[Autoimmune pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic tumor]. / Pancreastumort utánzó autoimmun pancreatitis.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare disease of unknown pathomechanism. AIP belongs to the IgG4-related disease family and responds well to steroids, although the relapse rate can reach up to 20-30%. Differentiation of AIP from the more common pancreatic cancer can be very challenging. About 20% of autoimmune pancreatitis is diagnosed postoperatively during final histological examination. While each of diagnostic investigations provide some additional information towards definitive diagnosis, the question still remains whether it is possible to prevent unnecessary pancreatic resection. We demonstrate the differential diagnostic opportunities when we present our case as well as discuss the literature data of this condition. In conclusion, we think that in case of a focal pancreatic lesion AIP should always be considered.

Autoimmune pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic tumor.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare disease of unknown pathomechanism. It belongs to the IgG4-related disease family and responds well to steroids, although the relapse rate can reach up to 20-30%. Differentiating AIP from the more common pancreatic cancer can be very challenging. About 20% of AIP is diagnosed postoperatively during final histological examination. Each of the investigative tools can add something to the definitive diagnosis; the question remains whether it is possible to prevent an unnecessary resection. Through our case we would like to demonstrate the differential diagnostic opportunities and present the literary background of this issue. In conclusion, we can state that whenever a focal pancreatic lesion is encountered AIP should always be considered.

[Safety of gastrointestinal endoscopy during pregnancy]. / Terhesek biztonságos endoszkópos vizsgálata.

There are only few data of gastrointestinal endoscopy in pregnant patients. Only 0.4% of all procedures are carried out during pregnancy. Case reports and some small retrospective studies are available. Because of physiological changes in pregnancy there might be special risks of endoscopy. There might be complaints which can be physiologic during pregnancy, but can be signs of gastrointestinal disorders, too. Therefore, indications for endoscopy are not always clear and easy. Safety of the procedures is also not well studied. Besides the risks of endoscopy, medication given to the mother, electrocoagulation and radiation exposure from fluoroscopy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography might be harmful to the fetus. Endoscopy should only be done when indication is unquestionable and strong. Only FDA "A" and "B" category medication is allowed. Gastroscopy is necessary for bleeding and for patients with pyrosis going together with alarm signs. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fecal occult blood test positivity are not indications for endoscopy, only for gastroenterogical consultation. Sigmoidoscopy is recommended for indication of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and sigmoid or rectal mass. Only therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography should be performed. Obstructive jaundice and biliary pancreatitis need immediate endoscopic intervention. The fetus must be shielded from radiation exposure.

[Transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy?]. / Transnasalis oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopia?

INTRODUCTION: The most proper examination for the morphological changes of the upper gastrointestinal tract is endoscopy. The standard oro-gastric route is carried out under conscious sedation, but the drugs used might have cardiopulmonary side effects. Furthermore there are a few conditions when this routine endoscopy is technically impossible. AIMS: Could these failures be avoided with an endoscope led through the nose? Are there advantages of the use of ultrathin endoscopes for transnasal oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy? PATIENTS/METHODS: Own experiences with transnasal therapeutic endoscopies on patients with cancer in the head and neck region compared with data from the literature. RESULTS: Based on literature and on own experiences, transnasal oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy may be advised in cases with trismus, stenosis of the upper aero-digestive tract, oropharyngeal dysphagia, cricopharyngeal achalasia, in several neurosurgical conditions and on severely ill ventilated patients. I.v. premedication is not always necessary for transnasal oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy done with ultrathin endoscopes. CONCLUSIONS: The oesophagus might be accessed also via the nose, but it must be emphasized that transnasal oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy is only advised when the standard way of upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy is impossible.