Introduction: Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is increasing in Western countries, and Barrett’s esophagus (BE) represents its only known premalignant condition. BE affects approximately 1–2% of the general population and up to 14% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Data from Latin America and Chile remain limited. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of BE, the neoplasia detection rate (NDR), and the endoscopic quality criteria associated with neoplasia detection in a Chilean university center. Materials and methods: A longitudinal cohort study including all patients with BE identified among upper gastrointestinal endoscopies performed at the Red de Salud UC CHRISTUS between January 2015 and December 2022. Patients with a history of other digestive neoplasms or referred with previously diagnosed BE/EAC were excluded. Demographic, endoscopic, and histopatholog...

Abstract Drug-induced esophageal ulcers constitute an acquired chemical injury to the esophageal mucosa, most frequently associated with tetracyclines, particularly doxycycline. We report a case of "kissing ulcers" diagnosed through esophagogastroduodenoscopy in a young woman undergoing doxycycline treatment for rosacea. The pathogenesis is linked to drug-specific factors, such as caustic effects, hyperosmolar properties, and prolonged mucosal contact with the medication, in addition to patient-specific risks, including esophageal motility disorders, reduced saliva production, and mid-esophageal anatomical compression. Clinically, patients commonly present with abrupt-onset chest pain, dysphagia, and odynophagia, while endoscopic findings often reveal mucosal erythema, erosions, and specular distribution esophageal ulcers (referred to as “kissing ulcers”). Management involves discont...

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are a global public health concern. In 2019, there were 295.9 million people with chronic hepatitis B and 57.8 million with HCV, and less than 20% were aware of their status. In 2017, there were 37 million people with HIV, and 75% were diagnosed. Creating accessible screening strategies remains a challenge. The use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) is a cost-effective and simple option. The endoscopy unit is an ideal setting due to its high patient flow and qualified personnel. Objective: To evaluate the use and acceptance of two RDTs for detecting HIV, HBV, and HCV in patients undergoing endoscopic examination and to determine the percentage of refusal to undergo testing. Materials and methods: An observational cross-sectional pilot study was conducted. Adults enterin...

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) is the leading cause of oncologic death in Chile. Since 2006, the health authority has recommended upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) for symptomatic individuals ≥40 years old. In 2010, the UGE coverage in this group was estimated at 14%. Objective: To evaluate UGE coverage for GC screening in Chile using data from the National Health Survey (NHS) 2016-17. Materials and methods: The NHS 2016-17 surveyed 6,233 adults about the presence of persistent epigastric pain, possible upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and UGE. UGE prevalences among different groups were compared, and multivariate models adjusted for sex, age, income, education, area of residence, and belonging to an indigenous group were constructed. Results: Both persistent epigastric pain and possible upper gastrointestinal bleeding were reported by 4.7%, being higher in the ≥ 40-year-old ...

Latin America presents a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection. Between 1996-2003, the prevalence in Santiago, Chile, was 70%; recent studies indicate a decrease in this infection. Updating the frequency of Hp is crucial due to its associated health impact. Objective: Our objective was to describe the trend in Hp infection in patients undergoing ambulatory esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in a Chilean population. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients over 18 years old who attended a first EGD with a rapid urease test between 2010-2020. Time trends were described through time series analysis. A Poisson model was constructed to estimate the risk of infection, adjusted for age and gender. Results: 11,355 patients were included [66.9% females; mean age 52 years; Hp 41.6%]. Male gender presented a higher frequency of Hp infection ...