Improved endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography brush increases diagnostic yield of malignant biliary strictures

Efficacy of Biliary Brush Cytology With Rapid On-Site Cytological Evaluation for the Detection of Malignant Biliary Strictures

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Brush cytology is a widely used diagnostic method in conjunction with intraductal biopsies during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, but its diagnostic yield remains a limitation. This study evaluated the efficacy of biliary cytology using a newly developed brush device with rapid on-site cytological evaluation (ROSE) for detecting malignant biliary strictures (MBSs).

METHODS

In total, 58 patients with suspected intrinsic MBS identified by intraductal ultrasound were enrolled. After achieving tissue sampling with ROSE through a maximum of two brushing passes, a transpapillary forceps biopsy (TPB) was performed. The primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy, and the secondary outcomes were technical success, sampling adequacy, and procedure-related adverse events.

RESULTS

Biliary cytology with ROSE was technically successful in all patients (58/58), with a sampling adequacy of 96.6% (56/58). The technical success and sampling adequacy of TPB were 94.8% (55/58) and 91.4% (53/58), respectively. Brush cytology with ROSE and TPB yielded sensitivity rates of 91.8% and 85.7%, specificity rates of 88.9% for both, and accuracy rates of 88.9% for both. The receiver operating characteristic curve comparing the diagnostic accuracies of brush cytology with ROSE and TPB combined versus TPB alone showed a significantly higher value for the combined approach (0.93) than TPB alone (0.87) (p = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

Biliary brush cytology using a novel brush device with ROSE is effective and can be used complementarily to TPB in patients with suspected MBS.

The Role of Cholangioscopy in Biliary Diseases

Endoscopy plays a central role in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to biliary disease in both benign and malignant conditions. A cholangioscope is an endoscopic instrument that allows for the direct exploration of the biliary tree. Over the years, technology has improved endoscopic image quality and allowed for the development of an operative procedure that can be performed during cholangioscopy. Different types of instruments are available in this context, and they can be used in different anatomical access points according to the most appropriate clinical indication. The direct visualization of biliary mucosa is essential in the presence of biliary strictures of unknown significance, allowing for the appropriate allocation of patients to surgery or conservative treatments. Cholangioscopy has demonstrated excellent performance in discriminating malignant conditions (such as colangiocarcinoma) from benign inflammatory strictures, and more recent advances (e.g., artificial intelligence and confocal laser endomicroscopy) could further increase its diagnostic accuracy. Cholangioscopy also plays a primary role in the treatment of benign conditions such as difficult bile stones (DBSs). In this case, it may not be possible to achieve complete biliary drainage using standard ERCP. Therapeutic cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy allows for stone fragmentation and complete biliary drainage. Indeed, other complex clinical situations, such as patients with intra-hepatic lithiasis and patients with an altered anatomy, could benefit from the therapeutic role of cholangioscopy. The aim of the present review is to explore the most recent diagnostic and therapeutic advances in the roles of cholangioscopy in the management of biliary diseases.

Comparison of two intraductal brush cytology devices for suspected malignant biliary strictures: randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with biliary brush cytology is commonly used to diagnose malignant pancreatobiliary strictures. This trial compared the sensitivity of two intraductal brush cytology devices.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial in which consecutive patients with suspected malignant, extrahepatic biliary strictures were randomized (1:1) to a dense or conventional brush cytology device. Primary endpoint was sensitivity. Interim analysis was conducted after 50% of the patients completed follow-up. Results were interpreted by a data safety monitoring board.

RESULTS

Between June 2016 and June 2021, 64 patients were randomized to the dense (27 patients, 42%) or conventional brush (37 patients, 58%). Malignancy was diagnosed in 60 patients (94%) and benign disease in 4 patients (6%). Diagnoses were confirmed by histopathology in 34 patients (53%), cytopathology in 24 patients (38%), and clinical or radiological follow up in 6 patients (9%). Sensitivity of the dense brush was 50%, compared to 44% for the conventional brush (p = 0·785).

DISCUSSION

The results of this randomized controlled trial showed that the sensitivity of a dense brush is not superior to a conventional brush for diagnosing malignant extrahepatic pancreatobiliary strictures. This trial was prematurely ended for reasons of futility.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register number; NTR5458.

Advanced endoscopy meets molecular diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma remains an aggressive and deadly malignancy that is often diagnosed late. Intrinsic tumour characteristics and the growth pattern of cancer cells contribute to the challenges of diagnosis and chemoresistance. However, establishing an early and accurate diagnosis, and in some instances identifying targetable changes, has the potential to impact survival. Primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic cholangiopathy prodromal to the development of a minority of cholangiocarcinomas, poses a particular diagnostic challenge. We present our diagnostic and theranostic approach to the initial evaluation of cholangiocarcinomas, focusing on extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. This involves a multipronged strategy incorporating advanced imaging, endoscopic methods, multiple approaches to tissue sampling, and molecular markers. We also provide an algorithm for the sequential use of these tools.

High Diagnostic Yield of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Brush Cytology for Indeterminate Strictures

Background

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) brush cytology is used frequently for sampling indeterminate biliary strictures. Studies have demonstrated that the diagnostic yield of brush cytology for malignant strictures is estimated to be 6%-70%. With improved diagnostic tools, sampling techniques and specimen processing, the yield of ERCP brush cytology may be higher. This study aimed to assess the yield of brush cytology and determine factors associated with a positive diagnosis.

Methods

This was a cohort study of patients who underwent ERCP brush cytology from October 2017 to May 2020. Patient demographics, clinical, procedural and pathological data were collected using chart review. Sampling data were captured up to 3 months post-index ERCP to capture repeat brushings, biopsies or surgical resections. Outcomes included the diagnostic yield, true/false positive values and true/false negative values of malignancy detection using ERCP brush cytology.

Results

A total of 126 patients underwent a brush cytology, 58% were male and 79% had a stricture in the extrahepatic region. Ninety-three patients were diagnosed with a malignancy, of which 78 had positive brush cytology results and 15 had a negative brush cytology result. The diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 84%, 83%, 97%, 99%, 68% and 87% respectively.

Conclusion

ERCP brush cytology performed using updated sampling technique is associated with high diagnostic yield. This allows for earlier malignancy diagnosis, timely treatment and decreased need for further investigation.

Brush Cytology, Forceps Biopsy, or Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Sampling for Diagnosis of Bile Duct Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Endoscopic sampling is essential for tissue diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). To evaluate and compare the diagnostic sensitivities of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-guided brush cytology biopsy, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in patients with CCA. A comprehensive literature search through multiple databases was conducted for articles published between January 1995 and August 2020. The pooled rates of sensitivity for the diagnosis of CCA and of adverse events were compared among brushing, biopsy, brushing & biopsy, and EUS-FNA. In total, 1123 patients with CCA (32 studies), 719 patients (20 studies), 358 patients (13 studies), and 422 patients (17 studies) were tested by brushing, biopsy, brushing & biopsy, and EUS-FNA, respectively. The pooled diagnostic sensitivity was 56.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 48.8-63.1%, I2 = 83.0%) with brushing, 67.0% (95% CI 60.2-73.5%, I2 = 72.5%) with biopsy, 70.7% (95% CI 64.1-76.8%, I2 = 42.7%) with brushing & biopsy, and 73.6% (95% CI 64.7-81.5%, I2 = 74.7%) with EUS-FNA. The diagnostic sensitivity was significantly lower for brushing than for biopsy, brushing & biopsy, or EUS-FNA. No significant difference was noted in diagnostic sensitivities among biopsy, brushing & biopsy, and EUS-FNA. Adverse events were comparable between the groups. Intraductal biopsy, brushing & biopsy, and EUS-FNA had comparable efficacy and safety for the diagnosis of CCA. Brushing was the least sensitive diagnostic tool compared with intraductal biopsy or EUS-FNA. Given the modest diagnostic sensitivities of intraductal biopsy and EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of CCA, further studies for complementing these techniques with biomarkers may be needed.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography guided interventions in the management of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality with an overall five-year survival of less than 9% in the United States. At presentation, the majority of patients have painless jaundice, pruritis, and malaise, a triad that develops secondary to obstruction, which often occurs late in the course of the disease process. The technical advancements in radiological imaging and endoscopic interventions have played a crucial role in the diagnosis, staging, and management of patients with pancreatic cancer. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-guided diagnosis (with brush cytology, serial pancreatic juice aspiration cytologic examination technique, or biliary biopsy) and therapeutic interventions such as pancreatobiliary decompression, intraductal and relief of gastric outlet obstruction play a pivotal role in the management of advanced pancreatic cancer and are increasingly used due to improved morbidity and complication rates compared to surgical management. In this review, we highlight various ERCP-guided diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for the management of pancreatic cancer.

Transpapillary tissue sampling of biliary strictures: balloon dilatation prior to forceps biopsy improves sensitivity and accuracy

The early and definitive diagnosis of malignant bile duct stenoses is essential for a timely and adequate therapy. However, tissue sampling with transpapillary brush cytology (BC) or forceps biopsy (FB) remains challenging. With this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of different tissue sampling modalities (BC, FB without/after previous balloon dilatation). Standardized database research identified all patients, who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with BC and/or FB for indeterminate bile duct stenosis between January 2010 and April 2018 and with a definitive diagnosis. 218 patients were enrolled (149 cases with malignant and 69 with benign disease). FB had a significant higher sensitivity than BC (43% vs. 16%, p < 0.01). Prior balloon dilatation of the stenosis improved the sensitivity of FB from 41 to 71% (p = 0.03), the NPV from 36 to 81% (p < 0.01) and the accuracy from 55 to 87% (p < 0.01). The complication rates did not differ significantly between the modalities. In our center FB turned out to be the diagnostically more effective procedure. Balloon dilatation of the stenosis before FB had a significant diagnostic benefit and was not associated with a higher complication rate.

Effect of single operator cholangioscopy on accuracy of bile duct cytology

INTRODUCTION

This is the first study to evaluate the accuracy of bile duct brushings since the introduction of single operator cholangioscopy SpyGlass DS system in 2015. The primary aim of our study was to compare the accuracy of cytology brushings against biopsies obtained at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and cholangioscopy.

METHOD

A retrospective search for bile duct brushing specimens was performed and the charts reviewed. The gold standard for definitive diagnosis of malignancy was surgical tissue or compelling clinical evidence of malignancy. Definite negative diagnosis relied on lack of clinical/imaging features of malignancy on follow-up.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy of cytology specimens obtained at different procedures. Overall sensitivity for all methods was 59%, specificity 90% and accuracy of 82%. Notably, all four false-positive cases except for one were from patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis or primary biliary sclerosis. There was no significant difference in sensitivity or specificity between biopsies procured by the two methods. The combined biopsy sensitivity for all modalities was 44% with a specificity of 100%. There was 70% concordance between cytology and biopsy cases. The overall specificity and sensitivity of the combined cytology and biopsy result was 85% and 65.3%, respectively. Ranking of factors that predict clinical diagnosis shows cytology results to surpass other parameters including pancreatic mass, age and stenosis length. Similarly, the presence of two cell populations and three-dimensional clusters was not nearly as predictive of malignancy as single malignant cells.

CONCLUSION

Biliary brush cytology specimens performed better than biopsies irrespective of whether they are procured during ERCP or cholangioscopy. The combination of cytology and biopsy had the best accuracy than either one alone.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography-Based Tissue Sampling in Suspected Malignant Biliary Strictures: A Meta-Analysis of Same-Session Procedures

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The diagnosis of biliary strictures can be challenging. There are no systematic reviews studying same-session endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-based tissue sampling and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for the diagnosis of biliary strictures.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted on studies analyzing same-session EUS and ERCP for tissue diagnosis of suspected malignant biliary strictures. The primary outcome was the accuracy of each method individually compared to the two methods combined. The secondary outcome was the accuracy of each method in pancreatic and biliary etiologies. In the meta-analysis, we used Forest plots, summary receiver operating characteristic curves, and estimates of the area under the curve for intention-to-treat analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 12,132 articles identified, six were included, resulting in a total of 497 patients analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and accuracy of the association between the two methods were: 86%, 98%, 12.50, 0.17, and 96.5%, respectively. For the individual analysis, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS-FNA were 76%, 100%, and 94.5%, respectively; for ERCP-based tissue sampling, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 58%, 98%, and 78.1%, respectively. For pancreatic lesions, EUS-FNA was superior to ERCP-based tissue sampling. However, for biliary lesions, both methods had similar sensitivities.

CONCLUSION

Same-session EUS-FNA and ERCP-based tissue sampling is superior to either method alone in the diagnosis of suspected malignant biliary strictures. Considering these results, combination sampling should be performed when possible.

Outcomes of Different Methods for Analysis of Biliary Brush Cytology and of Factors Associated with Positive Diagnosis in an Age-Dependent Retrospective Review

Background and Aims

Brush cytology during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the most frequently used strategy for obtaining a tissue sample from an indeterminate biliary stricture. A recent study reported that age is a factor associated with positive yields, but further analysis of how age influences the results was lacking. We aimed to evaluate clinical effectiveness of biliary cytology and prognostic factors for a positive outcome, especially age.

Methods

This study was a single-center, retrospective, clinical study of 77 consecutive patients who underwent brush cytology during ERCP to obtain a diagnosis of an indeterminate biliary stricture. We compared 2 routine cytology techniques: A (smear); B (centrifugation of the cytological material collected and the cut-off brush + cell block when sufficient amount of material was available). The data were collected aiming to compare the accuracy of the different techniques used and the prognostic factors affecting the outcome, with a particular focus on age. The yield for brush cytology was compared with the gold standard defined as either definitive histology or the long-term clinical course.

Results

The overall accuracy of the 2 used methods was 75.3%. Sensitivity was 52.5%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value was 100%, and negative predictive value was 66.1%. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend toward accuracy for method B compared with method A (80.4 vs. 65.4%; p = 0.153). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that younger age was the only independent prognostic factor associated with a positive diagnosis (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.90-0.99; p = 0.039). Receiver operating characteristic curves for age yielded an area under the curve value of 68.2%. On the basis of the Youden index, 69 years was found to be the optimal cutoff for age.

Conclusions

In this series, the accuracy of routine biliary brush cytology was not equal for all methods and ages; in particular, younger patients (below 69 years) tended to have a higher probability of a correct diagnosis.

Diagnostic yield and accuracy of a new cytology brush design compared to standard brush cytology for evaluation of biliary strictures

BACKGROUND

The sensitivity of brush cytology for biliary strictures has typically been low, usually 30%-60%. We compared the cellular yield and diagnostic accuracy using a new cytology brush (n = 16) versus standard biliary brushings (n = 16) in 32 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with brushings for evaluation of a biliary stricture for malignancy.

METHODS

We performed retrospective chart reviews of 16 consecutive ERCPs with brushings performed for the cytologic evaluation of a biliary stricture for malignancy using the new cytology brush between January 2016 and February 2017 at our institution. Our control cohort was 16 consecutive ERCP cases performed for the same indication directly preceding the availability of the new cytology brush.

RESULTS

The biliary brushing cases performed using the new cytology brush demonstrated a significantly increased number of total cell clusters per representative ×20 field compared with cases using the standard brush (mean 24.6 versus 14.4, P = .03). This trend continued when assessing large (>50 cells) clusters (mean 5.8 vs. 3.3, P = .02) and medium (6-49 cells) clusters (11.1 vs. 5.8, P = .03). Nonetheless, there were no statistically significant differences with regards to diagnostic accuracy for the new cytology brush versus standard biliary brushings.

CONCLUSION

We found that the Infinity brush significantly increased diagnostic yield with regards to total cell clusters, large (>50 cells) clusters, and medium (6-49 cells) clusters, however, this did not lead to increased diagnostic accuracy overall. Further studies of this and other brush designs are warranted to optimize biliary brushing specimens.

Agreement between endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and endobiliary brush cytology in suspected pancreaticobiliary malignancies

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

 For suspected pancreaticobiliary malignancies, endobiliary brush cytology during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) remains the diagnostic test of choice despite historically poor and variable sensitivity. This has led to increased use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) as an initial test. Recently, our institution began using a cytology brush that was designed specifically to collect a more substantial and higher-quality sample. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this brush design would provide more adequate samples and have high agreement with EUS-FNA in patients who underwent both procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

 A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients who underwent both EUS-FNA and endobiliary brush cytology for suspicion of pancreaticobiliary malignancy from January 2013 to May 2015. A total of 41 patients met the inclusion criteria. Initially, sample quality was evaluated. Final cytology results were then assessed for agreement with EUS-FNA using Cohen's kappa. The effect of considering atypical cytology as negative was also uniquely evaluated by running separate analyses.

RESULTS

 Brush cytology provided an adequate sample in 95.1 % of cases. Cohen's Kappa demonstrated moderate agreement between brush cytology and EUS-FNA: κ = 0.42 ( P  = 0.001). When atypical results were excluded, agreement increased: κ = 0.60 ( P  = 0.02), but remained moderate. If atypical results were considered "positive," the two procedures demonstrated equal cancer detection rates of 80.8 %.

CONCLUSIONS

 The studied brush provided more adequate samples compared with historical rates for brush cytology and had moderate agreement with EUS-FNA. If this brush truly increases sample adequacy, it could potentially provide results comparable to EUS-FNA at lower cost.

A prospective randomised study of dense Infinity cytological brush versus regularly used brush in pancreaticobiliary malignancy

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with a cytological sample is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of the aetiology of biliary stricture. Our aim was to evaluate whether a more dense Infinity® cytological brush is more sensitive in diagnosing malignancy than the regularly used brush.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We recruited 60 patients with a biliary stricture suspicious for malignancy for a randomised controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to an Infinity® brush group (n = 30) and a regularly used cytology brush group (n = 30). All the patients had verified cancer during follow-up.

RESULTS

Crossing the brush over the stricture was possible in each case without dilatation of the biliary duct. Brush cytology yield was good or excellent in 86.7% of cases with the Infinity® brush and 96.7% with the regular brush (p = 0.161). The cytological sample showed clear malignancy in three patients (10.0%) in the Infinity® group and in 12 (40.0%) patients of the regular brush group (p = 0.007). The cytological diagnosis was highly suspicious for malignancy or malignant in 14 patients (46.7%) in the Infinity® group and in 23 patients (76.7%) in the regular brush group (p = 0.017). The result was benign in 10 patients (33.3%) in the Infinity® group and in four patients (13.6%) in the regular brush group (p = 0.067).

CONCLUSIONS

With the standardised technique, the sensitivity of brush cytology is fairly good. The dense Infinity® brush does not show any advantage regarding sensitivity compared with the conventional cytology brush.

Performance of bile aspiration plus brushing to diagnose malignant biliary strictures during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endobiliary brushing during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the main technique used to diagnose a malignant stricture, but has a poor sensitivity. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of bile aspiration associated with biliary brushing during ERCP to diagnose a malignant stricture, compared to brushing alone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2007 and December 2012, all consecutive patients undergoing ERCP to treat a biliary stricture were included. After a biliary sphincterotomy, 3 mL to 10 mL of bile was aspirated into the brush catheter and collected in a dry sterile tube before and after brushing (to yield three samples). Brushing was performed as commonly recommended.

RESULTS

One hundred eleven patients (68 males, 43 females) were included; mean age 67 ± 15.4 years. A final diagnosis of malignant stricture was established in 51 patients, including 43 cholangiocarcinomas; 60 patients had benign strictures. Specificity (Sp) and positive predictive values were 100% for all samples. The diagnostic performance of the three-sample combination of bile aspiration + brushing + bile aspiration was significantly greater than brushing alone (P = 0.004): sensitivity (Se) = 84.3 % vs. Se = 66.7 %. The three-sample combination gave a negative predictive value of 88.2 %, and a diagnostic accuracy of 92.8 %. When suspicious results were added to malignant results as positive results, the three-sample combination gave Sp = 91.7 % and Se = 94.1 %.

CONCLUSIONS

In cases of biliary stricture, conducting bile aspiration before and after brushing significantly increased the ability to diagnose a malignant stricture with a sensitivity of 84.3 % (P = 0.004).

The impact of brush cytology from endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on patient management at a UK teaching hospital

INTRODUCTION

Patients with suspected pancreaticobiliary cancers frequently undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to obtain brush cytology for confirmatory diagnosis. The outcome of this often leads to the management of the patient and can avoid more invasive investigations. There is a wide range of sensitivities and specificities reported in the literature.

AIMS

To determine the accuracy of the brush cytology obtained at ERCP by performing a retrospective audit of all patients admitted to Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital for ERCP during 2008-2013. Also, to evaluate the impact of cytology results on patient care following ERCP.

METHOD

Data were collected from 4 January 2008 to 27 December 2013. This involved analysing EndoSoft (the in-house software for endoscopic data entry), Pathnet (the pathology database) and Electronic Patient Records.

RESULTS

162 patients underwent brush cytology during ERCP. 58 patients had positive cytology. With intention-to-treat analysis, sensitivity was 54.7%, specificity was 100.0% and negative predictive value was 53.9% with a positive predictive value of 100%. Patients with a positive brush cytology result required fewer investigations compared with patients with a negative cytology result.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results compare favourably with previous studies in the field. Brush cytology has been ignored in recent times due to perceived poor results and efficacy. Our audit shows that it can reduce the number of investigations required to reach a diagnosis of malignancy and so is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of pancreaticobiliary malignancies. However, better guidance on preparation of samples for cytology is needed to reduce the number of insufficient samples.

Strategies for improving diagnostic accuracy of biliary strictures

BACKGROUND

Brush cytology is the initial intervention when evaluating biliary strictures. Biliary brush cytology is known for its low sensitivity (but high specificity) and may be accompanied by biopsies and/or fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to improve diagnostic yield. This study aimed to identify features to enhance cytological sensitivity, and assess which sampling method(s) improve identification of pancreatobiliary adenocarcinomas (PBCa).

METHODS

Seventy-three biliary stricture cases were retrieved (38 PBCa and 35 control benign strictures). Biliary brushings, FISH, and biopsies were reviewed. Cytology specimens were evaluated for cellularity and presence of drunken honeycomb (DH), loosely cohesive clusters of round cells (LCCRC), large atypical cells with foamy cytoplasm (LACF), and single vacuolated malignant cells (SCs). Biopsies were examined for the presence of stromal invasion (SI).

RESULTS

Biliary brushings were scantly cellular in 47.4% of PBCa and 51.4% of controls, resulting in 69.6% nondiagnostic/false-negative cytology diagnoses. DH, LACF, and SCs were significantly associated with adenocarcinoma (P < .00001, .0033, and .00002, respectively). By univariate analysis, SCs and LACF were predictors of malignancy in brushings (P = .0002 and .05). By multivariate analysis, only SCs were predictive of malignancy (P = .002). SI facilitated the diagnosis in 9 biopsies. Sensitivity/specificity of brush cytology, FISH, and biopsy were 39.5%/94.3%, 63.9%/94.3%, and 84.2%/100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The low sensitivity of biliary brushings results from limited cellularity. Identification of LACF, DH, and SCs improves sensitivity. Sampling of stromal tissue may facilitate PBCa diagnosis. Concurrent biopsies and FISH are helpful in enhancing the diagnostic yield of PBCa.