Does cyst growth predict malignancy in branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms? Results of a large multicenter experience

Percentage of Pancreatic Cysts on MRI With a Pancreatic Carcinoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are frequent on MRI and are thought to be associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) necessitating long-term surveillance based on older studies suffering from selection bias.

PURPOSE

To establish the percentage of patients with PCLs on MRI with a present or future PDAC.

STUDY TYPE

Systematic review, meta-analysis.

POPULATION

Adults with PCLs on MRI and a present or future diagnosis of PDAC were eligible. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus were searched to April 2022 (PROSPERO:CRD42022320502). Studies limited to PCLs not requiring surveillance, <100 patients, or those with a history/genetic risk of PDAC were excluded.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

≥1.5 T with ≥1 T2-weighted sequence.

ASSESSMENT

Two investigators extracted data, with discrepancies resolved by a third. QUADAS-2 assessed bias. PDAC was diagnosed using a composite reference standard.

STATISTICAL TESTS

A meta-analysis of proportions was performed at the patient-level with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

Eight studies with 1289 patients contributed to the percentage of patients with a present diagnosis of PDAC, and 10 studies with 3422 patients to the percentage with a future diagnosis. Of patients with PCLs on MRI, 14.8% (95% CI 2.4-34.9) had a PDAC at initial MRI, which decreased to 6.0% (2.2-11.3) for studies at low risk of bias. For patients without PDAC on initial MRI, 2.0% (1.1-3.2) developed PDAC during surveillance, similar for low risk of bias studies at 1.9% (0.7-3.6), with no clear trend of increased PDAC for longer surveillance durations. For patients without worrisome features or high-risk stigmata, 0.9% (0.1-2.2) developed PDAC during surveillance. Of 10, eight studies had a median surveillance ≥3 years (range 3-157 months). Sources of bias included retrospectively limiting PCLs to those with histopathology and inconsistent surveillance protocols.

DATA CONCLUSION

A low percentage of patients with PCLs on MRI develop PDAC while on surveillance. The first MRI revealing a PCL should be scrutinized for PDAC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

KRAS and GNAS mutations in cell-free DNA and in circulating epithelial cells in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms-an observational pilot study

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are potential precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer. We assessed the efficacy of screening for KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase (KRAS), and GNAS complex locus (GNAS) mutations in cell-free DNA (cfDNA)-using digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and circulating epithelial cell (CEC) detection-as biomarkers for risk stratification in IPMN patients. We prospectively collected plasma samples from 25 resected patients at risk of malignant progression, and 23 under clinical surveillance. Our findings revealed KRAS mutations in 10.4% and GNAS mutations in 18.8% of the overall cohort. Among resected IPMN patients, KRAS and GNAS mutation detection rates were 16.0% and 32.0%, respectively, whereas both rates were 4.0% in conservatively managed IPMN. GNAS mutations in cfDNA were significantly more prevalent in resected IPMN (P = 0.024) compared with IPMN under surveillance. No CECs were detected. The absence of KRAS and GNAS mutations could be a reliable marker for branch duct IPMN without worrisome features. The emergence of GNAS mutations could prompt enhanced imaging surveillance. Neither the presence of established worrisome features nor GNAS or KRAS mutations appear effective in identifying high-grade dysplasia among IPMN patients.

Systematic review on surveillance for non-resected branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas

BACKGROUND

The management of branch-duct type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMN) varies in existing guidelines. This study investigated the optimal surveillance protocol and safe discontinuation of surveillance considering natural history in non-resected IPMN, by systematically reviewing the published literature.

METHODS

This review was guided by PRISMA. Research questions were framed in PICO format "CQ1-1: Is size criteria helpful to determine surveillance period? CQ1-2: How often should surveillance be carried out? CQ1-3: When should surveillance be discontinued? CQ1-4: Is nomogram predicting malignancy useful during surveillance?". PubMed was searched from January-April 2022.

RESULTS

The search generated 2373 citations. After screening, 83 articles were included. Among them, 33 studies were identified for CQ1-1, 19 for CQ1-2, 26 for CQ1-3 and 12 for CQ1-4. Cysts <1.5 or 2 cm without worrisome features (WF) were described as more indolent, and most studies advised an initial period of surveillance. The median growth rate of cysts <2 cm ranged from 0.23 to 0.6 mm/year. Patients with cysts <2 cm showing no morphological changes and no WF after 5-years of surveillance have minimal malignancy risk of 0-2%. Two nomograms created with over 1000 patients had AUCs of around 0.8 and appear to be feasible in a real-world practice.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with suspected BD-IPMN <2 cm and no other WF, less frequent surveillance is recommended. Surveillance may be discontinued for cysts that remain stable during 5-year surveillance, with consideration of patient condition and life expectancy. With this updated surveillance strategy, patients with non-worrisome BD-IPMN should expect more streamlined management and decreased healthcare utilization.

Association of high-risk stigmata and worrisome features with advanced neoplasia in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN): A systematic review

BACKGROUND

This systematic review aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the International Consensus Fukuoka Guidelines (ICG2017) in identifying high-risk lesions of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMNs).

METHODS

The ICG2017 revision committee conducted a comprehensive literature review to establish evidence-based statements on IPMNs. The review focused on articles examining the diagnostic value of imaging features (e.g., cyst or main pancreatic duct diameter), clinical symptoms associated with IPMN, and serum biomarkers. Five clinical questions regarding high-risk stigmata (HRS) and worrisome features (WF) in the ICG2017 guidelines were addressed.

RESULTS

A total of 210 articles were reviewed. The findings revealed a significant association between the presence of mural nodules ≥5 mm in diameter or solid components with contrast enhancement and the diagnosis of high-grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma. Contrast-enhanced diagnostic tools, such as CT, MRI, or EUS, demonstrated the highest prediction rate and were recommended. Positive cytology was identified as an HRS, while symptoms like acute pancreatitis and cyst diameter growth ≥2.5 mm per year were considered WFs. The use of nomograms and multiple diagnostic factors was recommended for optimal IPMN management.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review provides evidence supporting the improved diagnostic accuracy of ICG2017 in identifying high-risk lesions of IPMN. The multidisciplinary incorporation of HRS and WF based on imaging findings and clinical symptoms is crucial. These findings should inform the revision of ICG2017, enhancing the evaluation and management of IPMN patients. By implementing these recommendations, clinicians can make more informed decisions, leading to better diagnosis and treatment outcomes for high-risk IPMN cases.

A Comparison of Single Dimension and Volume Measurements in the Risk Stratification of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions

The incidence of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) has been rising due to improvements in imaging. Of these, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are the most common and are thought to contribute to almost 20% of pancreatic adenocarcinomas. All major society guidelines for the management of IPMNs use size defined by maximum diameter as the primary determinant of whether surveillance or surgical resection is recommended. However, there is no consensus on how these measurements should be obtained or whether a single imaging modality is superior. Furthermore, the largest diameter may fail to capture the complexity of PCLs, as most are not perfectly spherical. This article reviews current PCL measurement techniques in CT, MRI, and EUS and posits volume as a possible alternative to the largest diameter.

Cystic pancreatic neoplasms in a tertiary gastroenterologic referral center: Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound, progression rate and malignancy rate in a large unicentric cohort

INTRODUCTION

Cystic pancreatic neoplasms (CPN) are frequently diagnosed due to better diagnostic techniques and patients becoming older. However, diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and value of follow-up are still unclear.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The aim of our retrospective study was to investigate the frequency of different cystic pancreatic neoplasms (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm [IPMN], serous and mucinous cystadenoma, solid pseudopapillary neoplasia), diagnostic accuracy, size progression, and rate of malignancy using EUS in a tertiary reference center in Germany. Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018, 455 patients were diagnosed with cystic pancreatic lesions (798 EUS examinations).

RESULTS

Endoscopic ultrasound diagnosed 223 patients with cystic pancreatic neoplasms, including 138 (61.9%) patients with branch duct IPMN, 16 (7.2%) with main duct IPMN, and five (2.2%) with mixed-type IPMN. In the largest subgroup of branch duct IPMN, cysts were size progressive in 20 patients (38.5%). Fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed in 21 patients, and confirmed the suspected diagnosis in 12/21 patients. 28 surgical resections were performed, in 7/28 patients (25%), high-grade dysplasia or cancer was diagnosed. Endoscopic ultrasound diagnosis of serous and mucinous cystic pancreatic neoplasms was correct in 68.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic ultrasound differential diagnosis of CPNs is challenging. Even in a tertiary expert center, differentiation of serous and mucinous cystic neoplasia is not guaranteed. Relevant size progression of CPN, however, is rare, as is the rate of malignancy. The data of this study suggest that morphologic criteria to assess pancreatic cysts alone are not sufficient to allow a clear diagnosis. Hence, for the improved assessment of pancreatic cysts, EUS should be combined with additional tests and techniques such as MRT/MRCP, contrast-enhanced EUS, and/or FNA/fine needle biopsy including fluid analysis. The combination and correlation of imaging studies with EUS findings is mandatory.

Serial EUS-Guided FNA for the Surveillance of Pancreatic Cysts: A Study of Long-Term Performance of Tumor Markers

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The natural history of KRAS mutations in mucinous pancreatic cysts (MPCs) over time remains to be fully understood. The aim of this study was to examine the performance of DNA markers and assess changes of KRAS mutations over time.

METHODS

Patients who underwent EUS-FNA of pancreatic cysts with at least two separate molecular analysis results were included in the study. We assessed the baseline patient and cyst characteristics, and DNA fluid analysis. The presence of either a KRAS mutation, or a CEA > 192 ng/ml was used as the diagnostic standard for mucinous cysts when surgical pathology was not available.

RESULTS

A total of 933 pancreatic cyst fluid samples were collected, including 117 with ≥ 2 FNAs. Examinations were performed over a median of 30 months (range 1-115 months). Forty-three (36%) had a mutant KRAS on the index analysis out of which 26 had a change in their KRAS status to the wild-type. Eighty-one (64%) had a wild-type KRAS on the index analysis out of which 18 had change in their KRAS status to mutant type. There was no significant difference in the index cyst characteristics, presence of symptoms, or main duct involvement based on KRAS status change. Increasing age was associated with a changing KRAS mutation status (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

KRAS mutations gain and loss in pancreatic cyst fluid appears to occur frequently during long-term surveillance of MPCs. Age appears to be the only predictor for KRAS change over time.

Benefit of Extended Surveillance of Low-Risk Pancreatic Cysts After 5-Year Stability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Low-risk branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) lacking worrisome features (WF) and high-risk stigmata (HRS) warrant surveillance. However, their optimal duration, especially among cysts with initial 5 years of size stability, warrants further investigation. We systematically reviewed the surveillance of low-risk BD-IPMNs and investigated the incidence of WF/HRS and advanced neoplasia, high-grade dysplasia, and pancreatic cancer during the initial (<5 years) and extended surveillance period (>5-years).

METHODS

A systematic search (CRD42020117120) identified studies investigating long-term IPMN surveillance outcomes of low-risk IPMN among the Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception until July 9, 2021. The outcomes included the incidence of WF/HRS and advanced neoplasia, disease-specific mortality, and surveillance-related harm (expressed as percentage per patient-years). The meta-analysis relied on time-to-event plots and used a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Forty-one eligible studies underwent systematic review, and 18 studies were meta-analyzed. The pooled incidence of WF/HRS among low-risk BD-IPMNs during initial and extended surveillance was 2.2% (95% CI, 1.0%-3.7%) and 2.9% (95% CI, 1.0%-5.7%) patient-years, respectively, whereas the incidence of advanced neoplasia was 0.6% (95% CI, 0.2%-1.00%) and 1.0% (95% CI, 0.6%-1.5%) patient-years, respectively. The pooled incidence of disease-specific mortality during initial and extended surveillance was 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.6%) and 0.6% (95% CI, 0.0%-1.6%) patient-years, respectively. Among BD-IPMNs with initial size stability, extended surveillance had a WF/HRS and advanced neoplasia incidence of 1.9% (95% CI, 1.2%-2.8%) and 0.2% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.5%) patient-years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A lower incidence of advanced neoplasia during extended surveillance among low-risk, stable-sized BD-IPMNs was a key finding of this study. However, the survival benefit of surveillance among this population warrants further exploration through high-quality studies before recommending surveillance cessation with certainty.

Pancreatic Cystic Lesions and Malignancy: Assessment, Guidelines, and the Field Defect

The widespread use of high-spatial-resolution cross-sectional imaging has led to an increase in detection of incidental pancreatic cystic lesions. These lesions are a diverse group, ranging from indolent and premalignant lesions to invasive cancers. The diagnosis of several of these lesions can be suggested on the basis of their imaging appearance, while many other lesions require follow-up imaging and/or aspiration. The smaller cystic lesions, often branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, have overlapping imaging characteristics that make diagnostic assessment of the natural history and malignancy risk confusing. Expert panels have developed societal guidelines, based on a consensus, for surveillance of these lesions. However, these guidelines are often inconsistent and are constantly evolving as additional scientific data are accumulated. Identification of features associated with increased risk of malignancy is important for proper management. The concept of field defect, whereby pancreatic adenocarcinoma develops at a site different from the site of the pancreatic cyst, adds to the complexity of screening guidelines. As a result of the differences in guidelines, key stakeholders (eg, radiologists, gastroenterologists, and surgeons) must review and come to a consensus regarding which guideline, or combination of guidelines, to follow at their individual institutions. Standardized reporting and macros are helpful for ensuring the uniformity of interpretations. Radiologists play a critical role in the detection and characterization of pancreatic cystic lesions, in the follow-up recommendations for these lesions, and in the detection of associated cancer. An invited commentary by Zaheer is available online. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ^©RSNA, 2021.

Pancreatic cyst characterization: maximum axial diameter does not measure up

BACKGROUND

Unidimensional size is commonly used to risk stratify pancreatic cysts (PCs) despite inconsistent performance. The current study aimed to determine if unidimensional size, demonstrated by maximum axial diameter (MAD), is an appropriate surrogate measurement for volume and surface area.

METHODS

Patients with cross-sectional imaging of PCs from 2012 to 2013 were identified. Cyst MAD, volume, and surface area were measured using quantitative imaging software. Non-pseudocystic PCs >1 cm were selected for inclusion to assess MAD correlation with volume and surface area. Cysts imaged twice >1 year apart were selected to evaluate volumetric growth rate.

RESULTS

In total, 195 cysts were included. Overall, MAD was strongly correlated with volume (r = 0.83) and surface area (r = 0.93). However, cysts 1-2 cm and 2-3 cm were weakly correlated with volume and surface area: r = 0.78, 0.57 and 0.82, 0.61, respectively. Cyst volumes and surface areas varied widely within unidimensional size groups with 51% and 40% of volumes and surface areas overlapping unidimensional size groups, respectively. Estimated changes in volume poorly predicted measured changes in volume with 42% of cysts having >100% absolute percent difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic cyst volume and surface area may be useful adjunct measurements to risk stratify patients and surveil cyst changes and deserves further study.

Risk of advanced lesions in patients with branch-duct IPMN and relative indications for surgery according to European evidence-based guidelines

BACKGROUND

European evidence-based guidelines proposed surgery for branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) based on the presence of 1-2 relative indications, depending on the comorbidity burden.

AIMS

To assess the accuracy of the guidelines in patients with relative indications in a surgical cohort of demonstrated BD-IPMNs.

METHODS

This report describes a multi-centre, observational, retrospective study. All consecutive patients with relative indications and histologically confirmed BD-IPMN were included. The main outcome was risk of invasive carcinoma in patients with relative indications.

RESULTS

Ninety-one patients with BD-IPMN underwent surgery because of absolute (n = 21), relative (n = 60), or no formal indications (n = 10). In total, there were 60 patients (mean age: 66 ± 9, 50% male) with one (n = 35, 58.3%) or ≥2 relative indications (n = 25, 41.7%). The global advanced lesion and invasive carcinoma rates were 40% and 13.3%, respectively. No risk factor was associated with high-grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma. Patients with one indication had a lower risk of invasive carcinoma than did those with ≥2 relative indications (5.7% vs. 24%, respectively, p = 0.048); however, the advanced lesion rates were comparable (37.1% vs. 44%, p = 0.593).

CONCLUSIONS

Invasive carcinoma is considerably more frequent in patients with two or more relative indications. The surgical strategy in these selected cases should be decided on an individual basis.