Seguimiento endoscópico e histológico post ablación con argón plasma del esófago de Barrett extenso en pacientes sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico previo / Argon plasma ablation of extensive Barrett esophagus: experience in 19 patients

Background: Endoscopic argon plasma ablation of Barrett esophagus decreases the risk of future esophageal cancer development. Aim: To assess the endoscopic regression of columnar epithelium and the presence of intestinal metaplasia among patients operated for Barrett esophagus and subjected to argon plasma ablation. Patients and Methods: In 19 patients with extensive Barrett esophagus subjected to a Nissen fundoplication, Barrett esophagus was endoscopically ablated with argon plasma. Patients were assessed 6 and 12 months after surgery to evaluate the regression of columnar epithelium and the presence of intestinal metaplasia. Results: One, two and three ablation sessions were carried out in 10, three and six patients, respectively. Three patients had complications. The initial length of columnar epithelium segment was 52 +/- 15.6 mm and decreased to 22.6 +/- 10.6 mm (p < 0.05). In 12 patients, there was absence of intestinal metaplasia on follow up, in six it persisted (one of them with "buried cells") and in one patient, dysplasia appeared. Conclusions: Endoscopic argon plasma ablation may have a complementary therapeutic role for the regression of columnar epithelium in Barrett esophagus.

Introducción: Pacientes con esófago de Barrett extenso presentan un riesgo de cáncer. De allí surge la posibilidad de someter a estos pacientes a ablación con argón plasma por vía endoscópica para disminuir este riesgo de desarrollar un adenocarcinoma. Objetivo: Evaluar la regresión endoscópica del epitelio columnar y la presencia de metaplasia intestinal en pacientes operados por esófago de Barrett y sometidos a ablación con argón plasma. Material y Método: Se incluyen 19 pacientes en este estudio, todos ellos con esófago de Barrett extenso confirmado por endoscopia e histología, los cuales se someten a ablación con argón plasma por vía endoscópica. Estos pacientes se controlaron con endoscopia e histológicamente a los 6 meses y al año de operados para evaluar la regresión del área con epitelio columnar y precisar la presencia histológica de metaplasia intestinal. Resultados: En 10 pacientes se efectuó 1 sesión de ablación, en 3 pacientes 2 sesiones y en 6 pacientes se efectuó 3 sesiones de ablación. Tres pacientes presentaron complicaciones. El largo de las lengüetas de epitelio columnar inicial fue de 52 +/- 15,6 mm el cual disminuyó a 22,6 +/- 10,6 mm (p < 0,05). El seguimiento histológico reveló ausencia de metaplasia intestinal en 12 pacientes (63,1 por ciento) persistencia de metaplasia en 6 pacientes (1 de ellos con células en submucosa, "buried cells") y un paciente con aparición de displasia. Conclusión: La ablación con argón plasma puede tener un rol en el tratamiento complementario a la cirugía para mejorar la regresión del epitelio columnar y disminuir los riesgos de presentar un adenocarcinoma de Barrett.

Enfermedad linfoproliferativa difusa postrasplante en adultos: comunicación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in adults: case report and review of the literature

The post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) corresponds to a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative diseases that develop in solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients. It occurs in 3-10 percent of patients receiving solid organ transplants, mostly children. It is called early PTLD if it occurs in the first year after transplantation, if it affects B-cell lymphocytes and is associated with infection by Epstein-Barr virus. Late presentation occurs after the first year of transplantation and its pathogenesis is less clear. Clinical manifestations vary from a benign mononucleosis-like clinical setting to high-grade tumors with high mortality (40-60 percent). Treatment depends on the extent of the disease, including reduction of immunosuppressive therapy, radiotherapy, surgery and, more recently, the use of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. We report the case of a 67 year-old woman presenting with PTLD on the eighth month after receiving a liver graft.

La enfermedad linfoproliferativa difusa postrasplante (ELDP), corresponde a un grupo heterogéneo de desórdenes linfoproliferativos que se desarrollan en receptores de órganos sólidos y médula ósea. Ocurre en 3 a 10 por ciento de los pacientes receptores de órganos sólidos, fundamentalmente pediátricos. Se denomina ELDP precoz si se presenta en el primer año posterior al trasplante, afecta a los linfocitos de estirpe B y se asocia a la infección por virus Epstein-Barr. La presentación tardía ocurre luego del primer año de trasplante y su etiopatogenia es menos clara. Las manifestaciones clínicas varían desde un cuadro benigno similar a la mononucleosis a neoplasias de alto grade, con elevada mortalidad (40-60 por ciento). El tratamiento dependerá de la extensión de la enfermedad, incluyendo reducción del tratamiento inmunosupresor, radioterapia, cirugía y más recientemente el uso de anticuerpos monoclonales anti CD20. Presentamos el caso clínico de una mujer de 67 años, que al octavo mes de recibir un injerto hepático presenta ELDP.

Esofagitis eosinofílica: presentación de 4 casos y revisión de la literatura / Eosinophilic esophagitis: report of four cases

Eosinophilic esophagitis is and uncommon disorder with an increasing incidence. We report four cases with ages ranging from 25 to 70 years. Disphagia of different intensity was present in all of them, the diagnosis was suggested by the endoscopic aspect and confirmed by histophatological finding of and increased eosinophilic infiltrate. A good response to treatment was observed in all the patients. This diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting with dysphagia or food impactation, mainly when stricture or narrowing are absent.

La esofagitis eosinofílica es una enfermedad poco frecuente con una incidencia en aumento. Se presentan 4 casos con un rango de edad entre 25 a 70 años. Todos presentaron disfagia de diferente intensidad, el diagnóstico se sospechó por el aspecto endoscópico y fue confirmado por el hallazgo histopatológico de un denso infiltrado eosinófilo. Una buena respuesta al tratamiento se observó en todos ellos. Este diagnóstico debe considerarse en presencia de disfagia o impactación de un bolo alimentario en ausencia de estrechez del lumen esofágico.

Cirrosis biliar primaria: experiencia de trece años en dos centros de referencia / Primary biliary cirrhosis: a thirteen years experience

Background: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic disease, which can progress to hepatic failure. Aim: To study the clinical presentation, pathological features, treatment and outcome of a group of patients with PBC. Material and methods: Retrospective review of medical records of 115 patients (110 females, age range 30-76 years) with PBC. Clinical presentation, pathological stage, treatment, outcome and eventual use of liver transplantation, were recorded. Result: Seventy eight percent of patients were symptomatic at presentation (itching in 69% and malaise in 62%). Antimitochondrial antibodies were positive in 56%. No clinical or laboratory differences were observed between symptomatic patients or those with positive antimitochondrial antibodies and the rest of the study group. Sjögren syndrome was present in 38%, hypothyroidism in 13%, scleroderma in 7% and rheumatoid arthritis in 5%. Initially, 61% had fibrosis and/or cirrhosis, and ursodeoxycholic acid was indicated in 94% of the patients. Fifteen patients underwent liver transplantation due to upper digestive bleeding or itching. Survival has been 67% at 36 months after transplantation. In one transplanted liver, PBC recurred. Conclusions: An early diagnosis and treatment of a progressive disease such as PBC will reduce the incidence of complications and the use of costly treatments.

Candidiasis esofágica en pacientes inmunocompetentes: estudio clínico e inmunológico / Clinical and immunological study of 10 immunocompetent patients with esophageal candidiasis

Background: Esophageal candidiasis is associated with conditions that cause an immune depression. It is a defining disease for AIDS, is observed in poorly controlled diabetics, in patients with renal or hepatic failure, in patients with cancer and in subjects using medications causing immunosuppression or broad spectrum antimicrobials. Aim: To report the features of 10 immunocompetent patients with esophageal candidiasis. Patients and methods: Six males and four females aged between 48 and 82 years, without conditions associated with immunosuppression, in whom an esophageal candidiasis was found on an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Delayed skin hypersensitivity to eight antigens, Iymphocyte subpopulations, yeast phagocytosis and neutrophil chemotaxis were measured. Results: Six patients had a low CD4 Iymphocyte count and seven had a low CD8 count. Seven patients were anergic on skin hypersensitivity challenge. Yeast phagocytosis was abnormal in one patient and neutrophil chemotaxis was abnormal in two. Humoral immunity was normal in all subjects. All patients were treated with oral fluconazole in doses of 150 mg/day for 14 days, with complete resolution of candidiasis in all. Conclusions: Patients with esophageal candidiasis, have frequent alterations of cellular immunity, that must be diagnosed and treated.