Accuracy and other quality indicators of solid pancreatic mass endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration and biopsy in two academic endoscopy centers.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration/biopsy (EUS-FNA/FNB) is highly accurate, but discrepancies between cytological and surgical diagnoses are still observed. We aimed to determine its accuracy and monitor quality indicators in our facilities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all cases of pancreatic solid lesions evaluated by EUS-FNA/FNB, between July 2015 and June 2018, in two centers. Cytological and surgical findings were categorized into five groups: benign, malignant, suspect of malignancy, undetermined and insufficient for diagnosis. Final diagnosis was based on surgical diagnosis and, in patients who did not undergo surgery, on clinical outcome after 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: Altogether, 142 patients were included. FNA was the preferred tissue acquisition method (88%), with a predilection for the FNA 22G needle (57%). Cytology was insufficient for diagnosis in 2 cases, therefore a full diagnostic sample was available in 98.6% of the patients (>90%, ESGE target). Fifty-five (38.7%) patients underwent surgery. In term of cancer diagnosis, comparison with final surgical pathology (n=55) revealed 89% true positives, 5.5% true negatives, 3.6% false positives and 1.8% false negatives. When combining surgical diagnosis and clinical outcomes together, EUS-guided sampling sensitivity was 97.4% (92.5-99.5), specificity was 92.3% (74.9-99.1), positive predictive value was 98.2% (93.6- 99.5), negative predictive value was 88.9% (72.3-96.1) and accuracy was 96.4% (91.9-98.8). Post-procedural acute pancreatitis was reported in 2 patients (1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: These results reveal a performance for diagnostic tissue sampling well above the ESGE proposed target standard. Also, the uncommon high specificity illustrates the determining role of the pathologist's final interpretation and diagnosis.

The Belgian national registry on chronic pancreatitis: A prospective multi-centre study covering more than 800 patients in one year.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The epidemiology, natural history, complications, and therapeutic management of chronic pancreatitis (CP) are not well described at the national level. This multi-centre prospective observational study involving eight Belgian hospitals aimed to improve the understanding of these aspects of CP in Belgium. METHODS: All patients with a diagnosis of CP based on imaging were eligible for this study. Data were gathered regarding epidemiology, etiology, CP complications, and treatment modalities. RESULTS: A total of 809 patients were included between 1/9/2014 and 31/8/2015. Most patients (794) were adults ≥16-years old, 74% were male, the median age at symptom onset was 47 (38-57) years, the median disease duration was 7 (3-13) years, and the median Izbicki pain score (IPS) was 96 (0-195). The main etiological risk factors according to the TIGAR-O classification were alcohol and tobacco (67%). Current drinkers had lower body mass index (BMI) (21.4 kg/m2 vs 24.1 kg/m2), higher IPS (110 vs 56), and longer inability to work than non-drinkers. Current smokers had lower BMI (21.5 kg/m2 vs 25 kg/m2) and higher IPS (120 vs 30) than non-smokers. Endocrine insufficiency and/or clinical steatorrhea was recorded in 41% and 36% of patients, respectively. The highest IPS was reported in patients with ongoing endotherapy (166 vs 50 for patients who completed endoscopy). CONCLUSION: This multicentric study on CP patients showed that current alcohol drinking and smoking are associated with pain and malnutrition. Pain scores were higher in patients with ongoing endotherapy, independently of surgery.

Papillary cannulation and sphincterotomy techniques at ERCP: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Clinical Guideline

This Guideline is an official statement of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE). It provides practical advice on how to achieve successful cannulation and sphincterotomy at minimum risk to the patient. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was adopted to define the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. Main recommendations 1 ESGE suggests that difficult biliary cannulation is defined by the presence of one or more of the following: more than 5 contacts with the papilla whilst attempting to cannulate; more than 5 minutes spent attempting to cannulate following visualization of the papilla; more than one unintended pancreatic duct cannulation or opacification (low quality evidence, weak recommendation). 2 ESGE recommends the guidewire-assisted technique for primary biliary cannulation, since it reduces the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (moderate quality evidence, strong recommendation). 3 ESGE recommends using pancreatic guidewire (PGW)-assisted biliary cannulation in patients where biliary cannulation is difficult and repeated unintentional access to the main pancreatic duct occurs (moderate quality evidence, strong recommendation). ESGE recommends attempting prophylactic pancreatic stenting in all patients with PGW-assisted attempts at biliary cannulation (moderate quality evidence, strong recommendation). 4 ESGE recommends needle-knife fistulotomy as the preferred technique for precutting (moderate quality evidence, strong recommendation). ESGE suggests that precutting should be used only by endoscopists who achieve selective biliary cannulation in more than 80 % of cases using standard cannulation techniques (low quality evidence, weak recommendation). When access to the pancreatic duct is easy to obtain, ESGE suggests placement of a pancreatic stent prior to precutting (moderate quality evidence, weak recommendation). 5 ESGE recommends that in patients with a small papilla that is difficult to cannulate, transpancreatic biliary sphincterotomy should be considered if unintentional insertion of a guidewire into the pancreatic duct occurs (moderate quality evidence, strong recommendation).In patients who have had transpancreatic sphincterotomy, ESGE suggests prophylactic pancreatic stenting (moderate quality evidence, strong recommendation). 6 ESGE recommends that mixed current is used for sphincterotomy rather than pure cut current alone, as there is a decreased risk of mild bleeding with the former (moderate quality evidence, strong recommendation). 7 ESGE suggests endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) as an alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for extracting CBD stones < 8 mm in patients without anatomical or clinical contraindications, especially in the presence of coagulopathy or altered anatomy (moderate quality evidence, strong recommendation). 8 ESGE does not recommend routine biliary sphincterotomy for patients undergoing pancreatic sphincterotomy, and suggests that it is reserved for patients in whom there is evidence of coexisting bile duct obstruction or biliary sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (moderate quality evidence, weak recommendation). 9 In patients with periampullary diverticulum (PAD) and difficult cannulation, ESGE suggests that pancreatic duct stent placement followed by precut sphincterotomy or needle-knife fistulotomy are suitable options to achieve cannulation (low quality evidence, weak recommendation).ESGE suggests that EST is safe in patients with PAD. In cases where EST is technically difficult to complete as a result of a PAD, large stone removal can be facilitated by a small EST combined with EPBD or use of EPBD alone (low quality evidence, weak recommendation). 10 For cannulation of the minor papilla, ESGE suggests using wire-guided cannulation, with or without contrast, and sphincterotomy with a pull-type sphincterotome or a needle-knife over a plastic stent (low quality evidence, weak recommendation).When cannulation of the minor papilla is difficult, ESGE suggests secretin injection, which can be preceded by methylene blue spray in the duodenum (low quality evidence, weak recommendation). 11 In patients with choledocholithiasis who are scheduled for elective cholecystectomy, ESGE suggests intraoperative ERCP with laparoendoscopic rendezvous (moderate quality evidence, weak recommendation). ESGE suggests that when biliary cannulation is unsuccessful with a standard retrograde approach, anterograde guidewire insertion either by a percutaneous or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided approach can be used to achieve biliary access (low quality evidence, weak recommendation). 12 ESGE suggests that in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy ERCP should be performed in referral centers, with the side-viewing endoscope as a first option; forward-viewing endoscopes are the second choice in cases of failure (low quality evidence, weak recommendation). A straight standard ERCP catheter or an inverted sphincterotome, with or without the guidewire, is recommended by ESGE for biliopancreatic cannulation in patients who have undergone Billroth II gastrectomy (low quality evidence, strong recommendation). Endoscopic papillary ballon dilation (EPBD) is suggested as an alternative to sphincterotomy for stone extraction in the setting of patients with Billroth II gastrectomy (low quality evidence, weak recommendation).In patients with complex post-surgical anatomy ESGE suggests referral to a center where device-assisted enteroscopy techniques are available (very low quality evidence, weak recommendation).

Hepatic expression of CCL2 in alcoholic liver disease is associated with disease severity and neutrophil infiltrates.

Serum levels and liver expression of CCL2 are increased in patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH). In an experimental model of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), CCL2 was implicated in proinflammatory cytokines activation and hepatic lipid metabolism, but its role in human disease is currently unknown. In a large cohort of ALD patients, we analysed plasma levels and liver expression of CCL2 and their association with liver disease severity and histological lesions. We also studied the relationship between -2518 A > G CCL2 and CCR2 190 A/G polymorphisms and severity of ALD. We show that CCL2 plasma levels are increased in ALD patients compared with healthy subjects. AH patients had significantly higher plasma levels and hepatic expression of CCL2 than patients without AH. Plasma levels and hepatic expression of CCL2 were associated with disease severity. CCL2 liver expression was correlated with neutrophil infiltrate and interleukin (IL)-8 expression, but not with steatosis. Moreover, there were more G-allele carriers of -2518 A > G CCL2 polymorphism in severe AH patients than in other ALD patients. Our results demonstrate that CCL2 is increased in ALD, particularly in severe forms, and suggest a role for CCL2 in the pathogenesis of ALD via neutrophil recruitment.

Percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy in patients with gastroparesis following lung transplantation: feasibility and clinical outcome.

The aim of the present study was to describe success rates, complications, and outcome in patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ) because of gastroparesis due to previous lung transplantation. Between October 2008 and May 2011, 14 attempts at PEJ placement were made in 12 patients in our center. Of the 14 attempts, 11 were successful, giving a technical success rate of 78.6 %. Median duration of followup was8.5 months (2­15 months). No immediate complications were reported. Two severe complications occurred during follow up (one volvulus and one jejunocolic fistula). Jejunal nutrition was well tolerated in most of patients (9 /10). PEJ insertion is a feasible technique, which could help to provide nutritional support for patients with gastroparesis and previous lung transplantation.

Endoscopic treatment of chronic pancreatitis: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Clinical Guideline.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Clarification of the position of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) regarding the interventional options available for treating patients with chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: Systematic literature search to answer explicit key questions with levels of evidence serving to determine recommendation grades. The ESGE funded development of the Guideline. SUMMARY OF SELECTED RECOMMENDATIONS: For treating painful uncomplicated chronic pancreatitis, the ESGE recommends extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy/endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as the first-line interventional option. The clinical response should be evaluated at 6 - 8 weeks; if it appears unsatisfactory, the patient's case should be discussed again in a multidisciplinary team. Surgical options should be considered, in particular in patients with a predicted poor outcome following endoscopic therapy (Recommendation grade B). For treating chronic pancreatitis associated with radiopaque stones ≥ 5 mm that obstruct the main pancreatic duct, the ESGE recommends extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy as a first step, combined or not with endoscopic extraction of stone fragments depending on the expertise of the center (Recommendation grade B). For treating chronic pancreatitis associated with a dominant stricture of the main pancreatic duct, the ESGE recommends inserting a single 10-Fr plastic stent, with stent exchange planned within 1 year (Recommendation grade C). In patients with ductal strictures persisting after 12 months of single plastic stenting, the ESGE recommends that available options (e. g., endoscopic placement of multiple pancreatic stents, surgery) be discussed in a multidisciplinary team (Recommendation grade D).For treating uncomplicated chronic pancreatic pseudocysts that are within endoscopic reach, the ESGE recommends endoscopic drainage as a first-line therapy (Recommendation grade A).For treating chronic pancreatitis-related biliary strictures, the choice between endoscopic and surgical therapy should rely on local expertise, patient co-morbidities and expected patient compliance with repeat endoscopic procedures (Recommendation grade D). If endoscopy is elected, the ESGE recommends temporary placement of multiple, side-by-side, plastic biliary stents (Recommendation grade A).

A novel system for the improvement of colonic cleansing during colonoscopy.

Suboptimal bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy impairs the efficacy and safety of the procedure. A new system for intracolonic cleansing has been developed, which includes a disposable catheter device that is inserted through the working channel of a standard colonoscope and an irrigation unit with predefined pressure and flow rate. The aim of the current study was to assess the safety and efficacy of this novel system for the improvement of bowel cleansing during colonoscopy. A total of 42 patients with suboptimal bowel preparation were systematically allocated, in a 1:1 ratio, to either the study group (JetPrep system, n = 21) or the control group (syringe irrigation, n = 21). The cleansing efficacy was evaluated using a segmental scoring scale to rate the bowel preparation level before and after irrigation. One patient from the study group was excluded from the efficacy analysis due to treatment with both techniques. The JetPrep system was significantly superior to syringe irrigation (P = 0.0001). No adverse events were reported. This study suggests that the safety profile of the JetPrep system is comparable to standard irrigation and shows that the device significantly improves suboptimal bowel preparation.

Colon capsule endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline.

PillCam colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is an innovative noninvasive, and painless ingestible capsule technique that allows exploration of the colon without the need for sedation and gas insufflation. Although it is already available in European and other countries, the clinical indications for CCE as well as the reporting and work-up of detected findings have not yet been standardized. The aim of this evidence-based and consensus-based guideline, commissioned by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) is to furnish healthcare providers with a comprehensive framework for potential implementation of this technique in a clinical setting.

Biliary stenting: indications, choice of stents and results: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) clinical guideline.

This article is part of a combined publication that expresses the current view of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy about endoscopic biliary stenting. The present Clinical Guideline describes short-term and long-term results of biliary stenting depending on indications and stent models; it makes recommendations on when, how, and with which stent to perform biliary drainage in most common clinical settings, including in patients with a potentially resectable malignant biliary obstruction and in those who require palliative drainage of common bile duct or hilar strictures. Treatment of benign conditions (strictures related to chronic pancreatitis, liver transplantation, or cholecystectomy, and leaks and failed biliary stone extraction) and management of complications (including stent revision) are also discussed. A two-page executive summary of evidence statements and recommendations is provided. A separate Technology Review describes the models of biliary stents available and the stenting techniques, including advanced techniques such as insertion of multiple plastic stents, drainage of hilar strictures, retrieval of migrated stents and combined stenting in malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions.The target readership for the Clinical Guideline mostly includes digestive endoscopists, gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiologists, internists, and surgeons while the Technology Review should be most useful to endoscopists who perform biliary drainage.

The importance of upper gastrointestinal lesions detected with capsule endoscopy in patients with obscure digestive bleeding.

STUDY AIMS: Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is the first line procedure for detecting small bowel lesions in patients with an obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Missed upper gastrointestinal (UGI) lesions at the initial endoscopy may account for the so-called OGIB. This retrospective study was designed to assess the role of SBCE in detecting missed UGI lesions. METHODS: All consecutive SBCE that were performed in the last year for patients with OGIB were included in our study. We evaluated the visibility of the gastric mucosa, the anatomic landmarks, the presence of UGI lesions as well as their clinical importance. The SBCE findings were compared with the reports of previous UGI endoscopies. RESULTS: 118 patients (45 males, 73 females, mean age 61 +/- 19 years) were included in the analysis. The indication for SBCE was obscure overt and occult OGIB in 60 and in 58 patients, respectively. SBCE identified lesions in the small bowel in 42% of the patients. An excellent visibility of gastric mucosa was observed in 83/118 cases (703%). SBCE identified gastric lesions with potential clinical significance (high bleed potential) in 25/118 (21.2%) patients. In 12/118 (10.2%) patients the UGI lesions detected by SBCE were considered as the only potential source of bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with OGIB, SBCE detected not only small bowel lesions but also significant UGI lesions that were missed or underestimated at the initial endoscopy in 21% of cases. It is therefore necessary to carefully read the gastric images when performing an SBCE.

Buried bumper syndrome: low incidence and safe endoscopic management.

AIMS: Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) is a rare long-term complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and consists of a progressive impaction of the inner bumper of the tube in the mucosa of gastric wall. The aim of our study was to report our own experience with BBS, focusing on its incidence and endoscopic management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of a large group of 879 patients having undergone PEG insertion (2002-2009) were retrospectively reviewed. All PEG's were followed by our special Nutrition Support Team. Patients presenting with BBS during their follow-up were included in the study. RESULTS: Only eight patients (8/879; 0.9%) developed BBS, which was confirmed during gastroscopy. Median time between PEG insertion and BBS diagnosis was 22.0+/-22.28 months. Five patients underwent successful treatment with: 1) flexible guide wire insertion through the internal orifice of the PEG to define its anatomical settings, 2) cruciform incisions of the gastric mucosa with a needle-knife starting at the center of the mucosal dome covering the internal bumper, and reaching its edges, 3) extrusion and complete extraction of the inner bumper through the gastric tract. No complications were observed. Median hospital stay related to BBS lasted 4.0+/-3.67 days. In two patients with peristomal abscess and deeply migrated bumper surgery was needed. CONCLUSIONS: Cruciform mucosal incisions with needle-knife is a safe endoscopic technique to treat the BBS that could avoid surgery in most of the cases. Preventive measures applied after PEG insertion and continued during the follow-up may result in a distinctly lower prevalence of BBS.

Biliary stents: models and methods for endoscopic stenting.

Biliary stenting is widely used to palliate malignant obstruction or to treat benign biliary diseases. Recently, the most important changes have related to self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs), which are now available in a wide variety of designs, and to treatment techniques. This article is part of a combined publication that expresses the current view of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) about endoscopic biliary stenting: a technology review describes the stent models and stenting techniques, and a separate clinical guideline states the evidence and recommendations regarding stenting.

A new partially covered nitinol stent for palliative treatment of malignant bile duct obstruction: a multicenter single-arm prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) have proven effective for managing malignant bile duct strictures and may reduce risk of tumor ingrowth. A new nitinol partially covered biliary SEMS was prospectively evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 70 patients with inoperable extrahepatic biliary obstructions were enrolled in a prospective multicenter trial, and followed up to 6 months or death, whichever came first. Primary endpoint was adequate palliation defined as absence of recurrent biliary obstruction from partly covered SEMS placement to end of follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 69 years and 52 % were men. Pancreatic carcinoma was present in 68 %. One stent was placed in 67 patients, two patients received two, and in one patient a guide wire could not traverse the stricture. In 55 % of patients the SEMS was inserted de novo and in 45 % for exchange with a plastic stent. Technical success was 97 %. At 6 months, 62 % of patients were free of obstructive symptoms; compared with baseline the mean number of symptoms per patient was significantly reduced (3.1 at baseline, 0.6 at 6 months; P < 0.0001) and total bilirubin levels dropped by 73 %. There were four cases of recurrent biliary obstruction, due to stent migration (2), tumor overgrowth (1), and sludge formation (1). Device-related complications included cholecystitis (3), right upper quadrant pain (1), and moderate pancreatitis (1). No tumor ingrowth was reported. CONCLUSIONS: This new partially covered nitinol SEMS is easily inserted, and safe and effective in the palliation of biliary obstruction secondary to malignant bile duct strictures.

European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline: prophylaxis of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) are both patient-related and procedure-related. Identification of patients at high risk for PEP is important in order to target prophylactic measures. Prevention of PEP includes administration of nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), use of specific cannulation techniques, and placement of temporary pancreatic stents. The aim of this guideline commissioned by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) is to provide practical, graded, recommendations for the prevention of PEP.

A two-year old boy with recurrent bouts of acute abdominal pain.

In a small number of patients with pancreas divisum (with stenotic minor papilla) a relative obstruction to pancreatic exocrine secretory flow results in pancreatitis. We report a 2-year-old boy presenting with recurrent bouts of abdominal pain. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was made based on blood biochemistry results. Ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed several abdominal pseudocysts, peritoneal exsudate and confirmed pancreatitis but initially failed to reveal the aetiology. Ascites and cysts contained pancreatic enzymes. After weeks of combined conservative and surgical treatment, a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography with secretin, showed a pancreas divisum with a cyst between the ducts of Santorini and Wirsung. Based on these findings, two endoscopic papillotomies (minor and major papilla) were performed. Three years follow-up was uneventful. In a child with recurrent pancreatitis or pancreatitis with chronic recurrent abdominal pain it is crucial to search aggressively for congenital abnormalities, including pancreas divisum. Secretin-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography or diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable diagnostic tool for visualizing pancreatic duct anatomy.