Identification of endoscopic predictors of biliary malignancy during digital cholangioscopy.

OBJECTIVES: Biliary brushings and biopsies obtained during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have a low sensitivity for the diagnosis of malignant biliary strictures. While cholangioscopic analysis is useful, visual criteria have not yet been defined. The aim of this study was to identify visual criteria for the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures (IDBS). METHODS: A multicenter study was conducted based on the analysis of cholangioscopic recordings of IBDS. Diagnostic criteria were identified in a study group and verified in a validation group. RESULTS: Four criteria were identified to be associated with malignancy, one negatively ("endobiliary material," odds ratio [OR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-0.92) and three positively ("vascularized villous projections," OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.03-2.24; "twisted or dilated vessels," OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.47-3.24; and "dark color of the mucosa," OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.23-2.70). Between two playbacks, the mean (95% CI) sensitivity of the observer's visual diagnosis increased from 66.1% (60-72) to 73.8% (69-78) (P = 0.004); in the second playback, the kappa value for interobserver agreement ranged between 0.36 (color) and 0.56 (endobiliary material), with a significant improvement (P = 0.0031-0.0001) between the first and second playbacks. Blind assessment by endoscopists not involved in this study had a diagnostic accuracy of 73% (71.4-74.5). CONCLUSION: The four identified cholangioscopic features are easy to implement in clinical practice and have the potential to increase the level of diagnostic confidence during the workup of IDBS.

Endoscopic management of iatrogenic EUS-related duodenal perforations with over-the-scope clips.

Background and study aims Iatrogenic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) perforations are life-threatening adverse event and to date, surgery has been the main treatment for them. The aim of this study was to assess feasibility and safety of conservative treatment with over-the-scope clips (OTSC). Patients and methods We performed a retrospective study, including iatrogenic EUS duodenal perforation with conservative endoscopic management from 2011 to August 2018. Patients who initial had surgical management were excluded. Results In 8504 EUS procedure occurred, 13 perforations occurred (0.15 %). Eleven patients were included in the study, all women. Mean patient age was 75 years (range 68 - 88). Eighth of 11 perforations (72.7 %) were due to a radial probe and three of 11 (27.3 %) were due to a curvilinear probe. Eleven procedures (100 %) were performed as diagnostic. Defect size ranged from 10 to 15 mm. All procedures were successful. Three of eleven patients (27 %) had a stay in intensive care unit for less than 72 hours and length of total hospital stay ranged from 3 to 22 days. Conclusion Conservative endoscopic treatment of Iatrogenic EUS perforation, with OTSC is feasible, efficient and safe.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Enteroenterostomy for Afferent Limb Syndrome.

Afferent limb syndrome (ALS) is a rare complication of duodenopancreatectomy, resulting from the mechanical obstruction of the afferent limb usually after local malignancy recurrence. Management of ALS (ie, surgery and palliative therapy) is often unsatisfactory. We present 5 cases of endoscopic ultrasound-guided internal drainage of the afferent limb using lumen-apposing metal stents. All procedures were successful, with no related complications; 2 patients had a complete regression of their symptoms, one experienced cholangitis recurrence, and 2 patients died after some weeks because of their malignancies. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided enteroenterostomy offers a convenient and safe palliative solution for patients presenting ALS.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided luminal remodeling as a novel technique to restore gastroduodenal continuity.

Pyloric exclusion is a method of treatment for duodenal injury. Surgery is usually needed to restore digestive continuity in due time, yet a new surgical procedure can be challenging due to fibrotic adhesion development. We present here a retrospective case series of three patients with pyloric exclusion who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided duodenal repermeabilization using metallic stents. All procedures were successful with no complication and allowed regular feeding. This case series shows that endoscopic ultrasound-guided recanalization is a feasible and safe procedure.