Search

Introduction: For several reasons, including an elevated risk for malignancy after transplant, kidney transplant candidates undergo a thorough evaluation prior to transplantation. Further assessment of incidentally discovered pancreatic cysts on routine abdominal imaging has been assumed to be prudent, and the preferred method has been endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). The clinical utility of EUS/EUS-FNA with respect to transplant decision-making has not been evaluated., Materials and Methods: Kidney transplant candidates undergoing EUS/EUS-FNA for further evaluation of one or more pancreatic cysts were identified. The clinical yield of the EUS/EUS-FNA was determined via retrospective chart review., Results: After exclusion criteria were applied, a total of 15 cases were identified at a high-volume transplant center over a 71-month period. EUS/EUS-FNA was deemed to have a clinically relevant impact in 73.3% of cases., Conclusion: Kidney transplant candidates are a unique group with respect to the need to clarify the etiology of pancreatic cysts. EUS/EUS-FNA frequently provides information that is clinically relevant to the determination of transplant status., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) ± fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a useful tool to evaluate gastrointestinal tract disorders in adults because of its established feasibility and safety. Its role in children has not been well established and continues to evolve. Our objective was to evaluate the utility and impact on clinical management of EUS and EUS-guided interventions in the pediatric population at our institution., Methods: Retrospective, single-center study including 43 patients undergoing EUS and EUS-FNA between August 2005 and January 2012., Results: Fifty-one EUS procedures were performed in 43 patients, 30 girls, median age 14.5 (range 4-18). The most common indications were suspected biliary obstruction in 11 of 51 (22%), pancreatic cysts in 10 of 51 (20%), acute or recurrent pancreatitis in 9 of 51 (18%), and abdominal pain in 8 of 51 (16%). The most common findings of EUS included normal 11 of 51 (22%), pancreas cyst 6 of 51 (12%), pancreatic pseudocyst 5 of 51 (10%), biliary system sludge or stones 9 of 51 (18%), and acute and chronic pancreatitis 5 of 51 (10%). EUS-FNA was performed in 13 cases: 7 solid masses or nodes, 4 pancreatic pseudocyst, 1 pancreatic cyst, and 1 celiac plexus block. FNA cyst drainage was successful in resolving all 4 pancreatic pseudocysts. EUS prompted a surgical procedure in 13 cases (25%), ERCP in 5 cases (10%), and repeat EUS in 5 cases (10%). EUS led to a new diagnosis in 34 of 43 (79%) patients and prompted further intervention in 24 of 51 (47%) procedures., Conclusions: In this large cohort study, we found that EUS and EUS-guided interventions assist in diagnosing and altering clinical management in pediatric patients and should be considered in cases with vexing pancreaticobiliary disorders.

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is used to identify common bile duct (CBD) stones. In patients whose IOC is suspicious for stones, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the modality of choice for stone removal. However, IOC has a false positive rate of 30 to 60 per cent, and ERCP adverse events may occur in 11 per cent of patients. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) may serve as a noninvasive means of diagnosing suspected CBD stones. This study sought to assess the role of EUS in predicting the likelihood of choledocholithiasis at ERCP in patients found to have a positive IOC. This was a prospective blinded study of EUS before ERCP in patients with a positive IOC. Recruited subjects who underwent cholecystectomy and had an IOC with suspicion for obstruction were referred for ERCP within one month of their procedure. In patients with a positive IOC, EUS had a positive predictive value of 95 per cent in detecting choledocholithiasis. IOC with single or multiple filling defects more often correlated to the presence of CBD stones. At ERCP, choledocholithiasis was present in 65 per cent of patients who had an IOC suspicious for CBD stones. EUS should be used as a noninvasive method to correctly identify retained CBD stones in low-to-moderate risk patients with a positive IOC.

The role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the diagnosis of biliary obstruction is well established, and emerging evidence suggests it may also play a therapeutic role. Differentiating between benign and malignant causes of biliary obstruction can be challenging, but EUS is a crucial tool in the armamentarium of the physician. Evolving technologies such as elastography and contrast enhancement may further supplement the diagnostic abilities of EUS. Therapeutic applications of EUS are evolving rapidly, and EUS-guided cholangiography may aid biliary decompression when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has failed or is not possible.

Purpose: Biliary microlithiasis is an uncommon but recognized cause of upper abdominal pain, cholecystitis, cholangitis, and pancreatitis in adults. Gallstones smaller than 3 mm may not be seen on transabdominal ultrasound and may only be seen on endoscopic ultrasound. This condition is poorly described in children. The aim of this study is to review the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to treat biliary microlithiasis in a pediatric case series., Methods: We performed a retrospective case review of children with biliary microlithiasis who were treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy., Results: Three children were diagnosed with biliary microlithiasis. Two patients had recurrent right upper quadrant pain and nausea. A third patient had midepigastric pain and idiopathic pancreatitis. All 3 had a normal gallbladder on transabdominal ultrasound. Additional imaging with hepatobiliary scan, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed no biliary source for symptoms. Endoscopic ultrasound was performed on all 3 children, demonstrating microlithiasis of the gallbladder. Each child had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram. No abnormalities were seen on intraoperative cholangiogram. All 3 children had alleviation of pain and improvement of symptoms in postoperative follow-up., Conclusion: Children with biliary microlithiasis and associated clinical symptoms can be successfully treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Endoscopic ultrasound should be considered in the evaluation of the child with clinical biliary symptoms and a negative transabdominal ultrasound result., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: EUS has less than optimal interobserver agreement for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The newly developed Rosemont consensus scoring system includes weighted criteria and stricter definitions for individual features., Objective: The primary aim was to compare the interobserver agreement of standard and Rosemont scoring., Setting: Multiple tertiary-care institutions., Intervention: Fifty EUS videos were interpreted by 14 experts. Each expert interpreted the videos on two occasions: First, the videos were read by using standard scoring (9 criteria). Second, after viewing a presentation of the Rosemont classification, the same experts re-read the videos by using Rosemont scoring., Main Outcome Measurements: Fleiss' kappa (K) statistics are reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI)., Results: The interobserver agreement was "substantial" (K = 0.65 [95% CI, 0.52-0.77]) for Rosemont scoring and "moderate" (K = 0.54 [95% CI, 0.44-0.66]) for standard scoring; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.12)., Limitations: The sample size does not allow detection of differences in K of <0.25., Conclusion: Use of the Rosemont classification did not significantly increase interobserver agreement for EUS diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis compared with standard scoring., (2010 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Tissue sampling of renal lesions is traditionally performed with percutaneous US or CT guidance. To date, only 3 known cases of EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) of a renal mass have been reported., Objective: To describe a multicenter experience with the indications, yield, and complications from attempted EUS-FNA of a kidney mass., Design: Retrospective case series., Setting: Six tertiary referral hospitals in the United States., Patients: Consecutive subjects undergoing attempted EUS-FNA of a kidney mass. Endosonographers at 15 other teaching hospitals were contacted regarding EUS findings and follow-up of any EUS-guided renal biopsies previously attempted or considered at that institution., Interventions: EUS-FNA of a kidney mass., Main Outcome Measurements: Biopsy indications, yield, diagnosis, and complications., Results: Fifteen procedures in 15 patients (9 men; median age 67 years) were performed at 6 (37%) of 16 hospitals (Indiana University plus 15 other hospitals). Kidney masses (median diameter 32 mm; range 11-60 mm) were located in the upper (n = 12) and lower (n = 3) poles of the left (n = 10) and right (n = 5) kidneys, respectively. Initial mass detection was by previous imaging in 13 (87%) patients or by EUS in 2 (13%) patients. Results of EUS-FNA (median 3 passes; range 2-4 passes) in 13 (87%) procedures were diagnostic of (n = 7) or highly suspicious for (n = 1) renal cell carcinoma (RCC), atypical cells (n = 2), oncocytoma (n = 1), benign cyst (n = 1), and nondiagnostic (n = 1). No complications were encountered. Surgical resection confirmed RCC in 7 patients in whom preoperative EUS-FNA demonstrated RCC (n = 5) or oncocytoma (n = 1) or was not performed (n = 1)., Limitations: Retrospective series, small number of patients., Conclusions: EUS-FNA of renal masses is rarely performed at the U.S. teaching hospitals surveyed. This technique appears safe and feasible and should be considered when results would affect patient management.

Gastroenterologists increasingly find themselves in the un-enviable position of having to choose the optimal radiographic test to visualize the biliary tree and the liver. This dilemma is compounded by the rapid evolution of the available technologies and their ever-increasing resolution capabilities. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has shown itself to be equally capable of providing detailed imaging of the biliary tree and of surrounding structures; its potential for evaluating liver lesions is just now being realized. EUS-fine needle aspiration (FNA) may supplant some of the existing technologies as it offers a way to sample masses, strictures, lymph nodes, and now certain segments of the liver and periportal regions. This review takes an in-depth look at the role of EUS in evaluating bile duct dilatation, suspected choledocholithiasis, biliary strictures, and polyps and masses of the gallbladder. It also reviews the literature on the exciting and rapidly evolving role of EUS-FNA evaluation of occult, metastatic, and primary hepato-cellular malignancies, as well as periportal lesions. Technologies such as EUS elastography may completely obviate FNA of liver lesions.

The role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the diagnosis of biliary strictures is well established, and emerging evidence suggests it may also play a therapeutic role. Differentiating between benign and malignant causes of biliary strictures can be challenging, but EUS can aid in their diagnosis and may predict resectability. The diagnostic yield of EUS combined with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is excellent, especially in distal bile duct strictures, and far surpasses endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with brushings. Intraductal ultrasound may add to the diagnostic sensitivity of ERCP with brushings when no mass is seen on cross-sectional imaging or EUS, or when EUS with FNA is negative and suspicion of cancer persists. EUS-guided cholangiography is an emerging technique that may aid biliary decompression when ERCP has failed or is not possible; however, new therapeutic echoendoscopes or accessories are needed before the use of this technique can become more widespread.

Background: Telomerase activity is up-regulated in pancreatic cancer. Hence, measurement of telomerase activity in pancreatic needle-biopsy specimens could assist in establishing a positive diagnosis in specimens that are inadequate for cytology., Objective: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of telomerase activity for neoplasia in a series of EUS-guided fine-needle aspirate (EUS-FNA) biopsies of pancreatic mass lesions., Design: Prospective, consecutive, non-randomized cohort., Setting: Academic hospital, tertiary referral center., Patients: Seventy-one patients with a pancreatic mass diagnosed by cross-sectional imaging., Interventions: EUS-FNA of 52 solid and 18 cystic pancreatic lesions., Main Outcome Measurements: (1) Cytologic diagnosis; (2) tissue telomerase activity by semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction; (3) patient demographics; (4) clinical outcomes., Results: Cytology results were positive for adenocarcinoma in 40 patients with a solid pancreatic mass; of these, telomerase activity was detected in 31. There were no telomerase false-positive results. Telomerase results were positive in 6 of the 7 patients (86%) who had negative cytology results and who eventually were found to have biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma. The sensitivity and specificity of telomerase activity for detecting pancreatic adenocarcinoma in solid masses was 79% (95% CI, 64%-89%) and 100% (95% CI, 55%-100%)., Limitations: Extremely high sensitivity and specificity of EUS-FNA cytology in solid lesions minimized the incremental benefit of telomerase., Conclusions: Telomerase activity can be measured readily in specimens obtained at EUS-FNA and accurately predicts malignancy. Used in combination with cytology, telomerase increased the sensitivity from 85% to 98% while maintaining the specificity at 100%. Lesions with negative cytology result and positive telomerase activity should be evaluated aggressively to exclude malignancy.

Objectives: The diagnosis of "minimal change" chronic pancreatitis (MCCP) is often considered when conventional imaging studies are unrevealing in a patient population with abdominal pain of presumed pancreatic origin. Direct pancreatic function testing using secretin as a secretagogue (ST) has been considered the most sensitive method to diagnose MCCP but is not widely available to clinicians. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows detailed imaging of pancreatic architecture, but the sensitivity and specificity for MCCP remain to be determined. We sought to compare the accuracy of EUS and ST in patients with presumed MCCP., Methods: Seventy-four patients referred to our pancreas clinic with unexplained abdominal pain and previously negative imaging studies underwent an ST for evaluation of possible MCCP. Twenty-one of these also underwent EUS. EUS images were read by 1 of 2 experts blinded to ST results., Results: Using ST as the "gold standard," EUS had a maximum sensitivity of 71% when the cut-off for diagnosis was set at at least 3 EUS features. Conversely, maximum specificity (92%) was seen when the cut-off value was set at at least 6 EUS criteria. Diagnostic certainty was only 50% (positive predictive value = 0.5) when at least 6 criteria were used as the cut-off. MCCP was excluded with greater than 70% certainty when less than 3 criteria were present. At the best cut-off value of at least 4 features, EUS had a sensitivity of 57% and a specificity of 64%., Conclusions: In this patient population with abdominal pain of presumed pancreatic origin, EUS and standard pancreatic function testing are often discordant. If ST is assumed to be the reference against which other tests are compared, EUS is less accurate than ST in diagnosing MCCP.

Background and Aim: The aim of the study was to develop a method of quantitation of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) changes of chronic pancreatitis (CP)., Methods: Twenty-three patients with chronic pancreatitis by EUS were compared with nine normal subjects. Hyperechogenicity was evaluated as the size of the hyperechoic area that was over a threshold echogenicity level. Mean echo density was expressed using the average gray-scale value within the region of interest. The quantitative data were compared with the diagnosis using conventional EUS criteria., Results: The size of the hyperechoic area over the threshold level was 0.86 +/- 0.67 mm2 (mean +/- SD) in the normal pancreas using EUS criteria. In chronic pancreatitis, the size of the hyperechoic area was 7.28 +/- 2.98 mm2 in patients with mild CP, 18.12 +/- 2.56 mm2 in patients with moderate CP, and 18.02 +/- 10.81 mm2 in patients with severe CP, respectively. These changes in hyperechoic size area were statistically significant in all patients having mild to severe CP when compared with normal controls., Conclusion: Computer analysis of EUS images may provide objective information for the diagnosis of CP and may be useful in quantitating the severity of disease and overcoming interobserver variability in analyzing individual echo features supporting the diagnosis of CP.

Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has been shown to accurately diagnose mediastinal lymph node pathology. We investigated the clinical impact of EUS-FNA in the management of patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and determined the nature and clinical consequences of false negative results., Methods: We analyzed a cohort of patients who were found to have mediastinal lymph nodes by EUS and underwent FNA. The diagnostic standard included FNA cytology, histopathology, and clinical follow-up., Results: Sixty EUS-FNAs of mediastinal lymph nodes were performed on 59 patients (mean age 61 years old, 74.5% men) over a 24-month period. Prior to EUS, 20 (34%) patients had known malignancy. The most frequent indication for EUS was failed diagnosis by bronchoscopy (54%). EUS-FNA of lymph nodes showed malignant cells in 38%. The diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA was 84%. Among the 47 patients who were available for follow-up, EUS-FNA provided new information by changing the clinical diagnosis, and subsequently changed the management in 18 (38%) patients. The false negative rate was 20% (95% exact CI, 8.4-31.6%). Two of the 7 false negative cases received empiric chemoradiation without tissue diagnosis, and 4 received palliative treatment for advanced malignancy., Conclusion: The most common indication for EUS-FNA of the mediastinum in our institution is nondiagnostic transbronchial FNA. EUS-FNA is a valuable diagnostic method for sampling mediastinal lymph nodes and affecting management. False negative results do not appear to delay appropriate treatment or adversely affect clinical outcome.

Introduction and Aims: Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas may be inadvertently treated as benign pseudocysts in clinical practice, often without the use of cytology, cyst tumor markers, or histopathology. We assessed the utility of EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) to assist in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cysts., Methodology: All patients who had pancreatic cysts detected by EUS over a 24-month period were analyzed. Preoperative diagnosis was derived from an algorithm combining clinical history and endosonographic features. In selected cases, EUS-FNA was performed and cyst fluid aspirates were analyzed. Surgical specimens served as diagnostic standard., Results: A total of 43 patients with pancreatic cysts underwent 45 EUS examinations. Surgical specimens were obtained from 9 patients (mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, 3; adenocarcinoma, 3; pancreatic endocrine tumor, 2; and benign cyst, 1); diagnostic EUS correctly predicted malignant cysts in 8/9 (88.9%). One case inaccurately interpreted by EUS as cystic neoplasm turned out to be a benign cyst on resection. Twenty-one patients underwent EUS-FNA. The cytologic interpretation was adenocarcinoma in 9.5% (2/21); suspicious for malignancy or atypical cells in 19.0% (4/21); benign in 66.6% (14/21); and insufficient cells in 4.8% (1/21)., Conclusion: The information gathered from clinical history and EUS, complemented by fluid analysis after EUS-guided FNA, predicts neoplastic pancreatic cysts and assists in decision-making for medical or surgical approach.