Endoscopic ultrasound: moving from diagnostics to therapeutics

The Role of Endoscopy in the Management of Cystic Pancreatic Lesions

Pancreatic cystic lesions may be due to pseudocysts and related inflammatory fluid collections, simple cysts, cystic tumours such as serous cystadenoma, mucinous cystic neoplasm and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, as well as solid tumours with areas of cystic degeneration. The main diagnostic challenge is to distinguish premalignant and malignant cystic lesions from benign cystic lesions. Cross-sectional imaging using computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging/ magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography provides the initial morphological characterization. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an important tool when diagnostic doubts persist and is crucial in the assessment of invasive malignancy. EUS-guided fine needle aspiration and cyst fluid analysis has been shown to be cost-effective for risk stratifying the malignant potential of cystic tumours and the need for surgical resection. In the management of symptomatic pseudocysts and related fluid collections, endoscopic drainage has been established as the preferred technique, with efficacy similar to surgery but lower costs and morbidity.