Mutación del gen K-ras en el cáncer de la vesícula biliar / K-ras gene mutation in gallbladder carcinoma

Background: Different K-ras mutation frequencies in gallbladder cancer have been reported. Aim: To study the frequency of K-ras gene mutations in advanced gallbladder carcinoma not associated to anomalous junction of pancreatic-biliary duct (AJPBD). Material and methods: 33 formalin fixed paraffin embedded samples of gallbladder carcinoma (30 women, age range 32-86 years) were selected. Pancreatic cancer tissue with K-ras mutations was used as control. DNA was extracted from the histological section by mean of microdissection and K-ras mutations in codon 12 were detected by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), using previously reported technique. Results: Most cases were poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas. K-ras mutation was detected in 10 cases (30%) samples. No differences in K-ras mutation frequency between subserous and serous tumors were detected and no relation between histological features and the mutation was observed. Conclusions: K-ras mutation in codon 12 is present in 30% in our advanced gallbladder carcinomas. The study of K-ras mutation in preneoplastic lesions and early carcinomas will be important to determine the role of this gene in the gallbladder carcinogenesis in Chile (Rev Méd Chile 2004; 132: 955-60).

Colangiocarcinoma primario asociado a enfermedad de Caroli / Primary cholangiocarcinoma asociated with Caroli disease

A 68 years old male presented with right hypochondrium abdominal pain and jaundice with no other clinical finding. CAT Scan and Ultrasonography showed right lobe bile duct dilatation. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography gave an outstanding vision of a restricted right lobe bile duct dilatation associated to choledocholithiasis. A right hepatectomy and bile duct exploration were performed. The histopathological study disclosed a Caroli disease associated to a primary cholangiocarcinoma. Caroli disease is a congenital disorder characterized by intrahepatic cystic bile duct dilatation with a high risk association with cholangiocarcinoma