54.5% for benign polyps and 83.3% for the malignant ones. The frequency of PROGINS T1/T1, T1/T2 and T2/T2 polymorphism was 79.9%, 19.5% and 0.6%, respectively, for the polyp group, and 78.8%, 20.8% and 0.5% for the Control Group. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly age, hypertension, and breast cancer were significantly associated with endometrial polyps. The presence of PROGINS polymorphism was not significantly associated with endometrial polyps. The incidence of malignant polyps was low and strongly associated with bleeding, large-sized polyp and arterial hypertension.

Pólipos endometriais: aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e pesquisa de polimorfismos / Endometrial polyps: clinical and epidemiological aspects and analysis of polymorphisms

OBJETIVO: avaliar as variáveis clínicas e epidemiológicas de risco para câncer de endométrio em mulheres com pólipos endometriais na pós-menopausa, bem como a presença do polimorfismo do receptor da progesterona (PROGINS). MÉTODOS: estudo caso-controle desenhado com 160 mulheres na pós-menopausa com pólipos endometriais, comparado a Grupo Controle de 400 mulheres na pós-menopausa. A genotipagem do polimorfismo PROGINS foi determinada pala reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos foram comparados entre as mulheres com pólipos endometriais benignos e 118 dos controles normais. Estas variáveis foram também comparadas entre mulheres com pólipos benignos e pólipos malignos. RESULTADOS: a comparação entre o grupo de pólipos benignos e o Grupo Controle mostrou diferença significativa (p<0,05) para as varáveis: idade, raça não-branca, anos da menopausa, paridade, hipertensão arterial, uso de tamoxifeno e antecedente de câncer de mama, todas mais prevalentes no grupo de pólipos endometriais. Após o ajuste para a idade, permaneceram com diferença significativa a paridade (OR=1,1), hipertensão arterial (OR=2,2) e o antecedente de câncer de mama (OR=14,4). Houve seis casos de pólipos malignos (3,7 por cento). A frequência de sangramento para pólipos benignos e malignos foi de 23,4 e 100 por cento, respectivamente, sendo o pólipo grande encontrado em 54,5 por cento dos casos benignos e em 100 por cento dos malignos. A frequência de hipertensão arterial foi de 54,5 por cento para pólipos benignos e 83,3 por cento para pólipos malignos. As frequências do polimorfismo PROGINS T1/T1, T1/T2 e T2/T2 foram 79,9 por cento, 19,5 por cento e 0,6 por cento respectivamente para pólipos benignos e 78,8 por cento, 20,8 por cento e 0,5 por cento para o Grupo Controle. CONCLUSÕES: os pólipos endometriais se mostraram mais frequentes em mulheres de idade avançada, hipertensas e com antecedente de câncer de mama. A presença do polimorfismo PROGINS não mostrou associação significativa com pólipos endometriais. A incidência de pólipos malignos foi baixa, estando fortemente associada à presença de sangramento, tamanho grande do pólipo e hipertensão arterial.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological risk factors for endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women with endometrial polyps, as well as the genetic polymorphism of the progesterone receptor (PROGINS). METHODS: a case-control study was designed with 160 postmenopausal women with endometrial polyps, compared to a normal Control Group of 400 postmenopausal women. The genotyping of PROGINS polymorphism was determined by the polymerase chain reaction. Clinical and epidemiological data were compared between benign endometrial polyps and 118 of the control subjects. Variables were also compared with regard to benign and malignant endometrial polyps. RESULTS: comparison of the epidemiological variables between groups showed a significant difference for age, ethnicity, time since menopause, parity, tamoxifen use, hypertension and breast cancer, all of them more prevalent in the polyp group. After adjustment for age, statistical significance remained only for parity (OR=1.1), hypertension (OR=2.2) and breast cancer (OR=14.4). There were six cases of malignant polyps (3.7 percent). The frequency of bleeding was 23.4 percent for benign polyps and 100 percent for malignant polyps, with large polyps being detected in 54.6 percent of the benign cases and in 100 of the malignnat ones. The frequency of arterial hypertension was 54.5 percent for benign polyps and 83.3 percent for the malignant ones. The frequency of PROGINS T1/T1, T1/T2 and T2/T2 polymorphism was 79.9 percent, 19.5 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively, for the polyp group, and 78.8 percent, 20.8 percent and 0.5 percent for the Control Group. CONCLUSIONS: elderly age, hypertension, and breast cancer were significantly associated with endometrial polyps. The presence of PROGINS polymorphism was not significantly associated with endometrial polyps. The incidence of malignant polyps was low and strongly associated with bleeding, large-sized polyp and arterial hypertension.

Neoplasias benignas de vesicula biliar, un paradigma nacional / Benign neoplasms of gallbladder, a national paradigm

INTRODUCCION: En Chile, la indicación quirúrgica más frecuente corresponde a patología vesicular biliar, donde es posible encontrar tumores benignos y malignos, de morfología similar, lo que dificulta el diagnóstico diferencial. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar los hallazgos anatomopatológicos referentes a lesiones tumorales benignas de vesícula encontradas por colecistectomía. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio observacional analítico, se analizaron retrospectivamente 5.699 biopsias correspondientes a todas las vesículas recibidas en Laboratorio de Anatomía Patológica de Concepción (LAP) durante los años 1998 y 2007. Estudio extrapolable al total de población chilena colecistectomizada anualmente con un 95 por ciento de confiabilidad y 80 por ciento de poder (p=0.05). RESULTADOS: 4.730 (83 por ciento) correspondieron a mujeres, conrelación hombre/mujer de 1: 4.9 (p<0.001). 279 vesículas presentaron lesiones tumorales benignas (4.9 por ciento). Las lesiones predominantes fueron las pseudotumorales (92.8 por ciento). La alteración más frecuente correspondió a pólipo (45.8 por ciento), en su mayoría de colesterol (53.1 por ciento) y múltiples (86.7 por ciento); seguido por la hiperplasia adenomiomatosa (41.2 por ciento). Dentro de los tumores epiteliales solo se encontraron adenomas (6 por ciento), manifestándose en su totalidad como pólipo acompañado en un 47 por ciento de displasia y en solo un caso de carcinoma in situ. De las lesiones de aspecto polipoídeo, la mayoría fueron lesiones pseudotumorales (87.1 por ciento), seguidas por adenomas (10.4 por ciento) y un 2.5 por ciento de cáncer. CONCLUSIONES: Destacan la baja frecuencia de lesiones tumorales benignas en el grupo estudiado, con incidencias menores a las internacionales para pólipos e hiperplasia adenomiomatosa, pero más altas que las reportadas para adenomas. La aparición de cáncer manifestado como pólipo de pequeño tamaño suma importancia al diagnóstico diferencial de estas lesiones en dicha localización.

BACKGROUND: In Chile, the most common surgical indication is the pathology of the gallbladder, where is likely to find benign and malignant lesions of similar morphology, making it difficult the differential diagnosis. OBJETIVE: To characterize the anatomo pathological findings of benign lesions of the gallbladder encountered by cholecystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational analytic study, 5.699 biopsies were hindsightanalyzed for all the gallbladders received at the Pathology Laboratory of Concepción (LAP) from 1998 to 2007. The study can be extrapolated to all the chilean cholecystectomized population with a reliability of 95 percent and 80 percent of power (p=0.05). RESULTS: 4,730 (83 percent) were women with a male/female ratio of 1: 4.9 (p<0.001). 279 gallbladders showed benign tumoral lesions (4.9 percent). The pseudotumoral lesions were predominant (92.8 percent). The most frequent alteration was polyp (45.8 percent), mostly of cholesterol (53.1 percent) and multiple (86.7 percent), followed by adenomatous hyperplasia (41.2 percent). Within the epithelial tumors, only adenomas were found (6 percent), expressed entirety as polyps, 47 percent with accompanying dysplasia and in just a case of carcinoma in situ. Of the polypoid lesions, most were pseudotumoral (87.1 percent), followed by adenomas (10.4 percent) and 2.5 percent of cancer. CONCLUTIONS: It is highlighting the low frequency of benign tumoral lesions in the studied group, with lower incidences than internationaly reported for polyps and adenomatous hyperplasia, but higher for adenomas. The emergence of cancer manifested as polyp greats the importance to the differential diagnosis of these injuries in that location.

No association between gastric fundic gland polyps and gastrointestinal neoplasia in a study of over 100,000 patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Fundic gland polyps (FGPs), the most common type of gastric polyps, have been associated with prolonged proton pump inhibitor therapy and an increased risk of colon cancer. The presence of FGPs has been inversely correlated with Helicobacter pylori infection. We evaluated the prevalence of H pylori-associated gastritis, colonic polyps, and carcinomas in subjects with and without FGPs. METHODS: We analyzed data collected from community-based endoscopy centers in 36 states (plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico) on patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy between April 2007 and March 2008. Of the 103,385 patients who underwent EGD during this time period, gastric biopsy samples were collected from 78,801 and colonic biopsies from 26,017. Slides of samples from Helicobacter-infected FGPs and FGPs with dysplasia were reviewed. RESULTS: FGPs were detected in 6081 patients (67.8% women). Helicobacter infection was present in less than 0.5% patients with FGPs and 13.0% of those without FGPs (odds ratio [OR], 29.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20.4-41.4; P < .0001). Colonic adenomas were detected in 42.3% of women with FGPs and 33.8% of those without (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.26-1.63; P < .001); there was no significant difference in colonic adenomas between men with and without FGPs. CONCLUSIONS: Women had a higher prevalence of FGPs. FGPs were associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, gastric heterotopia, hyperplastic colonic polyps (only in men), and colonic adenomas (only in women, especially those over 60 years of age). The presence of FGPs was inversely correlated with H pylori infection, active gastritis, and gastric neoplasia.

Ultrasonographically detected gallbladder polyps: a reason for concern? A seven-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The management of coincidental detected gallbladder polyps (GP) is still nebulous. There are few published data regarding their long-term growth. Objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and growth of gallbladder polyps in a survey of unselected subjects from the general population of a complete rural community. METHODS: A total of 2,415 subjects (1,261 women; 1,154 men) underwent ultrasound examination of the gallbladder, in November 1996 as part of a prospective study. Subjects in whom GP were detected at the initial survey underwent follow-up ultrasound examinations after 30 and 84 months. RESULTS: At the initial survey gallbladder polyps were detected in 34 subjects (1.4%; females: 1.1%, range 14 to 74 years; males: 1.7%, range 19 to 63 years). Median diameter was 5 +/- 2.1 mm (range 2 to 10 mm) at the initial survey, 5 mm +/- 2.8 mm (range 2 to 12 mm) at 30 months and 4 +/- 2.3 mm (range 2 to 9 mm) at 84 months. At the time of first follow-up no change in diameter was found in 81.0% (n = 17), reduction in diameter in 4.8% (n = 1) and increase in diameter in 14.3% (n = 3). At the time of second follow-up no increase in polyp diameter was found in 76.9% (n = 10) and reduction in diameter in 7.7% (n = 1). No evidence of malignant disease of the gallbladder was found. CONCLUSION: Over a period of seven years little change was measured in the diameter of gallbladder polyps. There was no evidence of malignant disease of the gallbladder in any subject.