[Colorectal cancer in children: report of three cases]. / Cáncer colorrectal en niños: reporte de tres casos.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is extremely infrequent in children and adolescents. There is little information about this entity, mainly case reports and review articles. We describe three cases of children with poor-differentiated colorectal carcinoma and advanced disease at onset. The presenting symptoms were abdominal pain and constipation, with a median of latency of symptoms of 4-48 months. None of these patients had operable disease at onset; having a disease progression despite therapy in two cases. This study reaffirms poor prognosis of pediatric CRC, probably due to an aggressive tumoral biology and advanced stage at diagnosis. Therapeutic guidelines are based in adult treatment; therefore, efforts should be made to improve tools in early diagnosis and future therapies for a better survival in childhood.

[Plasmablastic lymphoma: a case of rectal disease with bone marrow involvement in a HIV positive patient]. / Linfoma plasmablástico: un caso con enfermedad rectal y compromiso de médula ósea en un paciente VIH positivo.

Plasmablastic lymphoma is an aggressive form of lymphoma diffuse large B cell Lymphoma, initially described in HIV positive patients associated with lesions in the oral cavity. It is about 2% of NHL associated with HIV. This entity currently represents a challenge for the diagnosis and treatment, showing a poor long-term prognosis. This report describes a patient with VIH on HAART and CD4 count in 490 cells/ml associated with Plasmablastic lymphoma that involves rectum and bone marrow. The patient received 6 cycles of EPOCH regimen with complete response.

[Colonic intussusception by leiomyosarcoma]. / Intususcepción colónica por leiomiosarcoma.

We report the case of female patient, 34 years old, occupation Secretary. BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary and chronic anemia. No family history of cancer. The patient reported three weeks abdominal pain, fever, bloody loose stools, nausea and vomiting. Abdominal pain is located in flank and right lower quadrant, is colicky, intensity 5 / 10, associated with abdominal distension. On physical examination, vital functions indicated T 38.6 ° FC 98 x min, FR 18 x min, BP 120/80, was awake, she looked pale, in generally fair condition, lucid and oriented. The abdomen was distended, the increased bowel sounds, tympanic to percussion, with tenderness in the right abdomen (more intense in the right iliac fossa), palpable mass is not defined edges lower right quadrant of about 6cm. CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS: abdominal pain syndrome (appendicular mass, intestinal obstruction, intussusceptions). In examinations auxiliars highlighted in 9.1 g of hemoglobin with decreased corpuscular constants. Reviewed by history "rectal bleeding", DRE: yellow stool, no trace of blood, so that colonoscopy was deferred. Reassessed at 24 hours, we decide surgery with a presumptive diagnosis of intestinal obstruction, intussusception. In surgery, we identified a transverse colon tumor (with colo-colonic intussusception) and 10cm of colon was resected and meso tumor: TT anastomosis was performed in transverse colon. The lesion was a tumor of the middle region of the transverse colon, proliferative fibroid appearance, which almost completely obstructed the intestinal lumen, measuring about 7x5cm. The study of pathology with immunohistochemistry indicated that the tumor corresponded to leiomyosarcoma of the colon. Was discharged in good condition. The rarity of this type of malignancy and this type of presentation led us to make this report.

[Plummer-Vinson syndrome: report of a case and review of literature]. / Síndrome de Plummer-Vinson: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura.

A 39-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with an eight-month history of dyspnea on exertion, weakness and increasing fatigue. She reported repeated episodes of menometrorrhagia and underwent a myomectomy. She is not a vegetarian. Her menstrual bleeding: 3-5 days per month. Two months ago, she complained of burning sensation of the tongue upon swallowing food and noted brittle nails. She tolerated soft foods. On physical examination, she was pale; her nails were very thin, fragile and somewhat concave. Her oral examination showed angular stomatitis, depapillated tongue and glossitis. The clinical diagnosis was anemia and dysphagia. Laboratory tests were: Hb: 7.0g/dL, MCV: 57.42fL, MCH: 15.82 pg; leukocytes: 4,980; reticulocytes: 2.18%, reticulocyte index: 0.1%, serum iron: 21ug/dl, total iron binding capacity (TIBC): 286, transferrin saturation: 7% and serum ferritin: 27ng/ml. The peripheral blood smear showed anisocytosis and hypochromic microcytic cells. Thevenon test was negative. Abdominal ultrasound: uterine myoma. A barium swallow X-ray showed a 2-mm linear filling defect between the 4th and 5th cervical vertebrae in the anteroposterior and lateral view; it protruded from the anterior wall and reduced esophageal lumen by 60%. In the endoscopy, we found a fibrous web in the cricopharyngeal area. Serial dilatations were performed over a guidewire using Savary-Gilliard dilators with diameter up to 14 mm, improving dysphagia. She was treated with transfusional therapy and parenteral iron. She was discharged with ferrous sulfate and folic acid. The Plummer-Vinson syndrome, Paterson-Brown-Kelly or sideropenic dysphagia is characterized by dysphagia, irondeficiency anemia and upper esophageal web. The syndrome is described as very rare.

[Spleen infarction and S hemoglobinopathies S in the high altitude lands]. / Infarto de bazo y hemoglobinopatía S en la altura.

The hemoglobin S is a consequence of the substitution of valine for glutamic acid at position 6 of beta globin chain. The problem arises when some individuals with Hb S is moved to the mountains and exposed to hypoxia. The decrease in oxygen saturation distorts the red blood cell with HbS-shaped crescent (sickle cell). Sickle cell (rigid and fragile) tends to adhere to the other red blood cells, generating a series of intravascular alterations that can lead to tissue ischemia or infarction. The spleen by type of movement and lack of lateral communications between the branches of the splenic artery was the most susceptible to sickle cell crisis. Splenic infarction at altitude corresponding to different circumstances can evolve in three stages: a) Acute (focal, uncomplicated), b) massive attack (more than 50% of parenchyma) and c) spontaneous rupture.Early diagnosis is crucial, allowing the quick and timely introduction of various measures, including adequate hydration and oxygenation continues until its evacuation to lower altitude locations. These measures would reduce the phenomenon of sickle and some patients may overcome this acute trance without major complications. The delay in diagnosis leads to action that can exacerbate tissue hypoxia and cause ischemia or infarction of various organs. A large population of black and mixed race of African descent living in the Peruvian coast, 10% and 2% respectively have hemoglobin S; Caucasian subjects with Mediterranean ancestry this hemoglobin also can carry. It is therefore essential to disseminate within the clinicians working in regions of high status and to thus prevent potentially fatal complications in patients with Hb S; is also essential to promote preventive measures for individuals with African or Mediterranean ancestry know their sickle cell status before traveling to places above 2,500 m.

[Gastrointestinal stromal tumors: clinicopathologic and survival evaluation in Rebagliati Hospital]. / Tumores estromales gastrointestinales: evaluación clinicopatológica y sobrevida en el Hospital Rebagliati.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical, radiological, histopathological manifestations and survival of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in the National Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins (HNERM) from Lima, Perú. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a descriptive and retrospective study, which was based on the medical records of 103 patients with confirmed GIST with immunohistochemical. All the patients were evaluated and treated at the HNERM, from January 2002 until December 2010. RESULTS: In 103 patients between 30 and 88 years the average age was 64 years. The tumor was more frequent in females (52%). The mean disease duration was 7 months. The most frequent form of presentation was gastrointestinal bleeding (48.3%). The diagnosis was made more by endoscopy (50.5%). The prevalence of GISTs by organs was more frequent in stomach (56.3%). The average size of the tumors was 98 mm, 49% had a size between 50 mm and 100 mm, the largest tumor was 260 mm. Tumor stage more frequent was localized (70:9%). GIST associated with another cancer was 9.7% of patients. The predominant histologic pattern was fusiform (73.8%). The 84.5% had low mitotic index. Immunohistochemistry showed expression KIT (CD 117) was 94.17%, CD34 77.5%, Vimentin 96.6%, NSE 84.9%, alpha actin 52.7%, CD56 44.4%, S-100 32.3% and Actin 20%. The tomographic characteristic more frequent was heterogeneous tumor (43.6%).The distribution according to risk classification was: very low risk 3.9%, low risk 28.2, intermediate risk 37.7% and high risk 30.1%. Complete surgical resection was performed in 87.4% of patients and 4.9% of patients received imatinib. The cumulative overall survival at 5 years was 31.07%. In bivariate analysis statistical association was found between surviving with: no presence of cancer associated p = 0.004, CD 34 p = 0.01, low mitotic index p = 0.00 and received surgical treatment p = 0.000. In multivariate analysis one found statistical association of longer survival with smaller tumor size p = 0.015 (CI -3.67, -0.41), localized tumor stage p = 0.036 (CI -5.83, -0.19), lower mitotic index p = 0.038 (CI -0.86, 0.02), asymptomatic patient p=0.009 (CI 1.25, 8.62), no tumor recurrence p = 0.01 (CI -8.49, -1.17), and no metastasis p = 0.001 (CI 2.66, 10.62). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study were similar to what was reported in international literature. Factors that were associated with longer survival were receiving surgical treatment, patients with smaller tumor size, tumor stage localized, low mitotic index, asymptomatic patient, not tumor recurrence, not metastasis and no cancer associated.

[Acute pancreatitis and acalculous cholecystitis associated with viral hepatitis A]. / Pancreatitis y colecistitis alitiásica agudas asociadas a hepatitis viral A.

We report the case of a 14 year-old male from Lima. He is a student with a history of bronchial asthma since age 4 receives conditional salbutamol, corticosteroids used for asthma attacks (a crisis in 2010, 1 month ago) Refuses surgery or transfusions. He presented with a two weeks for abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and jaundice. Epigastric pain is colicky and radiated back to righ upper quadrant, refers in addition to nausea and fever, for ten days notice jaundice of skin and sclera. On examen he was lucid, with jaundice of skin and mucous membranes. There was no palpable lymph nodes, abdomen with bowel sounds, soft, depressible, liver span of 15cm, positive Murphy, no peritonitis. The laboratory findings showed hemoglobin 13gr, MCV 90, platelets 461.000/mm3, WBC 4320/mm, lymphocytes 1700 (39%). total bilirubin: 8.8, B Direct: 7.6, ALT (alanine aminotransferase): 3016, AST (aspartate aminotransferase): 984, alkaline phosphatase: 250, albumin: 3.34gr%, globulin: 2.8, amylase: 589 (high serum amylase), TP: 17, INR: 1.6, VHA IgM positive. 89 mg glucose, urea 19 mg%, creatinine 0.5 mg Hemoglobin 13gr, MCV 90 Platelet 461000/mm3, WBC 4320/mm, Lymphocytes 1700 (39%). The nuclear magnetic resonance showed hepatomegaly associated with thickening of gallbladder wall without stones up to 11mm inside. No bile duct dilatation, bile duct 4mm, pancreas increased prevalence of body size. Mild splenomegaly and free fluid in the space of Morrison and right flank. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a gallbladder wall thickness (11mm), without stones in his light. Pancreas to increase volume with peripancreatic fluid free perivesicular with a volume of 430 cc. Findings consistent with acute acalculous cholecystitis and acute pancreatitis. CT-scan showed enlarged pancreas with predominance of body and tail with peripancreatic edema; the gallbladder was thickening. We report this case because the extrahepatic manifestations of viral hepatitis A infection are uncommon, specially the associated with acute acalculous cholecystitis and acute pancreatitis simultaneous.

[Celiac disease and intestinal obstruction by T cell lymphoma]. / Enfermedad celiaca y obstrucción intestinal por linfoma de células T.

A male patient, 55 years old, born in Ayacucho, with Spanish ancestors, was hospitalized through emergency referring abdominal pain, and 10 kilograms weight loss. Six months before he was diagnosed as having irritable bowel syndrome. His previous diseases were rheumatoid arthritis and intolerance to lactose. Laboratory results were: Hb 12 gr./dL, white cells 5200 per mm3, albumin 2.7 gr./dL, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 32 mm/hr., and tumor markers were negative. Radiographic study of the small bowel showed barium fragmentation, and a focal dilation in distal jejunum. Chest X-ray and CT scan of thorax, abdomen and pelvis were normal. Colonoscopy was normal for colonic mucosa, but in ileum it showed an irregular mucosa, little nodules and fewer folds than usual. Biopsy from ileum demonstrated unspecific inflammation. Upper endoscopy showed gastritis, a duodenum scar ulcer and an irregular mosaic pattern pink and white. Duodenum biopsy demonstrated short villi, chronic inflammation and an increase in the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes, all these was consistent with celiac disease Marsh 3. Antibodies anti-endomisium and anti-transglutaminase were positive. After some days he developed signs of bowel obstruction and was operated.

[Frantz tumor: a pancreatic pseudopapillary solid neoplasia]. / Tumor de Frantz: neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar de páncreas.

We report a case of solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas in a 35-year-old female. She presented with epigastric pain and weight loss, these symptoms developed 3 months before. Physical examination revealed mild pain on deep palpation of mesogastrium, without palpable abdominal mass; rest of the examination was normal. The laboratory data showed hemoglobin 13.3 gr/dl; WBC, platelets, blood coagulation test, blood biochemistry, electrolytes, liver function test were normals. Urine test: 14-16 leukocytes per field, urocultive negative, Ca 19.9: 21.2 (0-37). Her serology for hydatic cyst (arc V and inmunoblot) was negative.Abdominal ultrasound showed between body and tail of the pancreas a solid hypoechoic image. In abdominal CT was detected in the body of the pancreas the presence of two hypodense lesions with average density of 25 UH and mediate 50 and 22 mm in diameter. The nuclear magnetic resonance imaging identified the body of the pancreas, bilobed cyst of 45 and 25 mm in diameter, with isointensity in T1, hyperintensity in T2, unchanged after fat saturation, with peripheral contrast enhancement. Operation findings showed a cystic tumor in the body of pancreas without signs of infiltration to other organs. Therefore, distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy were carried out. The tumor was 60 x 46 x 35 mm and a half oval, encapsulated, irregular consistency, which the court left necrotic-looking material flow. The study showed the pattern typical hyalinized perivascular pseudopapillary with stroma, in immunohistochemical studies positive immunoreactivity was observed in cyclin D1 and progesterone receptor, also were positive for vimentin, enolase neuronoespecífica and CD-56. The proliferation index assessed by Ki-67 was less than 1% in tumor cells. The solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas is a low-grade malignancy, relatively rare, representing between 0.9 and 2.7% of all pancreatic malignancies. It mainly affects young women (89% of cases), with a mean age at diagnosis of 28 years. Most have specific symptoms related to intra-abdominal mass and more than one third are usually discovered incidentally.

[Jejunal GIST with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding]. / GIST yeyunal con sangrado digestivo de origen oscuro.

We report the case of a woman of 84 years with a history of cardiac arrhythmia and hemorrhoids. She had multiple hospitalizations and transfusions for symptomatic iron deficiency anemia, endoscopic studies showed only small diverticula and colon polyps. He was later hospitalized with bloody stools red wines, upper endoscopy and colonoscopy showed gastritis, small colonic ulcers, colonic polyp and multiple diverticula. Readmitted with bleeding of obscure origin, on that occasion showed gastritis, antral erosions, small ulcers, colon polyps and colon ulcers in the process of healing, capsule endoscopy showed angiodysplasia in jejunum, anterograde enteroscopy detected some erythematous lesions in proximal jejunum without evidence of bleeding. Again hospitalized for melena and abdominal.

[Obscure digestive bleeding by ileal carcinoid tumor]. / Sangrado digestivo oscuro por tumor carcinoide ileal.

The patient is an 82 year-old female with a history of osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism and anemia for 14 years (receiving blood transfusions). She was admited to our hospital with a nine months history of malaise, anorexia, fatigue and weakness, associated with intermitten episodes of abdominal pain. She was diagnosed anemia and occult blood positive stools. Physical examination revealed a patient in generally fair condition, obese, with mild edema of lower limbs, no changes in the evaluation of chest, cardiovascular, abdomen, etc. Laboratory data was unremarkable, except for iron deficiency anemia. The upper endoscopy showed duodenal ulcer scar, fundic polyposis and chronic gastritis. Colonoscopy revealed some diverticula, a small sessile polyp and internal hemorrhoids. The diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding was made. The CT scan of the abdomen showed gallstones and fatty liver; a radiograph of intestinal transit detected a lesion apparently protruded intestinal loop for distal jejunum; enteroscopy was performed (with one team ball) anterograde and retrograde achieving assess distal jejunum and distal ileum without observing any injuries. The study of capsule endoscopy showed a polypoid tumor intestinal with evidence of having bleeding. Surgery detected the tumor in proximal ileum. The surgical specimen findings showed three tumors 0.7 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm on the proximal ileum. The microscopic examination revealed that these lesions were neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid). The Ileal carcinoid tumor may rarely presented with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

[Colonic histoplasmosis as a diagnostic manifestation of AIDS]. / Histoplasmosis colónica como manifestación diagnóstica de SIDA.

We report the case of 48 year old female patient without a history of significance importance.(refuses blood transfusion). She complaint of diarrhea of four months of duration and weight loss of 8 kg. she added episodes of hematochezia and severe anemia requiring transfusion. An intrahemorrhagic colonoscopy was performed detecting three ulcerated lesions. First at 10 cm from the anus, one in transverse colon distal, another similar ulcer in the proximal transverse The biopsies showed ulcer granulation tissue, abundant macrophages with intracytoplasmic structures consistent with histoplasmosis. Tests showed no tuberculosis or intestinal parasitosis. HIV testing (ELISA and Western Blot) were positive. The CD4 (78 cells) and extrapulmonary histoplasmosis were the criteria defined stage AIDS. The extrapulmonary histoplasmosis defines stage IV in immunosuppressed patients with HIV. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding colonic ulcer secondary to Histoplasma is a rare form presentation as a diagnostic manifestation of AIDS.

[RETRACTILE MESOCOLONITIS: PATHOPHISIOLOGY AND COMPLICATIONS] / Mesocolonitis Rectractil:Fisiopatología y complicaciones.

The mesentery and mesocolon are structures with suspensory functions of the small bowel and colon respectively. When they are involved by prominent fibroblastic proliferation tissue, this is know as retractile mesenteritis and retractile mesocolonitis. The retractile mesocolonitis is associated with sigmoid volvulus, and is a common finding in the rural areas of Puno (Peru). The common macroscopic appearance consists of a markedly thickened mesentery of rubbery consistency, and the retraction predisposing a twist of the bowel. The histologic features include fibrosis with massive accumulation of dense collagenous tissue. These lesions can be the expression of a reparative proccess that occurs in response to mesenteric injury of enteric bacteria (bacterial transiocation) or inflammatory response. Repeated attacks of bacterial colitis might lead to scarring of the mesocolon.

[DIGESTIVE TUBERCULOSIS IN THE EDGARDO REBAGLIATI MARTINSHOSPITAL (HNERM): A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OVER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD (1993-1998)] / Tuberculosis digestiva en el Hospital NacionalEdgardo Rebagliati Martins(HNERM): Un estudio retrospectivo de 5 años(1993-1998).

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis is a common disease in Peru.Although there is evidence of the decrease in lung infections, abdominaltuberculosis and other extrapulmonary varieties show an increase in incidence. This study was performed in order lo determine incidence, clinical picture, diagnostic methods and procedures, compromised tissues and organs and treatment given to patients with Digestive Tuberculosis in the Hospitalization Area of the Digestive Disease Department of the Peruvian "Edgard Rebagliati Martins" Hospital in Lima-Peru, a 1-500 bed Center. METHODS: 77 clinical records were reviewed, of patients discharged and diagnosed with Abdominal or Digestive Tuberculosis between January 1993 to May 1998. Fifty eight of these records fuifilled the requirements. Results: The mean duration of symptoms was 5.49 months. The clinical characteristics are unspecific. The most frequent symptoms were weight loss, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever (over 70% of cases). The most common signs were abdominal pain, ascites and cachexia in more than 50% of the cases. The Laboratory tests are typical for chronic diseases and emphasize the erythrocite sedimentation rate that was high in 98% of cases. Adenosin Deaminase Assay (ADA) in ascific fluid was high in 95% of cases when peritoneal compromise was present and fluid could be obtained. The Radiology tests such as barium colon enema and intestinal transit tests were helpful together with Ultrasound and Computerized Tomography in detecting the intestinal location of the disease, the organs that had been affected as well assisting as to the decision to perform further invasive tests. We found 27.58% with gastrointestinal location, 43% with only peritoneal affection and 27.58% of mixed forms (gastrointestinal plus peritoneal). The endoscopic procedures have been decisive for the diagnosis of up to 90% of cases and Laparascopy has been of value, in up to 70% of the cases, for the detection of peritoneal affection. Six patients of our series have required exploratory Laparascopy for diagnosis. Treatment has been effective in 86% of cases. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of Digestive Tuberculosis continues to be long, tedious and expensive. The incidence of this disease has increased in our Hospitalization Center since 1993. All cases reviewed require invasive procedures (endoscopic) or surgery for their final diagnosis. We emphasize the use of Laparoscopy tests for the evaluation of p0eritoneal affection.

[DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC COLONOSCOPY IN PEDIATRICS] / Colonoscopía diagnótica y terapéutica en pediatría.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in childhood is an uncommon problem, althought when it happens it maybe an emergency. Upper bleeding predominates, and when we consider lower bleeding, the principal cause are polyps. Recent evidence points out that polyps are responsible for bleeding in 77% of cases.We decided to study the clinical course, histologic characteristics and treatment in children with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. This investigation was held at Edgardo Rebagliati National Hospital during 1990 to 1996. Inclusion criteria were: younger than 14 years, gastrointestinal bleeding, and colonoscopy exam.100 colonoscopies were done in 74 children. Polyps were the cause for gastrointestinal bleeding in 71.6% of cases. In 14 children more than one colonoscopy was done. More than one polyp in 16 children were found. Ulcerative colitis was diagnosed in two cases, and intestinal tuberculosis in other two cases. Average age was 8.8 years, and 100% presented rectorragia and anemia.Polyps were located principally in rectum and sigmoid. Polipectomy was done in 94.34% of the cases, and it was technically succesful. We had only one complication (snare wire was trapped) but with no morbidity.Histological examination demonstrated that juvenile polyp was the most frequent type (56.66%), followed by tubular adenoma (11.32%), and Peutz-Jegher polyp in 3.77%. Treatment was polipectomy in all cases. Eleven procedures were done in the surgical room, and 19 in the endoscopy unit, with no complications in any of the cases.CONCLUSION: In children the main cause for lower gastrointestinal bleeding are polyps. All cases present with rectorragia or anemia, and juvenile polyps are the most frequent type. Colonoscopy is a safe method for diagnosis and treatment, which can be done in the endoscopy unit with mild sedation and with an anesthesist or pediatrician as assistants.

[CHOLEDOCHAL CYST: ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY(ERCP) DIAGNOSIS VALUE] / Quiste de Colédoco: Valor diagnósticode la Pancreatocolangiografía retrograda endoscópica.

We presented six cases of choledochal cysts all of whichwere diagnosed by ERCP. Patients were 12,13,17,20,29 and 36 years old. Five were female and one was a male. The main symptom was abdominal pain.The Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography showed the anatomic details of the biliary tree and the pancreaticobiliary ductal junction and also allowed us to decide the adecuate management of the patient.

[Clinical and evolutive profile of Crohn's disease in Hospital Rebagliati (Lima-Peru)]. / Perfil Clínico y Evolutivo de la Enfermedad de Crohn en el Hospital Rebagliati (Lima-Perú).

Crohn's Disease (CD) is uncommon in Peru, in that respect, we don't know its clinical and developmental profile. This is a descriptive, retrospective, transversal and observational patients diagnosed with CD in the last 20 years in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins'. For the small size of the population, we used a census record. The diagnosis was made using the criteria of Lennard-Jones. We present seventeen cases, most female (11 / 6). The average age was 39.9 years (60% over 40 years). Only one patient had family history (second degree of consanguinity). Sixteen were latins and one white. Clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (88.2%), diarrhea (76.5%), weight loss (76, 5%), bleeding (58.8%) and fever (58.8%). Laboratory findings showed: anemia (76.5%), thrombocytosis (58.8%), hypoalbuminemia (52.9%), leukocytosis (23.5%), nitrogen retention (11.7%), leukopenia (5.9%), and elevated acute phase reactants ( c-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate) 76.5%. Extraintestinal manifestations were cutaneous (29.4%), articular diseases (17.6%) and hepatobiliary (11.7%). Five patients (29.4%) received treatment of tuberculosis without success (before diagnosis). Nine patients (52.9%) had acute complications requiring emergency care. The phenotypic pattern type (Montreal's classification) was: non-stricturing non-penetrating 35.3%, stricturing 35.3% and penetrating 29.4%. Inflammation of the ileon was found in 70.5% (47% ileocolonic and ileal 23.5%), nine (53%) had perianal lesions. The activity at diagnosis was mild moderate disease in 8 (47.0%), moderate severe disease in 7 (41.2%) and severe ulminant 2 (11.8%). The macroscopic lesions were predominant stenosis 13 (76.5%), followed by ulcers in 12 (70.6%), erosive erythematous inflammation 11 (64.7%) and thickening of folds in 10 (58.8 %), seven (41%) had fistulas. As initial treatment were used aminosalicylates (13 patients) and systemic corticosteroids in 6 patients (35.3%). Azathioprine was used as maintenance therapy in two patients, infliximab was used successfully in a patient with fulminant disease. During the evolution of the EC twelve patients (70.5%) required surgery, two (11.7%) percutaneous abscess drainage and two anorectal endoscopic dilation.

[Cecal amelanotic melanoma]. / Melanoma amelanótico en ciego.

A 73 year old male patient who presented to emergency with severe anemia (Hb 4.9 g /dL), referring to a month with dark stools, fatigue and significant weight loss. The high endoscopic evaluation found no potentially bleeding lesions. Subsequently, we confirmed the presence of red blood in stools, like enterorrhagia and underwent a colonoscopy, in which two elevated lesions were found in the cecum: a pedunculated (with active bleeding, oozing) and other sessile; both were removed. the pathology showed that corresponded to amelanotic melanoma in cecal region. Physical examination revealed no malignant skin lesions. Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding forced to make another colonoscopy that showed new bleeding lesion of the cecum. He was operated with a cecostomy and cecal excision of the lesion.. The tomography scan showed metastases in mediastinum and surgical implants were found in liver metastases and small intestine. The patient continued treatment in medical oncology. We report this case, because gastrointestinal bleeding is an unusual clinical presentation of malignant melanoma.

[Primary hydatid cyst of the spleen]. / Quiste Hidatídico Primario de Bazo.

We present the case of a 63 year male patient, natural from Lima. He has been in a cattle zone seven years ago. His illness had an insidious start and a progressive course; from a month ago he had malaise associated with nausea, abdominal distention and occasional vomiting; denies weight loss. In the clinical examination was lucid and stable, and without jaundice. The abdomen was soft without signs of peritoneal irritation; in the left flank there was a large mass with defined limits, painless, attached to deeper layers. Auxiliary tests: CBC: eosinophils 5.74%; the levels coagulation, biochemistry and electrolytes were normal. Total protein, albumin, bilirubin levels, aminotransferasas (ALT an AST) and alkaline phosphatase were normals. Arco V: 248 (N<22) and positive Inmunoblot to Echinococcus granulosus. Abdominal ultrasound showed two cystic formations of 161 x 95 mm and 146 x 130 mm, that moving the left kidney and spleen. Axial tomography was interpreted as a large ovoid formation (12 x 18 x 27 cm) dependent on spleen, lobed, hypodense, with rounded focal areas with less attenuation in the peripheral area; without contrast enhancement, compatible with hydatid cyst Gharbi III. The surgical intervention was a partial cystectomy plus external drainage; the surgeon found a giant splenic hydatid cyst, occupied the left hypochondrium and the left flank; had thick walls, daughter vesicles and clear liquid inside. The cystic lesion was attached to the descending colon, stomach, and left diaphargm. We present this case because the splenic hydatid cyst is rare, even less as a single site, and their prevalence does not exceed 1 %.

[Clinical, endoscopic and histologic profile of the Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours in the Rebagliati Hospital]. / Perfil Clínico, Endoscópico e Histológico de los Tumores Estromales Gastrointestinales en el Hospital Rebagliati.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) are lesions which origin from Intersticial Cells of Cajal that may be asymptomatic or cause complications like digestive bleeding or malignant transformation. AIM: To determine the clinical, endoscopic and histological profile, as well as the main demographic features of patients with GIST in Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati (Lima-Perú) from January 2002 to December 2004. METHODS: Descriptive, transversal and retrospective study in which we reviewed clinical and anatomopathological archives from 34 patients with GIST during the above mentioned period. The collected data were placed on a sheet of recollection. RESULTS: There was male predominance (58.82%).The most affected age group was 71-80 years old (26.47%). The average age was 64.7 years old. The most frequent clinical presentation was abdominal pain (47.06%) followed by melena (44.12%). Diagnosis was made by endoscopic method in 58.82%. The main histological type was spindle (47.06%). There was high risk of malignancy in 50% and the most often involved site was stomach (61.77%). Endoscopicall the characteristic image was a submucosal tumor with ulceration, the average size was 6.44 cm. There was significant statistical relation (p<0.05) between endoscopic method and melena. CONCLUSION: Patients with GIST in HNERM are mostly men, older than 60 years that come with abdominal pain and melena, being endoscopy the best method to diagnose if patients present melena. Predominating histology was fusiform.