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Background & Aims: The clinical significance of “fullness” or enlargement of the pancreas (FP/EP) is not well established. The objective of this study was to report our experience with endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in evaluating patients referred for FP/EP found on computed tomography (CT). Methods: Patients referred to our center for EUS evaluation of FP/EP between January 1998 and December 2003 were studied. Patient demographics, clinical history, endoscopic findings, and follow-up were recorded. Multivariate analysis was used to identify predictors of pancreatic malignancy. Results: A total of 50 patients: 46% (23/50) male, mean age 59 years (range, 18–90) made up our studied population. EUS demonstrated normal findings in 42% (21/50), prominent ventral anlage (embryologic variant) in 14% (7/50), and chronic pancreatitis in 22% (11/50). In 22% (11/50), a suspicious mass was noted and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was performed. Cytology revealed chronic inflammation in 7 patients, while adenocarcinoma was found in the remaining 4. Median follow-up was 27 months, and the diagnosis did not change in any of the 50 patients. There were no procedure-related complications. After multivariant regression analysis, the factors that were statistically associated with malignancy were a CA19-9 level >300 (P = .0002) and weight loss (P < .006). Conclusions: The majority of patients presenting with FP/EP had benign disease, but 8% had pancreatic cancer. Elevated CA19-9 and weight loss were predictive of pancreatic malignancy. EUS and EUS-FNA are safe and accurate diagnostic tests and can play an important role in evaluating patients with FP/EP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) have become important tools in evaluation of patients with various clinical disorders, and are being increasingly utilized at many centers. EUS shares the risks and complications of other endoscopic procedures. This article addresses specific adverse effects and risks associated with EUS and EUS-FNA, mainly perforation, pancreatitis, bleeding, and infection. Measures to help minimize these risks will also be discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An abstract of the article "Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy versus mediastinoscopy in the staging of non-small cell lung cancer: A cost effective analysis," by Sammy Ho and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "The Utility of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) in Evaluating CT Findings of Fullness or Enlargement of the Pancreas: A Large Single Center Experience," by Sammy Ho, Robert Bonasera, Bonnie Pollack, Sreekala Satheesh, and James Grendell is presented.

An abstract of the article "The Utility of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) in Evaluating Patients with Achalasia," by Sammy Ho, Frank Gress, Bonnie Pollack, James Grendell and Kavita Kongara is presented.