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Sinagra E, Macaione I, Stella M, Shahini E, Maida M, Pompei G, Rossi F, Conoscenti G, Alloro R, Di Ganci S, Ricotta C, Testai S, Marasà M, Scarpulla G, Rizzo AG, Raimondo D. Gastric Syphilis Presenting as a Nodal Inflammatory Pseudotumor Mimicking a Neoplasm: Don’t Forget the Treponema! Case Report and Scoping Review of the Literature of the Last 65 Years. Gastroenterology Insights 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/gastroent14020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that gastric syphilis is considered rare, it is reported as a type of organic involvement that is present in a large proportion of secondary syphilis cases, even though gastritis presenting with symptoms is extremely rare. Clinical, radiological, and endoscopic findings are non-specific and frequently mimic the symptoms of gastric adenocarcinoma or lymphoma, making diagnosis difficult. Immunostaining is required for this diagnosis. We would like to emphasize the importance of being suspicious of GS when a gastric mass exhibits the histologic features of an inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT), as previously reported for nodal IPT caused by luetic infection. We described a 56-year-old man who presented to the oncology department with a 3-month history of anorexia, epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss, as well as an initial radiological and endoscopic suspicion of gastric adenocarcinoma, in which immune staining allowed us to diagnose GS. In addition, we conducted an updated scoping review of the scientific literature to show the clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic findings in GS patients over the last 65 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Sinagra
- Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Istituto Gemelli–G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Ina Macaione
- Mini-Invasivecolorectal & Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Fondazione Istituto Gemelli–G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Mario Stella
- Pathology Unit, Az. Osp. Ospedali Riuniti “Villa Sofia-Cervello”, Via Trabucco 180, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Endrit Shahini
- Gastroenterology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology-IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy
| | - Marcello Maida
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, S. Elia-Raimondi Hospital, 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Pompei
- Pathology Unit, Sant’Antonio Abate Hospital, Via Cosenza 82, 91016 Casa Santa, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione Istituto Gemelli–G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Istituto Gemelli–G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Conoscenti
- Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Istituto Gemelli–G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Rita Alloro
- Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Istituto Gemelli–G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Simona Di Ganci
- Mini-Invasivecolorectal & Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Fondazione Istituto Gemelli–G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Calogero Ricotta
- Mini-Invasivecolorectal & Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Fondazione Istituto Gemelli–G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Sergio Testai
- Radiology Unit, Fondazione Istituto Gemelli–G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Marta Marasà
- Radiology Unit, Fondazione Istituto Gemelli–G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Scarpulla
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, S. Elia-Raimondi Hospital, 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy
- Radiology Unit, Fondazione Istituto Gemelli–G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Aroldo Gabriele Rizzo
- Pathology Unit, Az. Osp. Ospedali Riuniti “Villa Sofia-Cervello”, Via Trabucco 180, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Dario Raimondo
- Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Istituto Gemelli–G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
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Sinagra E, Shahini E, Crispino F, Macaione I, Guarnotta V, Marasà M, Testai S, Pallio S, Albano D, Facciorusso A, Maida M. COVID-19 and the Pancreas: A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091292. [PMID: 36143329 PMCID: PMC9504204 DOI: 10.3390/life12091292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19, initially developed in China in early December 2019, has rapidly spread to other countries and represents a public health emergency of international concern. COVID-19 has caused great concern about respiratory symptoms, but it is worth noting that it can also affect the gastrointestinal tract. However, the data on pancreatic involvement during SARS-CoV-2 infection are limited. The prevalence and severity of pancreatic damage and acute pancreatitis, as well as its pathophysiology, are still under debate. Moreover, the possible implication of pancreatic damage as an apparent adverse effect of COVID-19 therapies or vaccines are issues that need to be addressed. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated delays and organizational consequences for pancreatic surgery, an element that represent indirect damage from COVID-19. This narrative review aims to summarize and analyze all the aspects of pancreatic involvement in COVID-19 patients, trying to establish the possible underlying mechanisms and scientific evidence supporting the association between COVID-19 and pancreatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Sinagra
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-921920712; Fax: +39-921920406
| | - Endrit Shahini
- Division of Gastroenterology, National Institute of Research “Saverio De Bellis”, Via Turi, 27, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Crispino
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ina Macaione
- Surgery Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Valentina Guarnotta
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal-Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Specialties of Excellence “G.D’Alessandro” (PROMISE), University Hospital P. Giaccone, University of Palermo, Piazza Delle Cliniche 2, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marta Marasà
- Radiology Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Sergio Testai
- Radiology Unit, Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, Contrada Pietra Pollastra Pisciotto, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Socrate Pallio
- Endoscopy Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, AOUP Policlinico G. Martino, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Albano
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, 20161 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Facciorusso
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Marcello Maida
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, S. Elia-Raimondi Hospital, 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy
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Sinagra E, Montalbano LM, Linea C, Giunta M, Tesè L, La Seta F, Malizia G, Orlando A, Marasà M, D'Amico G. Delayed-onset superior mesenteric artery syndrome presenting as oesophageal peptic stricture. Case Rep Gastroenterol 2012; 6:94-102. [PMID: 22619653 PMCID: PMC3355678 DOI: 10.1159/000336278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is an infrequent cause of vomiting and weight loss due to compression of the third part of the duodenum by the SMA. We describe the case of a 17-year-old woman, admitted to our department for progressive dysphagia and severe weight loss due to an oesophageal peptic stricture, caused by chronic acid reflux secondary to duodenal compression by the SMA. Symptoms improved after (par)enteral nutrition and repeated oesophageal dilatation, thus supporting the role of intensive medical and endoscopic intervention as an alternative to surgery, at least in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Sinagra
- Operative Unit of Gastroenterology, Palermo University, Palermo, Italy
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Giannitrapani L, Soresi M, Giacalone A, Campagna ME, Marasà M, Cervello M, Marasà S, Montalto G. IL-6 -174G/C polymorphism and IL-6 serum levels in patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. OMICS 2011; 15:183-6. [PMID: 21329460 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2010.0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, a link between high levels of circulating IL-6 and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been proposed. In addition, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of the IL-6 gene have been reported to be related to several inflammatory-related conditions, including cancer. The purpose of this article is: (1) to evaluate the frequencies of SNPs in the IL-6 promoter region at position -174 and IL-6 serum levels in a group of patients with HCC and underlying liver cirrhosis (LC), and compare them with a group of LC patients without HCC; (2) to determine whether a possible correlation exists between the allelic variations, IL-6 serum levels, and the risk of developing HCC. The study included 105 HCC and 95 LC patients. Genomic DNA was isolated using commercially available kits. DNA samples were typed for relevant SNPs of the IL-6 promoter region (-174 G>C, G allele being associated with higher levels of the cytokine). The Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP-PCR) method was used to type the SNPs. IL-6 serum levels were determined using an ultrasensitive commercially available ELISA kit. IL-6 serum levels were higher in G/G compared to C/C genotypes only in HCC (z=2; p=0.04) and G/G versus G/C (z=1.8; p<0.03). IL-6 serum levels in G carriers (G/G+G/C) were higher in HCC 4.8 (0.2-17.5) versus LC patients 2.2 (0.07-11.5) (z=2.8; p=0.004). There was no difference for genotype C/C. IL-6 serum levels in HCC correlated with G carriers (G/G+G/C) (ρ=0.25, p=0.05). A positive correlation was also found between sIL-6 levels and some parameters of liver function both in LC and in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Giannitrapani
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Emerging Pathologies, University of Palermo, and Department of Human Pathology, ARNAS Civico Hospital, Palermo, Italy.
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Rampino T, Marasà M, Malvezzi PM, Soccio G, Roscini E, Gamba G, Noris P, Alessiani M, Dal Canton A. Platelet-Independent defect in hemostasis associated with sirolimus use. Transplant Proc 2004; 36:700-2. [PMID: 15110636 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2004.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Sirolimus is currently used to prevent rejection of solid organ transplant, and sirolimus-eluting stents have shown promise for the prevention of coronary artery restenosis. Thrombocytopenia is a well-known adverse effect of sirolimus limiting its use. Herein we report on a patient in whom sirolimus caused a platelet-independent hemostasis defect. The patient was a 52-year-old woman who underwent renal transplant with consequent normal kidney function. The immunosuppressive regimen included basiliximab, steroids, and cyclosporine induction later shifted to sirolimus and mycophenolate due to biopsy findings of tubular necrosis on day 6 posttransplantation. At discharge the serum creatinine was 0.7 mg/dL. Four months after transplantation the patient was admitted to our hospital because of fever (37.5 degrees C to 38 degrees C), anorexia, and asthenia. Blood analysis showed: creatinine 1.7 mg/dL, Hb 9.6 g/dL, WBC 6 x 10(3)/microL, PLT 123 x 10(3)/microL, liver function tests normal, LDH 720 mU/mL, fibrinogen 628 mg/dL, d-dimer 0.42 ng/mL, FDP > 40 ng/mL, INR 1.10, PT 87%, aPTT 40 seconds. Cultures and tests for infection were negative. Serum sirolimus level was 25.9 ng/mL. The following day the serum creatinine rose to 2.3 mg/dL and diuresis fell to 20 mL/h. Multiple bleeding times (Ivy test) performed before the renal biopsy were repeatedly over 30 minutes (normal 3 to 5 minutes), despite normal platelet count and platelet function studies. There was no spontaneous aggregation and in vitro aggregation was normal (collagen, ADP, adrenalin, and ristocetin induced). Coagulation studies showed a defect in fibrin formation and a reduction of fibrinolysis. Suspension of sirolimus treatment was followed by remission of fever, improvement of renal function (serum creatinine 1.2 mg/dL), and normalization of bleeding time.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Rampino
- Unit of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and University, Pavia, Italy.
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