Ulcerated submucosal gastric tumor. Could it be a benign condition?

In this article we present the case and images of an infrequent submucosal gastric tumor: an inflammatory fibroid polyp or Vanek´s tumor. When the tumor size exceeds the centimeter, it may be difficult to differentiate from malignant lesions. Endoscopic removal may be feasible and curative.

Gastric polyps: analysis of endoscopic and histological features in our center

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

the prevalence of gastric polyps in esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) ranges between 0.33 and 6.35%. The relative frequency of histological subspecies varies widely among published series. The objective is to describe the endoscopic and histological characteristics of the polypoid lesions, and to study possible associations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

we retrospectively revised the EGDs done in our center in 2009. Demographic, endoscopic and histological data were gathered. We proceeded to a descriptive analysis and studied possible associations.

RESULTS

gastric polypoid lesions were found in 269 of the 6,307 (4.2%) reviewed EGDs, 61% were found in women. Mean age was 64.93 years (SD: ±15.23). A single polyp was found in 186 patients (69.1%), over 10 lesions appeared in 31 (11.5%). An estimated size of ≤ 3 mm was found in 108 lesions (37.2%) and greater than 10 mm in 52 cases (17.9%). Most lesions were sessile (90.8%). The location of 34.8% was the gastric antrum, 39.3% were found in the gastric body and 25.9% were in the fundus. Chronic gastritis was confirmed in 53.5% of the patients and 46.5% had received protom pump inhibitors (PPIs). Histopathological diagnosis was: hyperplastic polyps 50.9%, fundic gland polyps 7.4%, adenomas 3%, adenocarcinomas 1.9% and normal mucosa 29.7%. We found no significant association between the histopathological type of lesions and the use of proton pump inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

we found polypoid lesions in 4.2% of the EGDs. The most frequent histopathological findings were hyperplastic polyps (50.9%), followed by fundic gland polyps (7.4%), adenomas (3%), and adenocarcinomas (1.9%).

[A rare cause of gastric outlet obstruction: Bouveret's syndrome]

Bouveret's syndrome is a rare type of gallstone ileus in which a gallstone enters the intestinal tract via a cholecystoenteric fistula and is lodged in the duodenum or the stomach. Since the first description by León Bouveret in 1896, fewer than 200 cases have been described in the worldwide literature. Mortality is high, at 25%, but may be related to the advanced age of the typical patient and comorbidities, as well as diagnostic delay. Diagnosis may be made with radiological (abdominal X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) and endoscopic techniques. Endoscopy is preferred as the first therapeutic option but is frequently unsuccessful and surgery is often required. We present the case of a patient admitted to hospital with a history of vomiting after eating and epigastric pain. The management of this rare cause of gastric outlet obstruction is discussed.

Urticaria crónica e infección por Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

We intended to analyze the influence of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the clinical evolution of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

The evolution of dermatological symptoms after eradication was studied in a group of 55 patients previously diagnosed with chronic idiopathic urticaria who were infected by Helicobacter pylori.

RESULTS

There was a partial or complete improvement in 74.6% (CI 95%, 61-85%) of studied patients. We could not demonstrate a statistically significant influence of sex, age or endoscopic lesions on the clinical evolution of urticaria after eradication.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a possible usefulness of Helicobacter pylori eradication in some patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria. Controlled and randomized studies are necessary to confirm it.