Colonic manifestations of PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome: Case series and systematic review

AIM:To investigate our clinical experience with the colonic manifestations of phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome ten(PTEN)hamartoma tumor syndrome(PHTS)and to perform a systematic literature review regarding the same.METHODS:This study was approved by the appropriate institutional review board prior to initiation.A clinical genetics database was searched for patients with PHTS or a component syndrome that received gastrointestinal endoscopy or pathology interpretation at our center.These patient’s records were retrospectively reviewed for clinical characteristics(including family history and genetic testing),endoscopy results and pathology findings.We also performed a systematic review of the literature for case series of PHTS or component syndromes that reported gastrointestinal manifestations and investigations published after consensus diagnostic criteria were established in 1996.These results were compiled and reported.RESULTS:Eight patients from our institution met initial inclusion criteria.Of these,5 patients underwent4.2 colonoscopies at mean age 45.8±10.8 years.All were found to have colon polyps during their clinical course and polyp histology included adenoma,hyperplastic,ganglioneuroma and juvenile.No malignant lesions were identified.Two had multiple histologic types.One patient underwent colectomy due to innumerable polyps and concern for future malignant potential.Systematic literature review of PHTS patients undergoing endoscopy revealed 107 patients receiving colonoscopy at mean age 37.4 years.Colon polyps were noted in92.5%and multiple colon polyp histologies were reported in 53.6%.Common polyp histologies included hyperplastic(43.6%),adenoma(40.4%),hamartoma(38.3%),ganglioneuroma(33%)and inflammatory(24.5%)polyps.Twelve(11.2%)patients had colorectal cancer at mean age 46.7 years(range 35-62).Clinical outcomes secondary to colon polyposis and malignancy were not commonly reported.CONCLUSION:PHTS has a high prevalence of colon polyposis with multiple histologic types.It should be considered a mixed polyposis syndrome.Systematic review found an increased prevalence of colorectal cancer and we recommend initiating colonoscopy for colorectal cancer surveillance at age 35 years.     

Genetic Variation in the Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor-Gamma Gene Is Associated with Histologically Advanced NAFLD

Background  

The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPARG) is a nuclear receptor that regulates adipocyte differentiation, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism, thus, it represents a good candidate gene for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).     

Histopathology of surgically treated renal tumours in young adults: a developing country perspective

Background  

There is no data on the histopathological characteristics of renal tumours in young adults in Pakistan.     

Gastrointestinal and hepatic complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Recognition and management of gastrointestinal and hepatic complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has gained increasing importance as indications and techniques of transplantation have expanded in the last few years. The transplant recipient is at risk for several complications including conditioning chemotherapy related toxicities, infections, bleeding, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) as well as other long-term problems. The severity and the incidence of many complications have improved in the past several years as the intensity of conditioning regimens has diminished and better supportive care and GVHD prevention strategies have been implemented. Transplant clinicians, however, continue to be challenged with problems arising from human leukocyte antigen-mismatched and unrelated donor transplants, expanding transplant indications and age-limit. This review describes the most commonly seen transplant related complications, focusing on their pathogenesis, differential diagnosis and management.