Gastrointestinal Pathology Cases

About the cases:
These cases were developed for the G.I. Organ System Course by Dr. Juliana Szakacs in the Department of Pathology at the University of Utah. The use of the online medical records at the University Hospital is restricted to physicians and care givers with passwords. Please respect the privacy and confidentiality of patients at all times following HIPPA guidelines. The cases published on this web-site have no personal identifiers.

How to use the cases for study:
1. These cases will guide you through the presentations and diagnoses of complex GI diseases. Follow the cases part by part and answer the questions as you come to them in your small groups.
2. Review the gross materials at your lab station during the first lab period.
4. Groups of two students will be assigned one case to present at the next lab meeting. During the week between the first and second lab sessions review the comprehensive case materials linked to the last part of the case, complete your research on the disease entity being presented and look at the current literature in the field. Answer the questions assigned in the last part of the case using both texts and current literature; be sure to reference your work. Prepare a 5-7 minute oral presentation as you would for attending rounds. (This includes a brief summary of the chief complaint, pertinent history, labs, X-rays and hospital course; pay close attention to how the diagnosis was made and the outcome.) Present the pathology using images on the computer; you may use this program or any other format you wish. You will present your case to another group of students who did not originally see the case, so be clear and concise!
5. A written copy of the assigned questions from the last part of your case must be turned in to your facilitator during the second lab; your report as well as your oral presentation will be graded. If you worked with other students in the class on one case, you may turn in one report with all the names and you will each receive the same grade. Be sure to reference the material in your answers and use at least one piece of current literature from a MEDLINE search.

Goals and Objectives:
Following the participation in lab sessions one and two the student will be able to:

1. Compile a differential diagnosis based on the clinical presentation and findings, determine appropriate use of laboratory, and recommend modes of therapy.

2. Use the library electronic reference system to research data on diseases, therapies and drugs

3. Understand the basic pathology, presentation, and treatment of GI disorders including:

      A. Crohn’s disease and its complications

      B. Pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocysts

      C. Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis

      D. Hepatic cirrhosis and GI bleeding

      E. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor

      F. Benign gastric and duodenal ulcers

      G. Pancreatic carcinoma

      H. Gastric carcinoma

4. Compile data on a patient and present it in the form of a Clinical Pathological Correlation.