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Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) provides high-resolution images and is superior to computed tomography (CT) scan in diagnosing small pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). As a result, the use of EUS for early detection of PDAC has attracted attention. This study aimed to identify the clinical and radiological characteristics of patients with PDAC diagnosed by EUS but not found on CT scan. Methods: The medical records of patients diagnosed with PDAC at 12 tertiary referral centers in Korea from January 2003 to April 2019 were reviewed. This study included patients with pancreatic masses not clearly observed on CT scan but identified on EUS. The clinical characteristics and radiological features of the patients were analyzed, and survival analysis was performed. Results: A total of 83 patients were enrolled. The most common abnormal CT findings other than a definite mass was pancreatic duct dilatation, which was identified in 61 patients (73.5%). All but four patients underwent surgery. The final pathologic stages were as follows: IA (n=31, 39.2%), IB (n=8, 10.1%), IIA (n=20, 25.3%), IIB (n=17, 21.5%), III (n=2, 2.5%), and IV (n=1, 1.4%). The 5-year survival rate of these patients was 50.6% (95% confidence interval, 38.8% to 66.7%). Elevated liver function testing and R1 resection emerged as significant predictors of mortality in the multivariable Cox regression analysis. Conclusions: This multicenter study demonstrated favorable long-term prognosis in patients with PDAC diagnosed by EUS but indeterminate on CT scan. EUS should be considered for patients with suspected PDAC but indeterminate on CT scan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) has been considered extremely rare in East Asia. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence, clinical characteristics and radiological findings of type 2 AIP highlighting patients presenting as acute pancreatitis in a single center. Methods: Type 2 AIP patients were classified according to International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria. Radiological findings were compared between type 2 AIP presenting as acute pancreatitis and gallstone pancreatitis. Results: Among 244 patients with AIP, 27 (11.1%) had type 2 AIP (definite, 15 [55.5%] and probable 12 [44.5%]). The median age of patients with type 2 AIP was 29 years (interquartile range, 20 to 39 years). Acute pancreatitis was the most common initial presentation (n=17, 63%) while obstructive jaundice was present in only one patient. Ulcerative colitis (UC) was associated with type 2 AIP in 44.4% (12/27) of patients. Radiological pancreatic imaging such as delayed enhancement of diffusely enlarged pancreas, homogeneous enhancement of focal enlargement/ mass, absent/minimal peripancreatic fat infiltration or fluid collection, and multifocal main pancreatic duct narrowings were helpful for differentiating type 2 AIP from gallstone pancreatitis. During follow-up (median, 32.3 months), two patients (2/25, 8%) experienced relapse. Conclusions: In South Korea, type 2 AIP is not as rare as previously thought. Overall, the clinical profile of type 2 AIP was similar to that of Western countries. Type 2 AIP should be considered in young UC patients with acute pancreatitis of uncertain etiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Study Aim: Fully covered, self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) are acceptable tools for treating benign biliary stricture (BBS). However, little is known about the long-term outcomes of this technique. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the procedural and long-term outcomes of FCSEMSs for treating BBSs.Patients and Methods: A total of 134 consecutive patients (median age 56 years; range 21 - 83) with BBS were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcomes were technical and clinical success, stricture resolution, recurrence, and adverse events. Outcomes were analyzed by reviewing patient medical records.Results: The success rates of FCSEMS placement and removal were 99.3 % and 98.2 %, respectively. Stricture resolution occurred in 103/132 (78.0 %) of the patients (median stent duration, 93 days; range 1 - 489). The associated factors for stricture resolution were longer stent indwelling period (≥ 120 days) and absence of stent migration. Stricture recurrence was seen in 26/103 patients (25.2 %; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.17 - 0.34) within a median of 390 days (range 4 - 903 days). Chronic pancreatitis was associated with stricture recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 2.59, 95 %CI 1.20 - 5.61; P = 0.02). Stent migration occurred in 41/132 patients (31.1 %; 95 %CI 0.23 - 0.39). The FCSEMS with anchoring flaps appeared to protect against stent migration (HR 0.22, 95 %CI 0.08 - 0.63; P < 0.01).Conclusion: FCSEMSs had a high success rate for BBS resolution. Longer indwelling periods and the absence of stent migration might be important factors for stricture resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]