Acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) is defined as more than two attacks of acute pancreatitis with complete or almost complete resolution of symptoms and signs of pancreatitis between episodes. The initial evaluation fails to detect the cause of ARP in 10%–30% of patients, whose condition is classified as idiopathic ARP. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has gained increasing attention as a useful imaging modality for the pancreas and the extrahepatic biliary tree. The close proximity of the pancreas to the digestive tract allows EUS to obtain detailed images of this organ. This review aims to record pancreaticobiliary endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and other imaging modalities in the clinical management of patients with idiopathic ARP.

Background:The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and their associated risk factors among hemodialysis patients in Isfahan, Iran in 2011.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, a total of 499 chronic hemodialysis patients from eight governmental hemodialysis centers were tested. Demographic information, time duration on hemodialysis, history of blood transfusion, and the number of transfused blood units as risk factors to HBV and HCV infections were calculated. The status of HBsAg and anti-HCV was assessed by serological testing.Results:The overall prevalence of HBV-positive and HCV-positive among study population was 1.2% and 5.2%, respectively. Age, sex, and time duration on hemodialysis were not statistically significant in HBV- and HCV-patients compared with other hemodialysis patients (P > 0.05). History of blood transfusion and the number of transfused blood units in HBV infected patients were similar to other patients (P > 0.05). The main risk factors in hemodialysis patients infected by HCV were history of blood transfusion and the number of transfused blood units (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:In conclusion, the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in hemodialysis centers in Isfahan is lower than in some other cities of Iran. History of blood transfusion and the number of blood units transfused might be a risk factor for HCV gaining. However, further studies are needed to assess the role of other demographic and clinical risk factors in these patients.

Background:  Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. FAP is characterized by development of multiple adenomatous polyps (>100) in the colon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of gastroduodenal polyps in FAP patients referred to the Taleghani hospital, a teaching referral center in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: Front-view and side-view endoscopies were performed in 33 FAP patients. Papillary biopsies were taken for all patients. Site of polyps, their number and size, histologic findings, patient general information (gender, age and family history of FAP/colorectal cancer/gastroduodenal polyps) were collected and reported. 28 patients of the study were evaluated using upper GI endoscopy again after 5 years for changes in characteristics and probable transformation of polyps into cancer. Results: Gastric polyps were seen in 42.4 % of patients. 76.45% of the patients had fundic gland polyps and hyperplastic polyps were noticed in 39.93% of them. Duodenal adenomas were found in 30.3% of patients which were reported to be tubular adenomas with low grade dysplasia and tubulovillous adenomas with low grade dysplasia in 60% and 45% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: Findings of this study bespeak the high prevalence of gastroduodenal polyps and the presence of dysplasia in duodenal polyps among FAP patients referred to the hospital. Therefore, it appears that routine gastroduodenal endoscopy in FAP patients is necessary.

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