Chronic Pancreatitis (CP) is a debilitating disease that classically presents with recurrent bouts of acute pancreatitis, chronic abdominal pain as well as evidence of end organ damage. This is a result of extensive fibrosis and inflammation within the gland that eventually leads to both exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. Continue reading “Diagnostic Criteria for Chronic Pancreatitis”
Approximately 37% of adults, and as many as 70% of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a subtype of NAFLD characterized by inflammation, ballooning, and Mallory’s hyaline on liver biopsy, can lead to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Both NAFLD and NASH are also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular and liver-related mortality, and impaired health-related quality of life. Continue reading “Screening for Advanced Fibrosis Related to NAFLD/NASH”
The Prague C & M criteria, developed for the endoscopic grading of Barrett’s esophagus (BE), (C = circumferential length, M = maximal length) were previously validated among a panel of expert endoscopists with a special interest in BE. Continue reading “Prague C&M Criteria for the Endoscopic Grading of Barrett’s Esophagus”
Normal dietary consumption and absorption of copper exceed the metabolic need, and homeostasis of this element is maintained exclusively by the biliary excretion of copper. Wilson’s disease is an inherited disorder in which defective biliary excretion of copper leads to its accumulation, particularly in liver and brain. Continue reading “Diagnostic Scoring System for Wilson’s Disease”
A cost-effective diagnostic workup of patients with possible acute viral hepatitis is the most reasonable approach. Because 75% of cases of acute viral hepatitis result from infection with either HAV or HBV, the initial laboratory investigation should include serologic tests to exclude HAV or HBV. If the results of these studies are negative, further testing should be done to rule out acute HCV infection, which is less common. Serum HCV RNA is detectable 1 to 2 weeks after the onset of infection, whereas anti-HCV can be detected 8 to 10 weeks following infection with the virus. In clinically stable patients, waiting and checking the presence of antibodies to HCV may be plausible. Checking for HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction in all patients is not cost-effective, unless there is a known history of blood exposure. Finally, not all acute hepatitis is viral. If the initial evaluation fails to show viral hepatitis, then other causes of hepatitis, such as alcoholic hepatitis, drug toxicity, autoimmune hepatitis, or Wilson’s disease, should be considered. Continue reading “Cost-Effective Laboratory Evaluation of Acute Viral Hepatitis”
Hepatic fibrosis is the most important determinant of liver and non-liver outcomes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, identifying patients with clinically significant hepatic fibrosis (fibrosis stage 2 or higher) is important for targeted efforts at preventing disease progression.
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a subtype of NAFLD characterized by inflammation, ballooning, and Mallory’s hyaline on liver biopsy, can lead to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Both NAFLD and NASH are also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular and liver-related mortality, and impaired health-related quality of life.
Continue reading “Screening for Advanced Hepatic Fibrosis Related to NAFLD/NASH”
Portal hypertension is the haemodynamic abnormality associated with the most severe complications of cirrhosis, including ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and bleeding from gastroesophageal varices. Variceal bleeding is a medical emergency associated with a mortality that, in spite of recent progress, is still in the order of 10–20% at 6 weeks. The evaluation of diagnostic tools and the design and conduct of good clinical trials for the treatment of portal hypertension have always been difficult. Continue reading “Baveno VI Criteria for Compensated Advanced Chronic Liver Disease (cACLD)”
Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) (previously hyperplastic polyposis) is defined by number and size of serrated polyps in the colon and rectum, but the definition is purely arbitrary and there is no known genotype.
SPS is associated with a high risk of colorectal cancer, not only in the affected patient, but also family members. The carcinogenesis can be rapid, with several series describing interval cancers occurring quickly. Continue reading “WHO Criteria for Diagnosis of Serrated Polyposis Syndrome (SPS)”
Gas, bloating, and belching are associated with a variety of conditions but are most commonly caused by functional gastrointestinal disorders. These disorders are characterized by disordered motility and visceral hypersensitivity that are often worsened by psychological distress. Continue reading “Rome IV Diagnostic Criteria for Belching Disorders”
Nausea is a subjective symptom and can be defined as an unpleasant sensation of the imminent need to vomit, typically experienced in the epigastrium or throat. Vomiting refers to the forceful oral expulsion of gastrointestinal contents associated with contraction of the abdominal and chest wall muscles. Continue reading “Rome IV Diagnostic Criteria for Nausea and Vomiting Disorders”
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