Esophageal leiomyoma within an epinephric diverticulum

Epinephric diverticula are distal esophageal pouches protruding from the epithelial lining of the esophagus while esophageal leiomyomas are benign smooth muscle lesions that constitute a significant percentage of all gastrointestinal leiomyomas. Epinephric diverticula and esophageal leiomyomas are common individually but their co-existence is rare. Moreover, they present asymptomatically but can occasionally present with complains of dysphagia and weight loss. In this paper, we present a 58-year-old Asian man with three months history of indigestion and progressive weight loss. Preoperatively, CT Scan with IV Contrast showed a large soft tissue mass appearing on the right distal esophageal wall, with its lumen communicating with the esophageal lumen, likely representing an epinephric diverticulum. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry stains confirmed the diagnosis of smooth muscle neoplasm, likely a leiomyoma. Later, the patient underwent a two-stage esophagectomy. The postoperative biopsy was consistent with the initial one: therefore, supporting the diagnosis of a leiomyoma. Postoperatively, the recovery remained uneventful.

The effect of endoscopic ultrasound on the precise selection of endoscopic treatment for submucosal tumors in the upper gastrointestinal tract

OBJECTIVE

To summarize and discuss the guiding role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in selecting endoscopic treatments for submucosal tumors (SMTs) in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

METHODS

A retrospective investigation was conducted on 156 SMT patients who received endoscopic resection guided by EUS in the endoscopy center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from May 2019 to September 2021. Next, the size, pathological type, and distribution of lesions were analyzed; the correlation of the tumor origin with distribution of lesions and selection of treatments was explored; and the consistency of preoperative EUS diagnosis and postoperative pathological diagnosis was summarized and analyzed.

RESULTS

The tumor diameters of the included SMT patients ranged from 0.3 to 4 cm, with a mean diameter of 0.95 cm; the lesions were mostly located in the esophagus, gastric fundus or fundic cardia and gastric body. As for the pathological types, liomyoma was the most common tumor in the esophagus, liomyoma and mesenchymoma were mainly located in the fundic cardia and gastric body, and heterotopic pancreas was mostly discovered in the gastric sinus. Among 38 esophageal SMT patients, some with lesions originating from muscularis mucosa and submucosa under EUS mainly underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscope band ligation (EBL); while others with lesions originated from muscularis propria mainly received submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER). Of 115 gastric SMT patients under EUS, some with lesion origins from the muscularis mucosa and submucosa mainly underwent endoscopic submucosal excavation (ESE), while others from muscularis propria mainly underwent ESE, ESD, and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR). Besides, 3 duodenal SMT patients with lesion origins from submucosa and muscularis propria under EUS were given ESD and ESE, respectively. Additionally, 121 cases showed a consistency between the EUS diagnosis and the postoperative pathological nature, and the consistency rate was 84.6%.

CONCLUSION

Clarifying the origin layer, size, growth pattern, and pathological nature of the lesion through preoperative EUS can guide the precise selection of endoscopic treatments, thereby ensuring a safe, effective, and complete surgical outcomes and reducing complications.

Endoscopic Imaging of Pancreatic Cysts

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) have been diagnosed with increasing frequency likely due to the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging. A precise diagnosis of the PCL is important because it helps identify patients in need of surgical resection and those who can undergo surveillance imaging. A combination of clinical and imaging findings as well as cyst fluid markers can help classify PCLs and guide management. This review focuses on endoscopic imaging of PCLs including endoscopic and endosonographic features and fine needle aspiration. We then review the role of adjunct techniques, such as microforceps, contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound, pancreatoscopy, and confocal laser endomicroscopy.

Fine Needle Biopsies of Solid Pancreatic Lesions: Tissue Acquisition Technique and Needle Design Do Not Impact Specimen Adequacy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Data on adequacy of EUS guided biopsies using different tissue acquisition techniques and fine needle aspiration needle designs have been inconclusive. Data on newer fine needle biopsy (FNB) needles are scarce. This study compared the performance of 3 acquisition techniques and 2 fine needle biopsy designs in solid pancreatic lesions.

METHODS

Single-center, randomized, pilot clinical trial (Trial registration number NCT03264092). Patients undergoing EUS biopsy of pancreatic lesions were randomized to 1 of 3 acquisition techniques (dry suction, wet suction, slow pull) and 1 of 2 22G FNB needle designs. The primary outcome was specimen cellularity. Secondary outcomes included blood contamination and number of passes needed for diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 52 (35.3%), 49 (33.3%) and 46 (31.3%) specimens were obtained with slow pull, dry suction and wet suction, respectively. A total of 56 (38%) and 91 (62%) specimens were obtained with each needle, respectively. No difference in cellularity scores was identified by technique (3.28 vs 3.55 vs 2.94; p = 0.081) or needle type (3.45 vs 3.15; p = 0.19). The same was true for blood contamination and diagnostic pass. A diagnosis was reached after 3 passes in 51 patients (93%). Histological diagnosis was possible in 45 specimens (82%). No severe adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Cellularity of pancreatic specimens obtained with FNB needles via EUS was not influenced by technique and needle design. Three passes were enough to obtain a histological diagnosis in most patients. Larger clinical trials are required to validate the results of this study.

Endoscopic nodal staging in oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being treated with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (ENDO-SABR)

Background

Research in treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has shown promising results with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) of oligometastatic disease, wherein distant disease may be limited to one or a few distant organs by host factors. Traditionally, PET/CT has been used in detecting metastatic disease and avoiding futile surgical intervention, however, sensitivity and specificity is limited to only 81 and 79%, respectively. Mediastinal staging still identifies occult nodal disease in up to 20% of NSCLC patients initially thought to be operative candidates. Endobronchial ultrasound and transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive tool for the staging and diagnosis of thoracic malignancy. When EBUS is combined with endoscopic ultrasound using the same bronchoscope (EUS-B), the diagnostic sensitivity and negative predictive value increase to 84 and 97%, respectively. Endoscopic staging in patients with advanced disease has never been studied, but may inform treatment if a curative SABR approach is being taken.

Methods

This is a multi-centre, prospective, cohort study with two-stage design. In the first stage, 10 patients with oligometastatic NSCLC (lung tumour ± hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy) with up to 5 synchronous metastases will be enrolled An additional 19 patients will be enrolled in the second stage if rate of treatment change is greater than 10% in the first stage. Patients will be subject to EBUS or combined modality EBUS/EUS-B to assess bilateral lymph node stations using a N3 to N2 to N1 progression. Primary endpoint is defined as the rate of change to treatment plan including change from SABR to conventional dose radiation, change in mediastinal radiation field, and change from curative to palliative intent treatment.

Discussion

If a curative approach with SABR for oligometastatic disease is being explored, invasive mediastinal staging may guide treatment and prognosis. This study will provide insight into the use of endoscopic mediastinal staging in determining changes in treatment plan of NSCLC. Results will inform the design of future phase II trials.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04852588. Date of registration: April 19, 2021. Protocol version: 1.1 on December 9, 2021.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) from peritoneal lesions: a prospective cohort pilot study

Background

Diagnostic laparoscopy is often a necessary, albeit invasive, procedure to help resolve undiagnosed peritoneal diseases. Previous retrospective studies reported that EUS-FNA is feasible on peritoneal and omental lesions, however, EUS-FNA provided a limited amount of tissue for immunohistochemistry stain (IHC).

Aim

This pilot study aims to prospectively determine the effectiveness of EUS-FNB regarding adequacy of tissue for IHC staining, diagnostic rate and the avoidance rate of diagnostic laparoscopy or percutaneous biopsy in patients with these lesions.

Methods

From March 2017 to June 2018, patients with peritoneal or omental lesions identified by CT or MRI at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand were prospectively enrolled in the study. All Patients underwent EUS-FNB. For those with negative pathological results of EUS-FNB, percutaneous biopsy or diagnostic laparoscopy was planned. Analysis uses percentages only due to small sample sizes.

Results

A total of 30 EUS-FNB passes were completed, with a median of 3 passes (range 2–3 passes) per case. For EUS-FNB, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of EUS-FNB from peritoneal lesions were 63.6%, 100%, 100%, 20% and 66.7% respectively. Adequate tissue for IHC stain was found in 25/30 passes (80%). The tissues from EUS results were found malignant in 7/12 patients (58.3%). IHC could be done in 10/12 patients (83.3%). Among the five patients with negative EUS results, two underwent either liver biopsy of mass or abdominal paracentesis, showing gallbladder cancer and adenocarcinoma. Two patients refused laparoscopy due to advanced pancreatic cancer and worsening ovarian cancer. The fifth patient had post-surgical inflammation only with spontaneous resolution. The avoidance rate of laparoscopic diagnosis was 58.3%. No major adverse event was observed.

Conclusions

EUS-FNB from peritoneal lesions provided sufficient core tissue for diagnosis and IHC. Diagnostic laparoscopy can often be avoided in patients with peritoneal lesions.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-021-01953-9.

Endoscopic gallbladder drainage for symptomatic gallbladder disease: a cumulative systematic review meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transmural or endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC)-based transpapillary drainage may provide alternative treatment strategies for high-risk surgical candidates with symptomatic gallbladder (GB) disease. The primary aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic GB drainage for patients with symptomatic GB disease.

METHODS

Searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were performed in accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Pooled proportions were calculated for measured outcomes including technical success, clinical success, adverse event rate, recurrence rate, and rate of reintervention. Subgroup analyses were performed for transmural versus transpapillary, transmural lumen apposing stent (LAMS), and comparison to percutaneous transhepatic drainage. Heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics. Publication bias was ascertained by funnel plot and Egger regression testing.

RESULTS

Thirty-six studies (n = 1538) were included. Overall, endoscopic GB drainage achieved a technical and clinical success of 87.33% [(95% CI 84.42-89.77); I² = 39.55] and 84.16% [(95% CI 80.30-87.38); I² = 52.61], with an adverse event rate of 11.00% [(95% CI 9.25-13.03); I² = 7.08]. On subgroup analyses, EUS-guided transmural compared to ERC-assisted transpapillary drainage resulted in higher technical and clinical success rates [OR 3.91 (95% CI 1.52-10.09); P = 0.005 and OR 4.59 (95% CI 1.84-11.46); P = 0.001] and lower recurrence rate [OR 0.17 (95% CI 0.06-0.52); P = 0.002]. Among EUS-guided LAMS studies, technical success was 94.65% [(95% CI 91.54-96.67); I² = 0.00], clinical success was 92.06% [(95% CI 88.65-94.51); I² = 0.00], and adverse event rate was 11.71% [(95% CI 8.92-15.23); I² = 0.00]. Compared to percutaneous drainage, EUS-guided drainage possessed a similar efficacy and safety with significantly lower rate of reintervention [OR 0.05 (95% CI 0.02-0.13); P < 0.001].

DISCUSSION

Endoscopic GB drainage is a safe and effective treatment for high-risk surgical candidates with symptomatic GB disease. EUS-guided transmural drainage is superior to transpapillary drainage and associated with a lower rate of reintervention compared to percutaneous transhepatic drainage.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Gallbladder Drainage

The mainstay of management of acute cholecystitis is surgical. Despite the advances in anesthesia and laparoscopic surgery, there is a significant pool of patients that are not candidates for surgery given their significant comorbidities and limited functional reserve. Historically percutaneous gallbladder drainage has been utilized to temporize these patients. Recently, endoscopic approaches are being explored with transpapillary and transmural drainage. In this article, we discuss the background, current status, technical challenges, adverse events, and outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage for management of acute cholecystitis.

The new era of endoscopic ultrasound in biliary disorders

Biliary obstruction is one of challenging biliary disorders in gastroenterology field, where this long-standing condition can also lead to portal hypertension and multi-disciplinary teamwork is usually needed to manage this problem. Biliary drainage is the primary management to prevent prolonged cholestasis. Biliary system with its thin-walled and tubular structure sometimes makes the diagnosis and therapeutic not easy to approach. Over the past 3 decades, numerous new and modern diagnostic and therapeutic modalities have been developed to manage the complex biliary problems. It is well known that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), and surgical procedure are common procedures in managing biliary disorders. However, surgical therapy and ERCP are not always easy to perform due to several contraindications. Because of difficulty in performing these procedures or unavailability of these procedures in the facility, PTBD, as the primary non-surgical procedure of choice, has been popular due to its easy technique. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has evolved significantly not only as a diagnostic tool for identification and staging, but also for interventional approaches, especially in management of biliary malignancy. Recently, EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) and EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) are developed for managing biliary disorders. Whether EUS can be useful for managing biliary obstruction as a primary procedure is still controversial. Hence, a large number of further studies are required to validate.

Lumen-apposing metals stents in advanced endoscopic ultrasound-guided interventions: novel applications, potential complications and radiologic assessment

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage procedures are an increasingly utilized minimally invasive alternative to percutaneous or surgical management strategies, having been shown to decrease recovery time, cost, and duration of hospital stay. The current mainstay of EUS-guided drainage procedures is in pancreatic and peripancreatic collections in pancreatitis. Recent technological advancements and the development of specialized stents have allowed for novel applications in a growing variety of clinical scenarios, including biliary obstruction, cholecystitis and gastrointestinal obstruction. An overview is provided of standard EUS-guided lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) management in pancreatic collections, including the expected radiologic findings and appropriate post-treatment sequelae. Relevant parameters to report include presence of a walled-off collection, collection contents, proximity of the target collection to the gastrointestinal lumen, intervening vascular structures or vascular malformations, and presence of regional cystic structures. Novel stent applications in biliary and gastrointestinal drainage are summarized and examples are provided, including choledochoduodenostomy in biliary obstruction, cholecystogastrostomy in cholecystitis, and jejunogastrostomy in focal gastrointestinal obstruction. Finally, a pictorial review of imaging findings of complications including perforation, hemorrhage, displacement, occlusion, migration and mistargeting is provided. Minimally invasive EUS-guided endoluminal stenting is utilized in a growing variety of clinical applications. Radiologist familiarity with common and novel applications of EUS-guided stenting is invaluable in determining suitability for endoscopic management, evaluating treatment response and identifying potential complications.

Advances in Biliary Access

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Bile duct cannulation using conventional techniques fails in up to 16% of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. Advanced techniques to gain biliary access include ERCP-based maneuvers, and newer endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided interventions. In this article, we review the evidence supporting the use of various ERCP and EUS techniques for biliary access, as well as studies comparing these different techniques.

RECENT FINDINGS

In comparative studies, biliary access after failed conventional cannulation was more successful with EUS-rendezvous compared to precut papillotomy. EUS-guided drainage compares favorably with percutaneous drainage with respect to clinical success, safety profile, and cost-efficiency. Recent randomized trials comparing EUS to ERCP drainage in malignant obstruction have found similar success rates between these techniques. EUS-guided techniques compare favorably to ERCP-based methods for biliary access and drainage. The advent of newer technologies to facilitate interventional EUS may further change current treatment approaches.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided, Percutaneous, and Transjugular Liver Biopsy: A Comparative Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Aims

Percutaneous liver biopsy (PCLB) or transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) have traditionally been performed to obtain a sample of hepatic tissue; however, endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (EUSLB) has become an attractive alternative. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of EUSLB, PCLB, and TJLB.

Methods

Search strategies were developed in accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Major outcomes included the following: adequacy of biopsy specimens (i.e., complete portal triads [CPT], total specimen length [TSL] in mm, and length of longest piece [LLP]) in mm), and rate of adverse events. Only studies comparing all biopsy approaches (i.e., EUSLB, PCLB, and TJLB) were included.

Results

Five studies (EUSLB [n=301]; PCLB [n=176]; and TJLB [n=179]) were included. Biopsy cumulative adequacy rates for EUSLB, PCLB, and TJLB were 93.51%, 98.27%, and 97.61%, respectively. Based on the subgroup analysis limited to EUS biopsy needles in current clinical practice, there was no difference in biopsy adequacy or adverse events for EUSLB compared to PCLB and TJLB (all p>0.050). A comparison of EUSLB and PCLB revealed no difference between specimens regarding both CPT (p=0.079) and LLP (p=0.085); however, a longer TSL (p<0.001) was observed. Compared to TJLB, EUSLB showed no difference in LLP (p=0.351), fewer CPT (p=0.042), and longer TSL (p=0.005).

Conclusions

EUSLB appears to be a safe, minimally invasive procedure that is comparable to PCLB and TJLB regarding biopsy specimens obtained and rate of adverse events associated with each method.

Isolated pancreatic metastasis from malignant melanoma: a case report and literature review

Isolated pancreatic metastasis from malignant melanoma is rare. Pancreatic metastasis is difficult to diagnose in patients with unknown primary malignant melanoma. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration plays an important role in confirming the diagnosis. A 67-year-old woman was referred to our institution because of a mass in her pancreas. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 35-mm mass localized on the pancreatic tail, with low attenuation, surrounded by a high-attenuation rim. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic mass with central anechoic areas. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the mass was performed, and the pathological diagnosis was malignant melanoma. Intense fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was observed in the pancreatic tail on positron emission tomography-computed tomography. No other malignant melanoma was found. Distal pancreatectomy was performed. Six months postoperatively, positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed high uptake in the left nasal cavity, and biopsy revealed the mass to be a malignant melanoma, indicating that the primary site of the malignant melanoma was the left nasal cavity and that the pancreatic mass and peritoneal lesion were metastases. The patient had survived > 2 years after the distal pancreatectomy. Pancreatic resection of isolated pancreatic metastasis can possibly prolong survival; however, metastatic melanoma usually has poor prognosis.

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.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Gallbladder Drainage

"Gallbladder disease is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases encountered in clinical practice. Surgical removal and percutaneous drainage are both widely available and effective in the management of acute cholecystitis. Several endoscopic approaches exist as an alternative to these interventions. These include transpapillary approaches via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), transmural drainage and access approaches via endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and endoscopic surgical approaches using natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) techniques. This article reviews the epidemiology and pathophysiology of gallbladder diseases and discusses the various percutaneous, surgical, and endoscopic approaches to managing gallbladder disease."

Endoscopic ultrasound guided gastrojejunostomy

Endoscopic ultrasound guided gastrojejunostomy (EUS-GJ) has been mostly employed in the treatment of benign and malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Additionally, EUS-GJ has been used in the treatment of afferent loop syndrome. EUS-GJ has been employed in the treatment of benign and malignant GOO. EUS-GJ has also been used in the treatment of afferent loop syndrome. EUS-GJ involves obtaining access to the jejunum endoscopically and sonographically from the stomach, using a biflanged lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS). This is achieved through a newly formed fistulous tract. Thus creating a gastrojejunal bypass fully endoscopically. Several techniques have been described in preforming EUS-GJ but no method has been shown to be superior. In afferent loop syndrome initial data show high technical and clinical success rates and decreased need for reintervention. With malignant GOO, data available from the limited number of studies conducted demonstrated he superiority of EUS-GJ when compared to standard enteral stenting in terms of decreasing recurrence of GOO and need for reintervention. With benign GOO, EUS-GE offers a solution to the long-term patency and recurrence issue encountered with enteral stenting and endoscopic balloon dilation. EUS-GJ offers a less invasive approach than surgery for the treatment of several etiologies, giving the patients the option to avoid adverse events associated with surgery.

Importance of mediastinal screening-based observation during endoscopic ultrasound to examine gastrointestinal pathologies

In all endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) examinations performed at our hospital, the heart, vasculature, and mediastinal lymph nodes from the esophagus are observed after checking for gastrointestinal pathologies. Since the introduction of EUS using a convex linear-array echoendoscope at our hospital in April 2015, EUS examinations have been performed in 371 cases for examining pancreaticobiliary diseases, submucosal tumors, and other pathologies during the 3-year period, till March 2018. We diagnosed 2 patients with asymptomatic cardiovascular disease while observing the mediastinum during EUS examination to examine identified pancreaticobiliary disease. No subjective symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease were observed and the respective conditions had not been identified previously in either case. One case involved a left atrial myxoma while the other involved a saccular aortic aneurysm in the thoracic aorta. A left atrial tumor resection and aortic replacement surgery were performed in each case. Their postoperative courses have been favorable. As cardiovascular diseases are often life-threatening, as in the present 2 cases, observational screening of the cardiovascular system from the esophagus should also be performed during EUS examinations just as the pharyngeal region is examined during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

How to measure quality in endoscopic ultrasound

Quality is a key focus for gastrointestinal endoscopy and main international gastroenterology societies instituted specific task forces focused on this issue. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) represents one of the most fascinating fields to explore in gastrointestinal endoscopy due to its relatively limited availability out of high-volume centers. This leads to a particular need to define widely accepted quality indicators (QIs) and the ways to measure them. The current manuscript reviews these indicators in light of their impact on common clinical practice.

Morphological and functional changes of chronic pancreatitis in patients with dyspepsia: A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Whether chronic pancreatitis (CP) may present with dyspepsia is controversial. We aimed at evaluating the frequency and risk factors of changes of CP in patients presenting with epigastric pain syndrome (EPS)-like symptoms.

DESIGN

A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with EPS-like symptoms. Patients underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) evaluation of the pancreas, and changes of CP were defined as the presence of five or more EUS criteria of the disease. In patients with 3 or 4 EUS criteria, magnetic resonance dynamic evaluation of the pancreas (MRI/sMRCP) and endoscopic pancreatic function test (ePFT) were carried out to confirm or exclude the presence of changes of CP. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with CP findings, and results are shown as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

213 patients were included. Changes of CP were confirmed by EUS (≥5 criteria) in 18 patients (8.4%). Thirty-four patients had 3-4 EUS criteria, and changes of CP were confirmed in 27 of them by MRI/sMRCP and ePFT (12.7%). Morphological and functional findings of CP were then present in 45 patients (21.1%). Male gender (OR 2.97; 95%CI 1.39-6.37) and alcohol and tobacco consumption (OR 6.56; 95%CI 1.97-21.85) were associated with the presence of changes of CP.

CONCLUSION

Morphological and functional changes of CP are frequent in patients with EPS-like symptoms. Whether these pancreatic changes explain EPS-like symptoms requires further investigation.

Paediatric pancreaticobiliary endoscopy: a 21-year experience from a tertiary hepatobiliary centre and systematic literature review

Background

In adults ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are standard methods of evaluating and treating many hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) conditions. HPB disease is being diagnosed with increasing frequency in children but information about role of ERCP and EUS and their outcomes in this population remain limited. Therefore the aims of this study were to describe the paediatric ERCP and EUS experience from a large tertiary referral HPB centre, and to systematically compare outcomes with those of other published series.

Methods

All patients <18 years undergoing an ERCP or EUS between January 1992–December 2014 were included. Indications for the procedure, rates of technical success, procedural adverse events and reinterventions were recorded in all cases.

Results

Ninety children underwent 111 procedures (87 ERCPs and 24 EUS). 53% (48) were female with a median age of 14 years (range: 3 months - 17 years). Procedures were performed under general anaesthesia (n = 48) or conscious sedation (n = 63). Common indications for ERCP included chronic or recurrent pancreatitis and biliary obstruction. Patients frequently had multiple comorbidities, with a median ASA grade of 2 (range 1–4). Therapeutic procedures performed included biliary or pancreatic sphincterotomy, common bile duct or pancreatic duct stone removal, biliary or pancreatic stent insertion, EUS-guided fine needle aspiration and endoscopic transmural drainage of pancreatic fluid collections. No adverse events were reported following ERCP but there was one complication requiring surgery following EUS guided cystenterostomy.

Conclusion

ERCP and EUS in children and adolescents have high technical success rates and low rates of adverse events when performed in high volume HPB centres.

Endoscopic ultrasound of the hepatoduodenal ligament and liver hilum

The porta hepatis and hepatoduodenal ligament (HDL) are important anatomical pathways of extension of disease to and from the liver. The imaging of this area is difficult. The role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) as an imaging modality for hepatoduodenal ligament has not been established so far. All images in the present study have been generated from a detailed review of real time recordings using the curved linear scanning echoendoscope EG -3830 UT (Pentax Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), coupled with a Hitachi avius and Hitach 7500 processor (Hitachi Aloka Medical, Tokyo Japan). Our image orientation is with the cranial aspect of the patient directed toward the right side of the screen. We have illustrated that with a careful technique, a detailed EUS evaluation of the HDL and hepatic hilum is possible. A thorough understanding of the HDL anatomy by curved linear EUS probe may play a crucial role in the accurate diagnosis of a broad spectrum of pathologic conditions of the porta hepatis. EUS examination of the HDL should be a part of the upper abdominal EUS studies. The description and the images described in this article are useful for beginners who want to start imaging of the porta hepatis and hepatoduodenal ligament. This information is useful for staging of malignancies involving common bile duct.

Endoscopic and Imaging Predictors of Complete Pathologic Response After Chemoradiation for Esophageal Cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Locally advanced esophageal cancer is frequently treated preoperatively with chemotherapy and radiation. The degree of response to this preoperative therapy varies in different patients, and a complete pathological response (pCR) has important implications in the management and prognosis of these patients. This is a review of the different modalities currently available to detect pCR and the clinical context of their use.

RECENT FINDINGS

While research is still ongoing, no single technique has emerged as the modality of choice to reliably predict pCR in all patients. Studies investigating the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of these modalities have had promising results, but no single modality has been firmly validated as the modality if choice. The emergence of functional imaging techniques and the use of biomarkers are newer developments which need further evaluation before adoption in routine clinical practice. While no single technique reliably predicts pCR, a combination of imaging and diagnostic modalities (endoscopic appearance, biopsy, EUS, and PET/CT) may provide a better diagnostic yield rather than any of these modalities taken alone.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) in insulinomas: Indications and clinical relevance in a single investigator cohort of 47 patients

PURPOSE

This study was aimed to investigate the role and relevance of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnostic work-up of insulinomas.

METHODS

We have analysed the frequency, clinical indications, success rate (obtaining diagnostic tissue), diagnostic accuracy (in comparison to the pathological diagnosis after surgery), complications, and tolerability of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy and the localization and size of the lesions in 47 consecutive patients (29 females, 18 males; 46 ± 15 years) who had surgery for insulinoma following fasting test and were explored by single investigator EUS 1994-2015.

RESULTS

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 21 % (10/47) of the patients. The clinical indications for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy were non-conclusive result of fasting test (n = 7), missing toxicology (n = 2), suspected malignancy at EUS (n = 1), suspicious extra-pancreatic localization of the lesion (n = 1). The diagnostic success rate of the procedure was 80 % (8/10 cases), the diagnostic accuracy of the fine-needle aspiration biopsy 70 % (7/10 cases). The lesions undergoing endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy were localized in the cauda (n = 5), corpus (n = 2), caput/processus uncinatus (n = 3), the diameter of the tumors was 21 ± 18 (10-70) mm. Only one accidental vascular puncture without any clinical complication occurred and all patients tolerated the procedure well.

CONCLUSIONS

In the majority of cases, positive fasting test, negative toxicology, and detection of a typical pancreatic lesion at endoscopic ultrasound is sufficient for the diagnosis of insulinoma and the definition of the appropriate surgical strategy. Based on our data, we suggest including endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnostic work-up of organic hyperinsulinism in selected patients with inconclusive or uncertain diagnosis before surgery.

Endoscopic Evaluation in the Workup of Pancreatic Cancer

Early diagnosis and accurate staging of pancreatic cancer is very important to plan optimal management strategy. Endoscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer. Endoscopic ultrasound imaging (EUS) is the most sensitive modality for diagnosis, especially for small pancreatic tumors; it also allows tissue acquisition for histological diagnosis. Computed tomography scanning and EUS play complementary roles in staging and are comparable in determining resectability. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography allows tissue sampling but is limited to palliative biliary drainage in most cases. In this article, we review the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, with special emphasis on the use of endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

The cut-off value of tumor size and appropriate timing of follow-up for management of minimal EUS-suspected gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors. BMC Gastroenterol. 2017;17:8. [PMID: 28077094 PMCID: PMC5225611 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-016-0567-4]

Backgroud

The detectable rate of minimal gastric GISTs has continuously increased. While the surveillance and management of GIST <2 cm have been deemed controversial or lack evidence-based approaches.  The aim of the current study is to propose a cut-off value of tumor size for treatment policy and the appropriate timing for endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) follow-up in the minimal EUS-suspected gastric GIST patients.

Methods

A single-institution retrospective study was performed. 69 patients with EUS-suspected gastric GISTs were studied from November 2008 to March 2015. 69 patients with minimal gastric GISTs ≤2 cm diagnosed by EUS were followed for a mean period of 29 months (range, 12 to 70). An at least 20% increase of the maximal diameter of the tumors was set as a significant change.

Results

During follow-up, Of the 69 minimal EUS-suspected GISTs, 16 (23.2%) showed significant changes in size. 11 out of 69 GISTs (15.9%), 6 out of 43 GISTs (14.0%), 7 out of 30 GISTs (23.3%) showed significant changes in size, at 1 year, 2 years, and more than 3 years respectively. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the tumor size cut-off was 9.5 mm. Only 4.7 and 3.7% of gastric EUS-suspected GISTs of <9.5 mm in size showed significant changes at 1 year and 2 years, while 9.5% at more than 3 years. 34.6, 31.3 and 55.6% of gastric EUS-suspected GISTs of ≥ 9.5 mm in size showed significant changes at 1 year, 2 years and more than 3 years.

Conclusions

Minimal EUS-suspected GISTs, larger than 9.5 mm may be associated with significant progression. The patients with a ≥ 9.5 mm GIST should have a EUS 6–12months, while <9.5 mm GIST may have a EUS extended to every 2–3 years.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12876-016-0567-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Mediastinal Staging: Endosonographic Ultrasound Lymph Node Biopsy or Mediastinoscopy

Combined endosonographic lymph node biopsy techniques are a minimally invasive alternative to surgical staging in non-small cell lung cancer and may be superior to standard mediastinoscopy and surgical mediastinal staging techniques. Endosonography allows for the biopsy of lymph nodes and metastases unattainable with standard mediastinoscopy. Standard cervical mediastinoscopy is an invasive procedure, which requires general anesthesia and is associated with higher risk, cost, and major complication rates compared with minimally invasive endosonographic biopsy techniques. Combined endosonographic procedures are the new gold standard in staging of non-small cell lung cancer when performed by an experienced operator.

Endoscopic ultrasound in pancreatic cancer: innovative applications beyond the basics

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become a mainstay in assisting in the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer. In addition, EUS provides a modality to treat chronic pain through celiac plexus neurolysis. Currently, there is growing data and utilization of EUS in more diverse and innovative applications aimed at providing more sophisticated diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic options for patients with pancreatic cancer. EUS delivery of chemotherapy, viral and biological vectors and fiducial markers may eventually revolutionize the way clinicians approach the care of a patient with pancreatic cancer.

Endoscopic ultrasound of pancreatic lesions

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a well-established tool for the evaluation of pancreatic lesions. Due to the closer proximity of EUS to the pancreas, EUS offers a high sensitivity for detection of small pancreatic mass and is the preferred modality for obtaining tissue for diagnosis of pancreatic mass. Contrast-enhanced EUS and/or elastography provide additional information to the fundamental B-mode ultrasound images, leading to more accurate diagnosis. The aim of this video-article is to show the different steps in performing EUS on pancreatic lesions and to provide some tips and tricks to improve and facilitate the execution of EUS on pancreatic lesions.

Eliminating the Residual Negative Pressure in the Endoscopic Ultrasound Aspirating Needle Enhances Cytology Yield of Pancreas Masses

BACKGROUND

Prior to withdrawing the EUS-FNA needle from the lesion, the stopcock of the suction syringe is closed to reduce contamination. Residual negative pressure (RNP) may persist in the needle despite closing the stopcock.

AIMS

To determine whether neutralizing RNP before withdrawing the needle will improve the cytology yield.

METHODS

Bench-top testing was done to confirm the presence of RNP followed by a prospective, randomized, cross-over study on patients with pancreas mass. Ten milliliters of suction was applied to the FNA needle. Before withdrawing the needle from the lesion, the stopcock was closed. Based on randomization, the first pass was done with the stopcock either attached to the needle (S+) or disconnected (S-) to allow air to enter and neutralize RNP and accordingly the second pass was crossed over to S+ or S-. On-site cytopathologist was blinded to S+/S-.

RESULTS

Bench tests confirmed the presence of RNP which was successfully neutralized by disconnecting the syringe (S-) from the needle. Sixty patients were enrolled, 120 samples analyzed. S+ samples showed significantly greater GI tract contamination compared to S- samples (16.7 vs. 6.7%, p = 0.03). Of the 53 patients confirmed to have pancreas adenocarcinoma, FNA using S- approach was positive in 49 (93%) compared to 40 using the S+ approach (76%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite closing the stopcock of the suction syringe, RNP is present in the FNA needle. Neutralizing RNP prior to withdrawing the needle from the target lesion significantly decreased GI tract contamination of the sample thereby improving the FNA cytology yield.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01995474.

Management of Suspected Choledocholithiasis: A Decision Analysis for Choosing the Optimal Imaging Modality

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) all represent viable options to establish the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. The aim of the study was to assess how the three imaging modalities perform in head-to-head comparisons and in what order to apply them when using these procedures sequentially.

METHODS

A threshold analysis using a decision tree was modeled to compare the costs associated with different imaging techniques of the biliary system in a patient with suspected cholestasis secondary to choledocholithiasis. The main outcome parameter was the pre-test probability of common bile duct (CBD) stones that would guide the physician towards starting the work-up with MRC or EUS versus going straight to ERCP as the primary procedure.

RESULTS

For low pre-test probabilities of CBD stones in the common bile duct, MRC represents the procedure of choice. For pre-test probabilities ranging between 40 and 91 %, EUS should be the preferred imaging modality. If CBD stones are suspected with an even higher pre-test probability, patients could go straight to ERCP as their first procedure. Low costs associated with any of the three procedures increase its range of applicability at the expense of the other competing imaging modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

MRC, EUS, and ERCP should be used in sequence and dependent on the pre-test probability of choledocholithiasis.

Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms

Incidentally discovered pancreatic cystic lesions are increasingly common, affecting up to 10% to 15% of patients undergoing cross-sectional imaging. Although some pancreatic cystic neoplasms harbor invasive malignancy or the potential to progress over time, a majority are benign and can be observed safely. Accurate diagnosis is key to appropriate management. Diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach. This review discusses each type of pancreatic cystic neoplasm and the current data on diagnosis and treatment.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy

Liver biopsy remains the cornerstone in the diagnosis and management of liver disorders. Results of liver biopsy can often drive therapeutic decision-making. Unfortunately, studies have shown conventional biopsy techniques to carry significant sampling variability that can potentially impact patient care. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is gaining traction as an alternative method of biopsy. For parenchymal disease, it can decrease sampling variability. It offers a more targeted approach for focal lesions. Its diagnostic yield and limited adverse event profile make it a promising approach for liver biopsy.

Beyond cytology: why and when does the oncologist require core tissue?

There are 2 main reasons why oncologists may require additional tissue and a histologic section in addition to cytopathology from FNA specimens: improved diagnostic accuracy and molecular characterization of tumors. Rather than mutually exclusive diagnostic procedures, EUS-FNA and EUS-CNB must be viewed as supplementary techniques and both approaches should be incorporated as essential tools in the current endoscopic armamentarium.

Tips to overcome technical challenges in EUS-guided tissue acquisition

The diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA depends on several factors, such as the experience of the endosonographer, the characteristics of the lesion, the clinical status of the patient, the size and type of needles, the methods of specimen preparation, as well as cytopathologist expertise. The endosonographic technique can be improved when several tips and tricks useful to overcome challenges of FNA are known. Technical challenges of FNA are related to the characteristics of the lesion and its surroundings, sonographic imaging, and limitations related to the needle. Several tips and tricks necessary to overcome them are presented in this review.

Pancreatic tumors: emphasis on CT findings and pathologic classification

Pancreatic tumors can be classified by their morphologic features on CT. The subtypes include solid tumors, mixed cystic and solid lesions, unilocular cysts, multilocular cystic lesions, and microcystic lesions. Endoscopic US and MRI can provide detailed information for classifying pancreatic lesions. Each subtype has different kinds of tumors and malignant potential, thus the classification can be useful for a better differential diagnosis and treatment planning. For this purpose, we suggest an appropriate modified classification system by using the imaging features of pancreatic tumors with an emphasis on CT findings and illustrate various findings of typical and atypical manifestations.