Brush cytology during ERCP for the diagnosis of biliary and pancreatic malignancies

Combining brushing cytology with simultaneous vacuum aspiration in suspicious biliopancreatic malignancies: A multicenter propensity score-matched study (with video)

BACKGROUND

Brush cytology during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a standard approach in diagnosing biliopancreatic strictures, with yet unsatisfying sensitivity.

AIMS

We brought additional simultaneous vacuum aspiration to brushing process and re-evaluate the diagnostic performance.

METHODS

This multi-centered retrospective study was conducted in three tertiary centers. Consecutive patients with biliopancreatic strictures were identified. The patients were divided into two arms: the conventional arm (CA) receiving general brushing approach, and the modified arm (MA) being treated with additional vacuum aspiration when performing bushing. The 1:1 propensity-score matching was implemented to tackle the selective biases.

RESULTS

A total of 555 patients were identified and 200 patient pairs (193 males, 207 females, with a mean age of 68.1 ± 13.1 years.) fell into the ultimate evaluation. A final diagnosis of malignant stricture was established in 243 patients. The diagnostic yield of the MA group was substantially better than that of the CA group, whether "suspicious malignancies" were considered malignancies or not. The rates of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 46.2%, 100%, 68.0% in the MA group, and 15.3%, 98.7%, and 47.0% in the CA group respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Brushing accompanied by simultaneous vacuum aspiration at ERCP improves the diagnostic yield in suspicious biliopancreatic malignancies.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography utilisation and outcomes in the first advanced endoscopy centre in Palestine at Al-Ahli Hospital: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utilisation and outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures, success rates, incidence and risk factors for procedural-related complications in a single centre-based study.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

First advanced tertiary endoscopy centre in Palestine.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1909 procedures on 1303 patients were included in the analysis: females were 57.9% of the cases (n=755), 1225 patients (94%) were from West Bank and Jerusalem and 78 (6%) were from Gaza Strip. All patients who underwent ERCP throughout the period from December 2017 to September 2022 were selected to participate in the study.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes of interest in our analysis were success rates, procedural outcomes and post- procedural complications including pancreatitis, bleeding and others. Two multivariate logistic regression models were performed to calculate the risk of post-ERCP complications and post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) in patients with certain risk factors like demographic factors, procedural techniques' variation, pancreatic duct manipulations and others. We also discussed the management of the failed procedures.

RESULTS

The overall complication rate was 5%, including PEP (n=43, 2.3%), infection/cholangitis (n=20, 1%), bleeding (n=9, 0.5%) and perforation (n=7, 0.4%). The mortality rate was 0.6% (n=11). Risk factors for adverse events included pancreatic duct cannulation and PEP (p<0.001, OR=3.64). Additionally, younger patients (≤45) were found to carry a higher risk for PEP when compared with older patients (≥65) (p=0.023, OR=2.84). In comparison with sphincterotomy, the double-wire technique was associated with a higher risk of complications (p=0.033, OR=2.29).

CONCLUSIONS

We summarised the utilisation and outcomes of ERCP among the Palestinian population in the first advanced centre in Palestine. Cannulation success rates are similar to the established standards and are acceptable compared with other centres worldwide. Perioperative complication rates of ERCP remain infrequent, and death is quite unusual and thus considered a safe procedure.

Pathological and molecular diagnoses of early cancer with bile and pancreatic juice

The dismal prognosis of pancreaticobiliary malignancies is mainly attributed to the extremely difficult detection of early-stage lesions, including intraepithelial neoplasia. To improve prognosis, several studies on the early detection of cancer have been conducted using bile and pancreatic juices for pathological or molecular analyses. One approach is liquid biopsy that includes information about the tumor, such as circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, microRNAs, and exosomes released by the tumor. Another approach is proteomics/metabolomics that reflects specific conditions in the tumor. These two approaches lead to artificial intelligence-based multiomics analyses that comprises genomics, proteomics/metabolomics, and transcriptomics. Based on the findings of molecular analysis, pathological analysis using immunohistochemical staining/fluorescence in situ hybridization has also been developed. Moreover, there have been reports of new methods/ingenuities for obtaining appropriate samples for the diagnosis of early-stage cancer. Here we review the knowledge on cutting-edge pathological and molecular analyses of bile and pancreatic juices, introduce some ingenuities in sampling and sample processing to promote effective clinical practice, and provide a basis for future studies.

Diagnostic Categories and Key Features for Pathological Diagnosis of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Samples of Pancreatic Lesions: A Consensus Study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to establish a reliable and reproducible categorized diagnostic classification system with identification of key features to achieve accurate pathological diagnosis of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) samples of pancreatic lesions.

METHODS

Twelve pathologists examined virtual whole-slide images of EUS-FNAB samples obtained from 80 patients according to proposed diagnostic categories and key features for diagnosis. Fleiss κ was used to assess the concordance.

RESULTS

A hierarchical diagnostic system consisting of the following 6 diagnostic categories was proposed: inadequate, nonneoplasm, indeterminate, ductal carcinoma, nonductal neoplasm, and unclassified neoplasm. Adopting these categories, the average κ value of participants was 0.677 (substantial agreement). Among these categories, ductal carcinoma and nonductal neoplasm showed high κ values of 0.866 and 0.837, respectively, which indicated the almost perfect agreement. Key features identified for diagnosing ductal carcinoma were necrosis in low-power appearance; structural atypia/abnormalities recognized by irregular glandular contours, including cribriform and nonuniform shapes; cellular atypia, including enlarged nuclei, irregular nuclear contours, and foamy gland changes; and haphazard glandular arrangement and stromal desmoplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed hierarchical diagnostic classification system was proved to be useful for achieving reliable and reproducible diagnosis of EUS-FNAB specimens of pancreatic lesions based on evaluated histological features.

Efficacy of narrow-band imaging during peroral cholangioscopy for predicting malignancy of indeterminate biliary strictures (with videos)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Direct peroral cholangioscopy (POC) can be useful when combined with narrow-band imaging (NBI) to explore the etiologies of indeterminate biliary strictures. We evaluated the efficacy of NBI compared with that of conventional white-light imaging (WLI) during POC diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with indeterminate biliary strictures were enrolled from 2016 to 2019. The primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy, and secondary outcomes were technical success, adverse events, and visualization quality when predicting malignancy.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients underwent direct POC under NBI during targeted biopsy sampling. The strictures were successfully explored and adequate biopsy samples obtained in 67 of 71 patients (94.4%). In terms of visual impression, WLI and NBI afforded 75.0% and 87.5% sensitivity, 82.9 and 91.4% specificity, and 82.8 and 91.3% accuracy, respectively. The areas under the WLI and NBI receiver-operating characteristic curves were .80 and .96 (P = .01). Under NBI, the visualization quality of surface structures, microvessels, and lesional margins was higher than that under conventional WLI (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Direct POC under NBI effectively and accurately predicts malignancies of indeterminate biliary strictures. NBI effectively illuminated surface structures, microvessels, and lesional margins.

Type IV Mirizzi Syndrome: Brief Report and Review of Management Options

Mirizzi syndrome is a rare complication of chronic calculous cholecystitis. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging due to the absence of pathognomonic signs and symptoms and low sensitivity rates of imaging tests. Historically, laparotomy has been the preferred choice of surgical management. Endoscopic and laparoscopic approaches have been increasingly described as diagnostic and therapeutic options for Mirizzi type I and II, but data is limited regarding the management of more complex cases. We describe a staged endoscopic and laparoscopic approach for the management of type IV Mirizzi syndrome and review the management options.

Diagnostic value of neuronal pentraxin II methylation in patients with pancreatic cancer: Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a devasting disease of which mortality almost parallels its incidence. PC tissue may express aberrantly methylated neuronal pentraxin II (NPTX2), but it is unclear what the consequences of this are.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), from inception to July 15, 2020, to identify if the detection of methylated NPTX2 have sufficient sensitivity and specificity to identify PC from other benign pancreatic diseases.

RESULTS

Majority of the studies obtained samples from pancreatic juice by endoscopy or surgery and composed of population with chronic pancreatitis, benign cystic lesion, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, and healthy controls. Our results demonstrated that the diagnostic value of methylated NPTX2 is of widely various sensitivity and specificity and it shown higher specificity in differentiate PC from benign diseases. The lab method of quantitative real-time methylation-specific PCR (QMSP) has higher specificity than real-time methylation-specific PCR (MSP) in detecting the indicator.

CONCLUSIONS

NPTX2 methylation could serve as a promising molecular biomarker for pancreatic cancer diagnosis, for its high diagnostic value in differentiating pancreatic cancer from benign pancreatic disease with the lab method. The variable sensitivity of methylated NPTX2 was multifactorial, and it must be promoted before applied as screening test in clinical practice. Furthermore, experiments on methylated NPTX2 were needed to expanded for lower the heterogeneity.

Optimal tissue sampling during ERCP and emerging molecular techniques for the differentiation of benign and malignant biliary strictures

Patients with cholangiocarcinoma have poor survival since the majority of patients are diagnosed at a stage precluding surgical resection, due to locally irresectable tumors and/or metastases. Optimization of diagnostic strategies, with a principal role for tissue diagnosis, is essential to detect cancers at an earlier stage amenable to curative treatment. Current barriers for a tissue diagnosis include both insufficient tissue sampling and a difficult cyto- or histopathological assessment. During endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, optimal brush sampling includes obtaining more than one brush within an individual patient to increase its diagnostic value. Currently, no significant increase of the diagnostic accuracy for the new cytology brush devices aiming to enhance the cellularity of brushings versus standard biliary brush devices has been demonstrated. Peroral cholangioscopy with bile duct biopsies appears to be a valuable tool in the diagnostic work-up of indeterminate biliary strictures, and may overcome current technical difficulties of fluoroscopic-guided biopsies. Over the past years, molecular techniques to detect chromosomal instability, mutations and methylation profiling of tumors have revolutionized, and implementation of these techniques on biliary tissue during diagnostic work-up of biliary strictures may be awaited in the near future. Fluorescence in situ hybridization has already been implemented in routine diagnostic evaluation of biliary strictures in several centers. Next-generation sequencing is promising for standard diagnostic care in biliary strictures, and recent studies have shown adequate detection of prevalent genomic alterations in KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4, PIK3CA, and GNAS on biliary brush material. Detection of DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes and microRNAs may evolve over the coming years to a valuable diagnostic tool for cholangiocarcinoma. This review summarizes optimal strategies for biliary tissue sampling during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and focuses on the evolving molecular techniques on biliary tissue to improve the differentiation of benign and malignant biliary strictures.

Role of Endoscopic Ultrasonography and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer has the poorest prognosis among all cancers, and early diagnosis is essential for improving the prognosis. Along with radiologic modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopic modalities play an important role in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. This review evaluates the roles of two of those modalities, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. EUS can detect pancreatic cancer with higher sensitivity and has excellent sensitivity for the diagnosis of small pancreatic cancer that cannot be detected by other imaging modalities. EUS may be useful for the surveillance of pancreatic cancer in high-risk individuals. Contrast-enhanced EUS and EUS elastography are also useful for differentiating solid pancreatic tumors. In addition, EUS-guided fine needle aspiration shows excellent sensitivity and specificity, even for small pancreatic cancer, and is an essential examination method for the definitive pathological diagnosis and treatment decision strategy. On the other hand, ERCP is invasive and performed less frequently for the purpose of diagnosing pancreatic cancer. However, ERCP is essential in cases that require evaluation of pancreatic duct stricture that may be early pancreatic cancer or those that require differentiation from focal autoimmune pancreatitis.

Usefulness of peroral cholangioscopy in the differential diagnosis of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

In the diagnosis of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC), differentiation from extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) is extremely important but is still a clinical challenge. This study aimed to elucidate the usefulness of peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) for the differential diagnosis between IgG4-SC and ECC.

METHODS

POCS findings for bile duct stricture were retrospectively evaluated in 17 patients with IgG4-SC diagnosed at the Hiroshima University Hospital and 53 patients with surgically resected infiltrating ECC. Mucosal surface, dilated vessels (tortuosity, caliber alteration, and disruption), and easily bleeding were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The stricture sites of IgG4-SC evaluated by POCS were 10 extrapancreatic bile ducts and 9 intrapancreatic bile ducts. In patients with IgG4-SC, smooth mucosal surface was observed in 89% (17/19), dilated vessels in 58% (11/19) [tortuosity 82% (9/11), caliber alteration 18% (2/11), and disruption 9% (1/11)], and easily bleeding in 0%. Irregular mucosal surface and easily bleeding were observed significantly more frequently in ECC (both P <  0.001). The frequency of caliber alteration and disruption of dilated vessels was significantly less in IgG4-SC (P <  0.001 and 0.005, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of POCS in the diagnosis of ECC were 96 and 89%, respectively. Dilated vessels in IgG4-SC were observed significantly more frequently in the extrapancreatic bile duct, especially the hilar bile duct (P = 0.006). Concerning image evaluation, the interobserver agreement was κ = 0.719, and the intraobserver agreement was κ = 0.768 and 0.754.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristic POCS findings of the stricture sites in IgG4-SC were smooth mucosal surface, dilated vessels without caliber alteration and disruption, and lack of easily bleeding. These POCS findings are extremely useful for distinguishing between IgG4-SC and ECC.

Diagnostic Ability of Endoscopic Bile Cytology Using a Newly Designed Biliary Scraper for Biliary Strictures

BACKGROUND

A new device with metallic wires for scrape cytology was developed.

AIMS

To compare the diagnostic performance of scrape cytology and conventional cytology during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for biliary strictures.

METHODS

A total of 420 cases with biliary stricture underwent transpapillary bile cytology. Among them, there are 79 cases with scrape cytology using the new device (scrape group) and 341 cases with conventional cytology (control group). Seventy-two and 174 cases underwent biliary biopsy at the same time as bile cytology in the scrape and control group, respectively.

RESULTS

The sensitivity for malignancy of bile cytology in the scrape and control group was 41.2% [pancreatic cancer (PC): 23.1%, biliary cancer (BC): 52.5%] and 27.1% (PC: 16.3%, BC: 38.0%), respectively (P = 0.023). When analyzed PC and BC, respectively, there was no significant difference between the two groups. In the both groups, the sensitivity was significantly higher for BC than PC. In the scrape group, there was no difference in the sensitivity between cytology and biopsy [39.7% (PC: 17.4%, BC: 55.3%)], but in the control group, a significantly lower sensitivity was observed with cytology than biopsy (36.4% (PC: 19.7%, BC: 50.0%)) (P = 0.046). When analyzed PC and BC, respectively, there was no significant difference between cytology and biopsy. The sensitivity of combined cytology and biopsy was 55.6% (PC: 30.4%, BC: 71.1%) in the scrape group and 47.0% (PC: 24.6%, BC: 64.3%) in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Scrape bile cytology for biliary strictures may be superior to conventional cytology.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

A Microfluidic Chip for Detecting Cholangiocarcinoma Cells in Human Bile

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a biliary tract malignancy, accounts for 20% of all liver cancers. There are several existing methods for diagnosis of CCA, though they are generally expensive, laborious, and suffer from low detection rates. Herein we first developed a means of partially purifying human bile for consequent injection into a microfluidic chip. Then, the novel microfluidic system, which featured 1) a cell capture module, 2) an immunofluorescence (IF) staining module featuring two CCA-specific biomarkers, and 3) an optical detection module for visualization of antibody probes bound to these CCA marker proteins, was used to detect bile duct cancer cells within partially purified bile samples. As a proof of concept, CCA cells were successfully captured and identified from CCA cell cultures, blood samples inoculated with CCA cells, and clinical bile specimens. In 7.5 ml of bile, this system could detect >2, 0, and 1 positive cells in advanced stage patients, healthy patients, and chemotherapy-treated patients, respectively. In conclusion, our microfluidic system could be a promising tool for detection of cancer cells in bile, even at the earliest stages of CCA when cancer cells are at low densities relative to the total population of epithelial cells.

Aberrant DNA Methylation as a Biomarker and a Therapeutic Target of Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is an epithelial malignancy arising in the region between the intrahepatic bile ducts and the ampulla of Vater at the distal end of the common bile duct. The effect of current chemotherapy regimens against cholangiocarcinoma is limited, and the prognosis of patients with cholangiocarcinoma is poor. Aberrant DNA methylation and histone modification induce silencing of tumor suppressor genes and chromosomal instability during carcinogenesis. Studies have shown that the tumor suppressor genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) including MLH1, p14, p16, death-associated protein kinase (DAPK), miR-370 and miR-376c are frequently methylated in cholangiocarcinoma. Silencing of these tumor suppressor genes and miRNAs plays critical roles in the initiation and progression of cholangiocarcinoma. In addition, recent studies have demonstrated that DNA methylation inhibitors induce expression of endogenous retroviruses and exert the anti-tumor effect of via an anti-viral immune response. Aberrant DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes and miRNAs could be a powerful biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. Epigenetic therapy with DNA methylation inhibitors holds considerable promise for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma through the reactivation of tumor suppressor genes and miRNAs as well as the induction of an anti-viral immune response.

Diagnostic performance of a new endoscopic scraper for malignant biliary strictures: a multicenter prospective study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The efficacy of ERCP for histologic diagnosis of malignant biliary strictures is disappointingly low. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of a newly developed endoscopic device with scraping loops in combination with conventional biopsy forceps.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter single-arm prospective study. Between February 2013 and December 2014, 123 patients with suspected malignant biliary strictures were enrolled in the study. The new device and conventional biopsy forceps were applied for histologic diagnosis by ERCP. The primary outcome was to evaluate cancer detectability by biopsy forceps, the new device, and their combined use.

RESULTS

Of the 123 patients, 119 were diagnosed with a malignant stricture. Sufficient samples were collected in 83.7% (103/123), 93.5% (115/123), and 95.9% (118/123) of patients using biopsy forceps, the new device, and their combination, respectively. Cancer detectability of forceps biopsy, the new device, and their combination were 51.3% (61/119), 64.7% (77/119), and 74.8% (89/119), respectively. The new device had a significantly higher sample yield and cancer detectability than biopsy forceps (P < .01 and P = .018, respectively, McNemar test). Complementary use of the new device with biopsy forceps demonstrated a significantly additive effect in both sample yield and cancer detection (P < .01 each, McNemar test). The new device detected 48.3% (28/58) of cancers that were not diagnosed as malignant by biopsy forceps.

CONCLUSIONS

The new endoscopic scraper demonstrated a large sample yield and high cancer detectability. It could be a first-line tissue-sampling device for biliary strictures. (University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry [UMIN-CTR] (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm) registration number: UMIN000009895.).

Diagnosis of Malignant Biliary Strictures: Conventional or Negative Pressure Brush Cytology?

Background/Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a comparative evaluation of the yields of conventional brush cytology and brush cytology with negative pressure in the diagnosis of malignant biliary strictures. Methods: A total of 132 consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic were identified. Of these, 88.0 had brush cytology after ERCP and 44 were Brush cytology with negative pressure. Retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) including brush cytology and brush cytology with negative pressure in patients with biliary strictures between 2012-2015. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was performed with a standard videoduodenoscope Olympus TFJ 160-R (Olympus, Hamburg, Germany) and brush cytology with a Cook medical Double Lumen Biliary BrushTM (Cytology). Means and standard frequencies were used to calculate variables. Results: Positive results for malignancy were obtained in 22 of 88 patients (25%) by brush cytology and 31 of 44 patients (70.4 %) by brush cytology with negative pressure. Conclusions: Sensitivity of cytology sampling could be maximized by negative pressure during ERCP.

Efficacy of repeated cytology of pancreatic juice obtained by endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage tube for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: a case series including a case of carcinoma in situ

Repeated cytology of pancreatic juice obtained by endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage (ENPD) tube has been highlighted as an early diagnostic method for small pancreatic cancer, including carcinoma in situ. We report two cases of early-stage pancreatic cancer diagnosed using repeated cytology; both cases underwent curative resection. No significant masses were found on conventional imaging in either case, with only pancreatic duct strictures being observed. ENPD tubes were placed to collect pancreatic juice in both cases. In case 1, two of five pancreatic juice samples showed adenocarcinoma. Therefore, distal pancreatectomy was performed, and a PanIN3 grade neoplasm (carcinoma in situ) was identified at the branch duct near the distal stricture. In case 2, two of seven pancreatic juice samples (collected during the second tube placement) showed adenocarcinoma. Therefore, distal pancreatectomy was performed, and a PanIN3 neoplasm was identified primarily in the pancreatic duct at a narrow section with fibrosis. Partial microinvasion (<1 mm) was observed at the branch duct. Repeated cytology of pancreatic juice obtained by ENPD tube is effective for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, especially in cases without mass formation. However, some issues, including the appropriate number of samples, should be addressed in large prospective studies.

Endoscopic management of hilar biliary strictures

Hilar biliary strictures are caused by various benign and malignant conditions. It is difficult to differentiate benign and malignant strictures. Postcholecystectomy benign biliary strictures are frequently encountered. Endoscopic management of these strictures is challenging. An endoscopic method has been advocated that involves placement of increasing number of stents at regular intervals to resolve the stricture. Malignant hilar strictures are mostly unresectable at the time of diagnosis and only palliation is possible.Endoscopic palliation is preferred over surgery or radiological intervention. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography is quite important in the management of these strictures. Metal stents are superior to plastic stents. The opinion is divided over the issue of unilateral or bilateral stenting.Minimal contrast or no contrast technique has been advocated during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography of these patients. The role of intraluminal brachytherapy, intraductal ablation devices, photodynamic therapy, and endoscopic ultrasound still remains to be defined.

Techniques for cytologic sampling of pancreatic and bile duct lesions: The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology Guidelines

The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology has developed a set of guidelines for pancreatobiliary cytology, including indications for endoscopic ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy, techniques of the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, terminology and nomenclature of pancreatobiliary disease, ancillary testing, and postbiopsy management. All documents are based on the expertise of the authors, a review of literature, discussions of the draft document at several national and international meetings over an 18 month period and synthesis of online comments of the draft document on the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology website [www.papsociety.org]. This document presents the results of these discussions regarding the use of sampling techniques in the cytological diagnosis of biliary and pancreatic lesions. This document summarizes the current state of the art for techniques in acquiring cytology specimens from the biliary tree as well as solid and cystic lesions of the pancreas.

Guidelines for pancreaticobiliary cytology from the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology: A review

The newest installment on state-of-the-art standards of practice in cytopathology from the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology (PSC) focuses on the pancreaticobiliary system. Similar to the National Cancer Institute recommendations for aspiration cytology of the thyroid, the PSC guidelines for pancreaticobiliary cytology addresses indications, techniques, terminology and nomenclature, ancillary studies, and postprocedure management. Each committee was composed of a multidisciplinary group of experts in diagnosing, managing, and treating patients with pancreaticobiliary disease. Draft documents were posted on an interactive Web-based forum hosted by the PSC Web site (www.papsociety.org) and the topics of terminology, ancillary testing, and management were presented at national and international meetings over an 18-month period for discussion and feedback from practicing pathologists around the world. This review provides a synopsis of these guidelines.

Randomized controlled trial on timing and number of sampling for bile aspiration cytology

BACKGROUND

The issue on timing and number of bile sampling for exfoliative bile cytology is still unsettled.

METHODS

A total of 100 patients with cholangiocarcinoma undergoing resection after external biliary drainage were randomized into two groups: a 2-day group where bile was sampled five times per day for 2 days; and a 10-day group where bile was sampled once per day for 10 days (registered University Hospital Medical Information Network/ID 000005983). The outcome of 87 patients who underwent laparotomy was analyzed, 44 in the 2-day group and 43 in the 10-day group.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. Positivity after one sampling session was significantly lower in the 2-day group than in the 10-day group (17.0 ± 3.7% vs. 20.7 ± 3.5%, P = 0.034). However, cumulative positivity curves were similar and overlapped each other between both groups. The final cumulative positivity by the 10th sampling session was 52.3% in the 2-day group and 51.2% in the 10-day group. We observed a small increase in cumulative positivity after the 5th or 6th session in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Bile cytology positivity is unlikely to be affected by sample time.

Usefulness of brush cytology combined with pancreatic juice cytology in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: significance of pancreatic juice cytology after brushing

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic juice cytology (PJC) and brush cytology (BC) performed during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography could make a definite diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to improve the diagnostic value of cytology performed during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

The subjects comprised 127 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and 74 with benign pancreatic duct stricture mimicking PDAC. Final diagnosis was confirmed based on histopathology by resection or on more than 1 year of follow up. Pancreatic juice cytology was examined before and after BC. And the sensitivity of PJC combined with BC was examined.

RESULTS

No malignancy was detected by PJC or by BC in patients with benign pancreatic duct strictures (specificity, 100%). In those with PDAC, the sensitivity of PJC before and after brushing was 21.3% and 40.9%, respectively; that of BC was 48.8%. Of 65 patients with PDAC, in whom neither PJC before brushing nor BC indicated malignancy, 16 were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer using PJC after brushing. Brush cytology combined with PJC after brushing significantly raised the diagnostic sensitivity for PDAC to 61.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer based on BC combined with PJC after brushing was more reliable than PJC before brushing or BC.

Focal intrahepatic strictures: a review of diagnosis and management

INTRODUCTION

Focal intrahepatic strictures are becoming more common owing to more prevalent and accurate cross-sectional imaging. However, data relating to their management are lacking. The purpose of the present review was to synthesize the current evidence regarding these lesions and to formulate a strategy for diagnosis and management.

METHODS

A literature search of relevant terms was performed using Medline. References of papers were subsequently searched to obtain older literature.

RESULTS

Focal intrahepatic strictures involve segmental hepatic ducts and/or left and right main hepatic ducts during their intrahepatic course. Most patients are asymptomatic while the minority present with vague abdominal pain or recurrent sepsis and only rarely with jaundice. Investigations used to distinguish benign from malignant aetiologies include blood tests (CEA, Ca19.9), imaging studies [ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)], endoscopic modalities [endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)/endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)/cholangioscopy] and tissue sampling (brush cytology/biopsy).

CONCLUSIONS

A focal intrahepatic stricture requires thorough investigation to exclude malignancy even in patients with a history of biliary surgery, hepatolithiasis or parasitic infection. If during the investigative process a diagnosis or suspicion of malignancy is demonstrated then surgical resection should be performed. If all diagnostic modalities suggest a benign aetiology, then cholangioscopy with targeted biopsies should be performed.

Sampling at ERCP for cyto- and histopathologicical examination

Sampling at ERCP may be performed at the level of the papilla or of the biliopancreatic ducts. Samples collected at the level of the biliopancreatic ducts allow for diagnosing malignancy with a specificity close to 100% but present a moderate sensitivity in most studies. In this article, the different aspects of sampling at ERCP are discussed, and a special focus is placed on the means that are routinely available to the endoscopist for obtaining a high sensitivity for the diagnosis of malignancy.

Bile-based detection of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with quantitative DNA methylation markers and its high sensitivity

Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHC) is usually difficult to diagnose by bile cytology because of cellular disintegration. However, DNA samples from bile fluid can provide sufficient materials to screen for the presence of EHC. We developed DNA methylation marker panels that can be used for MethyLight assay-based detection of EHC in bile fluid specimens. The methylation status of 59 DNA methylation markers was investigated in 20 EHC and 20 non-neoplastic gallbladder tissue samples with MethyLight assay to determine cancer-specific DNA methylation markers. Through assaying cancer-specific DNA methylation markers in a training set (n = 40) and validation set (n = 45) of bile fluid specimens from patients with EHC or those without cancer, we selected suitable marker panels that were assessed for their performance in a third set (test set; n = 40). Four marker panels showed a sensitivity of 60% or more and a specificity of 100% in both the training and validation sets, whereas bile cytology displayed a sensitivity of 40% to 46% and a specificity of 100%. In an independent test set of bile fluid samples, a five-gene panel (CCND2, CDH13, GRIN2B, RUNX3, and TWIST1) detected EHC at a sensitivity of 83%, which was far higher than that of bile cytology (46%, P = 0.004). Using bile fluids, a methylation assay consisting of a five-gene panel may be useful for detecting EHC and in helping to increase the sensitivity of preoperative diagnoses.

Hepatobiliary complications of inflammatory bowel disease

Several hepatobiliary abnormalities have been described in association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), small duct PSC, chronic hepatitis, cryptogenic cirrhosis, cholangiocarcinoma, and cholelithiasis. PSC is the most common biliary condition in patients with IBD, with an incidence ranging from 2.5% to 7.5%. PSC usually progresses insidiously and eventually leads to cirrhosis independent of inflammatory bowel disease activity. There is a very high incidence of cholangiocarcinoma and an elevated risk for developing colon cancer in patients with PSC. Medical therapy has not proven successful in slowing disease progression or prolonging survival. Treatment of symptoms due to cholestasis, such as pruritis and steatorrhea, is an important aspect of the medical care of patients with PSC. Our preferred treatment of pruritis due to cholestasis is with bile acid binding exchange resins, such as cholestyramine or colestipol. Endoscopic manipulation is recommended for treating complications of recurrent cholangitis or worsening jaundice in the setting of a dominant stricture, but endoscopic approaches have not been conclusively demonstrated to improve survival or decrease the need for liver transplantation. Liver transplantation remains the only effective treatment of advanced PSC, and should be considered in patients with complications of cirrhosis or intractable pruritis or fatigue.

Role of single-operator peroral cholangioscopy in the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary lesions: a single-center, prospective study

BACKGROUND

Currently available techniques to diagnose indeterminate biliary lesions have many limitations.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the accuracy of single-operator peroral cholangioscopy by using the SpyGlass system to differentiate malignant from benign disease in patients with indeterminate biliary lesions.

DESIGN

Prospective, single-arm, single-center study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Thirty-six patients with indeterminate biliary strictures and filling defects who had inconclusive results on previous biliary ductal tissue sampling.

INTERVENTIONS

SpyGlass cholangioscopy with cholangioscopically guided intraductal biopsies.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Accuracy of SpyGlass visual impression and SpyBite biopsies for differentiating malignant from benign ductal lesions.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients (22 men, mean age 48.3 years [range 27-68 years]) with indeterminate stricture and/or filling defects underwent SpyGlass cholangioscopy. Of the 22 patients with a final diagnosis of malignant lesion, cholangioscopic impression was malignant in 21 patients (95%) and benign in 1 patient (5%). Of the 14 patients with a final diagnosis of benign disease, including the 3 patients with common bile duct stones and no stricture, cholangioscopic impression was malignant in 3 patients (21%) and benign in 11 patients (79%). The overall accuracy of SpyGlass visual impression for differentiating malignant from benign ductal lesions was 89% (32/36). The accuracy of SpyBite biopsies for differentiating malignant from benign ductal lesions that were inconclusive on ERCP-guided brushing or biopsy was 82% (27/33) in an intent-to-treat analysis.

LIMITATIONS

No randomized comparison with alternative diagnostic modalities for the nature of biliary strictures.

CONCLUSIONS

SpyGlass cholangioscopy with SpyBite biopsies has a high accuracy with regard to confirming or excluding malignancy in patients with indeterminate biliary lesions.

Endoscopic diagnosis of extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma: Advances and current limitations

The accurate diagnosis of extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma is difficult, even now. When ultrasonography (US) shows dilatation of the bile duct, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography followed by endoscopic US (EUS) is the next step. When US or EUS shows localized bile duct wall thickening, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography should be conducted with intraductal US (IDUS) and forceps biopsy. Fluorescence in situ hybridization increases the sensitivity of brush cytology with similar specificity. In patients with papillary type bile duct carcinoma, three biopsies are sufficient. In patients with nodular or infiltrating-type bile duct carcinoma, multiple biopsies are warranted, and IDUS can compensate for the limitations of biopsies. In preoperative staging, the combination of dynamic multi-detector low computed tomography (MDCT) and IDUS is useful for evaluating vascular invasion and cancer depth infiltration. However, assessment of lymph nodes metastases is difficult. In resectable cases, assessment of longitudinal cancer spread is important. The combination of IDUS and MDCT is useful for revealing submucosal cancer extension, which is common in hilar cholangiocarcinoma. To estimate the mucosal extension, which is common in extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma, the combination of IDUS and cholangioscopy is required. The utility of current peroral cholangioscopy is limited by the maneuverability of the “baby scope”. A new baby scope (10 Fr), called “SpyGlass” has potential, if the image quality can be improved. Since extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma is common in the Far East, many researchers in Japan and Korea contributed these studies, especially, in the evaluation of longitudinal cancer extension.

Prospective study of biliary cytology in suspected perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The diagnostic value of biliary cytology for hilar bile duct stricture is uncertain. This study prospectively examined three methods for the evaluation of biliary cytology in a consecutive group of patients.

METHODS

Preoperative bile sampling by aspiration through a drainage catheter (aspiration samples), saline flush through a drainage catheter (saline samples) or direct sampling from a drainage bag (bag samples) was performed in consecutive patients with suspected perihilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent resection after endoscopic nasobiliary drainage or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. All bile sampling was performed three times on separate days. The accuracy of cytology in the diagnosis of carcinoma was determined.

RESULTS

Of 100 consecutive patients with hilar strictures, 97 had histologically proven cholangiocarcinoma. The proportion of these 97 patients who had a positive finding on cytology in at least one of three sampling sessions was 55 per cent for aspiration samples, 48 per cent for bag samples and 38 per cent for saline samples (P = 0·021, aspiration versus saline). Tumour length correlated significantly with overall positivity. For aspiration samples, sensitivity was 55 per cent, specificity was 100 per cent and accuracy 56·0 per cent.

CONCLUSION

For biliary cytology, sampling by catheter aspiration is more effective than catheter flushing or sampling from a drainage bag. Repeated sampling increases sensitivity. Biliary cytology has modest diagnostic yield, but is easy to perform, highly specific, and can provide a definitive diagnosis.

Peroral direct cholangioscopic-guided biopsy and photodynamic therapy using an ultraslim upper endoscope for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma with intraductal tiny nodular tumor growth

Bile-duct invasion is rare in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report a case that received peroral direct cholangioscopy (PDCS)-guided endoscopic biopsy and photodynamic treatment (PDT) for recurrent HCC with intraductal tiny nodular tumor growth. A 64-year-old woman presented with recurrent right upper-quadrant pain. Six months previously she had been diagnosed with HCC with bile-duct invasion in the right anterior segment and had received right anterior segmentectomy. On pathological examination, the margin of resection was clear, but macroscopic bile-duct invasion was noted. On admission, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealed a 0.5-cm-sized polypoid mass at the hilar portion. ERCP-guided biopsy failed, and an ampullary stricture was noted. PDCS-guided endoscopic biopsy was thus performed, and histopathology of the retrieved specimen revealed HCC. The patient submitted to PDT. There was no procedure-related complication. After 1 month of PDT the polypoid lesion and scar change at the hilar lesion had disappeared.

The successful use of peroral cholangioscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of the biliary tract lesions and giant bile duct stones in a 76-year-old man

We encountered a case in whom peroral cholangioscopy was useful for the diagnosis and treatment of irregular biliary tract mucosa and giant bile duct stones. Peroral cholangioscopy seems to improve the diagnosis of biliary tract diseases and allow internal treatment. The proper diagnosis of biliary tract diseases may be further confirmed by the concomitant use of narrow band imaging and this endoscopic technology.

Long-term prognosis of patients with endoscopically treated postoperative bile duct stricture and bile duct stricture due to chronic pancreatitis

AIM

To compare the outcome of endoscopic therapy for postoperative benign bile duct stricture and benign bile duct stricture due to chronic pancreatitis, including long-term prognosis.

METHODS

The subjects were 20 patients with postoperative benign bile duct stricture and 13 patients with bile duct stricture due to chronic pancreatitis who were 2 years or more after initial therapy. The patients underwent transpapillary drainage with tube exchange every 3 to 6 months until being free from the tube. Successful therapy was defined as a stent-free condition without hepatic disorder.

RESULTS

Endoscopic therapy was successful in 90% (18/20) of the patients with postoperative bile duct stricture. The stent was removed (stent free) in 100% (20/20) of the patients, but jaundice resolved in only 10% (2/20) of patients while biliary enzymes kept increasing. Restructure occurred in 5% (1/20) of the patients, but after repeat treatment the stent could be removed. In patients with bile duct stricture due to chronic pancreatitis the therapy was successful in only 7.7% (1/13) of the patients; the stent was retained in 92.3% (12/13) of the patients during a long period. Severe acute pancreatitis occurred in 3.0% (1/33) of the patients as an accidental symptom attributable to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); however, it remitted after conservative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our results further confirm the usefulness of endoscopic therapy for postoperative benign bile duct strictures and good long-term prognosis of the patients.

The integration of chemoradiation in the care of patient with localized pancreatic cancer

The use of chemoradiation for patients with localized pancreatic cancer is controversial. Although some randomized trials have indicated that chemoradiation improves the median survival of patients with locally advanced as well as resected pancreatic cancer, other more recent trials have called into question the role of chemoradiation and have supported the use of chemotherapy. In the adjuvant setting, the high local tumor recurrence/persistence rate in all trials probably reflects the inclusion of patients with incompletely resected tumors, whose prognosis is similar to the prognosis of patients with locally advanced who do not undergo resection, making these trials difficult to interpret. More precise clinical staging and selection of patients appropriate for surgical resection is an important goal. The keys to the successful integration of radiotherapy in the care of patients with localized pancreatic cancer are selection, sequencing and smaller treatment volumes. A strategy of initial chemotherapy followed by consolidation with a well-tolerated chemoradiation regimen both in the adjuvant and locally advanced settings maximizes benefits of both treatment options, which are in fact complementary. Herein, we discuss the rationale for this approach as well as the ongoing investigation of novel radiation approaches designed to enhance outcome through the molecular and physical targeting of disease as well as the investigation of neoadjuvant chemoradiation in radiographically resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

Diagnosis of biliary tract lesions by histological sectioning of brush bristles as alternative to cytological smearing

AIM

To increase the diagnostic potential of endoscopic biliary tract brushing, we devised an approach alternative to cytological smearing, leading to the preoperative histological examination of the collected material.

METHODS

One hundred twelve consecutive biliary brush specimens were included. All patients presented a stricture of the biliary tract, leading to a diagnostic procedure by brushing. Immediately following brushing, the endoscopist immersed the brush into methanol and sent it to the pathology laboratory. The brush was introduced into a cassette for paraffin embedding and sections parallel to the long axis of brush were cut until the metal wire was almost reached, then the block was rotated and new sections were obtained from the opposite side. Samples of the mucosa, inflammatory cell aggregates, small fragments of carcinomas, or isolated cells were observed, and displayed an optimal fixation, allowing a definite diagnosis that proved mandatory for therapy in the vast majority of cases (99.1%).

RESULTS

The results obtained in 112 consecutive cases using such technique compared with final histological diagnosis proved: 91% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value (PPV), and 87% negative predictive value (NPV) (P < 0.001). In nonoperated patients, the clinical diagnosis after at least 6 months of follow-up showed: 95.5% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, and 88.2% NPV (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Such novel approach to the preoperative diagnosis of biliary tract lesions proved to be highly sensitive and specific, limiting the inadequate preoperative diagnoses to less than 1%.

Biliary brush cytology: Factors associated with positive yields on biliary brush cytology

AIM: To evaluate the yield of brushing biliary strictures and the factors associated with a positive result in biliary strictures.

METHODS: Data on all consecutive patients (01/02-10/05) who were identified to have a biliary stricture and who underwent biliary brush cytology were collected. The yield of positive biliary brush cytology was evaluated and compared to results with the gold standard for diagnosis (defined as either definitive surgical histology or clinical course). Additionally, associated factors of positive results including stricture location, gender, age, mass size, length of stricture, and dilatation prior to brushing cytology were assessed.

RESULTS: From 199 patients who had brushing cytology samples (10 patients were excluded due to lack of gold standard diagnosis), 77 patients had positive brushing cytology (yield 41%). Variables associated with positive cytology brushing on initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiography were age 1.02 (1.00-1.05), mass size > 1 cm 2.22 (1.01-4.89) and length of stricture > 1 cm 3.49 (1.18-10.2). The sensitivity of biliary brushing was 61%, its specificity 98%, the positive predictive value reached 99%, and the negative predictive value was 57%.

CONCLUSION: Our results revealed a 41% positive yield from brushing cytology. The sensitivity of biliary brushing cytology in our center was 61% and the specificity was 98%. Predictors of positive yield include older age, mass size > 1 cm, and stricture length of > 1 cm.

Clinicopathological study on the intraductal spread of small pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate histopathologically the frequency, direction, and length of intraductal spread (IS) along the main pancreatic duct from the main tumor of small pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Resected specimens from 20 cases of pTS1 (histologically 2 cm or less in diameter) pancreatic cancer (September 1983 to December 2005) were examined histopathologically. As controls, 40 resected specimens from cases of pTS2 (more than 2 cm and less than 4 cm in diameter) or larger sized pancreatic cancer (pTS2<or=) were examined in the same manner. The specimens were evaluated histopathologically as to (1) the prevalence of IS, (2) the direction and length of IS, and (3) the positive rates of transpapillary cytology of pure pancreatic juice (TPC) and biopsy of the main pancreatic duct (TPB), performed preoperatively.

RESULTS

IS was observed in 45% of pTS1 and 13% of pTS2<or= cases. In 88% of cases of pTS1, IS was observed in the direction of the ampullary side. In 40% of cases of pTS2<or=, IS toward the ampullary side was seen. The mean length of IS in pTS1 and pTS2<or= cases was 11.8 mm and 7.2 mm, respectively. Positive rates of TPC and TPB in pTS1 cases were 70% and 75%, respectively, and in pTS2<or= cases, 50% and 44%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of IS was high in pTS1 cases, which suggests there is potential for improvement in establishing the histocytological diagnosis of small pancreatic cancer via the transpapillary approach with the development of adequate tools.

Utility of pancreatic duct brushing for diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of pancreatic duct brushing for diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma.

METHODS

Brush cytology was attempted in 58 patients suspected of having pancreatic malignancy because of stricture of the main pancreatic duct, confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Thirty-eight patients were finally diagnosed by an operation or the clinical course as having pancreatic carcinoma, and the remaining 20 patients as having chronic pancreatitis. The usefulness of brush cytology for diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma was estimated. We interpreted failures of pancreatic duct brushing to be false negatives when the lesion was malignant.

RESULTS

In 48 of 58 patients (82.8%), brushing was successfully performed and satisfactory specimens were obtained. Brush cytology was positive in 25 of 38 patients with pancreatic carcinoma (sensitivity 65.8%) and negative in all patients without malignancy (specificity 100%). Overall accuracy was 76.4%. During 2001-2005, the number of back-and-forth motions of the brush was increased to more than 30 times. The sensitivity significantly improved from 43.8% in 1997-2000 to 81.8% in 2001-2005 (P < 0.05). The increased success rate of brushing by improvement of skill in manipulating the guidewire and increased number of cells smeared on glass slides by increased back-and-forth motion of the brush may account for this improvement over time. Moreover, the sensitivity in 2001-2005 was 85.7% if failures of brushing with pancreatic carcinoma are excluded. No major complications occurred, except for two patients with a moderate grade of acute pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although further studies with a large number of patients are needed, our results suggest that with recent improvements of the brushing technique, pancreatic duct brushing is a useful and safe method for the differential diagnosis of malignancy from benign diseases of the pancreas.

Diagnosis of pancreatic tumors by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for pancreatic solid tumors larger or smaller than 3 cm, and cystic lesions.

METHODS: From January/1997 to December/2006, 611 patients with pancreatic tumors were subjected to EUS-FNA. The final diagnosis was obtained either by surgery (356 cases) or after a mean clinical follow-up of 11.8 mo in the remaining patients.

RESULTS: There were 405 solid tumors, 189 cystic lesions and 17 mixed. Pancreatic specimens for cytological assessment were successfully obtained by EUS-FNA in 595 (97.4%) cases. There were 352 (57.6%) malignancies and 259 (42.4%) benign tumors. Among the malignancies, pancreatic adenocarcinomas accounted for 67% of the lesions. Overall, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of EUS-FNA were, respectively, 78.4%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 77.2% and 87.2%. Specifically for solid tumors, the same parameters for neoplasms larger and smaller than 3 cm were, respectively, 78.8% vs 82.4%, 100% vs 98.4%, 100% vs 99%, 54.8% vs 74.1% and 83.1% vs 87.8%. For cystic lesions, the values were, respectively, 72.2%, 99.3%, 97.5%, 91% and 92.2%.

CONCLUSION: EUS-FNA can be used to sample pancreatic tumors in most patients. Even though the negative predictive value is inadequate for large solid tumors, the results are rather good for small solid tumors, especially concerning the sensitivity, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy. Among all pancreatic lesions, EUS-FNA for cystic lesions can reveal the best negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy, both higher than 90%.

Endoscopic palliation of pancreatic cancer

Endoscopic approaches have revolutionized the palliation of advanced pancreatic cancer. The ideal management consists of a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, endoscopists, radiologists, and oncologists. Concurrent advances in the fields of interventional radiology and laparoscopic surgical oncology should be readdressed and directly compared with endoscopic approaches in randomized controlled trials. Exciting novel endoscopic techniques are being developed and evaluated; however, these approaches require further validation with randomized clinical trials to determine the safety and efficacy when compared with more traditional approaches.

Assessment of pancreatic neoplasms: review of biopsy techniques

Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer death annually. Recent technological advances in imaging have led to non-uniformity in the evaluation of pancreatic neoplasms. The following article describes the history behind various biopsy techniques and the rationale for obtaining a biopsy of a pancreatic neoplasm and discusses the benefits and disadvantages of the various pancreatic biopsy techniques, including fine needle aspiration biopsy, Tru-cut needle biopsy, endoscopic brushings/cytology, and endoscopic ultrasound guided biopsies. A treatment algorithm for pancreatic neoplasms is then presented.

Endoscopic ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of cancer

Since its development and introduction to clinical practice, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has progressed rapidly from being a purely imaging modality with limited use in the detection of small pancreatic cancers to one that can provide a tissue diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and deliver therapy. EUS has now firmly established a place as the investigation of choice in the diagnosis, locoregional staging and management of a wide range of gastrointestinal cancers. With the increasing use of FNA, the accuracy of EUS has substantially improved and may become a stand-alone investigation in some situations. However, it is recommended that a combination of information obtained from other imaging modalities and EUS is needed to maximize the accuracy, in particular to complete staging beyond locoregional stage. In addition to well-established indications, newer applications of EUS are emerging and are no longer limited to the gastrointestinal system. In lung cancer, EUS combined with endobronchial ultrasonography is emerging as an accurate, minimally invasive, nonsurgical alternative to staging of the mediastinum. Furthermore, the ability of EUS to acquire tissue safely and conveniently results in a potential role of the molecular diagnostics to enhance the performance of EUS-guided FNA. Besides a diagnostic role of EUS, there continues to be technological advances in the field of interventional EUS, with many potential applications under investigation. This review focuses on the current and future roles of EUS in the diagnosis and management of cancers.

Pancreatic and bile duct brushing cytology in 1000 cases: review of findings and comparison of preparation methods

BACKGROUND

Duct brushing cytology is an important tool in evaluation of the extrahepatic biliary tract and large pancreatic ducts. The emergence of neoadjuvant therapies underscores the importance of accurate preoperative diagnosis by noninvasive means. Liquid-based preparation methods, such as ThinPrep, have become popular for nongynecologic cytology specimens.

METHODS

Findings from bile and pancreatic duct brushings were reviewed over the 10-year period of 1994-2003. Cytologic material, imaging reports, and clinical data were reviewed and pathologic and clinical follow-up data were obtained. The slides were prepared by direct smear only (18.8%), direct smear plus cytospin (14.4%), or direct smear plus ThinPrep (66.8%).

RESULTS

A total of 1118 specimens were identified (1008 bile duct, 110 pancreatic duct) from 864 patients. The cytologic findings were: 53.5% negative, 16.5% malignant, 18.2% suspicious for malignancy, 11% atypical/inconclusive, 0.8% inadequate. Follow-up in the form of either histology or at least 6 months clinical observation was available for 82.2% of cases (n = 971). Overall operating characteristics were: 52.6% sensitivity, 99.4% specificity, 98.9% positive predictive value, 67.1% negative predictive value, and 75.7% accuracy. Diagnostic agreement between cytology and follow-up was the main variable analyzed. Agreement was significantly affected by characteristics of the sampled lesion, with ductal narrowing having the lowest rate of malignancy. In addition, the ThinPrep method showed superior sensitivity and accuracy compared with other preparation methods (P = .02). Nonsignificant associations were noted for patient age and gender, site of lesion, and the presence of either stones or prior stent.

CONCLUSION

In a large dataset from a single institution, brushing cytology showed modest sensitivity and high specificity. Diagnostic agreement was considerably better for benign cases. The combination of direct smear and the ThinPrep method showed superior sensitivity and accuracy.

Comparison between endoscopic brush cytology performed before and after biliary stricture dilation for cancer detection

BACKGROUND: Confirmation of malignancy within biliary strictures is endoscopically challenging. Dilation of strictures has been reported to enhance cytological diagnosis. AIM: To compare brush cytology results before and after biliary stricture dilation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with extra-hepatic biliary stricture at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were included in the study. Brushing was performed before and immediately after dilation using a 10 Fr dilating catheter. Cytology samples were classified as: negative for malignancy, presence of atypical cells, insufficient material, suspicious for malignancy or positive for malignancy. Final diagnosis was established by surgery, biopsy or follow-up. RESULTS: Biliary brush cytology was performed in 50 patients, with an overall sensitivity of 40% and 27.5%, before and after dilation, respectively. The combination of results increased cancer detection rate to 45%. There were 5/50 (10%) minor complications and one death related to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Brush cytology performed before biliary stricture dilation has a similar cancer detection rate to that following dilation, although the combination of results enhances sensitivity.

Comparison of the novel quantitative ARMS assay and an enriched PCR-ASO assay for K-ras mutations with conventional cytology on endobiliary brush cytology from 312 consecutive extrahepatic biliary stenoses

BACKGROUND

Extrahepatic biliary stenosis (EBS) has malignant and benign causes. Patients with EBS are at risk of having or developing malignancy. Accurate diagnostic tests for early detection and surveillance are needed. The sensitivity of biliary cytology for malignancy is low. K-ras mutation analysis on brush cytology is a valuable adjunct, but specificity is low. A quantitative test for K-ras mutations has been developed: the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS).

AIM

To assess the test characteristics and additional value of ARMS in diagnosing the cause of EBS.

METHODS

Brush samples from endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were collected from 312 patients with EBS. K-ras mutation analysis was performed using ARMS-allele specific amplification was coupled with real time fluorescent detection of PCR products. Results were compared with conventional cytology and K-ras mutation analysis using allele specific oligonucleotide (ASO) hybridisation, and evaluated in view of the final diagnosis.

RESULTS

The test characteristics of ARMS and ASO largely agreed. Sensitivity for detecting malignancy was 49% and 42%, specificity 93% and 88%, and positive predictive value (PPV) 96% and 91%, respectively. The sensitivity of ARMS and cytology combined was 71%, and PPV was 93%. The specificity of ARMS could be increased to 100% by setting limits for the false positives, but reduced sensitivity from 49% to 43%.

CONCLUSIONS

ARMS can be considered supplementary to conventional cytology, and comparable to ASO in diagnosing malignant EBS. A specificity of 100% can be achieved with ARMS, which should be considered in the surveillance of patients at risk for pancreatic cancer.

Comparative study of diagnostic value of cytologic sampling by endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration and that by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography for the management of pancreatic mass without biliary stricture

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) can now provide a cytopathological diagnosis of underlying pancreatic malignancy with higher success rates than endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP). To determine the significance of EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of pancreatic mass without biliary stricture, the value of cytopathological diagnosis obtained by EUS-FNA was retrospectively compared with that by ERP, and the complications associated with these procedures evaluated.

METHODS

Eighty-three patients who were suspected to have a pancreatic mass (excluding a cystic mass), without biliary stricture on conventional ultrasound and/or computed tomography were enrolled. The EUS-FNA biopsy was performed in 53 patients and cytology utilizing ERP was performed in 30 patients.

RESULTS

The sampling rate of adequate specimen was 100% in both groups. In the EUS-FNA group, the overall results for the available samples were sensitivity 92.9% and accuracy 94.3%. In contrast, in the ERCP group, the overall results were sensitivity 33.3% and accuracy 46.7%. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). With regard to complications, there was a significant difference (P < 0.01) in the frequency of post-procedure pancreatitis between the EUS-FNA group and ERP group (0%, 0/53 vs 33.3%, 10/30, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration is safer and more accurate for the cytopathological diagnosis of suspected pancreatic masses without a biliary stricture as compared with cytology during ERP. Endoscopic ultrasonography with FNA should be considered a preferred test (prior to attempting endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) when a cytological diagnosis of a pancreatic mass is required, especially when there is no biliary obstruction, or when emergent decompression of an obstructed biliary tree is not considered clinically necessary due to lack of signs and symptoms of cholangitis.