No benefit of endoscopic sphincterotomy before biliary placement of self-expandable metal stents for unresectable pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is performed routinely before self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are placed in malignant distal biliary strictures to prevent postprocedural pancreatitis. However, it is not clear whether ES actually prevents pancreatitis or affects other adverse events (AEs). We conducted a noninferiority trial to examine the necessity of ES before SEMS placement. METHODS: Two hundred patients with distal biliary strictures caused by unresectable pancreatic cancer were assigned randomly to groups that received ES or did not receive ES (non-ES) before SEMS placement, at 25 hospitals in Hokkaido, Japan, from August 2010 through November 2012. The primary outcome was early AEs (≤30 d) specifically related to the presence or absence of ES (pancreatitis, bleeding, or perforation). Secondary outcomes measured included the effect of ES omission on time to SEMS dysfunction and patient survival times. RESULTS: The proportions of patients with early AEs were 9.2% in the non-ES group and 10.4% in the ES group (a difference of 1.2%, noninferior). The median times to SEMS dysfunction was longer than 594 days in the non-ES group and 541 days in the ES group (P = .88). The median overall survival times were 202 in the ES group vs 255 days in the non-ES group; P = .20). CONCLUSIONS: ES before SEMS does not affect the incidence of AEs, SEMS patency, or patient survival times. Our data provide no evidence for a benefit of ES to patients undergoing SEMS placement for a biliary stricture caused by pancreatic cancer. UMIN clinical trials registry number: 000004044.

Diagnostic ability of EUS-FNA for pancreatic solid lesions with conventional 22-gauge needle using the slow pull technique: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) using the slow pull technique (SP-FNA) has recently attracted attention as an effective tissue acquisition technique. However, efficacy of SP-FNA with a 22-gauge conventional needle remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic ability of SP-FNA with a 22-gauge needle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with a pancreatic solid lesion were prospectively enrolled in this study. SP-FNA was performed at two needle passes with a 22-gauge needle. One dedicated pathologist evaluated the obtained samples in terms of quantity (Grade 0: scant; Grade 1: inadequate; Grade 2: adequate), quality (Grade 0: poor; Grade 1: moderate; Grade 2: good), and blood contamination (Grade 0: significant; Grade 1: moderate; Grade 2: low), and provided a pathological diagnosis. Additional EUS-FNA was performed by applying suction (SA-FNA). The evaluation points were as follows: diagnostic accuracy of SP-FNA compared with that of SA-FNA, and the quantity, quality, and blood contamination level of SP-FNA-obtained samples. RESULTS: We enrolled 40 cases. The diagnostic accuracy of SP-FNA was 90% (36/40). There was no significant difference in the accuracy between SP-FNA and SA-FNA (90% vs. 90%, p = 1.000). The samples obtained using SP-FNA were assessed as Grade 2 for quantity in 29 cases (73%), quality in 31 (78%), and blood contamination in 25 (63%). CONCLUSIONS: Adequate, high-quality, and unsubstantially blood-contaminated samples could be obtained using SP-FNA. The diagnostic ability of SP-FNA was 90%, which appeared to be similar to that of SA-FNA.

Factors predictive of adverse events associated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of pancreatic solid lesions.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) provides high diagnostic accuracy with a low incidence of procedural complications. However, it occasionally causes serious complications, and factors that increase the susceptibility to such adverse events remain unknown. AIMS: We aimed to examine post-procedural events and determine risk factors associated with EUS-FNA of pancreatic solid lesions. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 316 consecutive patients with pancreatic solid lesions who underwent 327 EUS-FNA procedures from April 2003 to September 2011. We registered all patients undergoing EUS-FNA in the database and retrospectively ascertained the presence/absence of post-procedural adverse events. RESULTS: The incidence of post-procedural adverse events, including moderate to mild pancreatitis, mild abdominal pain, and mild bleeding, was 3.4 %. Univariate analysis showed that the incidence of post-procedural events was significantly increased in patients with tumors less than or equal to 20 mm in diameter (P < 0.001), those with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) (P = 0.012), and patients who had intervening normal pancreas for accessing the lesion (P = 0.048). Multivariate analysis identified tumors measuring less than or equal to 20 mm in diameter (OR 18.48; 95 % CI 3.55-96.17) and case of PNETs (OR 36.50; 95 % CI 1.73-771.83) were an independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNA of pancreatic solid lesions is a safe procedure. However, pancreatic lesions with small diameters and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are important factors associated with adverse events after EUS-FNA.

[A case of adenoendocrine cell carcinoma on the ampulla of Vater].

The occurrence of an adenoendocrine cell carcinoma on the ampulla of Vater is rare, especially when the component of adenocarcinoma is not located on the mucosa of the ampulla. A 76-year-old man was referred to our hospital for further investigation of a mass lesion on the ampulla. EGD revealed SMT like mass lesion on the ampulla. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed an ampullary hypoechoic mass. We performed pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy on the basis of the diagnosis of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Postoperative pathological examinations revealed two different components of the tumor;malignant endocrine cells, and adenocarcinoma. The component of adenocarcinoma was located on the Ap lesion. We deducted that the adenocarcinoma appeared on the epithelium of Ap, then grew and spread into the direction of duodenum lumen, degenerating to endocrine cells.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage performed for refractory bile duct stenosis due to chronic pancreatitis: a case report.

We report a case of the patient who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) for refractory bile duct stenosis due to chronic pancreatitis. The patient had repeatedly undergone endoscopic biliary stenting for bile duct stenosis due to chronic pancreatitis. Because of repeated relapses of cholangitis and jaundice, transpapillary treatment was judged to have reached its limits. Surgical bypass was attempted but had to be abandoned due to adhesions. Thus, EUS-BD was performed. The procedure was successful, and placement of a covered expandable metallic stent (C-EMS) relieved cholangitis. Two months after placement, the C-EMS was removed, and the patient became stent-free but closure of the fistula subsequently occurred.

Safety and long-term outcomes of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation in children with bile duct stones.

BACKGROUND: Although experience with diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP in children is growing, little is known about the safety and technical outcomes of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) in pediatric patients with bile duct stones (BDSs). OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and long-term outcomes of EPBD in pediatric patients with BDSs. DESIGN: Case study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: This study involved 5 children who had BDSs combined with gallstones who underwent EPBD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Successful EPBD, successful stone removal, procedure-related complications, and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: ERCP was successful in all cases, with cannulation and subsequent EPBD. Stone removal was performed in 1 session in all patients. No EPBD-related complications were observed in any patient. After EPBD, 1 patient subsequently underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones. The remaining 4 were followed without surgery. In 2 patients, gallstones were spontaneously passed from the bile duct into the duodenum. During the follow-up period, over a mean of 7.1 years (range 3.7-9.3 years), no recurrence of BDSs was observed in any patient. LIMITATIONS: Small number of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although BDSs are rare in pediatric patients, EPBD may be a safe and effective technique for the management of such stones in some children.

The difference in the capability of delineation between convex and radial arrayed echoendoscope for pancreas and biliary tract; case reports from the standpoint of both convex and radial arrayed echoendoscope.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is useful in obtaining not only high-resolution images of organs and surrounding tissue but also the tissue itself for histopathological diagnosis using fine needle aspiration. Currently, there are two types of EUS available for use: radial and convex arrayed EUS. Each type of EUS has its own advantages and disadvantages. Because radial arrayed EUS can obtain 360 degree images, it is easy to see surrounding organs and vessels. In addition, a single longitudinal image of the pancreas, gallbladder and bile duct is easy to obtain. For this reason, radial arrayed EUS is highly effective in diagnostic examinations. In contrast, while scanning range of convex arrayed EUS limited to 180 degrees, it has the advantage of being able to obtain tissue samples. Additionally while using convex arrayed EUS, the upper part of the bile duct and neck of the pancreas are easily seen beyond the portal vein. It is important to understand the characteristics of each EUS in order to select the most suitable EUS technique for diagnostic assessment.

Diagnostic peroral video cholangioscopy is an accurate diagnostic tool for patients with bile duct lesions.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We evaluated the diagnostic ability of a newly developed peroral video cholangioscopy (PVCS) in patients with pancreaticobiliary disorders. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data from 144 patients with pancreaticobiliary disorders, collected from 5 tertiary referral centers. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) or endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) was performed before PVCS. We performed 2 types of PVCS, using a conventional therapeutic duodenoscope. If tissue samples were needed, cholangioscopy-assisted biopsy or fluoroscopy-guided biopsy was performed. RESULTS: PVCS was advanced into the bile duct in all cases after patients received EST (n = 134 cases), EPBD (n = 2), a combination of EST and EPBD (n = 1), or without treatment of the major papilla (n = 7). Biopsy samples were collected successfully from 112 of 120 cases in which endoscopists considered tissue sampling necessary. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)/biopsy correctly identified 83 of 96 malignant lesions and 19 of 24 benign lesions (accuracy = 85.0%; sensitivity = 86.5%; specificity = 79.2%; positive predictive value = 94.3%; negative predictive value = 59.4%). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)/biopsy plus PVCS correctly identified 95 of 96 malignant lesions and 23 of 24 benign lesions (accuracy = 98.3%; sensitivity = 99.0%; specificity = 95.8%; positive predictive value = 99.0%; negative predictive value = 95.8%). Procedure-related complications included pancreatitis (4 cases, 2.8%) and cholangitis (6 cases, 4.3%). CONCLUSIONS: PVCS is an accurate diagnostic tool for patients with pancreaticobiliary disorders; resolution was well-defined when combined with biopsy analysis. Prospective multicenter clinical trials should evaluate the clinical utility of PVCS in diagnosis of biliary tract diseases.

Clinical features and natural history of serous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas.

AIMS: To clarify the clinical features and the natural history of serous cystic neoplasm (SCN) of the pancreas. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 30 patients affected by SCN. SCNs were classified as (1) microcystic type, (2) micro- and macrocystic type, and (3) macrocystic type according to the modified WHO classification. Eighteen patients who underwent serial radiographic imaging were identified, and tumor growth rate in these patients was evaluated. RESULTS: The median age was 62 years, and the female:male ratio was 2:1. Twenty-five patients (83%) were asymptomatic and 5 (17%) were symptomatic. The median tumor size was 2.6 cm. Fifteen cases (50%) had the microcystic type, 7 (23%) the micro- and macrocystic type, and 8 (27%) the macrocystic type. Age, gender, symptoms, location or tumor size did not differ significantly among the three subtypes. Eighteen patients were followed up for a median of 58 months. Morphological changes were observed in 3 patients (17%) and enlargement of tumor size in 9 patients (50%) during the follow-up. The growth rate was 0.29 cm per year and doubling time was 3.5 years; these rates did not differ among morphological subtypes or size of tumors. CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic patients with a clear imaging diagnosis of SCN, nonoperative management with a careful follow-up should be recommended. Surgery should be suggested in only symptomatic patients, those with giant tumors (>10 cm), rapid growing or when the presence of a potentially malignant tumor cannot be excluded. and IAP.

Large balloon dilation for the treatment of recurrent bile duct stones in patients with previous endoscopic sphincterotomy: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is an established method to treat common bile duct (CBD) stones. Inevitable sequence after ES is a substantial risk of recurrent choledocholithiasis and occasional difficulty in removal of large or multiple CBD stones after ES even when mechanical lithotripsy (ML) is employed. In turn, a new endoscopic technique, large balloon dilation (LBD) after ES, has been introduced. The objective was to analyze the efficacy and safety of LBD in patients with recurrent bile duct stones who have previously undergone ES. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From December 2007 to November 2009, 24 patients with recurrent choledocholithiasis and a history of ES were treated with LBD without additional ES. The size of the balloon for LBD was 15-20 mm and the duration of balloon dilation was 30 s. RESULTS: Successful stone removal and complications such as perforation, pancreatitis, and bleeding were evaluated as procedure-related outcomes. Postoperative CBD stone recurrence was evaluated as the short term outcome. Complete duct clearance rate without using ML was 96% (23/24 patients) and all stone removal was achieved in one session. Failure to remove stones occurred in one (4.2%) patient. There were no procedure-related complications although one case of aspiration pneumonia occurred after the endoscopy. Recurrent choledocholithiasis after LBD was observed in 12.5% (3/24) of the cases overall. CONCLUSIONS: LBD is an effective and safe method in patients with recurrent choledocholithiasis not only to treat large stones but also to prevent further recurrence.

Endoscopic treatment of difficult common bile duct stones.

Recent developments in treatment devices and advancements in technology have made endoscopic treatment the first choice for bile duct stones. In endoscopic treatment, the stones are removed after expanding the papilla with endoscopic sphincterotomy or endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation. The devices used to remove bile duct stones include basket catheters, balloon catheters and mechanical lithotripters, and their employment varies depending on the clinical situation. Stone removal by endoscopy is superior to other options, although treatment can be difficult in some cases. The reasons are mainly large stones, a history of gastric surgery, and Mirizzi syndrome. For such difficult cases, various adjuvant treatments such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, electrohydraulic lithotripsy and lasers are recommended rather than using just a mechanical lithotripter. Recently, large-diameter biliary orifice balloon dilation, a method in which the papilla is expanded using a large-diameter balloon, allowing the stones to be removed, has been reported and is attracting increasing attention.

[Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the liver: a case report and review of the literature].

A 66-year-old woman presented to our outpatient clinic with abdominal discomfort in April, 2008. Ultrasound revealed a hypo-echoic 10cm mass in the right hepatic lobe but no indication of chronic liver disease, with similar results in her history, on physical exam, and imaging. Serum testing did not identify any systemic disease. The mass was suspected to be intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and right hepatic lobectomy was performed. Histologic examination of the specimen revealed numerous spindle cells, and immunostaining confirmed a definitive diagnosis of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the liver. On subsequent review of the case, an abdominal CT performed 2.5 years earlier for unrelated symptoms had shown a 1cm faint low density area in the same location as the mass. The doubling time of this tumor was about 95 days.

Tumor doubling time in two cases of main duct intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas.

The present study reports the growth rate in two cases of main duct pancreatic intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasms (MD-IPMNs) demonstrating significant changes over several years' observation. The first patient was a 74-year-old woman with an incidental finding of diffuse dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD). Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) identified a 5 mm filling defect. Three years later computed tomography (CT) revealed a 20 mm mass occupying the MPD. The second patient was a 67-year-old woman who presented with back pain. Abdominal CT revealed a 5 mm mass in the dilated MPD. Five years later, CT and ERP showed a 20 mm mass occupying the markedly dilated MPD. Both patients subsequently underwent pancreatectomy. Histologically, the tumors showed an intraductal papillary growth occupying the dilated MPD and comprised of mucin-containing columnar epithelial cells. The tumor volume doubling time of these MD-IPMNs was 141 and 304 days in patient 1 and 2, respectively, with a mean of 222.5 days. The present reports demonstrate the ability of benign MD-IPMNs to grow at a significant rate, supporting the current consensus guidelines that MD-IPMNs require surgical resection.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided pancreaticogastrostomy for a case of occlusion of gastro-pancreatic anastomosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy is described as an alternative to surgery for ductal decompression when endoscopic transpapillary access is impossible. We report a case where EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy of the pancreatic duct was effective for dilatation of the pancreatic duct caused from occlusion of gastro-pancreatic anastomosis constructed after resection of pancreaticoduodenectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patient was a 79-year-old woman who had undergone operation for IPMN in the pancreatic head in 1998. Nine years after the operation, she visited us for back pain, and conspicuous dilatation of the main pancreatic duct was found. By observing curved liner array EUS scope, we successfully punctured the main pancreatic duct and placed a plastic stent. RESULTS: After the treatment, the subjective symptom was alleviated and reduction of the dilatation of pancreatic duct was observed in image findings. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasonography guided pancreaticogastrostomy appears to be an effective treatment for a case of occlusion of gastro-pancreatic anastomosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy.