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.

Patients' comorbidities reduce the clinical value of emergency colonoscopy: results of a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Urgent endoscopy is often used to diagnose and sometimes treat acute upper gastrointestinal syndromes (hemorrhage, toxic ingestion, and occlusion). However, its suitability concerning the management of lower gastrointestinal conditions in emergency circumstances is controversial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied the role of emergency colonoscopy in diagnosis and treatment of all consecutive patients presenting with acute lower gastrointestinal symptoms referred to our hospital on an emergency basis. All patients were first managed by physicians from the emergency room and/or the intensive care unit (ICU); the treatments included fluid resuscitation, blood transfusion, and antibiotic or cardiotonic as needed. Bowel cleansing was performed to purge the colon of clots, stool, and blood when clinically possible; alternatively, a bowel enema was used. Patients only underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan prior to the colonoscopy in clinically relevant situations. Colonoscopy was performed within 6 - 36 hours after hospitalization or the beginning of the clinical symptoms (hemorrhage, sepsis, colon distension) or occlusion, as assessed by abdominal CT scan. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2015, 603 patients underwent urgent colonoscopy; among them, 214 (36 %) presented with lower GI bleeding, while 264 (44 %) had symptoms suggestive of intestinal ischemia; almost half (49 %, n = 295) of the patients were hospitalized in the ICU. Patients received therapies, such as clips (15 %), epinephrine injections (5 %), bipolar coagulation (7 %), or devolvulation (3 %) using colonoscopy or antibiotic therapy when needed. No perforation was observed after colonoscopy and only three cases of hemorrhage recurrence were documented as complications after the procedure. Overall, 192 patients died within 1 month after colonoscopy due to four independent risk situations, as follows: septic shock, heart transplantation, multiorgan failure, and ischemic colitis. Only 67 (35 %) underwent urgent intestinal surgery when ischemic colitis was identified, and this did not have a significant effect on the mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: Urgent bedside colonoscopy is feasible and safe for routine use. The highest advantage was observed in patients with red blood hemorrhage, diarrhea, and colon distension when symptoms were not associated with multiorgane failure, heart transplantation, or septic shock. As revealed by colonoscopy and pathological features, ischemic colitis is associated with a bad prognosis, and patients experience a higher rate of early mortality regardless of whether they undergo urgent colon surgery.