Role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in differentiating pancreatic cancer coexisting with chronic pancreatitis

Article Abstract:

Pancreatic cancer is not infrequent in cases of chronic pancreatitis, although it is not known if these two conditions arise from the same source. In such cases diagnosis is difficult, because chronic pancreatitis and adenocarcinoma of the pancreas have similar symptoms and overlapping characteristics are revealed by diagnostic imaging. Therefore, the diagnosis often has to be made surgically. Improvements in diagnostic methods could result fewer unnecessary surgical procedures. To determine the effectiveness of endoscopic examination in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, 10 patients with adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas and 45 patients with chronic pancreatitis were examined endoscopically by guiding contrast agents into the pancreatic duct prior to radiography. Irregularities of the duct of Wirsung were observed in all 10 cases, while no such irregularities were observed in the patients with chronic pancreatitis only. Ultrasonography detected a mass in only five of the 10 cancer patients, and in six patients who had chronic pancreatitis without malignancy. Endoscopy seems to be a promising method for distinguishing patients with pancreatic inflammation with cancer from individuals with chronic pancreatitis only. This technique may be particularly useful in elderly patients with severe pancreatitis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Pancreatic cancer, Adenocarcinoma

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Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver: clinicopathologic study and review of the literature

Article Abstract:

Modern imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomographic (CT) scanning, and ultrasonography, have contributed greatly to the identification of tumors. Tumors too small to be recognized on older techniques may now be visualized. However, nonmalignant lesions are also being visualized, and are often diagnosed as tumors. Nine patients with inflammatory lesions of the liver were seen in which the appearance on imaging was that of a tumor. The lesions consisted of masses of infiltrating inflammatory cells, and in at least four of the cases, the patient's history suggested that infection of microorganisms through the portal vein may be involved. The accurate diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumors might avoid unnecessary liver surgery. Unfortunately, characteristics which clearly distinguish between tumors and the inflammatory pseudotumors on diagnostic imaging have not yet been clearly identified. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Abnormalities, Liver, Tumors, Medical imaging equipment

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Clinical and endoscopic factors predict higher pathologic grades of Barrett dysplasia

Article Abstract:

Science & research, Health aspects, Research, Usage, Risk factors, Demographic aspects, Helicobacter pylori, Barrett's esophagus, Barrett esophagus, Endoscopy

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