Efficacy and safety of long-term indwelling plastic stents after resolution of pancreatic fluid collections with endoscopic transmural drainage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) may recur after resolution with endoscopic transmural drainage (ETD) and standard stent removal (SSR). Herein, we compared the efficacy and safety of leaving long-term indwelling plastic stents (LTIS) vs. standard stent removal after PFC resolution with ETD.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane databases from inception to September 2022. Full-text articles comparing long-term (> 6 months) outcomes of LTIS and SSR were eligible, as well as single-arm studies with ≥ 10 patients with LTIS. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Measured outcomes included the following: (A) PFC recurrence; (B) interventions for PFC recurrence; (C) technical success; and (D) adverse events (AEs). Meta-analysis was carried out using random-effects models.

RESULTS

We included 16 studies, encompassing 1285 patients. Compared to SSR after PFC resolution with ETD, LTIS was associated with significantly lower risk of PFC recurrence (3% vs. 23%; OR 0.22 [95%CI 0.09-0.52]; I2 = 45%) and need for interventions (2% vs. 14%; OR 0.35 [95%CI 0.16-0.78]; I2 = 0%). The superiority of LTIS on reducing PFC recurrence was found with walled-off necrosis, with or without disconnected pancreatic duct, and with placement of ≥ 2 LTIS. When using LTIS, the pooled proportion of AEs was 8% (95%CI 4-11%) and technical success was 93% (95%CI 86-99%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that LTIS after PFC resolution with ETD is feasible, safe, and superior to SSR in reducing the risk of PFC recurrence and need for interventions.

Global Prevalence of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions in the General Population on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Understanding the burden of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) in the general population is important for clinicians and policymakers. In this systematic review, we sought to estimate the global prevalence of PCLs using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to investigate factors that contribute to its variation.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central, from database inception through February 2023. We included full-text articles that reported the prevalence of PCLs using MRI in the general population. A proportional meta-analysis was performed, and the prevalence of PCLs was pooled using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies with 65,607 subjects were identified. The pooled prevalence of PCLs was 16% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13%-18%; I2 = 99%), most of which were under 10 mm. Age-specific prevalence of PCLs increased from 9% (95% CI, 7%-12%) at 50 to 59 years, to 18% (95% CI, 14%-22%) at 60 to 69 years, 26% (95% CI, 20%-33%) at 70 to 79 years, and 38% at 80 years and above (95% CI, 25%-52%). There was no difference in prevalence between sexes. Subgroup analysis showed higher PCL prevalence when imaging findings were confirmed by independent radiologist(s) (25%; 95% CI, 16%-33%) than when chart review alone was used (5%; 95% CI, 4%-7%; P < .01). There was no independent association of PCL prevalence with geographic location (Europe, North America, or Asia), MRI indication (screening vs evaluation of non-pancreatic pathology), enrollment period, sample size, magnet strength (1.5 vs 3 tesla), and MRI sequence (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography vs no magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography).

CONCLUSION

In this systematic review, the global prevalence of PCLs using a highly sensitive noninvasive imaging modality ranged between 13% and 18%.

The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions (PCLs)

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are a common incidental finding on cross-sectional imaging. Given the high signal to noise and contrast resolution, multi-parametric capability and lack of ionizing radiation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the non-invasive method of choice to predict cyst type, risk stratify the presence of neoplasia, and monitor changes during surveillance. In many patients with PCLs, the combination of MRI and the patient's history and demographics will suffice to stratify lesions and guide treatment decisions. In other patients, especially those with worrisome or high-risk features, a multimodal diagnostic approach that includes endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with fluid analysis, digital pathomics, and/or molecular analysis is often necessary to decide on management options. The application of radiomics and artificial intelligence in MRI may improve the ability to non-invasively stratify PCLs and better guide treatment decisions. This review will summarize the evidence on the evolution of MRI for PCLs, the prevalence of PCLs using MRI, and the MRI features to diagnose specific PCL types and early malignancy. We will also describe topics such as the utility of gadolinium and secretin in MRIs of PCLs, the limitations of MRI for PCLs, and future directions.