Specificities of acute cholangitis in patients with cancer: a retrospective comparative study of 130 episodes.

Pancreatic and biliary duct cancers are increasing causes of acute cholangitis (AC). We retrospectively characterize 81 cancer-associated cholangitis (CAC) compared to 49 non-cancer-associated cholangitis (NCAC). Clinical and biological presentations were similar. However, in CAC, antibiotic resistance and inadequate empirical antibiotic therapy were more frequent; more patients required ≥ 2 biliary drainages; and mortality at day 28 was higher than in NCAC. Death was associated with initial severity and CAC in a multivariate analysis. Cholangitis associated with pancreatic or biliary duct cancers requires specific empirical antimicrobial therapy; early use of biliary drainage may improve outcomes.

Endoscopic management of pancreatic fistula after enucleation of pancreatic tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic fistula (PF) are frequent after pancreatic surgical resection, and particularly after enucleation. Endoscopic treatment might be proposed for postoperative PF, but has never been evaluated after pancreatic enucleation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to June 2012, 161 patients underwent pancreatic enucleation in our center. In case of PF in the postoperative period, conservative management (somatostatin analogs combined with enteral or parenteral nutrition and drainage) was proposed. If PF persisted after 20 days (output >50 cc/d), endoscopic treatment (pancreatic sphincterotomy and stent placement if evidence of main duct leakage) was proposed. Primary outcome was the delay of PF closure after endoscopic treatment. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients (56 %) developed postoperative PF. PF closed within 3 weeks with conservative management in 78 (86 %) patients. Endoscopic treatment was required in 7 (8 %) patients. Daily PF output was 240 (50-300) mL. Pancreatic sphincterotomy was performed in all patients. A pancreatic stent was inserted in 4 of 5 patients with main pancreatic duct leakage. One patient presented a stent migration requiring a second procedure. No complication of endoscopic treatment was reported. The closure of PF was obtained in all cases, after 13 (3-24) days. Pancreatic stents were removed after 2, 5, 5, and 8 months, respectively. Median postoperative follow-up was 46 (21-70) months. At study endpoint, two patients had small asymptomatic pancreatic collections, four had mild dilatation of main pancreatic duct upstream pancreatic duct leakage, and none developed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, diabetes, or recurrence of pancreatic tumor. CONCLUSIONS: PF occurs in half patients after enucleation. Endoscopic treatment combining pancreatic sphincterotomy and stenting is safe and effective if conservative treatment fails, avoiding a complementary pancreatic resection.

Endoscopic papillectomy for early ampullary tumors: long-term results from a large multicenter prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic papillectomy of early tumors of the ampulla of Vater is an alternative to surgery. This large prospective multicenter study was aimed at evaluating the long-term results of endoscopic papillectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 2003 and January 2006, 10 centers included all patients referred for endoscopic papillectomy and meeting the inclusion criteria: biopsies showing at least adenoma, a uT1N0 lesion without intraductal involvement at endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and no previous treatment. A standardized endoscopic papillectomy was done, with endoscopic monitoring with biopsies 4 - 8 weeks later where complications were recorded and complementary resection performed when necessary. Follow-up with duodenoscopy, biopsies, and EUS was done at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months. Therapeutic success was defined as complete resection (no residual tumor found at early monitoring) without duodenal submucosal invasion in the resection specimen in the case of adenocarcinoma and without relapse during follow-up. RESULTS: 93 patients were enrolled. Mortality was 0.9 % and morbidity 35 %, including pancreatitis in 20 %, bleeding 10 %, biliary complications 7 %, perforation 3.6 %, and papillary stenosis in 1.8 %. Adenoma was not confirmed in the resection specimen in 14 patients who were therefore excluded. Initial treatment was insufficient in 9 cases (8 carcinoma with submucosal invasion; 1 persistence of adenoma). During follow-up, 5 patients had tumor recurrence and 7 died from unrelated diseases without recurrence. Finally, 81.0 % of patients were cured (95 % confidence interval 72.3 % - 89.7 %). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic papillectomy of selected ampullary tumors is curative in 81.0 % of cases. It must be considered to be the first-line treatment for early tumors of the ampulla of Vater without intraductal invasion.

Diagnosis and management of pancreatic fistulae resulting in pancreatic ascites or pleural effusions in the era of helical CT and magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: Diagnosis of internal pancreatic fistulae (IPF) resulting in ascites or pleural effusions may be facilitated by multislice helical CT-scan and MR-pancreatography [MRP]). Conservative treatment with parenteral nutrition and somatostatin analogues (+/- pancreatic stenting) yields varying results. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of helical CT and MRP in the diagnosis of IPF. The outcome of patients when the following stepwise treatment algorithm is applied is also descried: i) conservative (enteral nutrition and somatostatin analogues); ii) endoscopic stenting; iii) surgery. METHODS: Sixteen consecutive patients (13 M; median age 42 (14-54) yrs) with chronic pancreatitis (alcoholic 15, hereditary 1) and an IPF were prospectively included between March-01 to December-03. All serous effusions (ascites, N=10; pleural effusion, N=6) contained high lipase [median: 7800 (506-59000) U/mL]. Patients with fistulae communicating with pancreatic pseudocysts were not included. RESULTS: The diagnosis of IPF and its site were determined in 12/16 patients by CT and 14/15 patients by MRP (site of rupture: head: N=5; isthmus: N=5; body-tail: N=6) and confirmed by ERCP or surgery in 9. Localized atrophy of pancreatic parenchyma adjacent to pancreatic duct rupture was observed in 12 patients (75%). The median follow-up was 30 months (18-51). Early surgery was required in 3 patients (2 with infection of serous fluid at initial aspiration analysis). Thirteen entered the treatment algorithm: - seven patients responded favorably (54%) to conservative treatment (enteral nutrition and somatostatin analogues); - pancreatic stenting, possible in 4 of 6 patients, was successful in closing the IPF in 2; - surgery was required in the 4 remaining patients. Preoperative localization of the rupture site was possible in all patients using non-invasive imaging thus guiding elective intervention in all patients requiring surgery. CONCLUSION: Helical CT scan and MRP are useful in localizing MPD rupture sites and fistulae and may obviate the need for pancreatic opacification. A systematic treatment algorithm can be safely used starting with medical strategies (enteral nutrition safely replacing the parenteral route) progressing to endoscopy and finally surgery. Overall about 44% of patients require surgery initially or at follow-up.

Surgical Ampullectomy with Complete Resection of the Common Bile Duct: a New Procedure for Radical Resection of Non-invasive Ampulloma with Biliary Extension.

Extension of ampulloma into the lower common bile duct (CBD) is observed in up to 30% of cases. This biliary extension can prevent complete tumor resection thus is considered as a contraindication for endoscopic and even surgical ampullectomy. For ampullomas associated with a prolonged biliary extension, a pancreaticoduodenectomy is associated with a high morbidity and can be considered as an overtreatment for a benign neoplasm. The present study describes a new surgical approach including ampullectomy with complete resection of the intrapancreatic CBD and restoration of both biliary and pancreatic flow by two separate anastomoses. This procedure was performed in seven patients for a non-invasive ampulloma with a 25- to 70-mm CBD involvement. No patients died and three developed postoperative complications. Resection was R0 in all patients but one. With a 24-month median follow-up (range = 3-84), no patients developed pancreatic insufficiency or tumor recurrence.

Reconstruction of Bile Duct Injury and Defect with the Round Ligament.

Lateral injury of the bile duct can occur after cholecystectomy, bile duct dissection, or exploration. If direct repair is not possible, conversion to bilioenteric anastomosis can be needed with the risk of long-term bile duct infections and associated complications. We developed a new surgical technique which consist of reconstructing the bile duct with the round ligament. The vascularized round ligament is completely mobilized until its origin and used for lateral reconstruction of the bile duct to cover the defect. T tube was inserted and removed after few months. Patency of the bile duct was assessed by cholangiography, the liver function test and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two patients aged 33 and 59 years old underwent lateral reconstruction of the bile duct for defects secondary to choledocotomy for stone extraction or during dissection for Mirizzi syndrome. The defects measured 2 and 3 cm and occupied half of the bile duct circumference. The postoperative course was marked by low output biliary fistula resolved spontaneously. In one patient, the T tube was removed at 3 months after surgery and MRI at 9 months showed strictly normal aspect of the bile duct with normal liver function test. The second patient is going very well 2 months after surgery and the T tube is closed. Lateral reconstruction of the bile duct can be safely achieved with the vascularized round ligament. We will extend our indications to tubular reconstruction.

Epidemiology of pancreatic cancer in France: descriptive study from the French national hospital database.

INTRODUCTION: Although indirect evidence suggests that the incidence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma has increased in the last decade, few data are available in European countries. The aim of the present study was to update the epidemiology of pancreatic cancer in France in 2014 from the French national hospital database (Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients hospitalized for pancreatic cancer in France in 2014 in public or private institutions were included. Patient and stays (length, type of support, institutions) characteristics were studied. The results were compared with those observed in 2010. RESULTS: A total of 13 346 (52% men, median age 71 years) new patients were treated for pancreatic cancer in 2014, accounting for a 12.5% increase compared with 2010. Overall, 22% of patients were operated on. Liver metastases were present in 60% of cases. The disease accounted for 146 680 hospital stays (+24.8% compared with 2010), 76% of which were related to chemotherapy (+32%). The average annual number and length of stay were 7 and 2.6 days, respectively. In 2014, 11 052 deaths were reported (+15.8%). CONCLUSION: Approximately 13 350 new cases of pancreatic cancer were observed in France in 2014. The increase in incidence was associated with a marked increase in hospital stays for chemotherapy.

Effect of bile contamination on immediate outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy for tumor.

BACKGROUND: The influence of preoperative biliary drainage on the postoperative course of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains controversial. Among drawbacks of biliary drainage, bile contamination and its consequences are incompletely evaluated. This study aimed to compare outcomes after PD in patients with sterile and those with infected bile. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-nine consecutive patients underwent PD for periampullary tumor with routine bile culture and antibiotic prophylaxis with cefazolin. The postoperative course of 35 patients with infected bile (group B+) was compared with that of 44 patients with sterile bile (group B-). RESULTS: The distribution of tumors was comparable except for ampullary carcinoma, which was more frequent in group B+ patients (p = 0.001). Interventional biliary endoscopy was performed preoperatively in 80% of patients in group B+ versus 14% in group B- (p < 0.001), including 9 isolated sphincterotomies (20% versus 5%, p < 0.03) and 20 endoprosthesis insertions (57% versus 0%, p < 0.0001). More patients in group B+ were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 2 (p = 0.04). Operative time and blood loss were similar in both groups. One patient died postoperatively (group B+). Overall morbidity was increased in group B+ (77% versus 59%, p = 0.05). Postoperative infectious complications, all demonstrated bacteriologically, were more frequent in group B+: (65% versus 37%, p = 0.003). In group B+, bile was polybacterial in 54% of patients and isolated microorganisms were resistant to cefazolin in 97%. In patients with infectious complications, the same germ was isolated in bile and another sample in 49%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing PD, bile infection is related to previous interventional biliary endoscopy in 80% of patients and is associated with an increased rate of postoperative infections. During PD for ampullary carcinoma or after interventional biliary endoscopy, a specific antibioprophylaxis should be evaluated.

[Osteoclastic giant cell tumour of the pancreas]. / Tumeur à cellules géantes ostéoclastiques du pancréas.

Osteoclast giant cell tumours are bone tumours that occur in adults, and that are considered benign by WHO but locally aggressive. Strictly identical tumours are described in the pancreas, without simultaneous bone localization. We report the case of a 62-year woman with an osteoclast giant cell tumour of the distal pancreas, without any epithelial component, which was diagnosed after pancreatic resection and with no signs of recurrence after a 24-month follow-up. These pancreatic tumours are rare, with a very poor prognosis, an unclear histogenesis; they are often confused with pleomorphic or undifferentiated pancreatic carcinomas including a component of osteoclast giant cell. These osteoclast giant cell tumours of the pancreas usually present as large cystic tumours. In certain cases, complete resection can result in long-term survival.

[Intraductal papillary mucinous tumor with pancreatobiliary and pancreatodigestive fistulae: a case report]. / Tumeur intra-canalaire papillaire mucineuse pancréatique fistulisée dans la voie biliaire, le duodénum et l'estomac.

Pancreatobiliary or pancreatodigestive fistulae are rare during the course of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors. The mechanism of the fistula is either malignant involvement or mechanical. We report the case of an 81-year-old patient with intraductal papillary mucinous tumor complicated by fistulae between the main pancreatic duct and common bile duct, duodenum and stomach. These fistulae were treated endoscopically and radiologically by several metallic stents.

First description of ABCB4 gene deletions in familial low phospholipid-associated cholelithiasis and oral contraceptives-induced cholestasis.

The wide clinical spectrum of the ABCB4 gene (ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 4) deficiency syndromes in humans includes low phospholipid-associated cholelithiasis (LPAC), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), oral contraceptives-induced cholestasis (CIC), and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3). No ABCB4 mutations are found in a significant proportion of patients with these syndromes. In the present study, 102 unrelated adult patients with LPAC (43 patients) or CIC/ICP (59 patients) were screened for ABCB4 mutations using DNA sequencing. Heterozygous ABCB4 point or short insertion/deletion mutations were found in 37% (16/43) of the LPAC patients and in 27% (16/59) of the ICP/CIC patients. High-resolution gene dosage methodologies were used in the 70 negative patients. Here, we describe for the first time ABCB4 partial or complete heterozygous deletions in 7% (3/43) of the LPAC patients, and in 2% (1/59) of the ICP/CIC patients. Our observations urge to systematically test patients with LPAC, ICP/CIC, and also children with PFIC3 for the presence of ABCB4 deletions using molecular tools allowing detection of gross rearrangements. In clinical practice, a comprehensive ABCB4 alteration-screening algorithm will permit the use of ABCB4 genotyping to confirm the diagnosis of LPAC or ICP/CIC, and allow familial testing. An early diagnosis of these biliary diseases may be beneficial because of the preventive effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on biliary complications. Further comparative studies of patients with well-characterized genotypes (including deletions) and phenotypes will help determine whether ABCB4 mutation types influence clinical outcomes.

Endoscopic management of pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy and enucleation.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPS) has been proposed to prevent postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP) or enucleation (EN). The use of EPS as a curative treatment for POPF has been scarcely reported. We reported 10 consecutive patients who were successfully treated by EPS for a prolonged POPF. STUDY DESIGN: Ten patients underwent EPS for prolonged POPF (median duration = 40 days, range 20-114; median daily output = 80 mL, range 50-250) after 6 DPs, 2 ENs, and 2 medial pancreatectomies. RESULTS: EPS was performed in all patients, with stent insertion in 4. No patient developed a specific complication because of EPS. POPF healed within a median delay of 4 days (range 1-12). One patient underwent a repeated endoscopy to treat stent malposition. The median delay of discharge after EPS was 13 days (range 8-15). With a 20-month median follow up, 1 patient developed early transient POPF recurrence because of spontaneous stent migration. CONCLUSIONS: EPS is indicated for prolonged POPF after DP or EN because it is highly feasible, shortens healing, and is well tolerated.

Clinical and morphological features of duodenal cystic dystrophy in heterotopic pancreas.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cystic dystrophy in heterotopic pancreas (CDHP) is an uncommon complication of pancreatic heterotopia, only described in surgical series, whose natural history is not known. The aim of this study was to determine clinical and morphological features of CDHP in a medical-surgical series of patients and to ascertain the relationship of CDHP with chronic pancreatitis (CP) in the pancreas proper. METHODS: All patients who had duodenal CDHP diagnosed radiologically both with CT scan and endoscopic ultrasonography between 1995 and 2004 were included. The diagnosis was confirmed by surgical specimens when available. RESULTS: One hundred five patients were included (91% men, 86% chronic alcoholic) with a median follow-up of 15 months. The median age at first symptoms was 46 yr. CDHP was associated with CP in the pancreas proper in 71% of patients. Presenting symptoms were pancreatic pain (91%), severe weight loss (73%), acute pancreatitis (45%), vomiting (30%), steatorrhea (23%), diabetes mellitus (20%), jaundice (13%), and upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (5%). Cysts were multiple in 75% (median 3). The median diameter of the largest cyst was 10 mm. Endoscopy was normal in 36% of patients and showed duodenal stenosis in 52% (complete 6%, incomplete 46%). Surgical treatment was necessary in only 27% of patients (Whipple procedure 16%). CONCLUSIONS: CDHP may arise in patients with or without CP and with or without chronic alcoholism. Symptoms may be severe but warrant surgery in less than one-third of patients.

Long-term outcome of biliary and duodenal stents in palliative treatment of patients with unresectable adenocarcinoma of the head of pancreas.

BACKGROUND: Life expectancy in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer has improved by using new chemotherapeutic regimens. Biliary and digestive stenoses can be endoscopically treated in most cases. However, long-term efficacy of these stenting procedures remains unknown. AIM: To evaluate the incidence of biliary and duodenal stenoses as well as technical success and short- and long-term patency of endoscopically deployed stents in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients with unresectable cancer of the pancreatic head seen between January 1999 and September 2003 in our center were retrospectively studied. Patients with biliary and/or duodenal stenoses underwent endoscopic stent insertion as first intention therapy. Outcomes included technical and clinical success, stent patency, and survival. RESULTS: One hundred patients, median age 65 yr (32-85), with locally advanced (62%) or metastatic (38%) pancreatic cancer were studied. Eighty-three percent received at least one line of chemotherapy. The actuarial median survival was 11 months (0.7-29.3). Biliary and duodenal stenoses occurred in 81 and 25 patients, respectively. A biliary stent was successfully placed in 74 patients (91%). When a self-expandable metallic stent was first introduced (N = 59), a single stent was sufficient in 41 patients (69%) (median duration of stent patency 7 months (0.4-21.1)). Duodenal stenting was successful in 24 patients (96%); among them, 96% required a single stent (median duration of stent patency 6 months [0.5-15.7]). In the 23 patients who developed both biliary and duodenal stenoses, combined stenting was successful in 91% of cases. No major complication or death occurred related to endoscopic treatment. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic palliative treatment of both biliary and duodenal stenoses is safe and effective in the long term, including in patients with combined obstructions. Use of such palliative management is justified as repeat procedures are rarely required even in patients who have a long survival.

Natural history of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas: actuarial risk of malignancy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Natural history of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas (IPMTs) is unknown. Cross-sectional studies suggest that exclusive branch duct (BD) involvement is associated with a lower risk of carcinoma than main pancreatic duct (MPD) involvement. The aim of our study was to calculate longitudinal risk of malignant transformation of IPMT since the first sign. METHODS: All the patients with a diagnosis of highly probable or histologically proven IPMT were included. Actuarial risks of occurrence of at least low-grade dysplasia (>or=LGD), high-grade dysplasia (>or=HGD), or invasive carcinoma (IC) were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method from the first sign attributable to IPMT. The risks according to sex, acute pancreatitis, tumor size, and involvement of MPD were compared by log-rank test. RESULTS: One hundred six patients were included with a proven (n = 76) or probable (n = 30) IPMT. The tumor was confined to BD in 53 cases. Median duration since the onset of the first sign to the end of follow-up was 21 months (range, 0-241). Ten-year actuarial risk that IPMT grade was >or=LGD, >or=HGD, or IC was 67%, 49%, and 29%, respectively. The only morphologic risk factor of malignant transformation was involvement of MPD, with a 5-year actuarial risk of >or=HGD of 63% in the MPD group compared with 15% in the BD group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal risk of at least HGD or IC is time-dependent. Patients with BD IPMT present a much lower risk, justifying a nonoperative surveillance.

Is idiopathic chronic pancreatitis an autoimmune disease?

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The proportion of patients with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP) that have an autoimmune origin is unknown. Three forms of ICP have been described: pseudotumoral, duct-destructive, and usual chronic pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to identify autoimmune stigmata in the 3 forms. METHODS: All patients who underwent exploration for ICP were included. The following data were recorded: examination by an internal medicine specialist, autoantibodies and immunoglobulin screening, and pancreatic duct imaging. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included (pseudotumoral, n = 11; duct-destructive, n = 27; usual, n = 22). There were no significant differences among the 3 types with regard to sex ratio, age, frequency of acute pancreatitis, or obstructive jaundice. Pancreatic calcifications were seen only in the usual form (81%; P = .0001). Autoimmune disease was present in 10 patients: ulcerative colitis in 5 patients, primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2 patients, and Sjögren's syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and Graves' disease in 1 patient each. Autoimmune diseases were not more frequent in patients with pseudotumoral (36%) or duct-destructive (19%) forms than in those with the usual form (5%, P = .06). Immunoglobulin G4 levels were increased in 2 of 6 in the pseudotumoral, 1 of 9 in the duct-destructive, and 0 of 12 patients in the usual group. Combining clinical and biochemical autoimmune parameters, 24 patients (40%) had at least 1 autoimmune marker or disease. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical or biochemical autoimmune stigmata are present in 40% of patients with ICP. Autoimmune mechanisms may be frequent in idiopathic pancreatitis.

Severe cholangitis following pancreaticoduodenectomy for pseudotumoral form of lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis.

Cholangitis associated with lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis may occur simultaneously or following diagnosis of pancreatitis. The natural history following inappropriate pancreatic surgery and treatment of cholangitis in this setting are ill-defined. Three patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pseudotumoral lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis. Jaundice or ascending cholangitis revealed severe biliary strictures at 1, 6, and 11 months, respectively, following surgery. Treatment combining corticosteroids with or without biliary stenting was efficacious in all patients. One patient with subsequent clinical and morphological relapse responded well to reintroduction of steroids. Biliary changes appeared to be immune-related based on pathological examination and response to corticosteroids.

Intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas: the preoperative value of cytologic and histopathologic diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: The preoperative diagnosis of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas must be as certain as possible because removal of a large portion of the pancreas or even total pancreatectomy may be necessary. The value of cytologic and histopathologic analysis of specimens obtained by preoperative endoscopic investigations is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the value of such analyses of specimens obtained by EUS-guided FNA and/or biopsy, or transpapillary biopsy specimens obtained during endoscopic retrograde pancreatography for the diagnosis of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas and for the detection of malignancy. METHODS: Between 1992 and 2001, 42 patients (22 men, 20 women; median age 64 years) underwent surgical resection for intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas and had preoperative pancreatic tissue sampling. In the case of isolated dilatation of pancreatic ducts, pancreatic juice was obtained by EUS-guided FNA for cytologic analysis. In the presence of a solid lesion or main pancreatic duct stenosis, biopsy specimens were obtained by EUS-guided FNA biopsy or endoscopic retrograde pancreatography, which permitted histopathologic assessment. The accuracy of cytology and histopathology was evaluated for the following: (1) positive diagnosis of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas and (2) assessment of malignancy, by comparison with histopathologic examination of surgical resection specimens. RESULTS: Cytologic analysis was performed in 19 patients; it was positive in 4 (21%) and noninformative in 15 (79%). Histopathologic analysis was performed in 23 patients; it was positive in 21 (91%) and negative in 2 (9%). Histopathologic analysis yielded a positive result in 83% of patients who did not have extrusion of mucus from a patulous papilla. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of histopathologic analysis for the diagnosis of malignancy were, respectively, 44%, 100%, 100%, and 33%. When histopathologic analysis was positive, the tumor grade was similar to that determined by final histopathologic examination in 38% of patients, whereas the grade was underestimated in 62%. No complication occurred as a result of tissue sampling. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of histopathologic analysis of EUS-guided FNA biopsy specimens or transpapillary biopsy specimens is 91% for the positive diagnosis of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas with a solid component, which is of particular interest as extrusion mucus from the papilla was absent in most patients. Histopathologic analysis of biopsy specimens of malignant intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas often underestimates tumor grade. The result for cytologic analysis of juice obtained from dilated pancreatic ducts is disappointing.