Volume 69 - 2006 - Fasc.1 - Case reports
(18)FDG-PET-scan in staging of primary malignant melanoma of the oeso- phagus : a case report
Primary malignant melanoma of the oesophagus is a rare dis- ease, only 262 cases being reported up to June 2005. In general, the prognosis is dismal because of its tendency to present as an advanced neoplasm with aggressive biological behaviour. (18)FDG-PET-scan is a useful tool for evaluation of metastatic dis- ease and locoregional lymph node metastasis. We present herein a case of a young adult with primary malignant melanoma of the oesophagus, followed by a literature review on the subject. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2006, 69, 12-14).
Diffuse idiopathic colonic varices presenting with lower gastrointestinal bleeding in an elderly patient : a case report and review of the literature
We report a case of lower gastrointestinal bleeding caused by idiopathic colonic varices. A 74-year-old woman presented with rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy revealed numerous varices of the entire colon, which, after an extensive work-up, proved to be idio- pathic. No specific therapy or transfusions were required and there has been no further bleeding to date (follow-up 10 months). Review of the literature demonstrates that diffuse idiopathic colonic varices are a rare cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, especially as the first presentation in an elderly patient. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2006, 69, 15-19).
Severe thrombophilic diathesis starting with hepatic vein thrombosis (BUDD- CHIARI syndrome) in a family with a new Protein S gene mutation
We report the case of a 26-year-old man with a chronic Budd- Chiari syndrome (BCS) with ascites, caused by a hereditary Protein S (PS) deficiency, in a Turkish family with consanguinity.
In this family, the father, the two sisters and the young brother suffered from severe venous thrombosis of the limbs, with pul- monary embolism in two of them.
Those thrombotic events are caused by a hitherto not reported mutation in the PROS 1 gene on chromosome 3, resulting in a severe familial PS deficiency.
No other thrombophilic defect was detected in the family, despite extensive investigation.
Furthermore, we observe hereditary twenty-nail dystrophy in this family, the two genes probably segregating independently.
Prophylaxis is discussed. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2006, 69, 20- 24).
GLEM-LOK report on proctology practice in Belgium. Results, comments and recommendations
The article summarizes the response of 88 Belgian gastroen- terologists to a questionnaire on proctology practice, established by the common evaluation groups (GLEM/LOK) of medical prac- tice.
The results of the inquiry concerning hemorrhoids, anal fissure, abscess and fistula, and faecal incontinence are discussed sepa- rately. Each chapter is completed by specific therapeutic and/or diagnostic recommendations. These are based on the official state- ments of the American Gastroenterological Association and on our own clinical practice. There are still no official guidelines on proc- tology in Belgium and neighbouring countries.
The diagnostic and therapeutic quality of the approach of our proctologic patients should improve by appropriate proctologic education and training in selected centres. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2006, 69, 25-30).
