Volume 82 - 2019 - Fasc.1 - Case series
The history of Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica
The history of Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica is long, rich... and cloudy. There is no centralised archive available. However, all currently active gastroenterologists in Belgium have been trained with the journal, have published abstracts or manuscripts in it, or at least know of its existence. Whereas it started as a national society's journal in 1933, it has grown to a competitive international journal with Impact Factor. We felt the need to reconstruct the journal's long history, since this was never done before. This review tried to highlight some of the important milestones, without claiming to be complete. Looking back helps to better foresee and anticipate the future. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2019, 82, 57-61).
Terminal ileitis after kidney transplantation : Crohn's disease or other? Case reports and literature review
The finding of a terminal ileitis after kidney transplantation can cause a diagnostic challenge. Because the development of Crohn's disease under immunosuppressive therapy is unlikely, this diagnosis should only be considered after exclusion of infectious disease and drug-related intestinal toxicity. Defining the underlying cause of terminal ileitis is often hampered by a shortage of specific diagnostic tests or their lack of sensitivity. We present three patients with terminal ileitis after kidney transplantation resulting from different etiologies. Subsequently, we describe the characteristics that can help to make the differential diagnosis. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2019, 82, 63-66).
Rectal cancer surgery : what's in a name?
The field of rectal cancer treatment is a dynamic and changing field, due to better understanding of the pathology and new medical treatment options, but perhaps mostly due to innovations in the surgical approach.
Surgery is the cornerstone for rectal cancer treatment. Currently, Total Mesorectal Excision is the gold standard. After evolution towards laparoscopic TME, improving technology has led to the development of platforms that allow transanal TME and robotic TME. In addition, local excision can be performed safer and more accurately by means of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM), TransAnal Minimally Invasive Surgery or Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), possibly avoiding TME.
The aim of this review is to summarize the different surgical techniques and approaches for rectal cancer in function of tumor stage and describe the specifics of the technique. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2019, 82, 67-74).
Cholestatic pruritus : an update
Pruritus is a common, troublesome symptom in patients with cholestatic liver diseases, especially frequent in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Cholestatic associated pruritus can have profound effects on the quality of life. The underlying mechanism is still poorly understood. Severe potential pruritogens have been discussed, such as bile salts, opioids, steroid and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), but none of these are considered as key mediators. Because of this unraveling pathophysiology the treatment of hepatogenic pruritus often represents a clinical challenge. The EASL guidelines have suggested a step-wise approach, starting with elimination of pruritogens by bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine), in second line managing the metabolism of pruritogens (rifampicin) and in third-line and fourth- line by modifying the itch perception with µ-opioid antagonist or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssRI). In treatment-refractory pruritus interruption of the enterohepatic cycle by molecular absorbent recirculating system (MARS), nasobiliairy drainage or experimental therapy such as Ultraviolet B light therapy can be considered. Liver transplantation may be reserved for intractable pruritus. Clinical trials with novel agents are ongoing, potentially providing efficacious options in the future. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2019, 82, 75-82).
