María Bernarda Álvarez-Alvarez

Dr. María Bernarda Álvarez-Alvarez


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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2 April 2025 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MSMario Martín Sánchez
Mario Martín Sánchez
VDVíctor Domínguez-Prieto
Víctor Domínguez-Prieto
SQSiyuan Qian
Siyuan Qian
HQHernán Dario Quiceno
Hernán Dario Quiceno
MÁMaría Bernarda Álvarez-Alvarez
María Bernarda Álvarez-Alvarez
Pedro VILLAREJO Villarejo-camposPedro VILLAREJO Villarejo-campos
Pedro VILLAREJO Villarejo-campos
Objectives: Inflammatory fibroid polyps, also known as Vanek’s tumors, are rare benign lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. Although the exact cause remains unclear, several theories suggest an association with inflammatory processes and genetic factors. This study aims to present the largest cohort of inflammatory fibroid polyp cases to date, analyzing their clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches. Materials and methods: A retrospective multicentric analysis was conducted on 67 patients diagnosed with inflammatory fibroid polyps between 2013 and 2023 across four hospitals. Clinical data regarding tumor location, size, symptoms, and treatment were collected. Non-parametric statistical tests, including the chi-square test, Cramér’s V coefficient, and the Mann–Whitney U test, were used to identify association between tumor characteristics, location, and treatment outcomes. Results: The cohort included 67 patients (58.2% female, median age 60 years). The stomach was the most common tumor site (47.8%), followed by the colon (32.8%), and small intestine (10.4%). The majority of patients (73.1%) were asymptomatic, while 9% experienced intestinal obstruction, all of which were located in the small intestine. Endoscopic resection was successful in 77.6% of cases, but surgical intervention was more frequently required for tumors in the small intestine. A significant association was found between larger tumor size, emergency presentation, intestinal location, and the need for surgery. Conclusions: Inflammatory fibroid polyps are commonly managed with endoscopic resection, particularly in gastric and colonic locations. However, small intestinal tumors more often need surgical treatment, especially when presenting with complications like intestinal obstruction.