Role of endoscopic ultrasound and cyst fluid tumor markers in diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are common in clinical practice. The accurate classification and diagnosis of these lesions are crucial to avoid unnecessary treatment of benign lesions and missed opportunities for early treatment of potentially malignant lesions.

AIM

To evaluate the role of cyst fluid analysis of different tumor markers such as cancer antigens [e.g., cancer antigen (CA)19-9, CA72-4], carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 1 (SPINK1), interleukin 1 beta (IL1-β), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)], amylase, and mucin stain in diagnosing pancreatic cysts and differentiating malignant from benign lesions.

METHODS

This study included 76 patients diagnosed with PCLs using different imaging modalities. All patients underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and EUS-fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for characterization and sampling of different PCLs.

RESULTS

The mean age of studied patients was 47.4 ± 11.4 years, with a slight female predominance (59.2%). Mucin stain showed high statistical significance in predicting malignancy with a sensitivity of 87.1% and specificity of 95.56%. It also showed a positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 93.1% and 91.49%, respectively (P < 0.001). We found that positive mucin stain, cyst fluid glucose, SPINK1, amylase, and CEA levels had high statistical significance (P < 0.0001). In contrast, IL-1β, CA 72-4, VEGF-A, VEGFR2, and PGE2 did not show any statistical significance. Univariate regression analysis for prediction of malignancy in PCLs showed a statistically significant positive correlation with mural nodules, lymph nodes, cyst diameter, mucin stain, and cyst fluid CEA. Meanwhile, logistic multivariable regression analysis proved that mural nodules, mucin stain, and SPINK1 were independent predictors of malignancy in cystic pancreatic lesions.

CONCLUSION

EUS examination of cyst morphology with cytopathological analysis and cyst fluid analysis could improve the differentiation between malignant and benign pancreatic cysts. Also, CEA, glucose, and SPINK1 could be used as promising markers to predict malignant pancreatic cysts.

Tacrolimus-induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome presenting as left upper limb monoplegia, convulsions, and sudden blindness: case report

Background

To report a case of sudden onset left upper limb monoplegia, convulsions, and bilateral blindness in a patient receiving tacrolimus for immunosuppression following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) consistent with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES).

Case presentation

We report a case of a 64-year-old male patient on tacrolimus treatment following LDLT. On day 11, during his post-operative routine follow-up. The patient developed sudden onset of left upper limb monoplegia associated with attacks of convulsions and sudden bilateral blindness. MRI revealed multiple, bilateral cortical, and subcortical areas of high T2 and FLAIR signal intensity that did not show restricted diffusion. Findings were suggestive of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). After the cessation of tacrolimus, vision was completely regained and all other neurologic symptoms were resolved, and follow-up MRI was normal. This case represents an uncommon presentation of tacrolimus toxicity.

Conclusion

Tacrolimus toxicity may present with PRES. Neurological deficits may be fully reversible with discontinuation of the drug; therefore, the early recognition and prompt management of this condition are of utmost importance.