Dedicated Echoendoscope for Interventional Endoscopic Ultrasound: Comparison with a Conventional Echoendoscope

Background/Objective: Interventional endoscopic ultrasound (I-EUS) is technically difficult and has risks of severe adverse events due to the scarcity of dedicated endoscopes and tools. A new EUS scope was developed for I-EUS and was modified to increase the puncture range, reduce the blind area, and overcome guidewire difficulties. We evaluated the usefulness and safety of a new EUS scope compared to a conventional EUS scope. Methods: All I-EUS procedures were performed at Juntendo University Hospital from April 2020 to April 2022. The primary outcomes included the procedure time and fluoroscopy time. The secondary outcomes included the technical success rate and the rates of procedure-related adverse events. Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed and statistically analyzed between the new and conventional EUS scopes. Results: In total, 143 procedures in 120 patients were analyzed. The procedure time was significantly shorter with the new EUS scope, but the fluoroscopy time was not different. Among the patients only undergoing EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD), 79 procedures in 74 patients were analyzed. Both the procedure time and fluoroscopy time were significantly shorter with the new EUS scope. Multivariate analysis revealed that a new EUS scope and use of covered metal stents could reduce the fluoroscopy time. The technical success rate and the adverse event rate were not significantly different between the total I-EUS and the EUS-BD only groups. However, the conventional scope showed stent deviation during stent placement, which did not happen with the new scope. Conclusions: The new EUS scope reduced procedure time for total I-EUS and fluoroscopy time for EUS-BD compared to a conventional EUS scope because of the improvement suitable for I-EUS.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Biopsy Versus Aspiration for Tissue Sampling Adequacy for Molecular Testing in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is limited literature on sample adequacy for molecular testing in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma obtained via endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) fine-needle aspiration (FNA) versus EUS fine-needle biopsy (FNB). We aimed to compare these two modalities regarding sample adequacy for molecular and genomic sequencing.

METHODS

We reviewed all patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent EUS at Saint Luke's Hospital from 2018 to 2021. The patients were categorized based on the method of EUS tissue acquisition, specifically FNA or FNB. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted for all cases by cytotechnologists.

RESULTS

Out of 132 patients who underwent EUS-guided biopsies, 76 opted for FNA, 48 opted for FNB, and 8 opted for a combination of both. The average number of passes required for FNB and FNA was 2.58 ± 1.06 and 2.49 ± 1.07, respectively (p = 0.704), indicating no significant difference. Interestingly, 71.4% (35) of FNB-obtained samples were deemed adequate for molecular testing, surpassing the 32.1% (26) adequacy observed with FNA (p < 0.001). Additionally, 46.4% (26) of FNB-obtained samples were considered adequate for genomic testing, a notable improvement over the 23.8% (20) adequacy observed with FNA (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Although the number of passes required for cytologic diagnosis did not differ significantly between EUS-FNB and EUS-FNA, the former demonstrated superiority in obtaining samples adequate for molecular testing. Tumor surface area and cellularity were crucial parameters in determining sample adequacy for molecular testing, irrespective of the chosen tissue acquisition modality.

Diagnostic performance and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration/biopsy for gallbladder lesions

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNA/FNB) is not fully established as a pathological sampling tool for gallbladder lesions due to limited evidence. We therefore aimed to clarify the effectiveness and safety of this procedure in a large-population cohort.

METHODS

This study retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA/FNB for accurately differentiating between benign and malignant gallbladder lesions. Puncture targets included the gallbladder mass, lymph node, and liver mass. Adverse events and factors associated with diagnostic accuracy were analyzed as well.

RESULTS

In 187 patients with gallbladder lesions undergoing EUS-FNA/FNB, 18 benign lesions and 169 malignant lesions were identified. Overall sampling adequacy was 98% (184/187). The diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA/FNB was 97% (182/187), sensitivity was 97% (164/169), and specificity was 100% (18/18). A single postprocedural complication (minor bleeding) was recorded in one patient. In the 169 cases of malignancy, 203 sites were punctured for pathological sampling of the primary mass (n = 94), lymph node (n = 79), and metastatic liver mass (n = 30). No significant difference was found for diagnostic accuracy among the puncture sites (P = 0.70). In cases having specimens obtained from the primary mass, the accuracy of those targeting liver invasion sites was significantly higher than that of other sites (98% vs. 83%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

EUS-FNA/FNB demonstrated clinical usefulness and safety for the pathological diagnosis of gallbladder lesions, with high diagnostic yield and a low incidence of adverse events. Targeting the site of liver infiltration may improve the diagnostic rate of EUS-FNA/FNB in the primary mass.

Surgical and Endoscopic Intervention for Chronic Pancreatitis in Children: The Kings College Hospital Experience

Paediatric chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a rare and debilitating pathology that often requires invasive diagnostics and therapeutic interventions either to address a primary cause such as a pancreaticobiliary malunion or to deal with secondary complications such as chronic pain. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are two endoscopic modalities that have an established diagnostic role in paediatric CP, and their therapeutic utilisation is increasing in popularity. Surgical decompression of the obstructed and dilated pancreatic duct plays a role in alleviating pancreatic duct hypertension, a common association in CP. Surgery equally has a role in certain anatomical abnormalities of the pancreaticobiliary draining system, or occasionally in some CP complications such as drainage of a symptomatic pancreatic pseudocyst.

Relevance of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Endocrinology Today: Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1, Insulinoma, Primary Aldosteronism-An Expert's Perspective Based on Three Decades of Scientific and Clinical Experience

In endocrinology, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) may be used to image the adrenals, the endocrine pancreas, and other organs where endocrine neoplasms may occur. During the recent decades, EUS has been established predominantly to assess multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, to localize insulinomas, and to identify aldosterone-producing adenomas. EUS in endocrinology requires special skills and individual experience in order to provide reliable diagnostic information.

Liver Mass Caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum: A Rare Case Diagnosed by EUS-FNA

Mycobacterium fortuitum is associated with skin and soft-tissue infections, yet isolated liver involvement is rare. A 67-year-old asymptomatic man was referred for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to evaluate a gastric lesion and an incidental liver mass. EUS revealed a heterogeneous liver mass that was sampled. Pathology revealed necrotic granulomatous inflammation and positive acid-fast bacilli stain with M. fortuitum deoxyribonucleic acid. Levofloxacin plus trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole for 3 months were used for complete resolution of liver lesion. Isolated nontuberculous liver involvement is uncommon. We report the first case of a liver mass caused by M. fortuitum diagnosed by EUS-fine needle aspiration.

Randomized trial comparing the 25G and 22G Franseen needles in endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition from solid pancreatic masses for adequate histological assessment

BACKGROUND

The effects of the Franseen needle size in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) of solid pancreatic masses remain unclear. This study aimed to compare 25G and 22G Franseen needles in terms of adequate tissue acquisition from solid pancreatic masses.

METHODS

In this single-center, crossover, randomized noninferiority trial, eligible patients underwent EUS-FNB with both 25G and 22G Franseen needles in a randomized order between November 2018 and August 2020. Tissue specimens from each pass were separately evaluated based on the cellularity scoring system. The primary outcome was the proportion of acquired specimens allowing adequate histological assessment (cellularity score ≥3). A -15% noninferiority margin was assumed.

RESULTS

Data from 88 patients were analyzed, which showed malignant and benign lesions in 84 (95.5%) and four (4.5%) patients, respectively. Of the 88 specimens, 62 (70.5%) and 69 (78.4%) acquired using 25G and 22G needles, respectively, allowed adequate histological assessment. The adjusted proportion difference was -6.6% (95% confidence interval -8.8% to -4.5%), indicating noninferiority of the 25G Franseen needle (P < 0.001). The diagnostic accuracies of the 25G and 22G needles were 86.4% and 89.8%, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.180). Adverse events occurred in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The 25G Franseen needle showed a noninferior adequate tissue acquisition and similar diagnostic performance compared to that of the 22G Franseen needle. However, a 15% noninferiority margin was high for clinical use; thus, further consideration is needed (Clinical Trial Registry no. UMIN000034596).

Direct Comparison of Elastography Endoscopic Ultrasound Fine-Needle Aspiration and B-Mode Endoscopic Ultrasound Fine-Needle Aspiration in Diagnosing Solid Pancreatic Lesions

Elastography endoscopic ultrasound (E-EUS) has been proved to be a valuable supplement to endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in differentiating solid pancreatic lesions, but the improvement of EUS-FNA guided during E-EUS has not been proven. Our study aimed to evaluate whether E-EUS fine-needle aspiration (E-EUS-FNA) was superior to B-mode EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses and whether the diagnostic rate was affected by specific factors. Our prospective study was conducted between 2019-2020 by recruiting patients with solid pancreatic masses. E-EUS examination was followed by one pass of E-EUS-FNA towards the blue part of the lesion and a second pass of EUS-FNA. The final diagnosis was based on surgery, E-EUS-FNA or EUS-FNA results, or a 12-month follow-up. Sixty patients with solid pancreatic lesions were evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosing malignancy using E-EUS-FNA and EUS-FNA were 89.5%, 100%, 90%, 93%, 100%, and 93.3%, respectively, but the differences were not significant. Neither mass location nor the lesion size influenced the results. The lengths of the core obtained during E-EUS-FNA and EUS-FNA were similar. E-EUS-FNA in solid pancreatic lesions was not superior to B-mode EUS-FNA.

The Feasibility of Haar Feature-Based Endoscopic Ultrasound Probe Tracking for Implanting Hydrogel Spacer in Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

Purpose

We proposed a Haar feature-based method for tracking endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) probe in diagnostic computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans for guiding hydrogel injection without external tracking hardware. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing our method with phantom and patient images.

Materials and Methods

Our methods included the pre-simulation section and Haar features extraction steps. Firstly, the simulated EUS set was generated based on anatomic information of interpolated CT/MRI images. Secondly, the efficient Haar features were extracted from simulated EUS images to create a Haar feature dictionary. The relative EUS probe position was estimated by searching the best matched Haar feature vector of the dictionary with Haar feature vector of target EUS images. The utilization of this method was validated using EUS phantom and patient CT/MRI images.

Results

In the phantom experiment, we showed that our Haar feature-based EUS probe tracking method can find the best matched simulated EUS image from a simulated EUS dictionary which includes 123 simulated images. The errors of all four target points between the real EUS image and the best matched EUS images were within 1 mm. In the patient CT/MRI scans, the best matched simulated EUS image was selected by our method accurately, thereby confirming the probe location. However, when applying our method in MRI images, our method is not always robust due to the low image resolution.

Conclusions

Our Haar feature-based method is capable to find the best matched simulated EUS image from the dictionary. We demonstrated the feasibility of our method for tracking EUS probe without external tracking hardware, thereby guiding the hydrogel injection between the head of the pancreas and duodenum.

The Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Gallbladder Lesions

Gallbladder (GB) diseases represent various lesions including gallstones, cholesterol polyps, adenomyomatosis, and GB carcinoma. This review aims to summarize the role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the diagnosis of GB lesions. EUS provides high-resolution images that can improve the diagnosis of GB polypoid lesions, GB wall thickness, and GB carcinoma staging. Contrast-enhancing agents may be useful for the differential diagnosis of GB lesions, but the evidence of their effectiveness is still limited. Thus, further studies are required in this area to establish its usefulness. EUS combined with fine-needle aspiration has played an increasing role in providing a histological diagnosis of GB tumors in addition to GB wall thickness.

Endoscopic ultrasound efficacy in staging gastric linitis plastica lesion: a retrospective multicentric French study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a key imaging technique in gastric cancer (GC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of EUS in the staging of parietal and lymph node involvement in linitis plastica (LP) compared to "classical" GC.

METHODS

A retrospective multicentric French study was conducted on patients with no metastatic LP and operated by gastrectomy. A 2/1 matching based on pTNM stage and center was performed with GC.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients were included, sixteen patients in the LP group and 27 in the control group. Sensitivity and specificity of EUS for diagnosis of T3-T4 parietal invasion were 77% and 100% respectively in the LP group and 89% and 56% respectively in the control group. Sensitivity and specificity of EUS for diagnosis of lymph node involvement were 73% and 80%, respectively in the LP group and 88% and 50%, respectively in the control group. Patients from LP group had significantly more advanced histological lesion, and frequent undiagnosed peritoneal carcinomatosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study evaluated for the first time in a European population, the preoperative EUS performance in LP. Our study identified a similar sensitivity and specificity of the EUS in LP compared to "classical" GC paving for a broader use of EUS in preoperative settings.

The Diagnosis of Autoimmune Pancreatitis Using Endoscopic Ultrasonography

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is characterized by enlargement of the pancreas and irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct. It is often associated with IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC), in which the bile duct narrows. Although characteristic irregular narrowing of the pancreatic duct caused by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is noted in AIP, it is difficult to differentiate between localized AIP and pancreatic carcinoma based on imaging of the pancreatic duct. While stenosis of the bile duct in IgG4-SC is characterized by longer-length stenosis than in cholangiocarcinoma, differentiation based on bile duct imaging alone is challenging. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can characterize hypoechoic enlargement of the pancreas or bile duct wall thickening in AIP and IgG4-SC, and diagnosis using elastography and contrast-enhanced EUS are being evaluated. The utility of EUS-guided fine needle aspiration for the histological diagnosis of AIP has been reported and is expected to improve diagnostic performance for AIP. Findings in the bile duct wall from endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography followed by intraductal ultrasonography are useful in differentiating IgG4-SC from cholangiocarcinoma. Diagnoses based on endoscopic ultrasonography play a central role in the diagnosis of AIP.

Narrative review of the role of gastroenterologist in the diagnosis, treatment and palliation in gastric and gastroesophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) and gastric cancer (GC) carry a high mortality rate. Unfortunately, a majority of patients are asymptomatic and at the time of diagnosis, the disease may invariably be in its advanced stages with limited curative options. Thus, it is imperative to recognize certain risk factors including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), male gender, pre-existing Barrett’s esophagus, smoking history, obesity, Helicobacter pylori infection, atrophic gastritis among others for both EC and GC, intervene on time with screening and surveillance modalities if indicated and optimize treatment plans. With advances in endoscopic techniques, early neoplastic lesions are increasingly managed by gastroenterologists, offering an alternative to surgery. The gold standard for diagnosis of EC and GC is high definition endoscopy with adequate targeted biopsies. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a key in the staging of early cancers dictating the pathway for treatment options. We also play a key role in palliation cases with the aim to reduce the symptoms like nausea, vomiting and even when possible, restore oral intake and improve nutrition in both advanced GC and EC. This review article discusses the risk factors, diagnostic and endoscopic treatment modalities of early EC and GC and palliation of advanced cancer where gastroenterologists play a key role.

Contrast-Enhanced Harmonic Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration versus Standard Fine-Needle Aspiration in Pancreatic Masses: A Propensity Score Analysis

Background: Whether endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) contrast-enhanced fine-needle aspiration (CH-EUS-FNA) determines superior results in comparison to standard EUS-FNA in tissue acquisition of pancreatic masses remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare these two techniques on a series of patients with solid pancreatic lesions. Methods: 362 patients underwent EUS-FNA (2008–2019), after the propensity score matching of two groups were compared; 103 treated with CH-EUS-FNA (group 1) and 103 with standard EUS-FNA (group 2). The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy. Secondary outcomes were sensitivity, specificity, and sample adequacy. Results: Diagnostic sensitivity was 87.6% in group 1 and 80% in group 2 (p = 0.18). The negative predictive value was 56% in group 1 and 41.5% in group 2 (p = 0.06). The specificity and positive predictive values were 100% for both groups. Diagnostic accuracy was 89.3% and 82.5%, respectively (p = 0.40). Sample adequacy was 94.1% in group 1 and 91.2% in group 2 (p = 0.42). The rate of adequate core histologic samples was 33% and 28.1%, respectively (p = 0.44), and the number of needle passes to obtain adequate samples were 2.4 ± 0.6 and 2.7 ± 0.8, respectively (p = 0.76). These findings were confirmed in subgroup analyses, conducted according to lesion size and contrast enhancement pattern. Conclusions: CH-EUS-FNA does not appear to be superior to standard EUS-FNA in patients with pancreatic masses.

A Comprehensive Narrative Review on the Evolving Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Focal Solid Liver Lesions Diagnosis and Management

The implications of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) have expanded considerably in recent years to cover more fields in invasive gastroenterology practice, as both an investigative and therapeutic modality. The utility of EUS in the diagnosis and management of focal liver lesions has gained a special attractiveness recently. The EUS probe proximity to the liver and its excellent spatial resolution enables real-time images coupled with several enhancement techniques, such as contrast-enhanced (CE) EUS. Aside from its notable capability to execute targeted biopsies and therapeutic interventions, EUS has developed into a hopeful therapeutic tool for the management of solid liver lesions. Herein, we provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art review on the efficacy and safety of EUS in the diagnosis and management of focal solid liver lesions. Medline/PubMed and Embase database searches were conducted by two separate authors (T.K. and W.S.), all relevant studies were assessed, and relevant data was extracted and fully reported. EUS-guided diagnosis of focal liver lesions by sonographic morphologic appearance and cytological and histopathological finding of biopsies obtained via fine needle aspiration/biopsy have been shown to significantly improve the diagnosis of solid liver lesions compared with traditional imaging tools. Similarly, EUS-guided treatment has been shown to consistently have excellent technical success, high efficacy, and minor adverse events. The evolving valuable evidences of EUS utility might satisfy the unmet need of optimizing management of focal solid liver lesions.

The safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided ablation therapy for solid pancreatic tumors: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recently, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided ablation therapy, as a minimally invasive technique, has shown its potential to substitute surgery in treating solid pancreatic tumors, such as small potential malignant pancreatic tumors, small insulinomas and locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (LAPDAC). Therefore, we conducted this systematic review to assess the safety and efficacy of EUS-guided ablation therapy for solid pancreatic tumors.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and Web of Science databases from inception to February 2020. The endpoints were clinical success and complications rates. The pooled event rate was calculated using Comprehensive Meta Analysis software.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies with a total of 158 patients were included in our final analysis. The major types of solid pancreatic tumors were nonfunction pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (n = 78, 49.4%), LAPDAC (n = 48, 30.4%) and insulinomas (n = 26, 16.5%). Overall, the pooled clinical success rate was 85.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 75.4-92.4%, I ² = 25.18%), pooled complications rate was 29.1% (95% CI: 18.6-42.3%, I ² = 50.40%). Subgroup analysis was performed based on ablation methods, which showed clinical success rate for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was 83.5% (95% CI: 67.9-92.4%), and 87.9% (95% CI: 66.2-96.4%) for ethanol ablation (EA). In terms of complications rate, it was 32.2% (95% CI: 19.4-48.4%) for RFA, and 21.2% (95% CI: 6.8-49.9%) for EA.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-guided ablation therapy is a promising alternative treatment for solid pancreatic tumors, especially for p-NETs and insulinomas < 2 cm, with rarely severe complications. Further prospective studies with long-term follow-up are warranted in future.

Feasibility and clinical utility of endoscopic ultrasound guided biopsy of pancreatic cancer for next-generation molecular profiling

Next-generation sequencing is enabling molecularly guided therapy for many cancer types, yet failure rates remain relatively high in pancreatic cancer (PC). The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of genomic profiling using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) biopsy samples to facilitate personalised therapy for PC. Ninty-five patients underwent additional research biopsies at the time of diagnostic EUS. Diagnostic formalin-fixed (FFPE) and fresh frozen EUS samples underwent DNA extraction, quantification and targeted gene sequencing. Whole genome (WGS) and RNA sequencing was performed as proof of concept. Only 2 patients (2%) with a diagnosis of PC had insufficient material for targeted sequencing in both FFPE and frozen specimens. Targeted panel sequencing (n=54) revealed mutations in PC genes (KRAS, GNAS, TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4) in patients with histological evidence of PC, including potentially actionable mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, BRAF). WGS (n=5) of EUS samples revealed mutational signatures that are potential biomarkers of therapeutic responsiveness. RNA sequencing (n=35) segregated patients into clinically relevant molecular subtypes based on transcriptome. Integrated multi-omic analysis of PC using standard EUS guided biopsies offers clinical utility to guide personalized therapy and study the molecular pathology in all patients with PC.

Outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection in esophageal adenocarcinoma staged T1bN0 by endoscopic ultrasound in non-surgical patients

Patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) invading submucosa (T1b) are traditionally treated with esophagectomy and with chemoradiotherapy in poor surgical patients. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has emerged as an alternative treatment in these patients. In this case series, we analyzed the outcomes of ESD in EAC staged T1bN0 by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Patients with EAC staged T1bN0M0 by EUS and PET scan who underwent ESD by a single operator (MS) between 2014 and 2017 at our institution were included. They were deemed as poor surgical candidates and ESD was considered as the most appropriate treatment option after a multi-disciplinary evaluation. There were 8 patients (male =5; female =3) with average age of 70.5 years old (range, 53-84 years old). ESD was completed in 7 and aborted in 1 patient due to tumor invasion into muscularis propria. En bloc, R0 and curative resection rates were 86% (6/7), 86% (6/7) and 71% (5/7) respectively. Final histology was intramucosal (T1a) in 4 and submucosal (T1b) in 3. One patient (14%) developed stricture requiring balloon dilation. Mean follow-up duration was 10 months (range, 3-15 months) and 71% (5/7) remain in clinical remission. Two patients required CRT, one with T1a who developed recurrence and another with T1b with lymphovascular invasion. In poor surgical candidates, ESD was associated with accurate staging and favorable outcomes in EAC staged T1bN0 by EUS. We suggest considering ESD in EAC staged T1bN0 for accurate histological staging, curative potential and also to help determine further course of treatment.

Novel mainstream capnometer system is safe and feasible even under CO2 insufflation during ERCP-related procedure: a pilot study

Background and aims

There is a need to safely achieve conscious sedation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We evaluated the safety and feasibility of a mainstream capnometer system to monitor apnoea during ERCP under CO₂ insufflation.

Methods

Non-intubated adult patients undergoing ERCP-related procedures with intravenous sedation were enrolled. End-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂) was continuously monitored during the procedure under CO₂ insufflation using a mainstream capnometer system, comprising a capnometer and a specially designed bite block for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and ERCP. Oxygen saturation (SpO₂) was also monitored continuously during the procedure. In this study, we evaluated the safety and feasibility of the capnometer system.

Results

Eleven patients were enrolled. Measurement of EtCO₂ concentration was possible from the beginning to the end of the procedure in all 11 cases. There was no measurement failure, dislocation of the bite block, or adverse event related to the bite block. Apnoea linked to hypoxaemia occurred five times (mean duration, 174.4 s).

Conclusion

This study confirmed that apnoea was detected earlier than when using a percutaneous oxygen monitor. Measurement of EtCO₂ concentration using the newly developed mainstream capnometer system was feasible and safe even under CO₂ insufflation.

Dysphagia aortica: Emerging role of endoscopic ultrasound (with videos)

Dysphagia can occur due to extrinsic compression on esophagus. Dysphagia due to intrathoracic vascular causes is rare. Most reported cases of vascular etiology are due to dysphagia lusoria. Dysphagia due to any anomaly of aorta is called dysphagia aortica. In an emergency setting, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been found to be superior and more sensitive for detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms over conventional radiological methods. We present a series of four cases of dysphagia aortica where the diagnosis was made by endoscopic ultrasound.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography versus endoscopic ultrasound for tissue diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and Aims:

There are no systematic reviews comparing the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-based brush cytology and forceps biopsy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for the diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture; so in this revision, we will compare ERCP against EUS-FNA for tissue diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture.

Design:

A systematic review was conducted of comparative studies (prospective or retrospective) analyzing EUS and ERCP for tissue diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture.

Materials and Methods:

The databases Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, LILACS, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched for studies dated previous to November 2014. We identified three prospective studies comparing EUS-FNA and ERCP for the diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture and five prospective studies comparing EUS-FNA with the same diagnosis of the other three studies. All patients were subjected to the same gold standard method. We calculated study variables (sensitivity, specificity, prevalence, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy) and performed a meta-analysis using the Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 software.

Results:

A total of 294 patients were included in the analysis. The pretest probability for malignant biliary stricture was 76.66%. The mean sensitivities of ERCP and EUS-FNA for tissue diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture were 49% and 75%, respectively; the specificities were 96.33% and 100%, respectively. The posttest probabilities positive predictive value (98.33% and 100%, respectively) and negative predictive value (34% and 47%, respectively) were determined. The accuracies were 60.66% and 79%, respectively.

Conclusion:

We found that EUS-FNA was superior to ERCP with brush cytology and forceps biopsy for diagnosing malignant biliary strictures. However, a negative EUS-FNA or ERCP test may not exclude malignant biliary stricture because both have low negative posttest probabilities.

Interventional endoscopy in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic cancer accounts for approximately 3% of all cancers in US, and is the fourth leading cause of mortality in both men and women. It is a silent killer due to lack of early symptoms and the majority of patients present at advanced stage at the time of initial diagnosis. Only 15-20% of patients are candidates for curative resection and even then, the 5-year survival rates range from 10-25%. Despite recent advances in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer, the prognosis remains grim with 5-year overall survival (OS) of approximately 10%. Early detection is key for improving patient outcomes in this lethal disease. Contributing to the difficulty in the diagnosis and management is the anatomic location of the pancreas within the abdomen (retroperitoneal location and being adjacent to hollow viscus, solid organs and major vessels), and suboptimal response to systemic chemotherapy. Multimodality imaging (pancreatic protocol CT and MRI/MRCP) is often used for the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Interventional endoscopy is a relatively new field, and with Endoscopic techniques becoming more advanced, their role in diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer is expanding rapidly. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are the two main modalities used in cases of pancreatic neoplasms.

Endoscopic ultrasonography evaluation for pancreatic cysts: Necessity or overkill?

Incidental pancreatic cysts have become gradually more recognized in clinical practice as a result of increased use of transabdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These lesions consist of inflammatory cysts (pseudocysts) and pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) which have been classified as benign, premalignant and malignant. The diagnosis and management strategy of incidentally discovered pancreatic cysts can be challenging as the majority of them are PCN and CT or MRI alone may not be sufficient to provide an accurate diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration provides a method to obtain cyst fluid for analysis and the recently developed EUS-based technology including contrast-enhanced ultrasound, cystoscopy and needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy allows endosonographers to gain additional useful information. The current data suggest that EUS evaluation of pancreatic cysts offers some benefits especially in cases of inconclusive CT or MRI.

Diagnosis of Pseudomyxoma peritonei via endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration: a case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare condition caused by mucinous adenocarcinoma cancerous cells that produce abundance of mucin or gelatinous ascites. This cancer can cause tissue fibrosis and can impair normal organ function. Diagnosis can involve multiple imaging modalities including CT scan. There have been few cases of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) being used as a means for diagnosis of this condition. Here we report a second case of PMP with a previous history of appendectomy diagnosed with EUS guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy.

CASE STUDY

A 66-year-old male with a history of an appendectomy presented with intermittent abdominal pain for two years and weight loss of 40 pounds over two months. EGD and colonoscopy performed at an outside hospital was unremarkable. CT abdomen revealed perigastric ascities and lesions of the liver. ESR was elevated at 75. At our facility, EUS was performed revealing a peri-gastric and omental mass measuring 36.6 mm × 25.5 mm. FNA performed of both mass and ascetic fluid revealed low grade mucinous adenocarcinoma with mucinous deposits in the peritoneum consistent with PMP.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic ultrasound guided FNA, although very rarely used, can be a reliable and safe technique in diagnosis of PMP.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided tumor ablation

Real-time guidance of needle advancement has transformed endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) from a diagnostic to an interventional procedure. EUS-guided fine-needle puncture has application in various interventional procedures (drainage of pseudocyst, biliary intervention, and injection of drugs). Celiac plexus or ganglion neurolysis for pain control is the major current EUS-guided fine-needle injection procedure. Feasibility and safety to accurately position needle devices and/or inject under real-time EUS imaging with precise delivery of interventional agent have expanded the use of EUS to ablate tumors. These include radiofrequency ablation, or delivery of fiducial markers, potential antitumor agents, or radioactive seeds, in the cancer mass. Minimally invasive EUS-guided antitumor therapy is primarily used for pancreatic cancer because of better anatomic access (vs other imaging modality) and the dismal prognosis (despite improvements in surgery and chemoradiation). Also, the response to parenteral chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer is poor because of suboptimal drug delivery resulting from hypovascularity and abundant desmoplasia. Other targets for EUS-guided tumor ablation are pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and pancreatic cyst lesion, which are less aggressive and curable by resection. However, patients non-eligible for surgery may benefit from local EUS-guided ablation.

Preoperative characteristics and cytological features of 136 histologically confirmed pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms

BACKGROUND

Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) of the pancreas present a management conundrum. The majority are benign but all are resected due to their malignant potential. Recent studies have recommended nonsurgical management. In the current study, the authors analyzed the preoperative imaging, cytology, and cyst fluid characteristics of 136 histologically confirmed MCNs to assess predictors of a high-risk (HR) cyst for surgical triage.

METHODS

MCNs resected at the Massachusetts General Hospital between 1990 and 2014 formed the study cohort. Patient demographics, cyst size, and mural nodules (MNs) by endoscopic ultrasound, cytology, and cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen and amylase levels were correlated with histological grade. A HR cyst was defined as high-grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma on histology. Performance characteristics were assessed for each parameter, with a cyst size ≥3 cm or a MN on imaging and malignant cytology considered to be "true-positive" results for predicting malignancy.

RESULTS

Only 15 of the 136 cysts had HR histology (11%). On average, patients with HR cysts were older than those with low-risk cysts (55 years vs 49 years, respectively). High-grade cytology was the most accurate predictor of malignancy (95%) followed by MN and cyst size together (88%) and MN alone (83%). The average carcinoembryonic antigen level (in ng/mL) increased with the grade of dysplasia but the ranges overlapped between low risk and HR cysts.

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors' knowledge, the current study is the largest series to date analyzing the cytological features of histologically confirmed MCN. Cytology is insensitive but very specific for detecting a HR MCN and outperformed imaging for the detection of HR MCN. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and cytology should be performed on any clinically suspected MCN that is being considered for conservative management. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:169-177. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Thymic carcinoma diagnosed by using endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration

There is a paucity of literature on the use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for evaluating superior mediastinal structures, especially the thymus gland. We report a case of thymic carcinoma diagnosed by using EUS elastography with strain ratio and fine-needle aspiration (FNA). A 64-year-old woman presented with altered mental status and was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis. Further work-up suggested a superior mediastinal mass, for which she underwent EUS. A hypoechoic mass was found in the superior mediastinum at the level of the aortic arch. Real-time EUS elastography showed a predominantly blue hue to the mass concerning for malignancy. FNA of the mass was performed, which revealed numerous large neoplastic cells under a background of a small lymphoid infiltrate. Immunohistochemistry was strongly positive for PAX8, pancytokeratin, and CAM5.2. The pathologic and immunohistochemical stains were consistent with thymic carcinoma.

Characteristic endoscopic ultrasound findings of ampullary lesions that predict the need for surgical excision or endoscopic ampullectomy

Background and Objectives:

The management of ampullary lesions has evolved to include endoscopic ampullectomy (EA) as a curative approach to cancers of the ampulla of Vater. With this change comes a need to risk-stratify patients at initial diagnosis.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with verified ampullary lesions (N = 50) were analyzed in a case-control design. We evaluated endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) data to define characteristics that yield a high sensitivity in selecting candidates for EA.

Results:

Using data from previously published studies yielded a sensitivity of 0.765 in appropriately identifying the 34 surgical cases. Expanding these characteristics increased the sensitivity of EUS to 0.971 in identifying surgical candidates. Additionally, of advanced disease cases, the expanded characteristics correctly identified these cases with a sensitivity of 1.0-improved over 0.708 using prior published data.

Conclusion:

EA should be strongly considered if ampullary lesions are found to fit the following characteristics after EUS evaluation: lesion size <2.5 cm, invasion ≤4 mm, pancreatic duct dilatation ≤3 mm, ≤T1 lesion, no lymph nodes present, and no ductal stent in place. Furthermore, EUS data can be used to identify all high-risk lesions. With these characteristics identified, clinicians are better able to risk-stratify patients using EUS as either appropriate for or too high-risk for endoscopic resection.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided ablation of branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms: Feasibility and safety tests using porcine gallbladders

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ethanol ablation are accepted methods of tissue destruction for treating cystic tumors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided ablation using normal porcine gallbladders as a substitute model for branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMN).

METHODS

Six adult mini pigs were included in this prospective study. EUS-guided RFA with or without ethanol ablation of the gallbladder was carried out using a prototype 18-gauge endoscopic RFA electrode, and RFA and ethanol ablation were done in a single session. Outcomes were assessed in terms of macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of the treated gallbladders.

RESULTS

The prototype RFA electrode was used for ablation of the mucosa, aspiration of the internal contents of the gallbladder, and ethanol injection. RFA plus ethanol lavage resulted in a greater mean percentage of denuded gallbladder mucosa (97.5%) than RFA alone (55.8%). Effects of ablation extending to the cystic duct and partially denuded cystic duct mucosae were detected in five of the six pigs. There were no major procedure-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-guided ablation of the gallbladder mucosa was feasible and effective in the porcine model. Additional studies will be required to fully assess the risk of procedure-related damage to the main pancreatic duct before using this technique in a clinical setting.

Prospective validation of microRNA signatures for detecting pancreatic malignant transformation in endoscopic-ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease. Novel biomarkers are required to aid treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are potentially ideal diagnostic biomarkers, as they are stable molecules, and tumour and tissue specific.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis revealed an endoscopic-ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) 2-miRNA classifier (miR-21 + miR-155) capable of distinguishing benign from malignant pancreatic lesions with a sensitivity of 81.5% and a specificity of 85.7% (AUC 0.930). Validation FNA cohorts confirmed both miRNAs were overexpressed in malignant disease, while circulating miRNAs performed poorly.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients with a suspicious pancreatic lesion on cross-sectional imaging were evaluated by EUS-FNA. At echo-endoscopy, the first part of the FNA was sent for cytological assessment and the second part was used for total RNA extraction. Candidate miRNAs were selected after careful review of the literature and expression was quantified by qRT-PCR. Validation was performed on an independent cohort of EUS-FNAs, as well as formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) and plasma samples.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide further evidence for using miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for pancreatic malignancy. We demonstrate the feasibility of using fresh EUS-FNAs to establish miRNA-based signatures unique to pancreatic malignant transformation and the potential to enhance risk stratification and selection for surgery.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Pancreatic Lesions: A Systematic Review of Technical and Procedural Variables

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition has emerged over the last decade as an invaluable diagnostic tool in approaching the different pancreatic lesions. Given the safety and minimal invasiveness of this approach combined with the high diagnostic yield, it became the standard of care when dealing with different pancreatic pathologies. However, some variables regarding this procedure remain not fully understood. These can influence the diagnostic yield of the procedure and include the presence of the on-site cytopathologist, the type and size of the needle used as well as obtaining aspiration versus core biopsy, the number of passes and the sampling technique, and the role of suction and stylet use among others. We performed a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase for studies that assessed these variables. Eligible studies were analyzed using several parameters such as technique and procedure, with the aim of reviewing results from an evidence-based standpoint.

Prominent gastroduodenal artery: Endosonographic sign of celiac artery stenosis

Celiac artery (CA) stenosis is a relatively common finding in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). In the presence of CA stenosis, arterial blood supply to the celiac territory is usually sustained from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) through well-developed collaterals. In this paper, the authors report endosonographically identified prominent gastroduodenal artery as the sign of CA stenosis for the first time. Uncovering previously unidentified vascular abnormality, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has improved patient management. The patient had uneventful collateral preserving PD.

Diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma of the colon by endoscopic ultrasound: Biopsy is not needed!

Cystic lymphangioma of the colon (CLC) is a rare benign lesion that is usually asymptomatic and found incidentally during colonoscopy. Limitations in the conventional noninvasive diagnostic techniques have led to surgical resection of these lesions for diagnostic confirmation. Classic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) findings of colonic cystic lymphangioma are submucosal anechoic cystic spaces with septations, intact muscularis propria, and no solid component. Patients who are asymptomatic with lesions having classic appearance as cystic lymphangioma with EUS can be observed without any intervention. We herein report a case of cystic lymphangioma of distal transverse colon in an asymptomatic patient diagnosed noninvasively using 20-MHz miniprobe EUS and managed conservatively without any surgical intervention.

Solid tumor metastases to the pancreas diagnosed by FNA: A single-institution experience and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is useful for diagnosing pancreatic masses. This article describes the experience of a single institution with metastases to the pancreas sampled by FNA and provides a review of the literature.

METHODS

Medical records were retrospectively searched for pancreatic FNA that showed metastatic disease. Data were gathered for the tumor size, focality, and time period between the primary tumor and the metastasis. A literature search using PubMed was performed.

RESULTS

Pancreatic FNA was performed 2327 times in 14 years at the authors' institution. Twenty-two cases showed metastatic disease. The average size of the metastatic lesions in their greatest dimension was 3.7 cm (range, 1.5-6.5 cm). The majority of the tumors were unifocal (16 of 22 or 73%). A rapid onsite adequacy evaluation was performed for 13 patients (4 were diagnostic of metastasis, 3 were positive for malignant cells, 6 were atypical, and none were negative). There were 14 renal cell carcinomas, 2 colonic adenocarcinomas, 1 urothelial carcinoma, 1 non-small cell lung carcinoma, 1 ovarian serous carcinoma, 1 prostatic adenocarcinoma, 1 papillary thyroid carcinoma, and 1 mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. The median time between the diagnosis of the primary tumor and the initial pancreatic metastasis was 9 years (range, concurrent diagnosis to 21 years). A literature review yielded 12 case series with a variety of metastases to the pancreas diagnosed by FNA and surgical pathology specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

In agreement with prior series, the most common metastasis to the pancreas was renal cell carcinoma. A variety of other primary malignancies were also documented in this study and in the literature. Also, this article reports the first case of metastatic mesenchymal chondrosarcoma to the pancreas diagnosed by FNA.

Endoscopic approach to subepithelial lesions

Endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) play a critical role in the detection and management of subepithelial lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common subepithelial lesions detected by endoscopists are gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), leiomyomas, lipomas, granular cell tumors (GCTs), pancreatic rests and carcinoid tumors. These lesions can be classified based on unique histochemical staining and the gastrointestinal layer of origin. While the majority of the lesions are considered benign, some tumors such as GISTs and carcinoids have a strong propensity for malignant transformation. Therefore, appropriate endoscopic versus surgical management based on size and location is crucial in the prevention of malignant transformation and metastasis. In this review, we provide a systematic approach to the diagnosis, management and treatment of commonly encountered subepithelial lesions.

Endoscopic ultrasound description of liver segmentation and anatomy

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can demonstrate the detailed anatomy of the liver from the transgastric and transduodenal routes. Most of the liver segments can be imaged with EUS, except the right posterior segments. The intrahepatic vascular landmarks include the major hepatic veins, portal vein radicals, hepatic arterial branches, and the inferior vena cava, and the venosum and teres ligaments are other important intrahepatic landmarks. The liver hilum and gallbladder serve as useful surface landmarks. Deciphering liver segmentation and anatomy by EUS requires orienting the scan planes with these landmarkstructures, and is different from the static cross-sectional radiological images. Orientation during EUS requires appreciation of the numerous scan planes possible in real-time, and the direction of scanning from the stomach and duodenal bulb. We describe EUS imaging of the liver with a curved linear probe in a step-by-step approach, with the relevant anatomical details, potential applications, and pitfalls of this novel EUS application.

Role of endoscopic ultrasonography in pancreatic cystic neoplasms: where do we stand and where will we go?

We increasingly encounter pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) in clinical practice and the differential diagnoses vary widely from benign to malignant. There is no 'one and only' diagnostic procedure for PCN. Multiple modalities including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are widely used, but EUS has the advantage of anatomical proximity to the pancreas and upper gastrointestinal tract. In addition, EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) provides both cytological evaluation and cyst fluid analysis. Although the role of EUS-FNA for PCN is established, the sensitivity of cytology is low and cyst fluid analysis is only useful for differentiation between mucinous and non-mucinous cysts. Recently, novel through-the-needle imaging under EUS-FNA, such as confocal laserendomicroscopy, is expected to attribute to a better diagnostic yield. Moreover, feasibility of cyst ablation has been reported and the role of EUS has expanded from diagnosis to treatment. However, clinical impact of cyst ablation in terms of safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness should be validated further. In summary, EUS and EUS-guided intervention does and will play a central role in the management of PCN from surveillance to treatment, but many clinical questions remain unanswered, which warrants well-designed prospective clinical trials.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an indispensable tool for tissue acquisition in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. While fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has been routinely carried out for establishing tissue diagnosis, the emerging concept of tailoring chemotherapeutic agents based on molecular markers has increased the demand for core tissue procurement by means of EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB). In addition, FNB may offset the limitations of FNA wherein the diagnostic sensitivity is incumbent on the availability of an onsite cytopathologist. Given the increasing number of procedures being done, developing a unit-specific algorithmic approach for needle selection is important to improve the procedural efficiency and utilization of resources. Finally, the best outcomes can be attained only by practicing evidence-based techniques, procuring adequate quantity of sample for ancillary studies and processing the specimens appropriately.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) for Esophageal and Gastric Varices: How Can it Improve the Outcomes and Reduce Complications of Glue Injection

A large part of portal venous system and the paragastric and para-esophageal collateral circulation is within the reach of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The EUS is more sensitive than gastroscopy for the detection of gastric varices (GV), and can accurately distinguish GV from thickened gastric folds. Gastric varices are depicted by serpiginous, anechoic, Doppler-positive mural channels, with larger collateral channels visible outside the gastric wall. The EUS has also been used to monitor the completeness of GV obturation after glue injection. There are limited data that this strategy may be clinically beneficial to prevent GV re-bleed. The EUS has been used to deliver glue injections under real-time monitoring into the vascular channels, with or without steel coils as scaffolding for the glue. The potential advantages of this technique include a straight scope position, lack of hindrance from pooled blood in gastric fundus, smaller glue volume requirements, and precise intra-vascular placement of glue with avoidance of intramural injections, and reduced embolic complications.

Successful transgastric pancreaticography and endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of a disconnected pancreatic tail syndrome

OBJECTIVES

We aim to demonstrate that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transgastric pancreaticography/drainage of the pancreatic duct is feasible and successful in healing a persisting pancreaticocutaneous fistula.

METHODS

By means of a case report, we describe the following alternative therapeutic procedure. A 76-year-old male had: (1) 10 surgical interventions because of necrotizing acute pancreatitis with a persisting pancreaticocutaneous fistula (volume 200-300 ml/day); (2) an unsuccessful attempt of transpapillary drainage (disrupted duct after necrosectomy). He then underwent a EUS-guided transluminal pancreaticography/drainage of the pancreatic duct. A transgastric puncture was performed followed by, insertion of a guide wire into the dilated tail segment, and expansion of the gastropancreaticostomy using a 10-Fr retriever. A 10-Fr Amsterdam prosthesis was then placed through the guide wire.

RESULTS

The procedure was both a technical and clinical success as indicated by fistula occlusion and sufficient internal drainage of the pancreatic juice via the gastropancreaticostomy. No severe complications such as bleeding, perforation stent occlusion or migration were observed during the 15-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Transgastric pancreaticography and EUS-guided drainage of the enlarged pancreatic duct are elegant and feasible alternative options for the treatment of specific pancreatic lesions such as persisting pancreaticocutaneous fistula (complication after necrotizing pancreatitis), after pancreatic resective surgery, chronic pancreatitis and anomaly of the congenital pancreatic or postoperative gastrointestinal anatomy. Moreover, the procedure may represent a valid tool to avoid surgery and more invasive interventions.

Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus: Clinico- pathological Features and Therapeutic Options

Primary esophageal small cell carcinoma (SmCC) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis despite agressive multimodality combination treatment. This article presents the case of a 76-year old women diagnosed with pimary esophageal SmCC. The diagnosis was established by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies that confirmed an esophageal SmCC positive to synaptophysin, chromogranin, CD56, TTF-1, and cytokeratin 8/18. Further staging procedures included CT, PET and EUS, followed by combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Restaging was then performed, again with PET and CT of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis. This was then followed by salvage esophagectomy due to the presence of residual tumor. Surgical pathology confirmed a 3 cm SmCC, with invasion of the submucosa and lymphovascular invasion. In conclusion, the article describes the rare occurrence of esophageal SmCC, together with the algorithm of diagnosis and staging based on state-of-the-art imaging methods. This was followed by combination chemoradiotherapy and surgical esophagectomy as the standard of care in this aggressive disease.