We investigated the impactof microsatellite instability (MSI) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) status in gastric cancer (GC), regarding response to perioperative chemotherapy (POPChT), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). We included 137 cases of operated GC, 51 of which were submitted to POPChT. MSI status was determined by multiplex PCR and EBV status by EBV-encoded RNA in situ hybridization. Thirty-seven (27%) cases presented as MSI-high, and seven (5.1%) were EBV+. Concerning tumor regression after POPChT, no differences were observed between the molecular subtypes, but females were more likely to respond (p=0.062). No significant differences were found in OS or PFS between different subtypes. In multivariate analysis, age (HR 1.02, IC 95% 1.002–1.056, p=0.033) and positive lymph nodes (HR 1.82, IC 95% 1.034–3.211, p=0.038) were the only prognostic factors for OS. However, females with MSI-high tumors treated with POPChT demonstrated a significantly increased OS compared to females with MSS tumors (p=0.031). In conclusion, we found a high proportion of MSI-high cases. MSI and EBV status did not influence OS or PFS either in patients submitted to POPChT or surgery alone. However, superior survival of females with MSI-high tumors suggests that sex disparities and molecular classification may influence treatment options in GC.

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Microsatellite instability (MSI) is an important prognostic molecular biomarker for gastric cancer (GC). MSI status may be detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for mismatch repair (MMR) proteins and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Idylla™ MSI assay has not been validated for GC but may prove to be a valid alternative. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In a series of 140 GC cases, MSI status was evaluated by IHC for MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6; gold-standard pentaplex PCR panel (PPP) (BAT-25, BAT-26, NR-21, NR-24, and NR-27); and Idylla. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0. <b><i>Results:</i></b> PPP identified 102 microsatellite stable (MSS) cases and 38 MSI-high cases. Only 3 cases showed discordant results. Compared with PPP, the sensitivity was 100% for IHC and 94.7% for Idylla. Specificity was 99% for IHC and 100% for Idylla. MLH1 IHC alone showed sensitivity and specificity of 97.4% and 98.0%, respectively. IHC identified three indeterminate cases; all were MSS according to PPP and Idylla. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> IHC for MMR proteins represents an optimal screening tool for MSI status in GC. If resources are limited, isolated MLH1 evaluation may constitute a valuable option for preliminary screening. Idylla may help detect rare MSS cases with MMR-loss and define MSI status in indeterminate cases.

Background Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is an established non-invasive tool for monitoring disease activity in Crohn’s disease, however its value in ulcerative colitis (UC) is still less clear. Our goal was to correlate IUS features with well-established disease targets in UC. Methods Prospective study including patients with left-sided (E2) or extensive (E3) UC. Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI), patient reported outcomes (PRO-2), C-reactive protein (CRP), fecal calprotectin (FCal) and endoscopic activity (Mayo endoscopic subscore - sMayo) were evaluated. IUS features included bowel wall thickness (BWT) and color Doppler flow (CDF), assessed by modified Limberg score. The most affected segment was selected for analysis. Clinical remission was defined by SCAAI ≤ 2, endoscopic remission by sMayo of 0 and IUS remission by BWT ≤ 3 mm and CDF=0. Results 17 UC patients (59% males, median age 44 (20-68) years, 53% E3) were included and evaluated in 46 different time-points, with concomitant endoscopic assessment in 31 cases. Overall, 55% were in clinical remission, 30% in endoscopic remission and 22% in IUS remission. The sigmoid colon was the most affect segment by IUS (46%) and endoscopy (39%). Median BWT in the most affected segment was 4.28 (3.08-6.25) mm and 83% had a Limberg score ≥ 1. Median CRP was 0.41 (0.06-18.55) mg/dL and FCal 80 (3-8000) ug/g. There was a moderate agreement between IUS and endoscopy regarding the most affected segment (k=0.43, p&lt;0.001). BWT showed a strong correlation with sMayo and CRP and a moderate correlation with FCal, SCCAI and PRO-2. CDF showed no significant correlations with clinical, biochemical and endoscopic features (Table 1). Patients with IUS remission presented higher rates of endoscopic remission (78% vs 10%, p&lt;0.001) and lower sMayo scores (0 vs 2, p&lt;0.001), together with lower FCal (21 vs 133 ug/g, p=0.01) and CRP levels (0.08 vs 0.54, p&lt;0.01). Conclusion IUS features showed a significant correlation with endoscopic activity, clinical activity and biomarkers. IUS remission was associated with endoscopic remission and lower biomarker activity, suggesting that IUS is an accurate method to evaluate UC patients both with active disease and in remission.

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<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Groove pancreatitis (GP) is a type of chronic segmental pancreatitis that affects the pancreatoduodenal groove area, and it is often misdiagnosed. Outflow obstruction of the minor papilla associated with alcohol consumption seems to be the main pathophysiological mechanism, and it affects mainly middle-aged males. Symptoms include nausea and postprandial vomiting from gastric outlet obstruction, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Despite modern advances, such as radiological and endoscopic methods, distinction between GP and pancreatic cancer remains a challenge, and histological examination is sometimes necessary. When a diagnosis can be obtained without a surgical specimen, management can be conservative in the absence of acute or chronic complications. <b><i>Case Presentation:</i></b> The authors present 2 clinical cases which portray the diagnostic workup and management decisions of this entity. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> GP is a clinical entity, offering diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Imaging exams are crucial in the diagnosis and follow-up, but surgery may be necessary in a significant number of cases due to the incapacity to rule out malignancy.