Detection of choledocholithiasis by EUS in acute pancreatitis: a prospective evaluation in 100 consecutive patients

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for cholelithiasis 2021

The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology first published evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for cholelithiasis in 2010, followed by a revision in 2016. Currently, the revised third edition was published to reflect recent evidence on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cholelithiasis conforming to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Following this revision, the present English version of the guidelines was updated and published herein. The clinical questions (CQ) in the previous version were reviewed and rearranged into three newly divided categories: background questions (BQ) dealing with basic background knowledge, CQ, and future research questions (FRQ), which refer to issues that require further accumulation of evidence. Finally, 52 questions (29 BQs, 19 CQs, and 4 FRQs) were adopted to cover the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prognosis. Based on a literature search using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases for the period between 1983 and August 2019, along with a manual search of new information reported over the past 5 years, the level of evidence was evaluated for each CQ. The strengths of recommendations were determined using the Delphi method by the committee members considering the body of evidence, including benefits and harms, patient preference, and cost-benefit balance. A comprehensive flowchart was prepared for the diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder stones, common bile duct stones, and intrahepatic stones, respectively. The current revised guidelines are expected to be of great assistance to gastroenterologists and general physicians in making decisions on contemporary clinical management for cholelithiasis patients.

Utility of the "BATS" Score in Predicting Choledocholithiasis in Patients With Gall Bladder Stones

Background and aim The role of expensive, risky, and unnecessary endoscopic interventions can be avoided by the use of non-invasive tests to predict common bile duct (CBD) stones. Therefore, our aim was to identify non-invasive predictors of choledocholithiasis (CL) in patients and further to predict a model and assess its diagnostic accuracy in predicting CL. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out from June 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. Patients having gall bladder stones on percutaneous transabdominal sonography and fulfilling intermediate probability criteria of CL were enrolled. These patients then underwent radial endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for detecting CBD stones. Univariate logistic regression analysis, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis, was performed to ascertain the independent predictors of CBD stone in patients with intermediate probability. A model was proposed, and the diagnostic accuracy was calculated at an optimal cutoff. The model was then internally validated in the patients with intermediate probability and was also compared with the pre-existing score. Results Out of 131 patients included in the study, CBD stone was noted in 85 (66%) and 88 (67.2%) patients on EUS and ERCP, respectively. On multivariate analysis, high serum bilirubin (>2 mg/dL) and alkaline phosphatase (200 IU) and dilated CBD (>6 mm) on transabdominal sonography at baseline were significant predictors of CBD stone in these patients. Using these variables, a scoring system (BATS score) was developed, which had an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.98 in predicting the presence of CBD stone with a sensitivity of 93.18%, a specificity of 76.74%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 87.79%. In the validation cohort, a BATS score of ≥5 had a diagnostic accuracy of 95.91% in predicting CL. Conclusion The BATS score showed excellent sensitivity and good diagnostic accuracy in predicting the CBD stone with excellent results on internal validation. However, external validation of our results is required to recommend this model on a larger scale.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a glandular organ that is responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive and endocrine systems, and therefore, it affects the condition of the entire body. Consequently, it is important to effectively diagnose and treat diseases of this organ. According to clinicians, pancreatitis—a common disease affecting the pancreas—is one of the most complicated and demanding diseases of the abdomen. The classification of pancreatitis is based on clinical, morphologic, and histologic criteria. Medical doctors distinguish, inter alia, acute pancreatitis (AP), the most common causes of which are gallstone migration and alcohol abuse. Effective diagnostic methods and the correct assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis determine the selection of an appropriate treatment strategy and the prediction of the clinical course of the disease, thus preventing life-threatening complications and organ dysfunction or failure. This review collects and organizes recommendations and guidelines for the management of patients suffering from acute pancreatitis.

Ultrasonography of the distal common bile duct: An easy-to-perform technique for better visualization

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

No standard ultrasonography (US) method exists for visualizing the distal common bile duct (CBD). The supine HD view is usually adopted for CBD evaluation, but duodenal or colonic gas shadowing can affect this view.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We developed and evaluated an easy-to-perform technique, the supine distal CBD view, applying the US protocol for the distal CBD evaluation. Five reviewers checked the visibility of the distal CBD and cystic duct, as well as each view's image quality and influencing factors.

RESULTS

The visibility of the distal CBD was enhanced on the supine distal CBD view (86.0%-94.6%) versus the supine hepatoduodenal view (40.8%-82.1%), with less variability among the reviewers. The image quality of the supine distal CBD view was superior to that of the supine HD view (2.52 ± 0.67 vs. 1.93 ± 0.86, respectively; p < 0.01). The depth of the distal CBD from the surface was significantly larger in the patients with nonvisible distal CBDs.

CONCLUSION

We present a user-friendly, easy-to-perform US view for locating and visualizing the distal CBD. With this technique, the distal CBD can be evaluated without changing a patient's position or increasing the duration of the procedure.

[Imaging diagnostics in acute pancreatitis]

Abdominal imaging is an important component of the diagnostics of acute pancreatitis. In addition to the clinical features and the laboratory constellation, it serves to establish the diagnosis or the exclusion of other diseases and also the identification and assessment of the course of local complications and vascular changes that can arise during the course of acute pancreatitis. Due to the numerous imaging examination methods that are available, their combination options and the different examination times, there are diverse application options that have to be taken into account, such as the severity and duration of the disease, concomitant diseases and complications of acute pancreatitis. A rational use of imaging is an important prerequisite for high quality and at the same time cost-effective patient care. This review summarizes the current importance of imaging in acute pancreatitis, with particular reference to the updated S3 guidelines on acute pancreatitis.

Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common reasons for gastroenterology-related hospitalization in the United States. With significant morbidity and subsequent mortality related to both the acute presentation and subsequent sequelae, prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are critical, especially in the first 24 hours of illness. It is also important to accurately recognize complications, such as pancreatic fluid collections and vascular events, and identify a definitive cause so that a strategy to prevent future attacks can be implemented.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Endoscopic Ultrasonography Versus the Gold Standard Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Detecting Common Bile Duct Stones

Background and objectives Stone in the biliary tract is one of the most common causes of hospitalization. However, it is difficult to determine the prevalence of gallstones in the general population because they are often asymptomatic. Thus, management lies in the proper clearance of the common bile duct (CBD) along with the removal of the gallbladder, for which it must be diagnosed on time with proper accuracy. Imaging modalities including magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) provide true visualization of choledocholithiasis with comparable sensitivities. The gold standard ERCP is an invasive procedure and may cause complications, such as pancreatitis, perforation, and bleeding. EUS is a minimally invasive procedure to assess the biliary tract using high-frequency sound waves. Until now the EUS has not been addressed much in our local tertiary care setups and this study was conducted to evaluate its accuracy in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. The objective of our study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy (specificity and sensitivity) of EUS versus ERCP for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. Materials and methods This retrospective study was conducted on patients suspected of having choledocholithiasis undergoing both EUS and ERCP based on their history, clinical symptoms, and laboratory test results including upper abdominal pain, deranged liver function enzymes, and a dilated CBD on radiology. EUS was initially performed for the diagnosis of extrahepatic biliary obstruction followed by one or more of the confirmatory criterion standard tests (including ERCP). In order to reduce the chances of passage of stone resulting in negative analysis, only those patients were included in which both procedures were conducted temporally close together (24-72 hours in most instances). The main outcome measures were diagnostic accuracy with the help of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) using a receiver operating characteristic curve. A total of 123 patients met the inclusion criteria via non-probability consecutive sampling methods. Results The mean age of our study population was 50.30 ± 13.91. We included 63 males (51.2%) and 60 females (48.8%). The most frequent indication for undergoing diagnostic procedures was deranged liver function tests (67.47%). The frequent comorbidities reported were hypertension (29.26%), diabetes (21.95%), chronic liver disease (16.26%), and ischemic heart disease (4.87%). Mean alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were markedly raised from the baseline in the study population. Post-ERCP complications were also reported in some of the study participants. About 85 patients (69.10%) were diagnosed with choledocholithiasis among the study participants. The diagnostic accuracy of EUS was compared with ERCP revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.930, standard error of 0.031, 95% confidence interval of 0.868-0.991, the sensitivity of 89.5%, specificity of 96.5%, positive predictive value of 91.9%, and negative predictive value of 95.3%. Conclusion It is recommended that ERCP can be selectively conducted or excluded in patients with biliary obstruction in case of EUS negative, thus minimizing the complications and morbidity associated with an invasive procedure, with our results showing a comparative diagnostic accuracy of EUS.

Endoscopic ultrasound as a diagnostic and predictive tool in idiopathic acute pancreatitis

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is useful in the diagnostic workup of idiopathic acute pancreatitis but its role as a predictor of recurrence has not been thoroughly assessed. Our aim was to study the performance of EUS in idiopathic acute pancreatitis, its impact on the natural history of the disease, and the factors related to recurrence.

Methods

Patients with idiopathic acute pancreatitis referred to our endoscopy unit were enrolled and followed, with assessment of the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), cholecystectomy, and the incidence of recurrence. EUS findings and recurrence rates were compared between patients with a first episode or recurrent attacks and in patients with previous cholecystectomy versus those with gallbladder in situ.

Results

One hundred six patients were included (mean follow up: 53.59±27.79 months). Biliary disease related to stones was the most common finding on EUS (49.1%), and patients referred for recurrent attacks showed the highest recurrence rate during follow up (57.1%). ERCP or cholecystectomy reduced recurrences to 14.3% in patients with biliary disease. Age under 65 (odds ratio [OR] 3.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-10.44; P=0.02), previous cholecystectomy (OR 3.19, 95%CI 1.11-9.17; P=0.03), and no lithiasis on EUS (OR 2.87, 95%CI 1.04-7.87; P=0.04) were independent risks factors for recurrence.

Conclusions

EUS-directed ERCP/cholecystectomy was associated with lower relapse rates in idiopathic acute pancreatitis. Along with age and gallbladder status, it provides predictive information about recurrence likelihood.

Combining endoscopic ultrasound and tumor markers improves the diagnostic yield on the etiology of common bile duct dilation secondary to periampullary pathologies

Background

Unexplained common bile duct (CBD) dilatation may be caused by many etiologies, such as periampullary tumors, a pancreatic neoplasm, choledocholithiasis or an inflammatory stenosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in patients with unexplained CBD dilatation, in combination with tumor markers, liver chemistry, symptoms, surgical history and whether there is dilatation of the pancreatic duct (PD).

Methods

From January 2016 to July 2017, 115 patients were referred for EUS in our center for CBD dilatation of an unknown etiology. A treatment plan is made based on the EUS result combined with the other clinical information. The final diagnosis is determined by surgical histology or follow-up of at least 3 months.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS for patients with choledocholithiasis were 100.0% (10/10), 100.0% (105/105) and 100.0% (115/115), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS for patients with periampullary tumor were 86.5% (32/37), 89.7% (70/78) and 88.7% (102/115), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS for patients with inflammatory stenosis were 88.2% (60/68), 89.4% (42/47) and 88.7% (102/115), respectively. The overall accuracy of EUS for diagnosing an undetermined etiology for CBD dilatation was 88.7% (102/115) and was higher than the accuracy of ultrasound (US) (64.1%), computed tomography (CT) (66.2%), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (67.0%) or PET-CT (66.0%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of EUS combined with tumor markers for patients with malignant dilatation of CBD were 91.9% (34/37), 97.4% (76/78), 94.4% (34/36), 96.2% (76/79) and 95.7% (110/115), respectively. PD dilation (P=0.026) and weight loss (P=0.035) had significant predictive values of malignancy.

Conclusions

EUS is an effective diagnostic tool for determining the etiology of a CBD dilatation, and offers meaningful information for guiding a treatment plan. EUS used in conjunction with tumor markers has high yield in differentiating benign and malignant CBD dilatation. More attention should be paid to patients with PD dilation or weight loss to prevent misdiagnosis of malignant CBD dilation.

Long term outcome of EUS-based strategy for suspected choledocholithiasis but negative CT finding

OBJECTIVES

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guidelines offered the risk-stratified approach in suspected choledocholithiasis. Previous studies have raised concern about the insufficient accuracy of the guideline, especially in high probability group. The purposes of this study were to authenticate the stratification and clinical predictors of the guidelines for suspected choledocholithiasis with no visible choledocholithiasis on computed tomography (CT) and to make clear the clinical strategy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out the retrospective single-center study of 156 patients with suspected choledocholithiasis but negative findings on CT who underwent EUS for about 8 years at Samsung Medical Center. We assessed the clinical predictors of the ASGE guidelines in predicting the presence of choledocholithiasis and the outcome of the EUS.

RESULTS

Fifty-three of the 156 patients had positive findings on EUS that included choledocholithiasis (n = 43, 27.6%) or obstructive papillitis (n = 10, 6.4%). Among the 53 patients, 51 (96.2%) had choledocholithiasis or obstructive papillitis on ERCP. The 101 patients of 103 patients with negative finding on EUS did not show biliary events during follow-up period. EUS accuracy was 98.7% (sensitivity 100%; specificity 98.1%). Among the 49 patients with high probability, 21 (42.9%) had choledocholithiasis on ERCP. In 107 patients who were classified as intermediate probability, 30 (27.3%) had choledocholithiasis. There were no complications related to EUS.

CONCLUSIONS

Not only intermediate probability group but also high probability group without definite acute cholangitis may require EUS. Application of EUS for suspected choledocholithiasis is highly accurate, safe and reduces unnecessary invasive ERCP in 57.1% of patients with high probability group.

Clinical Observation of the Efficacy of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography on Elder Choledocholithiasis and Its Effects on the Levels of TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6

OBJECTIVE

We conducted this study to investigate the clinical efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on elder choledocholithiasis and its effects on the levels of TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6.

METHODS

Elder patients with choledocholithiasis were enrolled in this study, and according to the surgical methods, they were divided into the ERCP group and the surgical group. After treatment, we compared the efficacy of these two methods on patients, inflammatory responses indicated by the levels of TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6, and the complications.

RESULTS

No statistical significance was identified in the difference of the success rate in removal between the two groups (98% vs. 94%), but indicators of the ERCP group, including the surgical duration (28.5±12.8) min, remission duration of abdominal pain (1.2±0.2) d, recession time of jaundice (2.0±0.3) d, postoperative bedridden time (1.4±0.2) d, treatment time of the anti-infection (1.5±0.2) d, length of stay in hospital (6.5±0.3) d, levels of TNF-α (2.1±0.2) μg/L, IL-1 (6.3±0.8) μg/L, IL-6 (2.8±0.3) μg/L, and the incidence rate of complications (1.8%), were all significantly lower than those in the surgical group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In the treatment of choledocholithiasis, ERCP is excellent in controlling the trauma, accelerating the recovery duration, reducing the occurrence of complications and ameliorating the inflammatory responses. Thus, it is an ideal choice for choledocholithiasis.

The role of endoscopic ultrasound in children with Pancreatobiliary and gastrointestinal disorders: a single center series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

The role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the management of pancreatobiliary and digestive diseases is well established in adults, but it remains limited in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical impact of EUS use in children.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively acquired database of consecutive pediatric (< 18 years) patients presenting an indication for EUS for pancreatobiliary and gastrointestinal disorders.

RESULTS

Between January 2010 and January 2016, 47 procedures were performed in 40 children (mean age of 15.1 ± 4.7 years; range 3-18). The majority of EUS (n = 32; 68.1%) were performed for pancreatobiliary and upper gastrointestinal pathologies, including suspected common bile duct stones (CBDs), acute biliary pancreatitis, recurrent/chronic pancreatitis, cystic pancreatic mass, recurrent hypoglycemia, duodenal polyp, gastric submucosal lesion, and perigastric abscess. In only 2 out of 18 children with suspected CBDs or acute biliary pancreatitis, EUS confirmed CBDs. EUS-guided fine needle aspiration was performed in 3 (6.4%) patients. Fifteen (31.9%) procedures were performed for lower gastrointestinal tract disorders, including suspected anal Crohn's disease, fecal incontinence, and encopresis. Overall, EUS had a significant impact on the subsequent clinical management in 87.2% of patients.

CONCLUSION

The present findings were consistent with results observed in the current relevant literature and support EUS as a safe and feasible diagnostic and therapeutic tool, which yields a significant clinical impact in children with pancreatobiliary and gastrointestinal disorders.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound in idiopathic pancreatitis

Recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) is defined based on the occurrence of two or more episodes of acute pancreatitis. The initial evaluation fails to detect the cause of RAP in 10%-30% of patients, whose condition is classified as idiopathic RAP (IRAP). Idiopathic acute pancreatitis (IAP) is a diagnostic challenge for gastroenterologists. In view of associated morbidity and mortality, it is important to determine the aetiology of pancreatitis to provide early treatment and prevent recurrence. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an investigation of choice for imaging of pancreas and biliary tract. In view of high diagnostic accuracy and safety of EUS, a EUS based management strategy appears to be a reasonable approach for evaluation of patients with a single/recurrent idiopathic pancreatitis. The most common diagnoses by EUS in IAP is biliary tract disease. The present review aims to discuss the role of EUS in the clinical management and diagnosis of patients with IAP. It elaborates the diagnostic approach to IAP in relation to EUS and other different modalities. Controversial issues in IAP like when to perform EUS, whether to perform after first episode or recurrent episodes, comparison among different investigations and the latest evidence significance are detailed.

Updated guideline on the management of common bile duct stones (CBDS)

Common bile duct stones (CBDS) are estimated to be present in 10-20% of individuals with symptomatic gallstones. They can result in a number of health problems, including pain, jaundice, infection and acute pancreatitis. A variety of imaging modalities can be employed to identify the condition, while management of confirmed cases of CBDS may involve endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, surgery and radiological methods of stone extraction. Clinicians are therefore confronted with a number of potentially valid options to diagnose and treat individuals with suspected CBDS. The British Society of Gastroenterology first published a guideline on the management of CBDS in 2008. Since then a number of developments in management have occurred along with further systematic reviews of the available evidence. The following recommendations reflect these changes and provide updated guidance to healthcare professionals who are involved in the care of adult patients with suspected or proven CBDS. It is not a protocol and the recommendations contained within should not replace individual clinical judgement.

The Usefulness of Early Endoscopic Ultrasonography in Acute Biliary Pancreatitis with Undetectable Choledocholithiasis on Multidetector Computed Tomography

Background/Aims

EUS can detect bile duct stones (BDS) that are undetectable on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). BDS associated with acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) are small and tend to be excreted spontaneously. This study evaluated the usefulness of early EUS in patients with ABP and undetectable BDS on MDCT.

Methods

Forty-one patients with ABP and undetectable BDS on MDCT underwent EUS within 24 hours of admission and were diagnosed with BDS, sludge, dilated common bile duct (CBD), or normal CBD. ERCP was performed in patients with BDS, sludge, or clinical deterioration. The diagnostic yield and the effects of early EUS on morbidity, mortality, and the length of hospitalization were evaluated.

Results

EUS detected BDS or sludge in 48.8% of patients examined. BDS was the diagnosis in 13 patients, sludge in seven, and neither for 21 patients. ERCP was performed in 20 patients with BDS or sludge, in two patients with coexisting cholangitis, and in one patient with worsening liver function tests. ERCP identified BDS in 12 patients and sludge in seven. No lesions were diagnosed in four patients by ERCP. All patients improved, and the length of hospitalization in patients with ERCP was 9.0 days, without ERCP 7.1 days. Two patients with major complications by ERCP were hospitalized for a prolonged time.

Conclusions

Early EUS may be useful to select patients for therapeutic ERCP in cases of suspected ABP with undetectable BDS on MDCT.

Accuracy of ASGE criteria for the prediction of choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Few studies have validated the performance of guidelines for the prediction of choledocholithiasis (CL). Our objective was to prospectively assess the accuracy of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guidelines for the identification of CL.

METHODS

A two-year prospective evaluation of patients with suspected CL was performed. We evaluated the ASGE guidelines and its component variables in predicting CL.

RESULTS

A total of 256 patients with suspected CL were analyzed. Of the 208 patients with high-probability criteria for CL, 124 (59.6%) were found to have a stone/sludge at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Among 48 patients with intermediate-probability criteria, 21 (43.8%) had a stone/sludge. The performance of ASGE high- and intermediate-probability criteria in our population had an accuracy of 59.0% (85.5% sensitivity, 24.3% specificity) and 41.0% (14.4% sensitivity, 75.6% specificity), respectively. The mean ERCP delay time was 6.1 days in the CL group and 6.4 days in the group without CL, p = 0.638. The presence of a common bile duct (CBD) > 6 mm (OR 2.21; 95% CI, 1.20-4.10), ascending cholangitis (OR 2.37; 95% CI, 1.01-5.55) and a CBD stone visualized on transabdominal US (OR 3.33; 95% CI, 1.48-7.52) were stronger predictors of CL. The occurrence of biliary pancreatitis was a strong protective factor for the presence of a retained CBD stone (OR 0.30; 95% CI, 0.17-0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

Irrespective of a patient's ASGE probability for CL, the application of current guidelines in our population led to unnecessary performance of ERCPs in nearly half of cases.

Pancreatic cancer causing acute pancreatitis: a comparative study with cancer patients without pancreatitis and pancreatitis patients without cancer

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Although pancreatic cancer produces upstream obstructive pancreatitis, acute pancreatitis is a less common manifestation of pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to clarify the subgroup of pancreatic cancer patients who present with an episode of acute pancreatitis (Group I) in comparison with a matched group of pancreatic cancer patients without pancreatitis (Group II) and another group of acute pancreatitis patients without pancreatic cancer (Group III).

METHODS

This was a retrospective comparative study of 18 patients in Group I, 300 patients in Group II and 141 patients in Group III.

RESULTS

The mean age of Group I was 63.7 years and the male to female ration was 1:0.3. Serum CA 19-9 levels were elevated in 80 %. The main pancreatic duct was incompletely obstructed in 7 patients. There were no significant differences in location of tumor, clinical stage, resection rate and survival months between Group I and II. Acute pancreatitis secondary to pancreatic cancer was more likely to be mild (94 vs. 72 %,p < 0.05) and relapsed (39 vs. 16 %,p < 0.05) compared with Group III.

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomic evaluation of the pancreas should be performed in patients with acute pancreatitis with no obvious etiology, even if the pancreatitis is mild, to search for underlying malignancy.

Japanese guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis: Japanese Guidelines 2015

BACKGROUND

Japanese (JPN) guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis were published in 2006. The severity assessment criteria for acute pancreatitis were later revised by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in 2008, leading to their publication as the JPN Guidelines 2010. Following the 2012 revision of the Atlanta Classifications of Acute Pancreatitis, in which the classifications of regional complications of pancreatitis were revised, the development of a minimally invasive method for local complications of pancreatitis spread, and emerging evidence was gathered and revised into the JPN Guidelines.

METHODS

A comprehensive evaluation was carried out on the evidence for epidemiology, diagnosis, severity, treatment, post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis and clinical indicators, based on the concepts of the GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). With the graded recommendations, where the evidence was unclear, Meta-Analysis team for JPN Guidelines 2015 conducted an additional new meta-analysis, the results of which were included in the guidelines.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine questions were prepared in 17 subject areas, for which 43 recommendations were made. The 17 subject areas were: Diagnosis, Diagnostic imaging, Etiology, Severity assessment, Transfer indication, Fluid therapy, Nasogastric tube, Pain control, Antibiotics prophylaxis, Protease inhibitor, Nutritional support, Intensive care, management of Biliary Pancreatitis, management of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, Interventions for the local complications, Post-ERCP pancreatitis and Clinical Indicator (Pancreatitis Bundles 2015). Meta-analysis was conducted in the following four subject areas based on randomized controlled trials: (1) prophylactic antibiotics use; (2) prophylactic pancreatic stent placement for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis; (3) prophylactic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis; and (4) peritoneal lavage. Using the results of the meta-analysis, recommendations were graded to create useful information. In addition, a mobile application was developed, which made it possible to diagnose, assess severity and check pancreatitis bundles.

CONCLUSIONS

The JPN Guidelines 2015 were prepared using the most up-to-date methods, and including the latest recommended medical treatments, and we are confident that this will make them easy for many clinicians to use, and will provide a useful tool in the decision-making process for the treatment of patients, and optimal medical support. The free mobile application and calculator for the JPN Guidelines 2015 is available via http://www.jshbps.jp/en/guideline/jpn-guideline2015.html.

Clinical usefulness of intraductal ultrasonography for the management of acute biliary pancreatitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Identifying a bile duct (BD) stone in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) is important for the management and prevention of recurrent attack of pancreatitis. However, small BD stones may not be detected on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the usefulness of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) in patients suspected to have ABP but with no evidence of choledocholithiasis on ERCP.

METHODS

A total 92 patients suspected with ABP without evidence of BD stones on imaging studies including ERCP were enrolled. Wire-guided IDUS was performed during ERCP in all patients. Stones or sludge detected by IDUS were confirmed after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) and extraction. If IDUS finding was negative, then we swept the BD with a balloon catheter and/or basket without EST. After endoscopic management, comparison between IDUS and endoscopic finding was carried out to determine the diagnostic accuracy of IDUS.

RESULTS

Among the 92 patients, IDUS revealed BD stones in 33 (35.9%). All 33 patients' stones were confirmed by endoscopic visualization after EST and BD exploration. During the mean follow up of 24 months, recurrent pancreatitis did not occur in 90 of 92 patients (97.9%) with ABP after endoscopic treatment according to the IDUS findings.

CONCLUSIONS

IDUS improves diagnostic accuracy for the detection of clinically occult BD stones in patients suspicious ABP. IDUS-guided endoscopic management for patients with ABP can avoid unnecessary EST and help prevent recurrent pancreatitis.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of endoscopic ultrasound versus magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in patients with suspected common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND

Patients with suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones are often diagnosed using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), an invasive procedure with risk of significant complications. Using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or Magnetic Resonance CholangioPancreatography (MRCP) first to detect CBD stones can reduce the risk of unnecessary procedures, cut complications and may save costs.

AIM

This study sought to compare the cost-effectiveness of initial EUS or MRCP in patients with suspected CBD stones.

METHODS

This study is a model based cost-utility analysis estimating mean costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per patient from the perspective of the UK National Health Service (NHS) over a 1 year time horizon. A decision tree model was constructed and populated with probabilities, outcomes and cost data from published sources, including one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

Using MRCP to select patients for ERCP was less costly than using EUS to select patients or proceeding directly to ERCP ($1299 versus $1753 and $1781, respectively), with similar QALYs accruing to each option (0.998, 0.998 and 0.997 for EUS, MRCP and direct ERCP, respectively). Initial MRCP was the most cost-effective option with the highest monetary net benefit, and this result was not sensitive to model parameters. MRCP had a 61% probability of being cost-effective at $29,000, the maximum willingness to pay for a QALY commonly used in the UK.

CONCLUSION

From the perspective of the UK NHS, MRCP was the most cost-effective test in the diagnosis of CBD stones.

Endoscopic ultrasound versus magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are tests used in the diagnosis of common bile duct stones in patients suspected of having common bile duct stones prior to undergoing invasive treatment. There has been no systematic review of the accuracy of EUS and MRCP in the diagnosis of common bile duct stones using appropriate reference standards.

OBJECTIVES

To determine and compare the accuracy of EUS and MRCP for the diagnosis of common bile duct stones.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, BIOSIS, and Clinicaltrials.gov until September 2012. We searched the references of included studies to identify further studies and of systematic reviews identified from various databases (Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Health Technology Assessment (HTA), Medion, and ARIF (Aggressive Research Intelligence Facility)). We did not restrict studies based on language or publication status, or whether data were collected prospectively or retrospectively.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included studies that provided the number of true positives, false positives, false negatives, and true negatives for EUS or MRCP. We only accepted studies that confirmed the presence of common bile duct stones by extraction of the stones (irrespective of whether this was done by surgical or endoscopic methods) for a positive test, and absence of common bile duct stones by surgical or endoscopic negative exploration of the common bile duct or symptom free follow-up for at least six months for a negative test, as the reference standard in people suspected of having common bile duct stones. We included participants with or without prior diagnosis of cholelithiasis; with or without symptoms and complications of common bile duct stones, with or without prior treatment for common bile duct stones; and before or after cholecystectomy. At least two authors independently screened abstracts and selected studies for inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently collected the data from each study. We used the bivariate model to obtain pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity.

MAIN RESULTS

We included a total of 18 studies involving 2366 participants (976 participants with common bile duct stones and 1390 participants without common bile duct stones). Eleven studies evaluated EUS alone, and five studies evaluated MRCP alone. Two studies evaluated both tests. Most studies included patients who were suspected of having common bile duct stones based on abnormal liver function tests; abnormal transabdominal ultrasound; symptoms such as obstructive jaundice, cholangitis, or pancreatitis; or a combination of the above. The proportion of participants who had undergone cholecystectomy varied across studies. Not one of the studies was of high methodological quality. For EUS, the sensitivities ranged between 0.75 and 1.00 and the specificities ranged between 0.85 and 1.00. The summary sensitivity (95% confidence interval (CI)) and specificity (95% CI) of the 13 studies that evaluated EUS (1537 participants; 686 cases and 851 participants without common bile duct stones) were 0.95 (95% CI 0.91 to 0.97) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.99). For MRCP, the sensitivities ranged between 0.77 and 1.00 and the specificities ranged between 0.73 and 0.99. The summary sensitivity and specificity of the seven studies that evaluated MRCP (996 participants; 361 cases and 635 participants without common bile duct stones) were 0.93 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.96) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.98). There was no evidence of a difference in sensitivity or specificity between EUS and MRCP (P value = 0.5). From the included studies, at the median pre-test probability of common bile duct stones of 41% the post-test probabilities (with 95% CI) associated with positive and negative EUS test results were 0.96 (95% CI 0.92 to 0.98) and 0.03 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.06). At the same pre-test probability, the post-test probabilities associated with positive and negative MRCP test results were 0.94 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.97) and 0.05 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.09).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Both EUS and MRCP have high diagnostic accuracy for detection of common bile duct stones. People with positive EUS or MRCP should undergo endoscopic or surgical extraction of common bile duct stones and those with negative EUS or MRCP do not need further invasive tests. However, if the symptoms persist, further investigations will be indicated. The two tests are similar in terms of diagnostic accuracy and the choice of which test to use will be informed by availability and contra-indications to each test. However, it should be noted that the results are based on studies of poor methodological quality and so the results should be interpreted with caution. Further studies that are of high methodological quality are necessary to determine the diagnostic accuracy of EUS and MRCP for the diagnosis of common bile duct stones.

Usefulness of intraductal ultrasonography in icteric patients with highly suspected choledocholithiasis showing normal endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND

Choledocholithiasis is one of the causes of jaundice and may require urgent treatment. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been the primary management strategy for choledocholithiasis. However, small stones can be overlooked during ERCP.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) for detecting choledocholithiasis in icteric patients with highly suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones without definite stone diagnosis on ERCP.

METHODS

Ninety-five icteric (bilirubin ≥ 3 mg/dL) patients who underwent ERCP for highly suspected choledocholithiasis without definite filling defects on cholangiography were prospectively enrolled in the present study. We evaluated the bile duct using IDUS for the presence of stones or sludge. Reference standard for choledocholithiasis was endoscopic extraction of stone or sludge.

RESULT

Bile duct stones were detected with IDUS in 31 of 95 patients (32.6%). IDUS findings were confirmed by endoscopic stone extraction in all patients. The mean diameter of CBD stones detected by IDUS was 2.9 mm (range 1-7 mm). IDUS revealed biliary sludge in 24 patients (25.2%) which was confirmed by sludge extraction in 21 patients (87.5%). In dilated CBD, detection rate of bile duct stone/sludge based on IDUS was significantly higher than in non-dilated CBD (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

IDUS is useful for the detection of occult CBD stone on ERCP in icteric patients with highly suspected CBD stones.

Increased risk of pancreatic adenocarcinoma after acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is often the initial presentation of pancreatic cancer (pancreatic adenocarcinoma [PaCa]). We evaluated the risk of PaCa after AP.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients with AP who sought care in the Veterans Health Administration from 1998 through 2007. We excluded patients with pre-existing PaCa or recurrent AP and those who had the first episode of acute pancreatitis, from 1998 through 2000.

RESULTS

Of 495,504 patients with Veterans Health Administration inpatient and outpatient records, 5720 were diagnosed with AP (1.15%) and 710 were diagnosed with PaCa (0.14%), from 2000 through 2007. Seventy-six patients had AP within 2 years before being diagnosed with PaCa (10.7% of all patients with cancer diagnosed during that period). The risk for PaCa was greatest in the first year after AP (14.5 per 1000 patient-years) and then decreased rapidly. Risk for PaCa was negligible in patients <40 years old. The incidence of PaCa within the first year after AP was 7.69 per 1000 patient-years in fifth decade of life and reached 28.67 after the seventh decade. Time to diagnosis of PaCa after AP was ≤2 months for 34 patients, 3-12 months for 35 patients, 13-24 months for 7 patients, and >24 months for 10 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant number of patients with PaCa initially present with AP; the diagnosis of cancer is often delayed by up to 2 years. We suggest that PaCa be routinely considered as a potential etiology of AP in patients ≥40 years old.

Role of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasonography in benign pancreatic diseases

Standard imaging of pancreas is generally obtained by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. However endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become an indispensable tool for the diagnosis of various pancreatic diseases. Because of the close proximity of the EUS probe to the pancreas, EUS provides excellent images of the pancreas. In this review, we discuss the role of EUS in the clinical management of patients with benign pancreatic diseases, i.e., various forms of pancreatitis.

Imaging of acute pancreatitis and its complications. Part 1: acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory disease of the pancreas that may also involve surrounding tissues or remote organs. The Atlanta classification of acute pancreatitis was introduced in 1992 and divides patients into mild and severe groups based on clinical and biochemical criteria. Recently, the terminology and classification scheme proposed at the initial Atlanta Symposium have been reviewed and a new consensus statement has been proposed by the Acute Pancreatitis Classification Working Group. Generally, imaging is recommended to confirm the clinical diagnosis, investigate the etiology, and grade the extend and severity of the acute pancreatitis. Ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality in most centers for the confirmation of the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and the ruling out of other causes of acute abdomen, but it has limitations in the acute clinical setting. Computed tomography not only establishes the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, but also enables to stage severity of the disease. Magnetic resonance imaging has earned an ever more important role in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. It is especially useful for imaging of patients with iodine allergies, characterizing collections and assessment of an abnormal or disconnected pancreatic duct. The purpose of this review article is to present an overview of the acute pancreatitis, clarify confusing terminology, underline the role of ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging according to the proper clinical context and compare the advantages and limitations of each modality.

The increasing role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the management of pancreatic and biliary disease

Pancreatic and biliary disease continues to have a significant impact on the workload of the National Health Service (NHS), for which there exists a multimodality approach to investigation and diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is fast becoming a fundamental tool in this cohort of patients, not only because of its ability to provide superior visualization of a difficult anatomical region, but also because of its valuable role as a problem-solving tool and ever-improving ability in an interventional capacity. We provide a comprehensive review of the benefits of EUS in everyday clinical practice.

Diagnostic bedside EUS in the intensive care unit: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

The knowledge of bedside diagnostic EUS in critically ill patients is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the indications, feasibility, safety, and clinical utility of diagnostic EUS in the intensive care unit (ICU).

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

Tertiary-care referral teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

All consecutive patients who had EUS done in the ICU within a 6-year period.

INTERVENTION

Bedside EUS and EUS-guided FNA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

EUS indications, complications, and impact on management.

RESULTS

A total of 64 EUS procedures were performed in 63 patients (38 men, 25 women; age range 27-78 years); 1 patient underwent 2 separate EUS procedures. EUS was performed while the patients were mechanically ventilated in 70% (45/64) of cases. Indications for EUS included jaundice (n = 24), mass of unknown etiology (n = 25), unexplained pancreatitis (n = 7), and staging of known cancer (n = 3). In 5 cases, EUS was used as an alternative to other imaging modalities because of morbid obesity (n = 3) or contraindication to intravenous contrast material (n = 2). Complications included reversible oxygen desaturation (n = 4), nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (n = 1), and transient hypotension (n = 1). Overall, EUS influenced management in 97% (62/64) of cases.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective, single-center study.

CONCLUSION

ICU-based EUS can be performed with few intraprocedural complications and can be a valuable diagnostic modality in the ICU setting. It appears to be particularly useful for determining the etiology of jaundice, masses of unknown etiology, and pancreatitis. It may have particular value as a diagnostic technique on selected patients with unstaged cancer and when morbid obesity or the inability to use intravenous contrast material precludes the use of other imaging modalities in the critically ill patient.

Advances in the investigation of obstructive jaundice

The causes of obstructive jaundice are varied, and timely, accurate methods of investigation are essential to avoid the development of complications. Imaging, invasive or non-invasive, should be carefully selected depending on the suspected underlying pathology in order to determine the degree and level of obstruction along with tissue acquisition and staging where relevant. Several imaging techniques will also allow subsequent therapeutic interventions to be carried out. This article reviews advances in the investigation of obstructive jaundice, highlighting recent developments, many of which at present remain restricted to large centres of expertise, but are likely to become more widespread in use as research progresses and local experience continues to improve.

EUS finding of geographic hyperechoic area is an early predictor for severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is an accurate imaging modality for delineating pancreatobiliary structures, however, its clinical application of acute pancreatitis (AP) is limited. Therefore, we sought to characterize the typical EUS features of AP and to determine whether early EUS findings may have prognostic significance.

METHODS

Between March 2008 and October 2010, 90 patients with AP and 90 patients without pancreatic disease who underwent EUS were enrolled. An EUS examination was performed within 48 h of admission in AP, and all EUS findings were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 90 patients, 27 (30%) were diagnosed with severe AP. Multivariate analysis revealed the presence of peripancreatic fluid (OR 13.9, 95%, CI: 1.6-123.6), heterogenous (OR 7.2, 95% CI: 1.7-30.4) and hypoechoic parenchymal echogenicity (OR 10.0, 95% CI: 3.9-25.8) were significant EUS features in AP, as compared to those in the control group. Comparison between mild and severe AP showed that geographic hyperechoic area (GHA) of pancreas was a predictive factor (OR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1-8.2, p = 0.04) for the severe form, and that AP patients with GHA had significantly longer duration of fever, abdominal pain and hospital stay than those without GHA (5.5 vs. 1 day (s), p = 0.002; 4 vs. 3 days, p = 0.023; 11 vs. 8 days, p = 0.021, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Typical EUS features of AP are a heterogenous hypoechoic parenchymal changes with peripancreatic fluid collection. The novel EUS variable of GHA in the early phase of AP seems to have prognostic value and could be correlated with a worse clinical outcome.

Conservative management of cholestasis with and without fever in acute biliary pancreatitis

The presence of cholestasis in both mild and severe forms of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) does not justify, of itself, early endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) or endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES). Clinical support treatment of acute pancreatitis for one to two weeks is usually accompanied by regression of pancreatic edema, of cholestasis and by stone migration to the duodenum in 60%-88% of cases. On the other hand, in cases with both cholestasis and fever, a condition usually characterized as ABP associated with cholangitis, early ES is normally indicated. However, in daily clinical practice, it is practically impossible to guarantee the coexistence of cholangitis and mild or severe acute pancreatitis. Pain, fever and cholestasis, as well as mental confusion and hypotension, may be attributed to inflammatory and necrotic events related to ABP. Under these circumstances, evaluation of the bile duct by endo-ultrasonography (EUS) or magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) before performing ERC and ES seems reasonable. Thus, it is necessary to assess the effects of the association between early and opportune access to the treatment of local and systemic inflammatory/infectious effects of ABP with cholestasis and fever, and to characterize the possible scenarios and the subsequent approaches to the common bile duct, directed by less invasive examinations such as MRC or EUS.

EUS in exploring the etiology of mild acute biliary pancreatitis with a negative finding of biliary origin by conventional radiological methods

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Conventional radiological methods, including transcutaneous ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are non-invasive and recommended for the detection of etiologies of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). There are still, however, a number of patients whose etiologies cannot be found by these methods. The value of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for this population is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of EUS in exploring the unknown etiology of mild ABP.

METHODS

The data from patients with mild ABP admitted to Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China, from June 2006 to December 2009 were retrospectively collected, and the results of the imaging methods in detecting biliary disorders were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 223 patients with mild ABP underwent both US and CT. Of these, 106 underwent additional MRCP. There were still 37 patients with unknown biliary etiologies, even after the use of the conventional methods mentioned earlier. EUS was conducted in 33 of these patients. Abnormalities associated with the etiology of mild ABP were found in 14 cases (42.4%) confirmed by subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, with biliary stones in 11 cases, biliary sludge in two cases, and ampullary adenocarcinoma in one case.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that EUS is helpful in the identification of the etiology of mild biliary pancreatitis when conventional radiological imaging is negative or equivocal.

The role of intraductal US in the management of idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis without a definite cause on ERCP

BACKGROUND

The cause of pancreatitis is unknown in as many as 30% of cases of recurrent acute pancreatitis, even after ERCP.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of intraductal US (IDUS) for managing idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis (IRP).

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral hospital.

PATIENTS

Thirty-one patients with suspicious IRP with negative findings on ERCP.

INTERVENTIONS

IDUS during ERCP.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

IDUS findings showing any possible cause of pancreatitis.

RESULTS

IDUS revealed small bile duct stones (≤3 mm) in 5 patients (16.1%) and sludge in 3 patients (9.7%). The detection rate for a bile duct stone and sludge was significantly higher in patients with a dilated CBD than a nondilated CBD on ERCP (71.4 vs 12.5%; P < .05). Recurrent pancreatitis did not develop in 7 of 8 patients with biliary stones or sludge after an endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). Two patients (6.5%) demonstrated a small polypoid lesion on the distal end of the pancreatic duct. One patient underwent surgery for intra-ampullary cancer, and another one underwent EST without another attack of pancreatitis. Three patients (9.7%) showed evidence of chronic pancreatitis with small pancreatic stones and/or calcifications on IDUS.

LIMITATIONS

Small number of patients. IDUS results were not compared with those of conventional EUS. There was no reference standard for chronic pancreatitis as diagnosed by IDUS.

CONCLUSIONS

IDUS identified a possible cause of idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis in 42% of patients with negative findings on ERCP. The IDUS-guided approach combined with ERCP and EST may be useful for decreasing recurring attacks of pancreatitis.

EUS compared with endoscopy plus transabdominal US in the initial diagnostic evaluation of patients with upper abdominal pain

BACKGROUND

Primary upper endoscopy (EGD) and transabdominal US (TUS) are often performed in patients with upper abdominal pain.

OBJECTIVE

Primary: Determine whether the combination of EGD and EUS was equivalent to EGD plus TUS in the diagnostic evaluation of upper abdominal pain. Secondary: Compare EUS versus TUS in detecting abdominal lesions, and compare EGD by using an oblique-viewing echoendoscope versus the standard, forward-viewing endoscope in detecting mucosal lesions.

DESIGN

Prospective, paired design.

SETTING

Six academic endoscopy centers.

PATIENTS

This study involved patients with upper abdominal pain referred for endoscopy.

INTERVENTION

All patients had EGD, EUS, and TUS. The EGD was done using both an oblique-viewing echoendoscope and the standard, forward-viewing endoscope (randomized order) by two separate endoscopists in a blinded fashion, followed by EUS. TUS was performed within 4 weeks of EGD/EUS, also in a blinded fashion.

FOLLOW-UP

telephone interviews and chart reviews.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Diagnose possible etiology of upper abdominal pain and detect clinically significant lesions.

RESULTS

A diagnosis of the etiology of upper abdominal pain was made in 66 of 172 patients (38%). The diagnostic rate was 42 of 66 patients (64%) for EGD plus EUS versus 41 of 66 patients (62%) for EGD plus TUS, which was statistically equivalent (McNemar test; P = .27). One hundred ninety-eight lesions were diagnosed with either EUS or TUS. EUS was superior to TUS for visualizing the pancreas (P < .0001) and for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis (P = .03). Two biliary stones were detected only by EUS. Two hundred fifty-one mucosal lesions were similarly diagnosed with EGD with either the standard, forward-viewing endoscope or the oblique-viewing echoendoscope (kappa = 0.48 [95% CI, .43-.54]). EGD with the standard, forward-viewing endoscope was preferred for biopsies.

LIMITATIONS

No cost analysis.

CONCLUSION

The combination of EGD with EUS is equivalent to EGD plus TUS for diagnosing a potential etiology of upper abdominal pain. EUS is superior to TUS for detecting chronic pancreatitis. EGD combined with EUS should be considered in the first-line diagnostic evaluation of patients with upper abdominal pain.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound during hospitalization for acute pancreatitis

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is often used to detect the cause of acute pancreatitis (AP) after the acute attack has subsided. The limited data on its role during hospitalization for AP are reviewed here. The ability of EUS to visualize the pancreas and bile duct, the sonographic appearance of the pancreas, correlation of such appearance to clinical outcomes and the impact on AP management are analyzed from studies. The most important indication for EUS appears to be for detection of suspected common bile duct and/or gall bladder stones and microlithiasis. Such an approach might avoid diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography with its known complications. The use of EUS during hospitalization for AP still appears to be infrequent but may become more frequent in future.

Role of pancreatic endoscopic ultrasonography in 2010

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) was introduced 25 years ago aiming at better visualization of the pancreas compared to transabdominal ultrasonography. This update discusses the current evidence in 2010 concerning the role of EUS in the clinical management of patients with pancreatic disease. Major indications of EUS are: (1) Detection of common bile duct stones (e.g. in acute pancreatitis); (2) Detection of small exo- and endocrine pancreatic tumours; and (3) Performance of fine needle aspiration in pancreatic masses depending on therapeutic consequences. EUS seems to be less useful in cases of chronic pancreatitis and cystic pancreatic lesions. Moreover the constant improvement of computed tomography has limited the role of EUS in pancreatic cancer staging. On the other hand, new therapeutic options are available due to EUS, such as pancreatic cyst drainage and celiac plexus neurolysis, offering a new field in which new techniques may arise. So the main goal of this review is to determine the exact role of EUS in a number of pancreatic and biliary diseases.

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a common disease most frequently caused by gallstone disease or excess alcohol ingestion. Diagnosis is usually based on characteristic symptoms, often in conjunction with elevated serum pancreatic enzymes. Imaging is not always necessary, but may be performed for many reasons, such as to confirm a diagnosis of pancreatitis, rule out other causes of abdominal pain, elucidate the cause of pancreatitis, or to evaluate for complications such as necrosis or pseudocysts. Though the majority of patients will have mild, self-limiting disease, some will develop severe disease associated with organ failure. These patients are at risk to develop complications from ongoing pancreatic inflammation such as pancreatic necrosis, fluid collections, pseudocysts, and pancreatic duct disruption. Validated scoring systems can help predict the severity of pancreatitis, and thus, guide monitoring and intervention.Treatment of acute pancreatitis involves supportive care with fluid replacement, pain control, and controlled initiation of regular food intake. Prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended in acute pancreatitis if there is no evidence of pancreatic infection. In patients who fail to improve, further evaluation is necessary to assess for complications that require intervention such as pseudocysts or pancreatic necrosis. Endoscopy, including ERCP and EUS, and/or cholecystectomy may be indicated in the appropriate clinical setting. Ultimately, the management of the patient with severe acute pancreatitis will require a multidisciplinary approach.

Gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis

In the care of acute pancreatitis, a prompt search for the etiologic condition of the disease should be conducted. A differentiation of gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis should be given top priority in its etiologic diagnosis because it is related to the decision of treatment policy. Examinations necessary for diagnosing gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis include blood tests and ultrasonography. Early ERCP/ES should be performed in patients with gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis if a complication of cholangitis and a prolonged passage disorder of the biliary tract are suspected. The treatment for bile duct stones with the use of ERCP/ES alone is not recommended in cases of gallstone-induced pancreatitis with gallbladder stones. Cholecystectomy for gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis should be performed using a laparoscopic procedure as the first option as soon as the disease has subsided.

New diagnostic criteria of acute pancreatitis

Practical guidelines for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis are presented so that a rapid and adequate diagnosis can be made. When acute pancreatitis is suspected in patients with acute onset of abdominal pain and tenderness mainly in the upper abdomen, the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is made on the basis of elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes in the blood and/or urine. Furthermore, other acute abdominal diseases are ruled out if local findings associated with pancreatitis are confirmed by diagnostic imaging. According to the diagnostic criteria established in Japan, patients who present with two of the following three manifestations are diagnosed as having acute pancreatitis: characteristic upper abdominal pain, elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, and findings of ultrasonography (US), CT or MRI suggesting acute pancreatitis. Detection of elevated levels of blood pancreatic enzymes is crucial in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Measurement of blood lipase is recommended, because it is reported to be superior to all other pancreatic enzymes in terms of sensitivity and specificity. For measurements of the blood amylase level widely used in Japan, it should be cautioned that, because of its low specificity, abnormal high values are also often obtained in diseases other than pancreatitis. The cut-off level of blood pancreatic enzymes for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is not able to be set because of lack of sufficient evidence and consensus to date. CT study is the most appropriate procedure to confirm image findings of acute pancreatitis. Elucidation of the etiology of acute pancreatitis should be continued after a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. In the process of the etiologic elucidation of acute pancreatitis, judgment whether it is gallstone-induced or not is most urgent and crucial for deciding treatment policy including the assessment of whether endoscopic papillary treatment should be conducted or not. The diagnosis of gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis can be made by combining detection of elevated levels of bilirubin, transamylase (ALT, AST) and ALP detected by hematological examination and the visualization of gallstones by US.

Tissue harmonic sonography in the diagnosis of common bile duct stones: a comparison with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

PURPOSE

To revisit the diagnostic accuracy of sonography in the detection of choledocholithiasis using modern equipment with tissue harmonic imaging (THI) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy as the gold standard.

METHODS

A total of 107 patients with clinically suspected choledocholithiasis were examined with THI before undergoing ERCP. The sonographic findings that were prospectively evaluated included the presence of choledocholithiasis, size of common bile duct, sonographic view and patient position that best visualized the stone(s), visualization of the distal common duct, and duration of examination. The accuracy of sonography compared with ERCP and sphincterotomy was calculated.

RESULTS

Sonography correctly detected stones in 65 of 76 patients (sensitivity of 86%). The specificity and the overall accuracy were 87% and 86%, respectively. The sensitivity of sonography was higher with dilated extrahepatic duct (44% in patients with common bile duct measuring less than 6 mm in diameter, 82% between 6 and 10 mm, and 100% with common bile duct larger than 10 mm). The lateral approach with the patient in left lateral decubitus position of the patient was the most effective in 47% of the cases.

CONCLUSION

Sonography with THI is an accurate technique for the detection of choledocholithiasis that may be used as the first-choice technique to avoid unnecessary procedures in a high percentage of patients, especially those with dilated biliary tree.

Various techniques for the surgical treatment of common bile duct stones: a meta review

Common bile duct stones (CBDSs) may occur in up to 3%–14.7% of all patients for whom cholecystectomy is preformed. Patients presenting with CBDS have symptoms including: biliary colic, jaundice, cholangitis, pancreatitis or may be asymptomatic. It is important to distinguish between primary and secondary stones, because the treatment approach varies. Stones found before, during, and after cholecystectomy had also differing treatments. Different methods have been used for the treatment of CBDS but the suitable therapy depends on conditions such as patient' satisfaction, number and size of stones, and the surgeons experience in laparoscopy. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with or without endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy, laparoscopic CBD exploration (transcystic or transcholedochal), or laparotomy with CBD exploration (by T-tube, C-tube insertion, or primary closure) are the most commonly used methods managing CBDS. We will review the pathophysiology of CBDS, diagnosis, and different techniques of treatment with especial focus on the various surgical modalities.

Acute biliary pancreatitis: diagnosis and treatment

Gallstones are the commonest cause of acute pancreatitis (AP), a potentially life-threatening condition, worldwide. The pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis has not been fully understood. Laboratory and radiological investigations are critical for diagnosis as well prognosis prediction. Scoring systems based on radiological findings and serologic inflammatory markers have been proposed as better predictors of disease severity. Early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is beneficial in a group of patients with gallstone pancreatitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with preoperative endoscopic common bile duct clearance is recommended as a treatment of choice for acute biliary pancreatitis. The timing of cholecystectomy, following ERCP, for biliary pancreatitis can vary markedly depending on the severity of pancreatitis.