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Ashida R, Kitano M. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the era of precision medicine. Dig Endosc 2022; 34:1329-1339. [PMID: 35488448 DOI: 10.1111/den.14344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) currently plays a central role in the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Although fine-needle aspiration has been the gold standard, novel biopsy needles for fine-needle biopsy (FNB) were developed to overcome its limitations, which include low tumor cellularity and the inability to retain cellular architecture. Following recent improvements in FNB needles, the pathological diagnosis has shifted from cytology to histology and now to genetic diagnosis. Genetic analysis using EUS-TA samples began with a search for the presence of K-ras mutations. However, the introduction of next-generation sequencers has dramatically changed genetic analysis and led to the gradual elucidation of the mechanism of PDAC, enabling personalized medicine by performing multiple gene analyses simultaneously. Comprehensive genomic profiling is currently applied in the clinical setting and there is an increasing need for gene analysis using EUS-TA samples. Although target genome sequencing is feasible even with cytological specimens, it can be difficult to proceed with full genetic analysis including whole-exome sequence or whole-genome sequence if the samples are too small. Genetic analysis will become highly important in determining indications for personalized medicine such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, the endosonographer must always take gene analysis into consideration when collecting samples for diagnosis and further improvement of the puncture technique and needle development are anticipated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiko Ashida
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kitano
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
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Tanaka H, Minaga K, Otsuka Y, Masuta Y, Kamata K, Yamao K, Takenaka M, Hyodo T, Kimura M, Watanabe T, Kudo M. Pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma with unique morphological features mimicking intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma: A case report. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:951834. [PMID: 35911398 PMCID: PMC9326047 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.951834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundPancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PanNEC) is a rare disease entity with rapid progression and poor prognosis. Here, we report a PanNEC case with unique morphological features mimicking intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma.Case presentationA 69-year-old Japanese man was referred to our hospital for further evaluation of weight loss and deterioration of diabetes mellitus. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a solid and cystic mass with hypo-enhancement at the tail of the pancreas. The main pancreatic duct (MPD) was diffusely dilated without obstruction, accompanied by marked parenchymal atrophy. Multiple peritoneal and omental nodules were observed, suggesting tumor dissemination. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed that the mass correlated with the dilated MPD. During pancreatography, a large amount of mucus was extruded from the pancreatic orifice of the ampulla. Based on these imaging findings, intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma was suspected. Per-oral pancreatoscopy (POPS)-guided tumor biopsies were conducted for the lesion's solid components. Histopathological examination of the biopsied material confirmed small-cell-type PanNEC with a Ki-67 labeling index of 90%. Due to his condition's rapid decline, the patient was given the best supportive care and died 28 days after diagnosis.ConclusionAlthough rare, PanNEC, which correlates with the MPD and is accompanied by marked dilation of the MPD, does exist as one phenotype. In such cases, POPS-guided biopsy could be a useful diagnostic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Kosuke Minaga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kosuke Minaga
| | - Yasuo Otsuka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Masuta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Ken Kamata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Yamao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Mamoru Takenaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Hyodo
- Department of Radiology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Masatomo Kimura
- Department of Pathology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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Rao B H, Trieu JA, Nair P, Gressel G, Venu M, Venu RP. Artificial intelligence in endoscopy: More than what meets the eye in screening colonoscopy and endosonographic evaluation of pancreatic lesions. Artif Intell Gastrointest Endosc 2022; 3:16-30. [DOI: 10.37126/aige.v3.i3.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools have ushered in a new era of innovation in the field of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Despite vast improvements in endoscopic techniques and equipment, diagnostic endoscopy remains heavily operator-dependent, in particular, colonoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Recent reports have shown that as much as 25% of colonic adenomas may be missed at colonoscopy. This can result in an increased incidence of interval colon cancer. Similarly, EUS has been shown to have high inter-observer variability, overlap in diagnoses with a relatively low specificity for pancreatic lesions. Our understanding of Machine-learning (ML) techniques in AI have evolved over the last decade and its application in AI–based tools for endoscopic detection and diagnosis is being actively investigated at several centers. ML is an aspect of AI that is based on neural networks, and is widely used for image classification, object detection, and semantic segmentation which are key functional aspects of AI-related computer aided diagnostic systems. In this review, current status and limitations of ML, specifically for adenoma detection and endosonographic diagnosis of pancreatic lesions, will be summarized from existing literature. This will help to better understand its role as viewed through the prism of real world application in the field of GI endoscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshavardhan Rao B
- Department of Gastroenterology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Judy A Trieu
- Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
| | - Priya Nair
- Department of Gastroenterology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
| | - Gilad Gressel
- Center for Cyber Security Systems and Networks, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham, Kollam 690546, Kerala, India
| | - Mukund Venu
- Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
| | - Rama P Venu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India
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Sacerdoțianu VM, Ungureanu BS, Iordache S, Cazacu SM, Pirici D, Liliac IM, Burtea DE, Șurlin V, Stroescu C, Gheonea DI, Săftoiu A. Gastric Cancer Angiogenesis Assessment by Dynamic Contrast Harmonic Imaging Endoscopic Ultrasound (CHI-EUS) and Immunohistochemical Analysis-A Feasibility Study. J Pers Med 2022; 12:1020. [PMID: 35887515 PMCID: PMC9324362 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor vascular perfusion pattern in gastric cancer (GC) may be an important prognostic factor with therapeutic implications. Non-invasive methods such as dynamic contrast harmonic imaging endoscopic ultrasound (CHI-EUS) may provide details about tumor perfusion and could also lay out another perspective for angiogenesis assessment. Methods: We included 34 patients with GC, adenocarcinoma, with CHI-EUS examinations that were performed before any treatment decision. We analyzed eighty video sequences with a dedicated software for quantitative analysis of the vascular patterns of specific regions of interest (ROI). As a result, time-intensity curve (TIC) along with other derived parameters were automatically generated: peak enhancement (PE), rise time (RT), time to peak (TTP), wash-in perfusion index (WiPI), ROI area, and others. We performed CD105 and CD31 immunostaining to calculate the vascular diameter (vd) and the microvascular density (MVD), and the results were compared with CHI-EUS parameters. Results: High statistical correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between TIC analysis parameters MVD and vd CD31. Strong correlations were also found between tumor grade and 7 CHI-EUS parameters, p < 0.005. Conclusions: GC angiogenesis assessment by CHI-EUS is feasible and may be considered for future studies based on TIC analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Mihai Sacerdoțianu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (V.M.S.); (S.I.); (S.M.C.); (D.E.B.); (D.I.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Bogdan Silviu Ungureanu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (V.M.S.); (S.I.); (S.M.C.); (D.E.B.); (D.I.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Sevastiţa Iordache
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (V.M.S.); (S.I.); (S.M.C.); (D.E.B.); (D.I.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Sergiu Marian Cazacu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (V.M.S.); (S.I.); (S.M.C.); (D.E.B.); (D.I.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Daniel Pirici
- Histology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (D.P.); (I.M.L.)
| | - Ilona Mihaela Liliac
- Histology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (D.P.); (I.M.L.)
| | - Daniela Elena Burtea
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (V.M.S.); (S.I.); (S.M.C.); (D.E.B.); (D.I.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Valeriu Șurlin
- Surgical Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Cezar Stroescu
- Surgical Department II, St. Mary Hospital Bucharest, 011172 București, Romania;
| | - Dan Ionuț Gheonea
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (V.M.S.); (S.I.); (S.M.C.); (D.E.B.); (D.I.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Adrian Săftoiu
- Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (V.M.S.); (S.I.); (S.M.C.); (D.E.B.); (D.I.G.); (A.S.)
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Gheorghiu M, Sparchez Z, Rusu I, Bolboacă SD, Seicean R, Pojoga C, Seicean A. Direct Comparison of Elastography Endoscopic Ultrasound Fine-Needle Aspiration and B-Mode Endoscopic Ultrasound Fine-Needle Aspiration in Diagnosing Solid Pancreatic Lesions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031302. [PMID: 35162325 PMCID: PMC8834989 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Elastography endoscopic ultrasound (E-EUS) has been proved to be a valuable supplement to endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in differentiating solid pancreatic lesions, but the improvement of EUS-FNA guided during E-EUS has not been proven. Our study aimed to evaluate whether E-EUS fine-needle aspiration (E-EUS-FNA) was superior to B-mode EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses and whether the diagnostic rate was affected by specific factors. Our prospective study was conducted between 2019-2020 by recruiting patients with solid pancreatic masses. E-EUS examination was followed by one pass of E-EUS-FNA towards the blue part of the lesion and a second pass of EUS-FNA. The final diagnosis was based on surgery, E-EUS-FNA or EUS-FNA results, or a 12-month follow-up. Sixty patients with solid pancreatic lesions were evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosing malignancy using E-EUS-FNA and EUS-FNA were 89.5%, 100%, 90%, 93%, 100%, and 93.3%, respectively, but the differences were not significant. Neither mass location nor the lesion size influenced the results. The lengths of the core obtained during E-EUS-FNA and EUS-FNA were similar. E-EUS-FNA in solid pancreatic lesions was not superior to B-mode EUS-FNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Gheorghiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400192 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.G.); (Z.S.); (I.R.); (A.S.)
| | - Zeno Sparchez
- Department of Gastroenterology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400192 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.G.); (Z.S.); (I.R.); (A.S.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor”, 400192 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Ioana Rusu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400192 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.G.); (Z.S.); (I.R.); (A.S.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor”, 400192 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Sorana D. Bolboacă
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Radu Seicean
- First Surgical Department, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400005 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Cristina Pojoga
- Department of Gastroenterology, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor”, 400192 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Department, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrada Seicean
- Department of Gastroenterology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400192 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.G.); (Z.S.); (I.R.); (A.S.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor”, 400192 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Kitano M, Minaga K, Hatamaru K, Ashida R. Clinical dilemma of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration for resectable pancreatic body and tail cancer. Dig Endosc 2022; 34:307-316. [PMID: 34437750 DOI: 10.1111/den.14120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a first-line procedure for definitive tissue diagnosis of pancreatic cancer because of its high accuracy and low complication rate. The overall sensitivity of EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is approximately 90%; however, its diagnostic ability for small lesions (<10 mm) remains limited. Although EUS-FNA is a relatively safe procedure, with an overall morbidity of ≤2%, it should be noted that needle tract seeding (NTS) can occur after EUS-FNA, which may affect the patient prognosis negatively. In patients with resected pancreatic tumors, preoperative EUS-FNA is not associated with an increased risk of postoperative recurrence. However, NTS after EUS-FNA for resectable pancreatic body and tail cancer has been highlighted recently, particularly by Japanese endoscopists. Thus, the use of preoperative EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of resectable pancreatic body and tail cancer has become a clinical dilemma that challenges gastroenterologists and must be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis by weighing the benefits and risks. This review summarizes the pros and cons of performing EUS-FNA in patients with resectable pancreatic body and tail cancer and provides valuable insight for gastroenterologists treating pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Kitano
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kosuke Minaga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiichi Hatamaru
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Reiko Ashida
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan
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Kitano M, Yamashita Y, Kamata K, Ang TL, Imazu H, Ohno E, Hirooka Y, Fusaroli P, Seo DW, Napoléon B, Teoh AYB, Kim TH, Dietrich CF, Wang HP, Kudo M. The Asian Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (AFSUMB) Guidelines for Contrast-Enhanced Endoscopic Ultrasound. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:1433-1447. [PMID: 33653627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Asian Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology aimed to provide information on techniques and indications for contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound (CH-EUS), and to create statements including the level of recommendation. These statements are based on current scientific evidence reviewed by a Consensus Panel of 15 internationally renowned experts. The reliability of clinical questions was measured by agreement rates after voting. Six statements were made on techniques, including suitable contrast agents for CH-EUS, differences between contrast agents, setting of mechanical index, dual imaging and duration and phases for observation. Thirteen statements were made on indications, including pancreatic solid masses, pancreatic cancer staging, pancreatic cystic lesions and mural nodules, detection of subtle pancreatic lesions, gallbladder sludge and polyps, hepatic lesions, lymph nodes, subepithelial lesions, visceral vascular diseases, guidance of fine needle aspiration and evaluation for local therapy. These international expert consensus guidelines will assist endosonographers in conducting CH-EUS according to evidence-based information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Kitano
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Yasunobu Yamashita
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Ken Kamata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Tiing Leong Ang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Hiroo Imazu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eizaburo Ohno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Hirooka
- Department of Liver, Biliary Tract and Pancreas Diseases, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Pietro Fusaroli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna/Hospital of Imola, Imola, Italy
| | - Dong-Wan Seo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Centre, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bertrand Napoléon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jean Mermoz Private Hospital, Ramsay Generale de Sante, Lyon, France
| | - Anthony Yuen Bun Teoh
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tae Hyeon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Christoph F Dietrich
- Department of Internal Medicine (DAIM), Hirslanden Kliniken Beau Site, Salem und Permanence Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hsiu-Po Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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Ang TL, Wang LM. The evolving role of EUS-guided tissue acquisition. J Dig Dis 2021; 22:204-213. [PMID: 33611846 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration into clinical practice was a pivotal moment for diagnostic gastrointestinal endoscopy. It facilitates the ease of tissue acquisition from previously inaccessible sites. The performance characteristics of cytological diagnosis are excellent. However, there remain areas of inadequacies. These include procedural inefficiencies such as the need for rapid on-site cytological evaluation or macroscopic on-site evaluation, the crucial role of histology for diagnosis in specific conditions, the issue of sampling errors and the need for repeat procedures, and the shift towards personalized medicine, which requires histology, immunohistochemical studies, and molecular analysis. The original Trucut biopsy needle had been cumbersome to use, but the recent introduction of newer-generation biopsy needles has transformed the landscape, such that there is now a greater focus on tissue acquisition for histological assessment. Concomitant technological advances of endoscopic ultrasound processors enabled higher-resolution imaging, and facilitated image enhancement using contrast harmonic endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound elastography. These techniques can be used as an adjunct to guide tissue acquisition in challenging situations. There is ongoing research on the use of artificial intelligence to complement diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound and the early data are promising. Artificial intelligence may be especially important to guide clinical decision-making if biopsy results are nondiagnostic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiing Leong Ang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Changi General Hospital; Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lai Mun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section of Pathology, Changi General Hospital; Pathology Academic Clinical Programme, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore
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