Endoscopic Intervention through Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in the Management of Symptomatic Pancreas Divisum: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study

Long-Term Outcomes of Endoscopic Intervention in the Treatment of Symptomatic Pancreas Divisum

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the treatment of patients with symptomatic pancreas divisum (PD) and to discuss the possible risk factors of endoscopic reintervention for symptomatic PD. A total of 50 patients with symptomatic PD who underwent ERCP from January 2010 to December 2019 were finally brought into study. All patients were divided into the nonage and the adult group according to their ages. Meanwhile, all patients were also divided into the intervention and the reintervention group according to times of ERCP. The long-term outcome of each patient was collected during the follow-up by phone call. The total success rate of ERCP was 94.7% (89/93), and the effective rate of first ERCP was 58% (29/50). There were no statistical differences on the outcomes of ERCP treatment between the adult and nonage group. There were 17 patients with complete pancreas divisum and 19 patients with chronic pancreatitis in the reintervention group, which were more than 6 patients and 8 patients in the intervention group (P < 0.05). In bivariate regression analysis, chronic pancreatitis and complete pancreas divisum might be significant risk factors for endoscopic reintervention for patients with symptomatic PD (OR, 8.010, 95% CI, 1.483–43.276, P=0.016; OR, 8.869, 95% CI, 1.450–54.254, P=0.018, respectively). ERCP in treating adult and nonage patients with symptomatic PD are effective and safe. But, many patients may need endoscopic reintervention. Complete pancreas divisum and chronic pancreatitis may be risk factors of ERCP reintervention for patients with symptomatic PD.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound in children

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is fundamental to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in pediatric gastroenterology. In the decades since endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease were introduced into clinical practice, there has been increasing interest in these procedures, and practice guidelines and position papers that clearly define the role of ERCP and EUS in children have been published. Based on the distinction of endoscopy between children and adults, this review focuses on the current state of ERCP and EUS procedures in children, including the types of endoscopes used in children, general anesthesia and radiation exposure, biliary and pancreatic indications, considerations of education and training for ERCP and EUS procedures in children, and expectations for development of endoscopes for children.

[Pancreas divisum and pancreatitis]

CLINICAL/METHODOLOGICAL ISSUE

Diagnostic and clinical relevance of pancreas divisum.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

Ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

PERFORMANCE

Pancreas divisum is an anatomic variation of pancreatic duct system with an incidence in general population of about 10%. It can become symptomatic in approximately 5% of patients. MRI with MRCP is the method of choice to diagnose pancreas divisum.

ACHIEVEMENTS

MRCP is equal to ERCP in diagnosing pancreas divisum in routine clinical practice as it is noninvasive, offers the possibility to evaluate the adjacent tissues and has almost no contraindications.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

It is important to be familiar with the anatomy of the pancreatic duct system in order to plan interventional procedures for symptomatic patients in due time.

Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Children With Symptomatic Pancreas Divisum

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been increasingly performed in children with symptomatic pancreas divisum (PD). Aim: To investigate the safety and efficacy of ERCP in the treatment of children with symptomatic PD. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on children with PD who were treated with ERCP at Shanghai Children's Medical Center between June 2015 and May 2020. Pertinent patient, clinical and procedural data were collected to assess the therapeutic effects and identify the risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Results: Overall, 114 ERCPs were performed in 46 children with PD. With a median follow-up of 28.5 months (12-71 months), 40 (87.0%) children achieved clinical remission, the median number of acute pancreatitis episodes decreased from four times per year pre-operatively to once per year post-operatively (P < 0.001), and the nutritional score improved post-operatively (P = 0.004). The incidence of PEP was 7.9%, and female sex, stone extraction, and gene mutations were identified as possible risk factors for PEP on univariate analysis. However, there was no statistical significance on multivariate analysis (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Therapeutic ERCP is an effective and safe intervention for children with symptomatic PD.

Incidence and risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis in pancreas divisum patients without chronic pancreatitis

Aims: The studies on post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) in pancreas divisum (PD) patients without chronic pancreatitis (CP) are rare. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence of PEP in PD patients without CP and the risk and protective factors for PEP.Methods: Consecutive patients with symptomatic PD that underwent ERCP from January 2005 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into PD without CP group and CP group. The basic information and medical records of patients were collected. The risk and protective factors for PEP in PD patients without CP were analyzed by univariate logistic analysis.Results: A total of 89 ERCP procedures were performed in 51 PD patients without CP, and 249 procedures in 136 patients with CP. The incidence of PEP was significantly higher in PD patients without CP than those with CP (15.7% vs. 5.6%, p = .005). Female gender were independent risk factors for PEP, while dorsal duct stent placement was a protective factor.Conclusion: CP may be a protective factor against PEP in PD patients. Female was a risk factor for PEP in PD patients and dorsal duct stent placement was a preventive factor that reduced the incidence of PEP in PD patients without CP.

Long-term outcomes of therapeutic ERCP in pediatric patients with pancreas divisum presenting with acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for pediatric patients with pancreas divisum (PD) presenting with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) or chronic pancreatitis (CP).

METHODS

Between May 2008 and August 2017, pediatric patients with PD who received endotherapy at Ruijin Hospital were identified and grouped according to clinical presentation, namely ARP and CP. Primary success was defined as patients' improvement in symptoms after index ERCPs, without further intervention or any analgesic.

RESULTS

A total of 74 ERCPs were performed in 38 pediatric patients. The frequency of at least 1 genetic mutation identified in patients with ARP and CP was 44.4% and 68.4%, respectively. Patients with CP required more ERCPs than those with ARP (2.4 ± 1.7 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4, P = 0.005). The incidence of post-ERCP complications was 14.9%, including pancreatitis of 13.5% and hemorrhage of 1.4%. During a median follow-up duration of 41 months (range, 12-123 months), the frequency of pancreatitis episodes decreased significantly from 2.31 to 0.45 (P < 0.0001). The 25% recurrence and reintervention rates were estimated at 25 and 48 months, respectively, without significant difference between patients with ARP or CP. There was a nonsignificant trend towards a higher rate of primary success in patients with ARP than those with CP (92.9% vs. 69.6%, P = 0.123). After further endotherapy, 91.3% patients with CP improved clinically.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapeutic ERCP is an effective and safe intervention for pediatric patients with symptomatic PD. Patients presenting with CP seem to achieve improvement after additional ERCPs.

Diagnosis and treatment of pancreas divisum: A literature review

BACKGROUND

Pancreas divisum is a congenital embryological disease caused by a lack of fusion between the ventral and dorsal pancreatic ducts in the early stages of embryogenesis. Recurrent acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis or chronic abdominal pain are the main clinical syndromes at presentation and occur in only 5% of the patients with pancreas divisum. This review aimed to discuss diagnosis and treatment strategies in patients with symptomatic pancreas divisum.

DATA SOURCES

We report a literature review from 1990 up to January 2018 to explore the various diagnostic modalities and surgical techniques and results reported in the surgical treatment of pancreas divisum.

RESULTS

There are limited reports available on this topic in the literature. We analyzed and described the main indications in the treatment of pancreas divisum, focusing on surgical treatment and a discussion of the different approaches. Furthermore, we report the results from our experience in two cases of pancreas divisum treated by pancreatic head resection with segmental duodenectomy (the Nakao procedure).

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreas divisum is a common pancreatic malformation in which only a few patients develop a symptomatic disease. Surgical treatment is needed in case of endoscopic drainage failure and in cases complicated with chronic pancreatitis and local complications. Many techniques, of greater or lesser complexity, have been proposed.

Evaluation and management of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common gastrointestinal causes for hospi-talization in the United States. In 2015, AP accounted for approximately 390000 hospitalizations. The burden of AP is only expected to increase over time. Despite recent advances in medicine, pancreatitis continues to be associated with a substantial morbidity and mortality. The most common cause of AP is gallstones, followed closely by alcohol use. The diagnosis of pancreatitis is established with any two of three following criteria: (1) Abdominal pain consistent with that of AP; (2) Serum amylase and/or lipase greater than three times the upper limit of normal; and (3) Characteristics findings seen in cross-sectional abdominal imaging. Multiple criteria and scoring systems have been established for assessing severity of AP. The cornerstones of management include aggressive intravenous hydration, appropriate nutrition and pain management. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and surgery are important aspects in management of acute gallstone pancreatitis. We provide a comprehensive review of evaluation and management of AP.

Pancreas divisum: a reemerging risk factor for pancreatic diseases

Pancreas divisum (PD) is the most common developmental anatomic variant of pancreatic duct. The attention towards the PD has grown significantly since there are reports that this condition may cause acute relapsing pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis and chronic abdominal pain syndrome. Furthermore, over the years, there have been multiple reports of PD associated with different types of tumors. There is evidence that PD can be associated with pancreatic tumors (up to 12.5% of cases). The golden standard for diagnosing PD is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, but since it is an invasive procedure magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with secretin is a good alternative. In case the patient is symptomatic, endoscopic or surgical treatment should be performed. This review describes the key points of the pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, risks of pancreatitis and tumors, as well as treatment options of PD.

A Rare Case of Pancreas Divisum Accompanied by Acute Pancreatitis Following Endoscopic Hemostasis for Duodenal Ulcer Bleeding

Peptic ulcer bleeding is treated using endoscopic hemostasis using clips or bands. Pancreas divisum (PD), a congenital anomaly of the pancreas, usually has no clinical symptoms; however, pancreatitis may occur if there are disturbances in the drainage of pancreatic secretions. We report an unusual case of PD accompanied by acute pancreatitis, following endoscopic band ligation for duodenal ulcer bleeding. A 48-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to melena. An upper endoscopy revealed a small ulcer with oozing adjacent minor papilla. An endoscopic band ligation was performed on this lesion. Acute pancreatitis developed suddenly 6 hours after the band ligation and improved dramatically after removal of the band. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was performed, revealing complete PD. Endoscopic band ligation is known as the effective method for peptic ulcer bleeding; however, it should be used carefully in duodenal ulcer bleeding near the minor duodenal papilla due to the possibility of PD.