Endoscopic dilation of dominant stenoses in primary sclerosing cholangitis: outcome after long-term treatment

What is the appropriate method of pathological specimen collection for cholangiocarcinoma detection in primary sclerosing cholangitis?

BACKGROUND

In primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), it is important to understand the cholangiographic findings suggestive of malignancy, but it is difficult to determine whether cholangiocarcinoma is present due to modifications caused by inflammation. This study aimed to clarify the appropriate method of pathological specimen collection during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for surveillance of PSC.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was performed on 59 patients with PSC. The endpoints were diagnostic performance for benign or malignant on bile cytology and transpapillary bile duct biopsy, cholangiographic findings of biopsied bile ducts, diameters of the strictures and upstream bile ducts, and their differences.

RESULTS

The sensitivity (77.8% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.04), specificity (97.8% vs. 83.0%, P = 0.04), and accuracy (94.5% vs. 74.1%, P = 0.007) were all significantly greater for bile duct biopsy than for bile cytology. All patients with cholangiocarcinoma with bile duct stricture presented with dominant stricture (DS). The diameter of the upstream bile ducts (7.1 (4.2-7.2) mm vs. 2.1 (1.2-4.1) mm, P < 0.001) and the diameter differences (6.6 (3.1-7) mm vs. 1.5 (0.2-3.6) mm, P < 0.001) were significantly greater in the cholangiocarcinoma group than in the noncholangiocarcinoma group with DS. For diameter differences, the optimal cutoff value for the diagnosis of benign or malignant was 5.1 mm (area under the curve = 0.972).

CONCLUSION

Transpapillary bile duct biopsy should be performed via localized DS with upstream dilation for the detection of cholangiocarcinoma in patients with PSC. Especially when the diameter differences are greater than 5 mm, the development of cholangiocarcinoma should be strongly suspected.

Role of endoscopy in hepatology

The growing and evolving field of EUS and advanced hepatobiliary endoscopy has amplified traditional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and unveiled novel options for remaining unsolved hepatobiliary issues, both diagnostically and therapeutically. This conceptually appealing and fascinating integration of endoscopy within the practice of hepatology is referred to as 'endo-hepatology'. Endo-hepatology focuses on the one hand on disorders of the liver parenchyma and liver vasculature and of the hepatobiliary tract on the other hand. Applications hanging under the umbrella of endohepatology involve amongst others EUS-guided liver biopsy, EUS-guided portal pressure measurement, EUS-guided portal venous blood sampling, EUS-guided coil & glue embolization of gastric varices and spontaneous portosystemic shunts as well as ERCP in the challenging context of (decompensated cirrhosis) and intraductal cholangioscopy for primary sclerosing cholangitis. Although endoscopic proficiency however does not necessarily equal in an actual straightforward end-solution for currently persisting (complex) hepatobiliary situations. Therefore, endohepatology continues to generate high-quality data to validate and standardize procedures against currently considered (best available) "golden standards" while continuing to search and trying to provide novel minimally invasive solutions for persisting hepatological stalemate situations. In the current review, we aim to critically appraise the status and potential future directions of endo-hepatology.

Magnetic resonance cholangiography in the diagnosis of dominant strictures in pediatric-onset primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) has become the primary imaging modality in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) is recommended when a dominant stricture (DS) of bile ducts is suspected in MRCP. However, MRCP criteria for DS are lacking.

AIMS

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MRCP in the diagnosis of DS in patients with pediatric-onset PSC.

METHODS

ERCP and MRCP images of patients with pediatric-onset PSC (n=36) were evaluated for the presence of DS applying the diameter-based ERCP criteria. The diagnostic accuracy of MRCP in detecting DS was calculated using ERCP as the gold standard.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and accuracy of MRCP for detecting DS were 62%, 89%, 5.6, 0.43, and 81%. Most common reasons for incongruent ERCP/MRCP assessment were (1) MRCP stenosis not fulfilling the diameter criteria of ERCP, resulting in false negative MRCP evaluation, and (2) lack of filling pressure in MRCP, resulting in false positive MRCP evaluation.

CONCLUSION

The high positive likelihood ratio of MRCP in detecting DS suggests that MRCP is a useful tool in the follow-up of PSC. However, diameter limits of DS should probably be less strict in MRCP than in ERCP.

Benefit of endoscopic stenting for dominant strictures in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

Background and study aims  Dominant strictures (DS) occur in up to 60 % of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Data regarding the long-term effects of stenting vs. dilation remain limited. The aim of this study was to compare the two treatment modalities in terms of transplantation-free survival. Patients and methods  This single-center, retrospective study examined patients with PSC and DS treated endoscopically with a minimum of 1 year follow-up. Patients were divided into two cohorts: 1) those who received dilation alone; and 2) those who received both dilation and stenting. The primary outcome was transplantation-free survival, defined as time after index ERCP to liver transplantation. Results  In all, 169 patients (54 in dilation cohort, 115 in stenting cohort) were included. The stenting cohort had a significantly higher Mayo PSC Risk Score (1.8 ± 1.1 vs. 0.9 ± 1.2) and presented with cholangitis more frequently (22.6 % vs. 1.9 %). During a follow-up period of 1198 person-years, 69 (40.8 %) patients received transplantation at a mean of 3.4 (± 2.9) years. There was no difference in transplantation rate in the stenting cohort [68 (95 % CI 5.2-8.8) per 100 person-years] compared to the dilation cohort [3.7 (95 % CI 2.1-6.0) per 100 person-years] and no difference in risk for transplantation (dilation cohort adjusted hazards ratio 0.67, 95 % CI 0.33-1.32). Conclusions  Despite a higher Mayo Risk Score in the stenting group, there was no difference in transplantation-free survival between patients managed with stenting vs. dilation alone. Stenting, therefore, may offer benefit in patients with advanced PSC and DS.

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on sclerosing cholangitis

Management of primary or secondary sclerosing cholangitis is challenging. These Clinical Practice Guidelines have been developed to provide practical guidance on debated topics including diagnostic methods, prognostic assessment, early detection of complications, optimal care pathways and therapeutic (pharmacological, endoscopic or surgical) options both in adults and children.

ERCP-Related Adverse Events in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

While endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), there is conflicting data on associated adverse events. The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to (1) compare ERCP-related adverse events in patients with and without PSC and (2) determine risk factors for ERCP-related adverse events in PSC.

METHODS

Embase, PubMed, and CENTRAL were searched between January 1, 2000, and May 12, 2021. Eligible studies included adults with PSC undergoing ERCP and reported at least one ERCP-related adverse event (cholangitis, pancreatitis, bleeding, and perforation) or an associated risk factor. The risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias 2. Raw event rates were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and then pooled using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Twenty studies met eligibility criteria, of which four were included in a meta-analysis comparing post-ERCP adverse events in patients with PSC (n = 715) to those without PSC (n = 9979). We found a significant threefold increase in the 30-day odds of cholangitis in PSC compared to those without (OR 3.263, 95% CI 1.076-9.896; p=0.037). However, there were no significant differences in post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), bleeding, or perforation. Due to limitations in primary data, only risk factors contributing to PEP could be analyzed. Accidental passage of the guidewire into the pancreatic duct (OR 7.444, 95% CI 3.328-16.651; p < 0.001; I ² = 65.0%) and biliary sphincterotomy (OR 4.802, 95% CI 1.916-12.033; p=0.001; I ² = 73.1%) were associated with higher odds of PEP in a second meta-analysis including five studies.

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of limited comparative data and heterogeneity, PSC patients undergoing ERCP have higher odds of cholangitis despite the majority receiving antibiotics. Additionally, accidental wire passage and biliary sphincterotomy increased the odds of PEP. Future studies on ERCP-related risks and preventive strategies are needed.

Role of ERCP in Benign Biliary Strictures

Benign biliary strictures (BBS) can be associated with several causes, with postoperative and inflammatory strictures representing the most common ones. Endoscopy represents nowadays the first-line treatment in the management of BBS. Endoscopic balloon dilatation, plastic stents placement, fully covered metal stent placement, and magnetic compression anastomosis are the endoscopic techniques available for the treatment of BBS. The aim of this study is to perform a review of the literature to assess the role of endoscopy in the management of BBS and to evaluate the application of the different procedures in the different clinical settings.

Role of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in the Diagnosis and Management of Cholestatic Liver Diseases

Cholestatic liver diseases (CLDs) occur as a result of bile duct injury, emanating into duct obstruction and bile stasis. Advances in radiological imaging in the last decade has replaced endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as the first diagnostic tool, except in certain groups of patients, such as those with ischemic cholangiopathy (IsC) or early stages of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). ERCP provides an opportunity for targeted tissue acquisition for histopathological evaluation and carries a diverse therapeutic profile to restore bile flow. The aim of this review article is to appraise the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of ERCP in CLDs.

Solid extraintestinal malignancies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Malignancies constitute the second cause of death in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), after cardiovascular diseases. Although it has been postulated that IBD patients are at greater risk of colorectal cancer compared to the general population, lately there has been evidence supporting that this risk is diminishing over time as a result of better surveillance, while the incidence of extraintestinal cancers (EICs) is increasing. This could be attributed either to systemic inflammation caused by IBD or to long-lasting immunosuppression due to IBD treatments. It seems that the overall risk of EICs is higher for Crohn’s disease patients and it is mainly driven by skin cancers, and liver-biliary cancers in patients with IBD and primary sclerosing cholangitis. The aims of this review were first to evaluate the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of EICs in patients with IBD and second to raise awareness regarding a proper surveillance program resulting in early diagnosis, better prognosis and survival, especially in the era of new IBD treatments that are on the way.

Predictors of Jaundice Resolution and Survival After Endoscopic Treatment of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

The benefit of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remains controversial. To identify predictors of jaundice resolution after ERCP and whether resolution is associated with improved patient outcomes, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 124 patients with jaundice and PSC. These patients underwent endoscopic biliary balloon dilation and/or stent placement at an American tertiary center, with validation in a separate cohort of 102 patients from European centers. Jaundice resolved after ERCP in 52% of patients. Median follow‐up was 4.8 years. Independent predictors of jaundice resolution included older age (P = 0.048; odds ratio [OR], 1.03 for every 1‐year increase), shorter duration of jaundice (P = 0.059; OR, 0.59 for every 1‐year increase), lower Mayo Risk Score (MRS) (P = 0.025; OR, 0.58 for every 1‐point increase), and extrahepatic location of the most advanced biliary stricture (P = 0.011; OR, 3.13). A logistic regression model predicted jaundice resolution with area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.67 (95% confidence interval, 0.5‐0.79) in the validation set. Independent predictors of death or transplant during follow‐up included higher MRS at the time of ERCP (P < 0.0001; hazard ratio [HR], 2.33 for every 1‐point increase), lower total serum bilirubin before ERCP (P = 0.031; HR, 0.91 for every 1 mg/dL increase), and persistence of jaundice after endoscopic therapy (P = 0.003; HR, 2.30). Conclusion: Resolution of jaundice after endoscopic treatment of biliary strictures is associated with longer transplant‐free survival of patients with PSC. The likelihood of resolution is affected by demographic, hepatic, and biliary variables and can be predicted using noninvasive data. These findings may refine the use of ERCP in patients with jaundice with PSC.

Three-months duration of fully-covered metal stent for refractory dominant extra-hepatic biliary stricture among primary sclerosing cholangitis patients: efficacy and safety

BACKGROUND

Dominant stricture (DS) is a main cause of complication among patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). Endoscopic treatment options include dilation and plastic stenting, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

AIMS

The aim of the current study is to assess the safety and efficacy of fully-covered metal stent (FCMS) in these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study of PSC patients with refractory DS, defined as strictures resistance to conventional therapy (balloon dilatation, plastic biliary stent insertion or both) and who underwent FCMS insertion for 3 months were included. The primary outcome was defined as clinical and laboratory improvement, while secondary outcomes were DS resolution upon stent removal and cholangiographic DS recurrence at 12-months after FCMS extraction.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were enrolled from January 2016 through January 2020. Improvement in weakness and pruritus were seen in 80% and 35%, 75% and 65%, 75% and 35% of patients at 1-3 and 6 months following FCMS removal, respectively. Similarly, consistent improvement in all liver enzymes and total bilirubin were seen in up to 6 month following stent removal. Only one patient (5%) needed premature FCMS removal due to cholangitis 1 week after stent placement and 2 cases (10%) of stent related pancreatitis were encountered. At 3-months all remaining stents were softly removed. Cholangiographic DS resolution was demonstrated in 13 patients (65%) after stent removal at 3-months, and DS recurred in 4 patients (4/13 = 30.7%) at 12-months following stent removal. Notably, only proximal biliary DS location showed a trend for DS recurrence (OR 28.6, P = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

Temporary 3 months duration FCMS was feasible, safe and effective treatment option among patients with PSC related refractory DS.

Present and future role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare, inflammatory cholestatic liver disease that causes biliary strictures which can lead to secondary complications. About 30-50% of PSC patients develop dominant strictures (DS) in the biliary tree, which are both the cause of jaundice and bacterial cholangitis as well as predilection spots for development of neoplastic development. Cancer is the most common cause of death in PSC. A central concern is to distinguish malignant from benign strictures, which eventually is done by invasive methods to obtain a brush cytology or biopsy sample, in most cases via endoscopic retrograde cholangiography-pancreatography (ERCP). Since medical therapies, like ursodesoxycholic acid or immunosuppressive drugs have no proven effect, therapeutic ERCP has become the primary management strategy to improve symptoms and in some patients may slow down disease progression. This article aims at outlining the current and emerging methods in ERCP in PSC patients.

Cholestatic liver disease: Practice guidelines from the Saudi Association for the Study of Liver diseases and Transplantation

Cholestatic liver diseases (CLDs) are a group of diseases characterized by jaundice and cholestasis as the main presentation with different complications, which have considerable impact on the liver and can lead to end-stage liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver-related complications. In the last few years, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with these conditions. However, several aspects related to the management of CLDs remain deficient and unclear. Due to the lack of recommendations that can help in the management, treatment of those conditions, the Saudi Association for the Study of Liver diseases and Transplantation (SASLT) has created a task force group to develop guidelines related to CLDs management in order to provide a standard of care for patients in need. These guidelines provide general guidance for health care professionals to optimize medical care for patients with CLDs for both adult and pediatric populations, in association with clinical judgments to be considered on a case-by-case basis. These guidelines describe common CLDs in Saudi Arabia, with recommendations on the best approach for diagnosis and management of different diseases based on the Grading of Recommendation Assessment (GRADE), combined with a level of evidence available in the literature.

The MBOAT7 rs641738 variant is associated with an improved outcome in primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic disease that causes liver cirrhosis, leading to liver failure. Additionally, PSC is a risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma. Its mechanism is unknown, and liver transplantation remains the sole curative option. The membrane bound O-acyltransferase domain containing 7 (MBOAT7) rs641738 and rs626283 variant alleles have been associated with both an accelerated progression of the disease and a higher risk for developing a more severe phenotype in many chronic hepatic diseases. Thus, we analysed their effect on long-term outcomes and laboratory parameters in PSC patients.

METHODS

We determined MBOAT7 genotypes and estimated the actuarial survival rate free of liver transplantation, using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. The differences between the estimates were analysed using the log-rank test. Patient blood was drawn and analysed for different serum parameters including cholestatic markers. Additionally, MBOAT7 RNA expression in human hepatic cell lines MZCHA1 (a biliary adenocarcinoma cell line), HepG2 (a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line), LX-2 (hepatic stellate cell line) and H-69 (cholangiocyte cell line) was analysed.

RESULTS

Transplant-free survival was significantly prolonged in carriers of two rs641738 variant alleles, which was referred to as the TT genotype (mean 19.6 years; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.3-22.9 years) compared to the CC (mean 15.4 years, 95% CI 12.8-18.0 years) and heterozygous genotypes (mean 13.2 years, 95% CI 11.4-15.0 years) (P=0.017). This effect was restricted to male patients. We confirmed the high expression of MBOAT7 in hepatic stellate cells and found that MBOAT7 is less expressed in biliary epithelial cell lines, compared to parenchymal hepatic cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike other chronic liver diseases, carrying two MBOAT7 variant alleles does not seem to affect PSC patients negatively, but seems to have a positive effect on transplant-free survival. This study could help improve individual prognosis in PSC patients and give some new perspective on the involvement of the immune system in PSC.

Guideline review: British Society of Gastroenterology/UK-PSC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of primary sclerosing cholangitis

New British Society of Gastroenterology/UK-PSC guidelines have recently discussed the current state-of-the-art on primary sclerosing cholangitis and outlined key elements for the management of this disease. The current lack of effective pharmacological treatments to prevent progression of liver fibrosis to cirrhosis limits our ability to modify the natural history of the disease. However, a personalised approach and structured follow-up could allow earlier diagnosis and management of complications and favour access to liver transplantation, which remains the only available treatment. Our commentary overviews the updates and summarises the key recommendations of the recent guidelines for the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

IgG4-Related Sclerosing Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Sclerosing cholangitis (SC) is defined as a condition with progressive stenosis and destruction of the bile ducts due to diffuse inflammation and fibrosis and currently includes three categories: primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), secondary cholangitis, and IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC). SC categories share similar clinical features, such as cholestasis. Patients with SC present with cholestatic symptoms, including jaundice and pruritus, and blood tests reveal elevation of cholestatic enzymes. Cholangiography, endoscopic or magnetic, is inevitably required for making a diagnosis. Although the presentation of IgG4-SC and PSC are similar, the comorbidities, treatment response, and outcomes differ significantly, and therefore, it is strongly advisable to be familiar with these two diseases to make a correct diagnosis. Differentiation of cholangiocarcinoma from IgG4-SC and PSC is also extremely important. In this review, the clinical characteristics, comorbidities, treatment and outcomes of IgG4-SC and PSC will be outlined based on experience mainly from Japan.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Clinical Update

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare cholestatic disorder of the liver, with strictures in the bile ducts leading to cirrhosis of the liver in a proportion of patients. PSC is commonly associated with inflammatory bowel disease and increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma, gall bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Medical therapies are primarily aimed at symptom management and disease-modifying therapies are limited. Endoscopic therapies are used in patients with dominant strictures and liver transplantation is a last resort. In this article, the authors aim to comprehensively review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of PSC with emphasis on risk of malignancies and management of PSC. The authors also survey the advances in pathogenesis understanding and novel medical therapies for PSC.

Predictive criteria of response to endoscopic treatment for severe strictures in primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to identify predictive criteria of improvement after endoscopic treatment (ET) for severe strictures of extrahepatic bile ducts in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

METHODS

PSC patients who had at least one ET for severe stricture were included. Features of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC), performed before ET, were evaluated according to a standard model of interpretation, and a radiologic qualitative score of probability of improvement after ET was built. Score 3 (likely) was given in case of severe common bile duct (CBD) stricture with marked dilatation without severe strictures of upstream ducts, Score 1 (unlikely) was given in case of severe multiple strictures of secondary ducts without biliary dilatation and Score 2 (undeterminate) was given to an intermediate pattern. The response to ET was assessed at 2 months (T2-response) from the last ET and at 12 months (T12-response) from inclusion.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients were included. All had severe stricture (reduction ≥ 75% of the diameter) of CBD and 50% had severe stricture of right and/or left hepatic duct (LHD) at MRC before ET. According to the qualitative score, 16 patients had Score 3, 7 had Score 1 and 9 had Score 2. T12-response was obtained in 50% of patients. In univariate analysis, short LHD strictures, bilirubin, transaminases, pruritus and Score 3 were associated with T12-response. Increased bilirubin and transaminases were independent predictive factors of T12-response (HR 24, 95% CI: 3.4-170.4, P = 0.001 and 23.8, 95% CI: 3.4-169.4, P = 0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSION

MRC, together with biochemical features, may contribute to identify the PSC patients who are likely to be improved after ET for severe strictures of extrahepatic bile ducts.

British Society of Gastroenterology and UK-PSC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of primary sclerosing cholangitis

These guidelines on the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) were commissioned by the British Society of Gastroenterology liver section. The guideline writing committee included medical representatives from hepatology and gastroenterology groups as well as patient representatives from PSC Support. The guidelines aim to support general physicians, gastroenterologists and surgeons in managing adults with PSC or those presenting with similar cholangiopathies which may mimic PSC, such as IgG4 sclerosing cholangitis. It also acts as a reference for patients with PSC to help them understand their own management. Quality of evidence is presented using the AGREE II format. Guidance is meant to be used as a reference rather than for rigid protocol-based care as we understand that management of patients often requires individual patient-centred considerations.

Biliary endoscopy in the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis and its complications

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, idiopathic, cholestatic liver disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile ducts. It can affect individuals of all age groups and gender, has no established pharmacotherapy, and is associated with a variety of neoplastic (e.g. cholangiocarcinoma) and non-neoplastic (e.g. dominant strictures) hepatobiliary complications. Given these considerations, endoscopy plays a major role in the care of patients with PSC. In this review, we discuss and provide updates regarding endoscopic considerations in the management of hepatobiliary manifestations and complications of PSC. Where evidence is limited, we suggest pragmatic approaches based on currently available data and expert opinion.

Preventative care in cholestatic liver disease: Pearls for the specialist and subspecialist

Cholestatic liver diseases (CLDs) encompass a variety of disorders of abnormal bile formation and/or flow. CLDs often lead to progressive hepatic insult and injury and following the development of cirrhosis and associated complications. Many such complications are clinically silent until they manifest with severe sequelae, including but not limited to life-altering symptoms, metabolic disturbances, cirrhosis, and hepatobiliary diseases as well as other malignancies. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are the most common CLDs, and both relate to mutual as well as unique complications. This review provides an overview of PSC and PBC, with a focus on preventive measures aimed to reduce the incidence and severity of disease-related complications.

Stenting for Benign and Malignant Biliary Strictures

Benign and malignant biliary strictures are common indications for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Diagnosis involves high-quality cross-sectional imaging and cholangiography with various endoscopic sampling techniques. Treatment options include placement of plastic biliary stents and self-expanding metal stents, which differ in patency duration and cost effectiveness. Whether the etiology is benign or malignant, a multidisciplinary strategy should be implemented. This article will discuss general principles of biliary stenting in both benign and malignant conditions.

Longitudinal analysis of CA19-9 reveals individualised normal range and early changes before development of biliary tract cancer in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is associated with an increased risk of biliary tract cancer. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) can be used to screen for these malignancies.

AIM

To perform a longitudinal analysis of CA19-9 in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of CA19-9 values in patients who had primary sclerosing cholangitis, with and without biliary malignancy. We calculated the index of individuality and reference change value in patients who were cancer-free. Long-term analysis of CA19-9 in cancer-free patients was performed and we assessed the change of CA19-9 prior to diagnosis of cancer.

RESULTS

We obtained 1818 CA19-9 values from 247 patients, including 32 with malignancy. Median CA19-9 in cancer-free individuals was 15.6 U/mL. The index of individuality was 0.37 and the reference change value was 46.23%. In cancer-free patients, no significant change in CA19-9 was observed at 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, and 20 years after initial diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis. In patients with biliary tract cancer, CA19-9 was higher at 3 months prior to diagnosis (P < 0.05) than at 6 months before diagnosis and was also higher than at 3 months prior to last follow-up in cancer-free patients (P < 0.05). In 92.9% of patients with biliary cancer, we found an increase in CA19-9 of >46.23% in the year prior to cancer diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

CA19-9 in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis is highly individual, and the reference change value should be preferred to reference intervals. In this study, CA19-9 remained stable in patients who were cancer-free but increased early in those who developed biliary tract cancer. Regular CA19-9 measurement might improve early detection of these malignancies.

Benign biliary strictures: prevalence, impact, and management strategies

Benign biliary strictures (BBSs) may form from chronic inflammatory pancreaticobiliary pathologies, postoperative bile-duct injury, or at biliary anastomoses following liver transplantation. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms of biliary obstruction, maintain long-term drainage, and preserve liver function. Endoscopic therapy, including stricture dilatation and stenting, is effective in most cases and the first-line treatment of BBS. Radiological and surgical therapies are reserved for patients whose strictures are refractory to endoscopic interventions. Response to treatment is dependent upon the technique and accessories used, as well as stricture etiology. In this review, we discuss the various BBS etiologies and their management strategies.

Role of endoscopy in the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare but prominent fibroinflammatory cholangiopathy which can affect individuals of essentially any age. It carries a median survival of 15-20 years, regardless of age at diagnosis, and is a foremost risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma. Given the chronic and progressive nature of PSC, its inherent risk for biliary tract and other complications, and the paucity of effective pharmacotherapies, endoscopy plays a major role in the care of many patients with this disorder. In this review, we discuss the endoscopic management of PSC, including established and evolving approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of its benign as well as malignant sequelae. Owing to the rarity of PSC and dearth of high-quality evidence, we propose pragmatic approaches based on both currently available data and expert opinion.

Design and Endpoints for Clinical Trials in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare and chronic liver disease for which there is no effective therapy. Interest has grown in developing treatments for this condition, with several agents proposed as potential therapies. However, there is a lack of clarity about how to measure clinical benefit in trials involving patients with this complex and rare disease. This article reviews regulatory information, the available literature on natural history, as well as potential candidate clinical and surrogate endpoints for PSC. (Hepatology 2018; 00:000-000).

No Superiority of Stents vs Balloon Dilatation for Dominant Strictures in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Dominant strictures occur in approximately 50% of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Short-term stents have been reported to produce longer resolution of dominant strictures than single-balloon dilatation. We performed a prospective study to compare the efficacy and safety of balloon dilatation vs short-term stents in patients with non-end-stage PSC.

METHODS

We performed an open-label trial of patients with PSC undergoing therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) at 9 tertiary-care centers in Europe, from July 2011 through April 2016. Patients found to have a dominant stricture during ERCP were randomly assigned to groups that underwent balloon dilatation (n = 31) or stent placement for a maximum of 2 weeks (n = 34); patients were followed for 24 months. The primary outcome was the cumulative recurrence-free patency of the primary dominant strictures.

RESULTS

Study recruitment was terminated after a planned interim analysis because of futility and differences in treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs) between groups. The cumulative recurrence-free rate did not differ significantly between groups (0.34 for the stent group and 0.30 for the balloon dilatation group at 24 months; P = 1.0). Most patients in both groups had reductions in symptoms at 3 months after the procedure. There were 17 treatment-related SAEs: post-ERCP pancreatitis in 9 patients and bacterial cholangitis in 4 patients. SAEs occurred in 15 patients in the stent group (45%) and in only 2 patients in the balloon dilatation group (6.7%) (odds ratio, 11.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.4-57.2; P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a multicenter randomized trial of patients with PSC and a dominant stricture, short-term stents were not superior to balloon dilatation and were associated with a significantly higher occurrence of treatment-related SAEs. Balloon dilatation should be the initial treatment of choice for dominant strictures in patients with PSC. This may be particularly relevant to patients with an intact papilla. ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT01398917.

Endoscopic management of primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare but clinically important cholestatic liver disease. Histopathologically and cholangiographically, PSC is characterized by intra- and/or extra-hepatic bile duct inflammation and fibro-obliteration, which ultimately leads to biliary cirrhosis and related sequelae, including development of hepatobiliary and colorectal carcinomata. PSC can be diagnosed at essentially any age and carries a median survival of 15-20 years, regardless of age at diagnosis, and is a foremost risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma. Given the chronic and progressive nature of PSC, its inherent association with both neoplastic and non-neoplastic biliary tract complications, and the lack of effective pharmacotherapies, alimentary and biliary tract endoscopy plays a major role in the care of patients with PSC. Areas covered: Here, we provide a narrative review on endoscopic management of PSC, including established and evolving applications to the diagnosis and treatment of both its benign and malignant complications. Expert commentary: Due to the rarity of PSC and the considerable patient-years required to rigorously study major endpoints, there remains a paucity of high-quality evidence regarding its management. As the advanced endoscopic repertoire expands, so has the interest in developing best practices in PSC, which we discuss herein.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a rare, chronic cholestatic liver disease characterised by intrahepatic or extrahepatic stricturing, or both, with bile duct fibrosis. Inflammation and fibrosis of bile ducts and the liver are followed by impaired bile formation or flow and progressive liver dysfunction. Patients might be asymptomatic at presentation or might have pruritus, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, recurrent cholangitis, or sequelae of portal hypertension. The key diagnostic elements are cholestatic liver biochemistry and bile duct stricturing on cholangiography. Genetic and environmental factors are important in the cause of the disease, with the intestinal microbiome increasingly thought to play a pathogenetic role. Approximately 70% of patients have concurrent inflammatory bowel disease and patients require colonoscopic screening and surveillance. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is associated with increased malignancy risk and surveillance strategies for early cholangiocarcinoma detection are limited. No single drug has been proven to improve transplant-free survival. Liver transplantation is effective for advanced disease but at least 25% of patients develop recurrent disease in the graft.

Update in the Care and Management of Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive cholestatic liver disease for which specific medical therapy is not available. The goals of treatment are primarily early detection and management of complications. In this review, we discuss novel therapies under evaluation and provide the foundation for surveillance strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Drugs under investigation include norursodeoxycholic acid, nuclear receptor agonists, anti-fibrotics, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Endoscopic therapy is indicated for symptomatic dominant strictures and in the work-up of malignancies. Recently, the use of stents was associated with an increased rate of complications compared to balloon dilatation; and long-term stenting should be avoided. Malignancies currently account for most of the PSC-related mortality. Many drugs are emerging for the treatment of PSC but liver transplantation is the only treatment modality shown to prolong survival. PSC recurrence occurs in up to 35% of transplanted allografts within a median of 5 years. Surveillance for hepatobiliary and colorectal malignancies is indicated.

The endoscopist and malignant and non-malignant biliary obstruction

Patients with biliary strictures often represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, due to the site and complexity of biliary obstruction and wide differential diagnosis. Multidisciplinary decision making is required to reach an accurate and timely diagnosis and to plan optimal care. Developments in endoscopic ultrasound and peroral cholangioscopy have advanced the diagnostic yield of biliary endoscopy, and novel optical imaging techniques are emerging. Endoscopic approaches to biliary drainage are preferred in most scenarios, and recent advances in therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound allow drainage where the previous alternatives were only percutaneous or surgical. Here we review recent advances in endoscopic practice for the diagnosis and management of biliary strictures. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cholangiocytes in Health and Diseaseedited by Jesus Banales, Marco Marzioni and Peter Jansen.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis - a comprehensive review

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare disorder characterised by multi-focal bile duct strictures and progressive liver disease. Inflammatory bowel disease is usually present and there is a high risk of cholangiocarcinoma and colorectal cancer. Most patients ultimately require liver transplantation, after which disease recurrence may occur. With limited therapeutic options and a lack of proven surveillance strategies, patients currently have significant unmet needs. In the present seminar, we provide a comprehensive review of the status of the field. We emphasise developments related to patient stratification and disease behaviour, and provide an overview of management options from a practical, patient-centered perspective. We survey advances made in the understanding of PSC pathogenesis and summarise the ongoing efforts to develop an effective therapy based on these insights.

Endoscopic Management of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remains a rare but potentially devastating chronic, cholestatic liver disease. PSC causes obstruction of intra- and/or extra-hepatic bile ducts by inflammation and fibrosis, leading to biliary obstruction, cirrhosis and portal hypertension with all associated sequelae. The most dreaded consequence of PSC is cholangiocarcinoma, occurring in 10-20% of patients with PSC, and with population-based estimates of a 398-fold increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma in patients with PSC compared to the general population. We use the 4-D approach to endoscopic evaluation and management of PSC based on currently available evidence. After laboratory testing with liver chemistries and high-quality cross-sectional imaging with MRCP, the first D is Dominant stricture diagnosis and evaluation. Second, Dilation of strictures found during ERCP is performed using balloon dilation to as many segments as possible. Third, Dysplasia and cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis is performed by separated brushings for conventional cytology and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and consideration for direct cholangioscopy with SpyGlass™. Fourt and finally, Dosing of antibiotics is critical to prevent peri-procedural cholangitis. The aim of this review article is to explore endoscopic tools and techniques for the diagnosis and management of PSC and provide a practical approach for clinicians.

Pathological features of primary sclerosing cholangitis identified by bile proteomic analysis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease of unknown origin. Previous bile proteomic analyses in patients with PSC have revealed changes in disease activity specific to malignant transformation. In this study, we established a reference bile duct-derived bile proteome for PSC that can be used to evaluate biliary pathophysiology. Samples were collected from patients with PSC or with choledocholithiasis (control) (n=6 each). Furthermore, patients with PSC-associated cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and with CC without concomitant PSC were analyzed. None of the patients showed signs of inflammation or infection based on clinical and laboratory examinations. Proteins overexpressed in patients with PSC relative to control patients were detected by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Functional proteomic analysis was performed using STRING software. A total of 101 proteins were overexpressed in the bile fluid of patients with PSC but not in those of controls; the majority of these were predicted to be intracellular and related to the ribosomal and proteasomal pathways. On the other hand, 91 proteins were found only in the bile fluid of controls; most were derived from the extracellular space and were linked to cell adhesion, the complement system, and the coagulation cascade. In addition, proteins associated with inflammation and the innate immune response-e.g., cluster of differentiation 14, annexin-2, and components of the complement system-were upregulated in PSC. The most prominent pathways in PSC/CC-patients were inflammation associated cytokine and chemokine pathways, whereas in CC-patients the Wnt signaling pathway was upregulated. In PSC/CC-patients DIGE-analysis revealed biliary CD14 and Annexin-4 expression, among others, as the most prominent protein that discriminates between both cohorts. Thus, the bile-duct bile proteome of patients with PSC shows disease-specific changes associated with inflammation and the innate immune response even in the absence of obvious clinical signs of cholangitis, malignancy, or inflammation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cholangiocytes in Health and Diseaseedited by Jesus Banales, Marco Marzioni and Peter Jansen.

Impact of age at diagnosis on disease progression in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

Background

The median age of diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is ∼30-40 years.

Objective

We aimed to analyse disease progression and liver-dependent survival in patients diagnosed with PSC after 50 years of age.

Methods

Patients with PSC were analysed with regard to their age at diagnosis. Patients with a first diagnosis of PSC after the age of 50 years were considered as the late-onset group.

Results

A total of 32/215 (14.9%) patients were diagnosed with PSC after 50 years of age. The proportion of females was significantly higher among patients with late-onset PSC (48.4 vs. 27.3%; p = 0.02). Patients with later diagnosis required dilatation therapy more often due to dominant stenosis (84.2 vs. 53.1%; p = 0.01) and suffered from recurrent cholangitis more often (48.3 vs. 21.0%; p = 0.003). Patients with late-onset PSC had reduced transplantation-free survival (10.5 ± 0.6 years vs. 20.8 ± 1.7 years, p < 0.0001), with progredient liver failure and cholangiocarcinoma as the leading causes of death.

Conclusions

Patients with later age at diagnosis of PSC displayed a different clinical phenotype with a different sex ratio, immune status and an increased risk for progressive liver failure and biliary malignancies.

Role of endoscopy in primary sclerosing cholangitis: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Clinical Guideline

This guideline is an official statement of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) on the role of endoscopy in primary sclerosing cholangitis. 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.

Patient Age, Sex, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Phenotype Associate With Course of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an orphan hepatobiliary disorder associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to estimate the risk of disease progression based on distinct clinical phenotypes in a large international cohort of patients with PSC.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective outcome analysis of patients diagnosed with PSC from 1980 through 2010 at 37 centers in Europe, North America, and Australia. For each patient, we collected data on sex, clinician-reported age at and date of PSC and IBD diagnoses, phenotypes of IBD and PSC, and date and indication of IBD-related surgeries. The primary and secondary endpoints were liver transplantation or death (LTD) and hepatopancreatobiliary malignancy, respectively. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to determine the effects of individual covariates on rates of clinical events, with time-to-event analysis ascertained through Kaplan-Meier estimates.

RESULTS

Of the 7121 patients in the cohort, 2616 met the primary endpoint (median time to event of 14.5 years) and 721 developed hepatopancreatobiliary malignancy. The most common malignancy was cholangiocarcinoma (n = 594); patients of advanced age at diagnosis had an increased incidence compared with younger patients (incidence rate: 1.2 per 100 patient-years for patients younger than 20 years old, 6.0 per 100 patient-years for patients 21-30 years old, 9.0 per 100 patient-years for patients 31-40 years old, 14.0 per 100 patient-years for patients 41-50 years old, 15.2 per 100 patient-years for patients 51-60 years old, and 21.0 per 100 patient-years for patients older than 60 years). Of all patients with PSC studied, 65.5% were men, 89.8% had classical or large-duct disease, and 70.0% developed IBD at some point. Assessing the development of IBD as a time-dependent covariate, Crohn's disease and no IBD (both vs ulcerative colitis) were associated with a lower risk of LTD (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.62; P < .001 and HR, 0.90; P = .03, respectively) and malignancy (HR, 0.68; P = .008 and HR, 0.77; P = .004, respectively). Small-duct PSC was associated with a lower risk of LTD or malignancy compared with classic PSC (HR, 0.30 and HR, 0.15, respectively; both P < .001). Female sex was also associated with a lower risk of LTD or malignancy (HR, 0.88; P = .002 and HR, 0.68; P < .001, respectively). In multivariable analyses assessing the primary endpoint, small-duct PSC characterized a low-risk phenotype in both sexes (adjusted HR for men, 0.23; P < .001 and adjusted HR for women, 0.48; P = .003). Conversely, patients with ulcerative colitis had an increased risk of liver disease progression compared with patients with Crohn's disease (HR, 1.56; P < .001) or no IBD (HR, 1.15; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

In an analysis of data from individual patients with PSC worldwide, we found significant variation in clinical course associated with age at diagnosis, sex, and ductal and IBD subtypes. The survival estimates provided might be used to estimate risk levels for patients with PSC and select patients for clinical trials.

Are Dominant Strictures in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis a Risk Factor for Cholangiocarcinoma?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cholangiocarcinoma is a devastating, unpredictable complication of large duct primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), which occurs in 5-15% of patients. The aim of this review is to discuss whether dominant strictures (DS) occurring in the larger bile ducts in PSC are a risk factor for the development of cholangiocarcinoma.

RECENT FINDINGS

The development of DS is related to specific genetic polymorphisms affecting the innate immune system and the microbiome. In a recent study, the mean survival of PSC patients with DS was much worse (13.7 years) than for those without a DS (23 years). Survival difference was related to a 26% risk of cholangiocarcinoma, which developed only in those with DS. Half of the patients with cholangiocarcinoma presented within 4 months of the diagnosis of PSC. In another study, the risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma was directly related to the presence of underlying IBD, although this remains controversial. Efforts are being made towards surveying for cholangiocarcinoma including magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic surveillance and serum tumour markers, but so far, an effective surveillance strategy has not been identified. DS should be treated endoscopically in the setting of symptoms, and there is limited evidence to suggest this may impact protectively on progression to cholangiocarcinoma.

SUMMARY

It is established that the presence of symptomatic DS occurring in the larger bile ducts in PSC can be the first presentation of cholangiocarcinoma. There is an increasing body of evidence that even when proven to be benign, dominant biliary strictures predispose to the future development of cholangiocarcinoma. Regular surveillance should be targeted at this selected high-risk group of PSC patients.

Dilation of Strictures in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Who, When and How

Stricture formation occurs in up to 40% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients are often symptomatic, resulting in significant morbidity, hospitalizations, and loss of productivity. Strictures can be managed endoscopically in addition to traditional surgical management (sphincteroplasty or resection of the affected bowel segments). About 3% to 5% patients with IBD develop primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), which results in stricture formation in the biliary tree, managed for the most part by endoscopic therapies. In this article, we discuss endoscopic management of strictures both in the alimentary tract and biliary tree in patients with IBD and/or PSC.

CD14 is associated with biliary stricture formation

The pathogenesis of intrahepatic biliary stricture formation in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) or after liver transplantation (LTx) remains elusive. CD14 receptor signaling is a key mediator of the innate immune system; its common genetic variant is associated with alcoholic liver disease. PSC and LTx cohort patients and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) control patients were genotyped for the CD14 -260C>T (rs2569190) polymorphism, and genotypes were correlated with long-term clinical outcome. Biliary tissue, bile, and whole blood of PSC patients and healthy controls were screened for markers of the innate immune system and bacterial infection. In 121 PSC patients, the CD14 -260C>T genotype was associated with development of dominant bile duct strictures (P = 0.02). In 365 LTx patients, TT carriers (4.1%) were protected against the formation of nonanastomotic biliary strictures versus CC/CT patients (12.6%; P = 0.01). Chemokine ligand 8 (P = 0.04) and chemokine receptor 6 (P = 0.004) were up-regulated in biliary tissue of PSC patients with the TT versus the CC/CT genotype. Lipopolysaccharide whole-blood stimulation resulted in a significant change in interleukin (IL)-8 (P = 0.05) and IL-12p40 levels (P = 0.04) in healthy control subjects carrying the TT genotype. TT PSC patients were protected against Gram-negative bacterial biliary infection (TT: 0% vs.

CC/CT

22.5%; P = 0.02). Serum-soluble CD14 levels correlated with the CD14 -260C>T genotype (P = 0.02), representing an independent risk indicator of survival in PSC patients (hazard ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.86; P =0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The function of the innate immune response by CD14 is crucial during biliary infection and stricture formation. The benefits of CD14 signaling modification should be addressed in future studies. (Hepatology 2016;64:843-852).

Elevated Serum Bilirubin Level Correlates With the Development of Cholangiocarcinoma, Subsequent Liver Transplantation, and Death in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

INTRODUCTION

Predicting the clinical course of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is difficult. There are currently a paucity of studies evaluating serum chemistries as predictors of conventional clinical endpoints. The purpose of this study was to prognosticate key clinical endpoints in patients with PSC who had elevated serum liver chemistries at the time of their initial presentation.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of PSC patients at our institution. The aim of our study was to determine the association between elevated liver chemistries at initial presentation-bilirubin, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, or alkaline phosphatase-with a primary outcome of either cholangiocarcinoma, liver transplantation, death, or composite of the 3. The secondary endpoints examined were development of severe biliary ductal disease and need for biliary stent placement.

RESULTS

Eighty-one PSC patients (61 males and 20 females) were included in this study. By univariate analysis, there was a significant association between initial bilirubin elevation >2x the upper limit of normal (ULN) and death (P<0.009). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that an elevated initial serum total bilirubin >2xULN (P<0.017) significantly predicted the composite endpoint. By univariate analysis of pre-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography labs, serum bilirubin level elevation >2xULN showed an association with severity of biliary ductal disease (P<0.0001). A logistic regression of outcome variables also proved that >2xULN serum bilirubin levels predicted the ductal disease severity (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

An initial elevation of serum total bilirubin >2xULN in PSC patients correlates positively with the development of cholangiocarcinoma, subsequent liver transplantation, and death. Elevated bilirubin also correlates positively with the severity of cholangiographic findings.

Microbiological Assessment of Bile and Corresponding Antibiotic Treatment: A Strobe-Compliant Observational Study of 1401 Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiographies

The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of bacteria in bile samples and to analyze the clinical relevance of the findings as only limited information about risk factors for elevated frequence of bacterial and fungal strains in routinely collected bile samples has been described so far.A prospective cohort study at a tertiary care center was conducted. Seven hundred forty-four patients underwent 1401 endoscopic retrograde cholangiographies (ERCs) as indicated by liver transplantation (427/1401), primary sclerosing cholangitis (222/1401), choledocholithiasis only (153/1401), obstruction due to malignancy (366/1401), or other conditions (233/1401). Bile samples for microbiological analysis were obtained in all patients.The 71.6% (823/1150) samples had a positive microbiological finding, and 57% (840/1491) of the bacterial isolates were gram-positive. The main species were Enterococcus spp (33%; 494/1491) and Escherichia coli (12%; 179/1491). Of the samples, 53.8% had enteric bacteria and 24.7% had Candida spp; both were associated with clinical and laboratory signs of cholangitis (C-reactive proteins 35.0 ± 50.1 vs 44.8 ± 57.6; 34.5 ± 51.2 vs 52.9 ± 59.7; P < 0.001), age, previous endoscopic intervention, and immunosuppression. Multi-resistant (MR) strains were found in 11.3% of all samples and were associated with clinical and laboratory signs of cholangitis, previous intervention, and immunocompromised status. In subgroup analysis, strain-specific antibiotic therapy based on bile sampling was achieved in 56.3% (89/158) of the patients. In cases with a positive bile culture and available blood culture, blood cultures were positive in 29% of cases (36/124), and 94% (34/36) of blood cultures had microbial species identical to the bile cultures.Bactobilia and fungobilia can usually be detected by routine microbiological sampling, allowing optimized, strain-specific antibiotic treatment. Previous endoscopic intervention, clinical and laboratory signs of cholangitis, and age are independent risk factors. MR bacteria and fungi are an evolving problem in cholangitis, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the management of benign biliary strictures: What’s new?

Benign biliary strictures comprise a heterogeneous group of diseases. The most common strictures amenable to endoscopic treatment are post-cholecystectomy, post-liver transplantation, related to primary sclerosing cholangitis and to chronic pancreatitis. Endoscopic treatment of benign biliary strictures is widely used as first line therapy, since it is effective, safe, noninvasive and repeatable. Endoscopic techniques currently used are dilation, multiple plastic stents insertion and fully covered self-expandable metal stents. The main indication for dilation alone is primary sclerosing cholangitis related strictures. In the vast majority of the remaining cases, temporary placement of multiple plastic stents with/without dilation is considered the treatment of choice. Although this approach is effective, it requires multiple endoscopic sessions due to the short duration of stent patency. Fully covered self-expandable metal stents appear as a good alternative to plastic stents, since they have an increased radial diameter, longer stent patency, easier insertion technique and similar efficacy. Recent advances in endoscopic technique and various devices have allowed successful treatment in most cases. The development of novel endoscopic techniques and devices is still ongoing.

Endoscopic Treatment of Biliary Stenosis in Patients with Alveolar Echinococcosis--Report of 7 Consecutive Patients with Serial ERC Approach

Background and Aims

Biliary vessel pathology due to alveolar echicococcosis (AE) results in variable combinations of stenosis, necrosis and inflammation. Modern management strategies for patients with cholestasis are desperately needed. The aim is proof of principle of serial ERC (endoscopic retrograde cholangiography) balloon dilation for AE biliary pathology.

Methods

Retrospective case series of seven consecutive patients with AE-associated biliary pathology and ERC treatment in an interdisciplinary endoscopy unit at a University Hospital which hosts a national echinococcosis treatment center. The AE patient cohort consists of 106 patients with AE of the liver of which 13 presented with cholestasis. 6/13 received bilio-digestive anastomosis and 7/13 patients were treated by ERC and are reported here. Biliary stricture balloon dilation was performed with 18-Fr balloons at the initial and with 24-Fr balloons at subsequent interventions. If indicated 10 Fr plastic stents were placed.

Results

Six patients were treated by repeated balloon dilation and stenting, one by stenting only. After an acute phase of 6 months with repeated balloon dilation, three patients showed “sustained clinical success” and four patients “assisted therapeutic success,” of which one has not yet reached the six month endpoint. In one patient, sustained success could not be achieved despite repeated insertion of plastic stents and balloon dilation, but with temporary insertion of a fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FCSEMS). There was no loss to follow up. No major complications were observed.

Conclusions

Serial endoscopic dilation is a standard tool in the treatment of benign biliary strictures. Serial endoscopic intervention with balloon dilation combined with benzimidazole treatment can re-establish and maintain biliary duct patency in AE associated pathology and probably contributes to avoid or postpone bilio-digestive anastomosis. This approach is in accordance with current ERC guidelines and is minimally disruptive for patients.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a zoonosis causing infiltrative liver lesions. A subgroup of patients presents with central liver lesions and biliary obstruction. At present there is no clear concept for the treatment of biliary obstruction in AE of the liver, and data from high quality trials to base treatment decisions on evidence are missing. In rare neglected infectious diseases with very low prevalence, clinical data can mainly be generated from case series. In our study we aim at the proof of principle of serial ERC balloon dilation for biliary pathology associated to alveolar echinococcosis. This approach is in accordance with current ERC guidelines and is minimally disruptive for patients.

Controversies in the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remains a rare but significant disease, which affects mainly young males in association with inflammatory bowel disease. There have been few advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of the condition and no therapeutics with proven mortality benefit aside from liver transplantation. There remain areas of controversy in the management of PSC which include the differentiation from other cholangiopathies, in particular immunoglobulin G4 related sclerosing cholangitis, the management of dominant biliary strictures, and the role of ursodeoxycholic acid. In addition, the timing of liver transplantation in PSC remains difficult to predict with standard liver severity scores. In this review, we address these controversies and highlight the latest evidence base in the management of PSC.

Risk stratification in autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases: Opportunities for clinicians and trialists

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are infrequent autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases, that disproportionate to their incidence and prevalence, remain very important causes of morbidity and mortality for patients with liver disease. Mechanistic insights spanning genetic risks and biological pathways to liver injury and fibrosis have led to a renewed interest in developing therapies beyond ursodeoxycholic acid that are aimed at both slowing disease course and improving quality of life. International cohort studies have facilitated a much greater understanding of disease heterogeneity, and in so doing highlight the opportunity to provide patients with a more individualized assessment of their risk of progressive liver disease, based on clinical, laboratory, or imaging findings. This has led to a new approach to patient care that focuses on risk stratification (both high and low risk); and furthermore allows such stratification tools to help identify patient subgroups at greatest potential benefit from inclusion in clinical trials. In this article, we review the applicability and validity of risk stratification in autoimmune cholestatic liver disease, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of current and emergent approaches. (Hepatology 2016;63:644-659).