Exploring a novel composite method using non-contrast EUS enhanced microvascular imaging and cyst fluid analysis to differentiate pancreatic cystic lesions.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Differentiating pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) remains a diagnostic challenge. The use of high-definition imaging modalities which detect tumor microvasculature have been described in solid lesions. We aim to evaluate the usefulness of cystic microvasculature when used in combination with cyst fluid biochemistry to differentiate PCLs. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 110 consecutive patients with PCLs from 2 Italian Hospitals who underwent EUS with H-Flow and EUS fine needle aspiration to obtain cystic fluid. The accuracy of fluid biomarkers was evaluated against morphological features on radiology and EUS. Gold standard for diagnosis was surgical resection. A clinical and radiological follow up was applied in those patients who were not resected because not surgical indication and no signs of malignancy were shown. RESULTS: Of 110 patients, 65 were diagnosed with a mucinous cyst, 41 with a non-mucinous cyst, and 4 with an undetermined cyst. Fluid analysis alone yielded 76.7% sensitivity, 56.7% specificity, 77.8 positive predictive value (PPV), 55.3 negative predictive value (NPV) and 56% accuracy in diagnosing pancreatic cysts alone. Our composite method yielded 97.3% sensitivity, 77.1% specificity, 90.1% PPV, 93.1% NPV, 73.2% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: This new composite could be applied to the holistic approach of combining cyst morphology, vascularity, and fluid analysis alongside endoscopist expertise.

The evolution of post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) classification: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: The ISGPS classification of post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) was recently revised, introducing the concept of biochemical leak (BL) which replaced grade A POPF. More recently, an additional distinction on three different subclasses for grade B (B1-B3) POPF was proposed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of these modifications in clinical practice. METHODS: All pancreatico-duodenectomies (PD) and distal pancreatectomies (DP) performed between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Incidence and grade of POPF using the old and new ISGPS classification were evaluated. Three grade B subclasses (B1: maintenance of abdominal drain >3 weeks; B2: adoption of specific medical treatments for POPF; B3: use of radiological procedures) were evaluated for clinical severity. RESULTS: A total of 716 patients (502 PD, 214 DP) were evaluated. The new ISGPS classification reduced the reported rate of POPF (30.7% vs 35.2% for PD, p > 0.05; 28% vs 44.9% for DP, p < 0.05), due to the abolition of grade A POPF. Grade B1, B2 and B3 rates were 3.1%, 73.8% and 23.1% in PD and 12.3%, 47.4% and 40.3% in DP, respectively. Passing from B1 to B3, significant increases in wound infection (0-40%), mean length of stay in PD (14.7-22.5 days; p < 0.05) and readmission rate in DP (0-39.1%) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The new ISGPS classification significantly reduces the reported rate of POPF, particularly after DP. The three different grade B subclasses (B1-B3) better discriminate the severity of post-operative course, especially after PD.