Importance of Disconnected Pancreatic Duct Syndrome in Recurrence of Pancreatic Fluid Collections Initially Drained Using Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Indwelling plastic endoprosthesis in patients with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) reduces the risk of pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) recurrence. Although lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) are used with increasing frequency for PFC drainage, they require timely removal and little is known about their effects in patients with DPDS and recurrence of PFC. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of PFC using LAMS and were found to have DPDS. After resolution of PFC, LAMS were replaced with double-pigtail plastic stents. The primary outcome was to compare PFC recurrence between patients with DPDS who did vs did not receive replacements with plastic stents after removal of the LAMS. RESULTS: Of 188 PFC patients treated with LAMS, 94 had DPDS, 71 had intact pancreatic ducts, and duct patency was unknown in 23. In patients with DPDS, replacement of LAMS with plastic stents was successful in 70 patients (74.5%) and technically unsuccessful in 24 patients (25.5%). At a median follow up of 183 days (interquartile range, 179-188 days), although none of the patients with an intact duct had a recurrence of PFC, 7 of the 94 patients with DPDS had recurrence of PFC (7.4%) (P = .020). PFC recurred in 1 of 70 patients with DPDS in whom replacement of LAMS with plastic stent was successful (1.4%) and in 6 of 24 patients with unsuccessful stent replacement (25.0%) (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: In treatment of PFCs with LAMS in patients with DPDS, it is important to replace the LAMS with indwelling plastic stents to minimize PFC recurrence and reduce morbidity. Clinicaltrials.gov no: NCT02422095.

International consensus guidelines on the role of diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound in the management of chronic pancreatitis. Recommendations from the working group for the international consensus guidelines for chronic pancreatitis in collaboration with the International Association of Pancreatology, the American Pancreatic Association, the Japan Pancreas Society, and European Pancreatic Club.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex inflammatory disease with variable presentations and outcomes. This statement is part of the international consensus guidelines on CP, specifically on the diagnostic role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). METHODS: An international working group with experts on the role of diagnostic EUS in the management of CP from the major pancreas societies (IAP, APA, JPS, and EPC) evaluated two key statements generated from evidence on two questions deemed to be the most clinically relevant. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the level of evidence available for each statement. To determine the level of agreement, the working group voted on each statement for strength of agreement, using a nine-point Likert scale in order to calculate Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient. RESULTS: Strong consensus was obtained for both of the following statements [1]. The ideal threshold number of EUS criteria necessary to diagnose CP has not been firmly established, but the presence of 5 or more and 2 or less strongly suggests or refutes the diagnosis, respectively. The Rosemont scoring system standardizes the reporting of EUS signs indicative of chronic pancreatitis, but further studies are needed to demonstrate an overall improvement of its diagnostic accuracy over conventional scoring [2]. Specificity, inter- and intra-observer variability and pre-test probability limit the reliability and utility of EUS to help diagnose CP especially early stages of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of 5 or more and 2 or less EUS criteria strongly suggests or refutes the diagnosis of CP, respectively. Intra-observer variability still limits the role of EUS in diagnosing CP especially early stage disease.

Lifetime Drinking History of Persons With Chronic Pancreatitis.

AIMS: Cumulative consumption of alcohol and variations of alcohol intake by age are unknown in chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients in North America. This study summarizes the lifetime drinking history (LDH) by physician attribution of alcohol etiology, smoking status and sex in persons with CP. METHODS: We analyzed data on 193 CP participants who completed the LDH questionnaire in the North American Pancreatitis Continuation and Validation Study (NAPS2-CV). We collected data on frequency of drinking and drinks per drinking day for each drinking phase of their lives. We examined differences in total number of alcoholic drinks and weight of ethanol consumed by physician's assessment of CP etiology, sex and smoking status. We also compared intensity of drinking in 20, 30 and 40s by timing of CP diagnosis. RESULTS: Persons diagnosed with alcoholic CP consumed median of 34,488 drinks (interquartile range 18,240-75,024) prior to diagnosis of CP, which occurred earlier than in persons with CP of other etiology (47 vs. 52 years). Cumulative drinking was greater in male vs. female patients. Male CP patients with a diagnosis of CP before the age of 45 drank more intensely in their 20s as compared to those with later onset of disease. Current smoking was prevalent (67%) among those diagnosed with alcoholic CP. Twenty-eight percent of patients without physician attribution of alcohol etiology reported drinking heavily in the past. CONCLUSIONS: Lifetime cumulative consumption of alcohol and prevalence of current smoking are high in persons diagnosed with alcoholic pancreatitis. Intense drinking in early years is associated with earlier manifestation of the disease.

Prospective assessment of out-of-pocket patient-related cost for ERCP at an urban tertiary care medical center.

BACKGROUND: When calculating differences between interventions, direct cost comparisons are typically based on Medicare reimbursement rates. The additional out-of-pocket costs of the patient have been little studied in endoscopy. AIM: To determine out-of-pocket costs for patients undergoing ERCP. METHODS: Between June and August 2009, all outpatients referred to our tertiary care university hospital for elective ERCP were prospectively interviewed regarding out-of-pocket costs for procedures. Patients were asked regarding any costs to undergo the procedure including co-pay, driving, parking, meals, child care or equivalent, and any additional expenses related to subsequent procedures or admissions related to the ERCP. RESULTS: Over the study period, 94 outpatients (mean age 57 ± 16 years, 48% male) underwent ERCP. Mean/median out-of-pocket costs for the procedure were $177.97/72.54 and ranged from $0 to $2,033.54. The largest single expense for the procedure was related to copayment (median $75). Eleven patients required hospitalization for post-procedural complications resulting in additional median out-of-pocket costs of $25. Median hotel, food, and travel expenses were $171.00, $20.00, and $23.54, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Out-of-pocket ERCP costs are not insignificant from the patient's perspective and should be added to the direct costs to calculate true procedure costs.

Autoimmune pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a form of chronic pancreatitis that can often be difficult to distinguish from pancreatic cancer. We describe the clinical and radiographic features of 23 patients with AIP whose presentations mimicked pancreatic cancer. METHODS: A review of clinic, radiology, and endoscopy records from a 6-year period identified patients with AIP initially suspected of having pancreatic cancer. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and/or ERCP was performed in each patient. The diagnosis of AIP was made histologically and/or cytologically for each patient. RESULTS: Nineteen of 23 patients (83%) presented with new-onset weight loss, jaundice, or both. Nineteen (83%) patients had CT findings worrisome for pancreatic cancer including: (1) pancreatic enlargement or focal mass, (2) regional lymphadenopathy, and/or (3) vascular invasion. Eighteen patients (78%) had common bile duct strictures on ERCP. EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies excluded pancreatic cancer in all 22 patients who had EUS (96%). Seven patients had surgery for continued suspicion of pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Although AIP commonly presents with features suggestive of pancreatic cancer, clinical recognition of AIP with appropriate diagnostic testing including EUS with fine-needle aspiration, ERCP, IgG4 levels, and pancreatic protocol CT expedites diagnosis and can spare patients unnecessary surgery.

Mechanical lithotripsy of pancreatic and biliary stones: complications and available treatment options collected from expert centers.

INTRODUCTION: PD and common bile duct (CBD) stones often require mechanical lithotripsy (ML) at ERCP for successful extraction. The frequency and spectrum of complications is not well described in the literature. AIM: To describe the frequency and spectrum of complications of ML. METHODS: A comprehensive retrospective review of cases requiring ML of large or resistant PC and/or CBD stones using a 46-point data questionnaire on type(s) of complication, treatment attempted, and success of treatment. The study involved 7 tertiary referral centers with 712 ML cases (643 biliary and 69 pancreatic). RESULTS: Overall incidence of complications were: 4-4% (31/712); 23/643 biliary, 8/69 pancreatic; 21 single, 10 multiple. Biliary complications: trapped (TR)/broken (BR) basket (N = 11), wire fracture (FX) (N = 8), broken (BR) handle (N = 7), perforation/duct injury (N = 3). Pancreatic complications: TR/BR basket (N = 7), wire FX (N = 4), BR handle (N = 5), pancreatic duct leak (N = 1). Endoscopic intervention successfully treated complications in 29/31 cases (93.5%). Biliary group treatments: sphincterotomy (ES) extension (N = 7), electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) (N = 11), stent (N = 3), per-oral Soehendra lithotripsy (N = 8), surgery (N = 1), extracorporeal lithotripsy (N = 5), and dislodge stones/change basket (N = 4). Pancreatic group treatments: ES extension (N = 3), EHL (N = 2), stent (N = 5), Soehendra lithotriptor (N = 4), dislodge stones/change basket (N = 2), extracorporeal lithotripsy (ECL) (N = 1), surgery (N = 1). Perforated viscus patient died at 30 days. CONCLUSION: The majority of ML in expert centers involved the bile duct. The complication rate of pancreatic ML is threefold greater than biliary lithotripsy. The most frequent complication of biliary and pancreatic ML is trapped/broken baskets. Extension of ES and EHL are the most frequently utilized treatment options.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of suspected cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite advances in endoscopic techniques for sampling bile duct strictures, the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma remains a challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield of EUS-FNA and its impact on patient management for patients with suspected cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: All patients undergoing EUS for the evaluation of suspected malignant biliary strictures were prospectively evaluated over a 23-month period. A single gastroenterologist performed all EUS-FNAs in the presence of a cytopathologist. Reference standard for final diagnosis included surgery, death from disease, and clinical and/or imaging follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (mean age 67 years [SD +/- 11], 72% male) were evaluated. Most patients (91%) presented with obstructive jaundice, and all except 1 had nondiagnostic sampling of the biliary lesions either at ERCP (88%), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (n = 2), and/or computed tomography-guided biopsy (n = 1). Sixty-seven percent (14/21) had no definitive mass seen on prior abdominal imaging studies. The mean tumor size by EUS was 19 mm x 16 mm with a median number of passes to diagnosis of 3 (range 1-7). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 86%, 100%, 100%, 57%, and 88%, respectively. EUS-FNA had a positive impact on patient management in 84% of patients: preventing surgery for tissue diagnosis in patients with inoperable disease (n = 10), facilitating surgery in patients with unidentifiable cancer by other modalities (n = 8), and avoiding surgery in benign disease (n = 4). CONCLUSIONS: Given the apparent accuracy and safety of EUS with FNA for imaging bile duct mass lesions and for obtaining a tissue diagnosis in patients with suspected cholangiocarcinoma, this technology may represent a new approach to diagnosis especially when other methods fail. The ability to obtain a definite diagnosis has a significant impact on patient management.

Yield of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy in patients with suspected pancreatic carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although atypical or suspicious cytology may support a clinical diagnosis of a malignancy, it is often not sufficient for the implementation of therapy in patients with pancreatic carcinoma. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) is a relatively new method for obtaining cytology samples, and one that may decrease the number of atypical/suspicious diagnoses. The goals of the current study were to prospectively evaluate the yield of EUS-FNAB in the diagnosis of patients presenting with solid pancreatic lesions and to evaluate the significance of atypical, suspicious, and false-negative aspirates. METHODS: All patients who presented with a solid pancreatic lesion and underwent EUS-FNAB over a 13-month period were included in the current study. One endoscopist performed all EUS-FNABs. On-site evaluation of specimen adequacy by a cytopathologist was available for each case. Follow-up included histologic correlation (n = 21) and clinical and/or imaging follow-up (n = 80), including 38 patients who died of the disease. RESULTS: EUS-FNABs were obtained from 101 patients (mean age, 62 +/- 11.8 years; age range, 34-89 years). The male-to-female ratio was 2:1. Sixty-five percent of the lesions were located in the head of the pancreas, 12% were located in the uncinate, 17% were located in the body, and 6% were located in the tail. The mean size of the tumors was 3.3 cm (range, 1.3-7 cm). A median of 4 needle passes were performed (range, 1-11 needle passes). Sixty-two biopsies (61.4%) were interpreted as malignant on cytologic evaluation, 5 (5%) as suspicious for a malignancy, 6 (5.9%) as atypical/indeterminate, and 26 (25.7%) as benign processes. Of the 76 malignant lesions, 71 were adenocarcinomas, 3 were neuroendocrine tumors, 1 was a lymphoma, and 1 was a metastatic renal cell carcinoma. All except one of the suspicious/atypical aspirates were subsequently confirmed to be malignant. Agreement was complete for the atypical cases. Among the suspicious cases, 2 of the 5 were identified as carcinoma by one cytopathologist and as suspicious lesions by the other, yielding a 40% disagreement rate between the 2 cytopathologists. Therefore, for the 10 atypical or suspicious cases that later were confirmed to be malignant, the final diagnosis of malignant disease was not made due to scant cellularity that could be attributed to sampling error in 8 cases and to interpretative disagreement in 2 cases (20%). All four false-negative diagnoses were attributed to sampling error. Two percent of all biopsies were inadequate for interpretation. Of the 99 adequate specimens, 72 yielded true-positive results, 23 yielded true-negative results, and 4 yielded false-negative results. No false-positives were encountered. Therefore, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of EUS-FNAB for solid pancreatic masses were 94.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.7-99.8%), 100%, 100%, and 85.2% (95% CI, 71.8-98.6%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNAB is a safe and highly accurate method for tissue diagnosis of patients with solid pancreatic lesions. Patients with suspicious and atypical EUS-FNAB aspirates deserve further clinical evaluation.

Concomitant sclerosing mesenteritis and bile duct fibrosis simulating Klatskin's tumor.

Sclerosing mesenteritis is an uncommon benign condition that should be included in the differential diagnosis of abdominal masses. We present the first reported case of this condition in association with idiopathic bile duct fibrosis simulating Klatskin's tumor. A review of the literature regarding both clinical entities is presented.