[Perspectives and Challenges of hand-held Ultrasound]. / Entwicklungen, Herausforderung und Perspektiven des Handheld-Ultraschalls (HHUS).

The use of handheld ultrasound devices from a technical and data protection point of view, device properties, functionality, documentation, indications, delegation of performance, applications by doctors, students and non-medical staff is examined and discussed.

The EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations for the Clinical Practice of Elastography in Non-Hepatic Applications: Update 2018.

This manuscript describes the use of ultrasound elastography, with the exception of liver applications, and represents an update of the 2013 EFSUMB (European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology) Guidelines and Recommendations on the clinical use of elastography.

Endoscopic ultrasound elastography of small solid pancreatic lesions: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of malignancy in patients with small solid pancreatic lesions is low; however, early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment of these cases. Therefore, a method to reliably distinguish between benign and malignant small solid pancreatic lesions would be highly desirable. We investigated the role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) elastography in this setting. METHODS: Patients with solid pancreatic lesions ≤ 15 mm in size and a definite diagnosis were included. Lesion stiffness relative to the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma, as qualitatively assessed and documented at the time of EUS elastography, was retrospectively compared with the final diagnosis obtained by fine-needle aspiration/biopsy or surgical resection. RESULTS: 218 patients were analyzed. The average size of the lesions was 11 ± 3 mm; 23 % were ductal adenocarcinoma, 52 % neuroendocrine tumors, 8 % metastases, and 17 % other entities; 66 % of the lesions were benign. On elastography, 50 % of lesions were stiffer than the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma (stiff lesions) and 50 % were less stiff or of similar stiffness (soft lesions). High stiffness of the lesion had a sensitivity of 84 % (95 % confidence interval 73 % - 91 %), specificity of 67 % (58 % - 74 %), positive predictive value (PPV) of 56 % (50 % - 62 %), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 89 % (83 % - 93 %) for the diagnosis of malignancy. For the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 96 % (87 % - 100 %), 64 % (56 % - 71 %), 45 % (40 % - 50 %), and 98 % (93 % - 100 %), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with small solid pancreatic lesions, EUS elastography can rule out malignancy with a high level of certainty if the lesion appears soft. A stiff lesion can be either benign or malignant.

[Update in pediatric endoscopy]. / Pädiatrische Endoskopie ­ ein Update.

Pediatric endoscopy is a good example of a multidiscipliniary approach. In many, but not all hospitals, endoscopy in pediatric patients is performed by conventional gastroenterologists and only in some centers by pediatric gastroenterologists. This is due to the fact that not as many pediatric gastroenterologists are available. Some of the centers are very experienced. There is only limited literature on pediatric endoscopy available. Therefore, an update may be relevant for both the adult and pediatric gastroenterologists. Here we describe current knowledge on endoscopic procedures in pediatric patients.

Differential diagnosis of small solid pancreatic lesions.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is typically diagnosed at a late stage. Little is known about the incidental finding of early-stage PDAC. The aim of the current study was to determine the etiology of small solid pancreatic lesions (≤15 mm) to optimize clinical management. METHODS: Inclusion criterion for the retrospective study analysis was the incidental finding of primarily undetermined small solid pancreatic lesions ≤15 mm in 394 asymptomatic patients. Final diagnoses were based on histology or cytology obtained by imaging-guided biopsy (and at least 12-month follow-up) and/or surgery. Contrast-enhanced US or contrast-enhanced EUS was performed in 219 patients. RESULTS: The final diagnoses of 394 patients were as follows: 146 PDACs, 156 neuroendocrine tumors, 28 metastases into the pancreas from other primary sites, and 64 various other etiologies. Contrast-enhanced US allowed differential diagnosis of PDAC and non-PDAC in 189 of 219 patients (86%). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 40% of patients with small solid pancreatic lesions had very early stage PDAC. Approximately 60% of small solid pancreatic lesions ≤15 mm are not PDAC and, therefore, do not require radical surgery. Without preoperative diagnosis, an unacceptably large proportion of patients would be exposed to radical surgery with significant morbidity and mortality.

EUS Needle Identification Comparison and Evaluation study (with videos).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: EUS-guided FNA or biopsy sampling is widely practiced. Optimal sonographic visualization of the needle is critical for image-guided interventions. Of the several commercially available needles, bench-top testing and direct comparison of these needles have not been done to reveal their inherent echogenicity. The aims are to provide bench-top data that can be used to guide clinical applications and to promote future device research and development. METHODS: Descriptive bench-top testing and comparison of 8 commonly used EUS-FNA needles (all size 22 gauge): SonoTip Pro Control (Medi-Globe); Expect Slimline (Boston Scientific); EchoTip, EchoTip Ultra, EchoTip ProCore High Definition (Cook Medical); ClearView (Conmed); EZ Shot 2 (Olympus); and BNX (Beacon Endoscopic), and 2 new prototype needles, SonoCoat (Medi-Globe), coated by echogenic polymers made by Encapson. Blinded evaluation of standardized and unedited videos by 43 EUS endoscopists and 17 radiologists specialized in GI US examination who were unfamiliar with EUS needle devices. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the ratings and rankings of these needles between endosonographers and radiologists. Overall, 1 prototype needle was rated as the best, ranking 10% to 40% higher than all other needles (P < .01). Among the commercially available needles, the EchoTip Ultra needle and the ClearView needle were top choices. The EZ Shot 2 needle was ranked statistically lower than other needles (30%-75% worse, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: All FNA needles have their inherent and different echogenicities, and these differences are similarly recognized by EUS endoscopists and radiologists. Needles with polymeric coating from the entire shaft to the needle tip may offer better echogenicity.

Quantitative contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS in differential diagnosis of focal pancreatic masses (with videos).

BACKGROUND: The role of EUS with contrast agents can be expanded through the use of time-intensity curve (TIC) analysis and computer-aided interpretation. OBJECTIVE: To validate the use of parameters derived from TIC analysis in an artificial neural network (ANN) classification model designed to diagnose pancreatic carcinoma (PC) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). SETTING: Prospective, multicenter, observational trial-endoscopy units from Romania, Denmark, Germany, and Spain. PATIENTS: A total of 167 consecutive patients with PC or CP. INTERVENTIONS: Contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS (CEH-EUS) and EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA), TIC analysis, and ANN processing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) for EUS-FNA, CEH-EUS, and the ANN. RESULTS: After excluding all of the recordings that did not meet the technical and procedural criteria, 112 cases of PC and 55 cases of CP were included. EUS-FNA was performed in 129 patients, and the diagnosis was confirmed by surgery (n = 15) or follow-up (n = 23) in the remaining cases. Its sensitivity and specificity were 84.82% and 100%, respectively, whereas the PPV and NPV were 100% and 76.63%, respectively. The sensitivity of real-time quantitative assessment of CEH-EUS was 87.5%, specificity 92.72%, PPV 96.07%, and NPV 78.46%. Peak enhancement, wash-in area under the curve, wash-in rate, and the wash-in perfusion index were significantly different between the groups. No significant differences were found between rise time, mean transit time, and time to peak. For the ANN, sensitivity was 94.64%, specificity 94.44%, PPV 97.24%, and NPV 89.47%. LIMITATIONS: Only PC and CP lesions were included. CONCLUSION: Parameters obtained through TIC analysis can differentiate between PC and CP cases and can be used in an automated computer-aided diagnostic system with good diagnostic results. ( CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01315548.).

Controversies in endobronchial ultrasound.

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive highly accurate and safe endoscopic technique for the evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy and mediastinal masses including centrally located lung tumors. The combination of transbronchial and transoesophageal tissue sampling has improved lung cancer staging, reducing the need for more invasive and surgical diagnostic procedures. Despite the high level of evidence regarding EBUS use in the aforementioned situations, there are still challenges and controversial issues such as follows: Should informed consent for EBUS and flexible bronchoscopy be different? Is EBUS able to replace standard bronchoscopy in patients with suspected lung cancer? Which is the best position, screen orientation, route of intubation, and sedation/anesthesia to perform EBUS? Is it advisable to use a balloon in all procedures? How should the operator acquire skills and how should competence be ensured? This Pro-Con article aims to address these open questions.

Controversies in Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage.

In this 14th document in a series of papers entitled "Controversies in Endoscopic Ultrasound" we discuss various aspects of EUS-guided biliary drainage that are debated in the literature and in practice. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is still the reference technique for therapeutic biliary access, but EUS-guided techniques for biliary access and drainage have developed into safe and highly effective alternative options. However, EUS-guided biliary drainage techniques are technically demanding procedures for which few training models are currently available. Different access routes require modifications to the basic technique and specific instruments. In experienced hands, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage is also a good alternative. Therefore, in this paper, we compare arguments for different options of biliary drainage and different technical modifications.

Comments and illustrations of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine guidelines: Rare pancreatic tumors, ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound features-Malignant mesenchymal tumors.

Rare malignant mesenchymal pancreatic tumors are systematized and reported in this review. The focus is on the appearance on imaging. The present overview summarizes the data and shows that not every pancreatic tumor corresponds to the most common entities of ductal adenocarcinoma or neuroendocrine tumor.

Pancreatic duct imaging during aging.

As part of the aging process, fibrotic changes, fatty infiltration, and parenchymal atrophy develop in the pancreas. The pancreatic duct also becomes wider with age. This article provides an overview of the diameter of the pancreatic duct in different age groups and different examination methods. Knowledge of these data is useful to avoid misinterpretations regarding the differential diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, obstructive tumors, and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN).

Secondary sclerosing cholangitis and IgG4-sclerosing cholangitis - A review of cholangiographic and ultrasound imaging.

Sclerosing cholangitis (SC) represents a spectrum of chronic progressive cholestatic diseases of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic biliary system characterized by patchy inflammation, fibrosis, and stricturing. Primary and secondary SC must be distinguished given the different treatment modalities, risks of malignancy, and progression to portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and hepatic failure. This review focuses on secondary SC and the pathogenic mechanisms, risk factors, clinical presentation, and novel imaging modalities that help to distinguish between these conditions. We explore the detailed use of cholangiography and ultrasound imaging techniques.

Comments and illustrations of the WFUMB CEUS liver guidelines: Rare vascular pathology, part II.

In this second part of the topic the hepatic pseudoaneurysm, hepatic infarction, and pylephlebitis are discussed as acute and potentially life-threatening hepatic vascular diseases. The focus is on their appearance on B-mode ultrasonography, duplex ultrasonography, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Zahn's pseudo infarction is an important differential diagnosis to wedge-shaped hepatic infarction in this context. Knowledge of the data should help raise awareness of these rare findings, to come up with relevant differential diagnoses in the corresponding clinical situation, to interpret the ultrasound images correctly and thus to initiate the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic steps in time.

Pancreatic changes with lifestyle and age: What is normal and what is concerning?

During the aging process, typical morphological changes occur in the pancreas, which leads to a specific "patchy lobular fibrosis in the elderly." The aging process in the pancreas is associated with changes in volume, dimensions, contour, and increasing intrapancreatic fat deposition. Typical changes are seen in ultrasonography, computed tomography, endosonography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Typical age-related changes must be distinguished from lifestyle-related changes. Obesity, high body mass index, and metabolic syndrome also lead to fatty infiltration of the pancreas. In the present article, age-related changes in morphology and imaging are discussed. Particular attention is given to the sonographic verification of fatty infiltration of the pancreas. Ultrasonography is a widely used screening examination method. It is important to acknowledge the features of the normal aging processes and not to interpret them as pathological findings. Reference is made to the uneven fatty infiltration of the pancreas. The differential diagnostic and the differentiation from other processes and diseases leading to fatty infiltration of the pancreas are discussed.

Mishaps with EUS-guided lumen-apposing metal stents in therapeutic pancreatic EUS: Management and prevention.

EUS-guided interventions have become widely accepted therapeutic management options for drainage of peripancreatic fluid collections. Apart from endosonographic skills, EUS interventions require knowledge of the endoscopic stenting techniques and familiarity with the available stents and deployment systems. Although generally safe and effective, technical failure of correct stent positioning or serious adverse events can occur, even in experts' hands. In this article, we address common and rare adverse events in transmural EUS-guided stenting, ways to prevent them, and management options when they occur. Knowing the risks of what can go wrong combined with clinical expertise, high levels of technical skills, and adequate training allows for the safe performance of EUS-guided drainage procedures. Discussing the procedural risks and their likelihood with the patient is a fundamental part of the consenting process.

Comments and illustrations of the WFUMB CEUS liver guidelines: Cystic fibrosis associated liver disease.

In this series of articles with comments and illustrations on the World Federation for Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) guidelines on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) the topics of very rare focal liver lesions (FLL) are discussed. Improving the detection and characterization of the most common FLL are the main topics of these guidelines. The focus of this review is on the many manifestations of cystic fibrosis-related liver disease (CFLD). These include focal biliary fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, vascular manifestations with nodular regenerative hyperplasia and portal hypertension with or without cirrhosis. This article describes the diverse changes of liver involvement in cystic fibrosis and their appearance on ultrasound, duplex sonography, and contrast enhanced ultrasonography. This knowledge and the imaging should help to recognize liver manifestations in time and enable a correct interpretation of ultrasound images in CF in the corresponding clinical situation.

Comments and illustrations of the WFUMB CEUS liver guidelines: Peliosis hepatis and porphyria.

In this series of articles on comments and illustrations of the World Federation for Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) guidelines on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), the topics on very rare focal liver lesions (FLL) are discussed. This article describes the diverse changes of focal liver lesions in peliosis hepatis and the typical changes in porphyria. Although the focus is on the appearance on ultrasound and CEUS, the clinical context is always considered. While peliosis may be a surprising finding on puncture, lesions in porphyria cutanea tarda may be typical visual diagnoses that obviate the need for biopsy. If only you knew. This article aims to sharpen the clinician's eye. It provides knowledge of the clinical presentation and US and CEUS imaging of peliosis hepatis and porphyria.

Comments on and Illustrations of the EFSUMB CEUS Guidelines: Transabdominal and Endoscopic Ultrasound Features of Intrapancreatic Metastases and the Role of Multiparametric Imaging and EUS-Guided Sampling in Rare Pancreatic Tumors.

A definite pathologic diagnosis of intrapancreatic metastasis is crucial for the management decision, i.e., curative or palliative surgery versus chemotherapy or conservative/palliative therapy. This review focuses on the appearance of intrapancreatic metastases on native and contrast-enhanced transabdominal ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound. Differences and similarities in relation to the primary tumor, and the differential diagnosis from pancreatic carcinoma and neuroendocrine neoplasms are described. The frequency of intrapancreatic metastases in autopsy studies and surgical resection studies will be discussed. Further emphasis is placed on endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling to confirm the diagnosis.

Efficacy of an artificial neural network-based approach to endoscopic ultrasound elastography in diagnosis of focal pancreatic masses.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: By using strain assessment, real-time endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) elastography provides additional information about a lesion's characteristics in the pancreas. We assessed the accuracy of real-time EUS elastography in focal pancreatic lesions using computer-aided diagnosis by artificial neural network analysis. METHODS: We performed a prospective, blinded, multicentric study at of 258 patients (774 recordings from EUS elastography) who were diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis (n = 47) or pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 211) from 13 tertiary academic medical centers in Europe (the European EUS Elastography Multicentric Study Group). We used postprocessing software analysis to compute individual frames of elastography movies recorded by retrieving hue histogram data from a dynamic sequence of EUS elastography into a numeric matrix. The data then were analyzed in an extended neural network analysis, to automatically differentiate benign from malignant patterns. RESULTS: The neural computing approach had 91.14% training accuracy (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.87%-92.42%) and 84.27% testing accuracy (95% CI, 83.09%-85.44%). These results were obtained using the 10-fold cross-validation technique. The statistical analysis of the classification process showed a sensitivity of 87.59%, a specificity of 82.94%, a positive predictive value of 96.25%, and a negative predictive value of 57.22%. Moreover, the corresponding area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91%-0.97%), which was significantly higher than the values obtained by simple mean hue histogram analysis, for which the area under the receiver operating characteristic was 0.85. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the artificial intelligence methodology via artificial neural networks supports the medical decision process, providing fast and accurate diagnoses.

Comments and illustrations of the WFUMB CEUS liver guidelines: rare congenital vascular pathology.

In this overview of vascular changes of the liver, variations in the liver vessels are discussed, in addition to congenital malformations such as Abernethy malformation, patent ductus venosus Arantii and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (OslerWeber-Rendu disease). Particular attention is paid to focal liver lesions, especially focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), but also other solid tumours that develop as a result of altered liver vascularisation. The article focuses on the ultrasonic appearances and changes of the liver, depicted in B-mode sonography, Doppler studies and in contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). The clinical manifestations of these conditions associated with other organ systems are also highlighted.