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Detective flow imaging endoscopic ultrasonography (DFI-EUS) is an innovative imaging modality that was developed to detect fine vessels and low-velocity blood flow without contrast agents. We evaluate its utility for the differential diagnosis of gallbladder lesions and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). We enrolled patients who underwent DFI-EUS, e-FLOW EUS, and contrast-enhanced EUS for gallbladder lesions or IPMNs. The detection of vessels using DFI-EUS and e-FLOW EUS was compared with that via contrast-enhanced EUS and pathological findings. The vessel pattern was also categorized as regular or irregular. Of the 33 lesions included, there were final diagnoses of 13 IPMNs and 20 gallbladder lesions. DFI-EUS was significantly superior to e-FLOW EUS for discriminating between mural nodules and mucous clots and between solid gallbladder lesions and sludge using the presence or absence of vessel detection in lesions (p = 0.005). An irregular vessel pattern with DFI-EUS was a significant predictor of malignant gallbladder lesions (p = 0.002). DFI-EUS is more sensitive than e-FLOW-EUS for vessel detection and the differential diagnosis of gallbladder lesions and IPMNs. Vessel evaluation using DFI-EUS may be a useful and simple method for differentiating between mural nodules and mucous clots in IPMN, between solid gallbladder lesions and sludge, and between malignant and benign gallbladder lesions.

Sarcopenia is an important prognostic factor for cancer patients. Here, we assessed the effects of sarcopenia on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who underwent treatment with first-line gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel (GEM and nab-PTX).The study enrolled patients with unresectable PDAC who underwent chemotherapy between April 2016 and May 2020. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar spine level (L3) was calculated from computed tomography (CT) images. Propensity score analysis was used to compare PFS and OS in the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine variables significantly associated with prognosis.Of the 176 patients who received first-line GEM and nab-PTX, 84 were selected and divided into two groups of 42 (the sarcopenia and the non-sarcopenia groups) by propensity score matching. The median PFS of the sarcopenia and the non-sarcopenia groups was 5.0 and 8.0 months, respectively (p = 0.004). The median OS was 10.3 and 18.1 months, respectively (p = 0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed that sarcopenia was an independent prognostic factor for PFS and OS (p = 0.004, p = 0.001, respectively). The rates of major grade 3 or 4 AEs were significantly higher in the sarcopenia group (p = 0.008).Sarcopenia is an independent indicator of a poor prognosis in patients with PDAC treated with first-line GEM and nab-PTX.

Although the use of a long metal stent is favored for EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) for the relief of malignant biliary obstruction (MBO), endoscopic reintervention (E-RI) at the time of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) is challenging due to a long intragastric portion. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of E-RI after a long partially covered metal stent (L-PCMS) placement during EUS-HGS.We performed a multicenter retrospective study between January 2015 and December 2019 examining patients with MBO who underwent E-RI for RBO through the EUS-HGS route after the L-PCMS placement. Technical and clinical success rates, details of E-RI, adverse events (AEs), stent patency, and survival time were evaluated.Thirty-three patients at eight referral centers in Japan who underwent E-RI through the EUS-HGS route were enrolled. The location of MBO was distal in 54.5%. The median intragastric length of the L-PCMS was 5 cm. As the first E-RI attempt, E-RI via the distal end of the existing L-PCMS was successful in 60.6%. The overall technical and clinical success rates of E-RI were 100% and 81.8%, respectively. Liver abscess was noted in one patient. A proximal biliary stricture was associated with the clinical ineffectiveness of E-RI in multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 12.5, P = 0.04). The median survival and stent patency duration after E-RI were 140 and 394 days, respectively.Our study findings suggest that E-RI for RBO after EUS-HGS with a L-PCMS is technically feasible and clinically effective, without any severe AEs, especially for patients with distal MBO.

Objectives This single-center comparative randomized superiority study compared biliary stenting using fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) and biliary stenting using plastic stents (PS) in preoperative biliary drainage of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) who are planned to undergo a single regimen of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Methods Twenty-two patients with BRPC who required preoperative biliary drainage before NAC (Gemcitabine plus Nab-paclitaxel) were randomly assigned 1:1 to the FCSEMS or PS group. The primary endpoint was the rate of stent dysfunction until surgery or tumor progression. Secondary endpoints were stent patency, number of re-interventions, adverse events of endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (EBD), operation time, volume of intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospitalization, postoperative adverse events and medical costs. Results Eleven patients in each of the groups reached the primary endpoint. The FCSEMS group showed a significantly lower rate of stent dysfunction (18.2% vs. 72.8%, P = 0.015), longer stent patency (P = 0.02), and lower number of re-interventions for stent dysfunction (0.27 ± 0.65 vs. 1.27 ± 1.1, P = 0.001) than the PS group. The adverse events of EBD, operation time, volume of intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospitalization, postoperative adverse events and medical costs did not significantly differ between the two groups. Conclusions In patients with BRPC for preoperative biliary drainage, stent dysfunction occurred less frequently with FCSEMSs than with PSs. In addition, FCSEMS and PS provided similar preoperative management of BRPC in terms of the safety of surgery and medical costs. (UMIN ID000030473).

Background and aim Few studies have investigated endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration with contrast-enhanced harmonic imaging (EUS-FNA-CHI) for diagnosing and adequately sampling pancreatic lesions. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of EUS-FNA-CHI compared with that of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration with fundamental B mode imaging (EUS-FNA-FBI) for diagnosing solid pancreatic lesions. Methods Consecutive patients with solid pancreatic lesions were enrolled prospectively (UMIN 000024467). Only samples obtained during the first needle pass (EUS-FNA-FBI) and second needle pass (EUS-FNA-CHI) were used to compare the accuracy rate for diagnosing pancreatic lesions and rate of adequate sampling for histological evaluation. In patients with hypo-enhancing lesions on contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS (CH-EUS), subgroup analyses were performed. Patients were classified into those with a heterogeneous area in the whole lesion (whole group), those with a heterogeneous area with a non-enhancing area (non-enhancing group), and those with a heterogeneous area with a homogeneous area (homogeneous group). Results Ninety-three patients were enrolled. Overall, the rates of adequate sampling and sensitivity were significantly higher with EUS-FNA-CHI than with EUS-FNA-FBI (84.9% vs 68.8%, P = 0.003 and 76.5% vs 58.8%, P = 0.011, respectively). The adequate sampling rate and sensitivity were significantly higher with EUS-FNA-CHI than with EUS-FNA-FBI when the mass was > 15 mm. In the non-enhancing and homogeneous groups, the adequate sampling rate and sensitivity were significantly higher with EUS-FNA-CHI than with EUS-FNA-FBI. Conclusions CH-EUS enables improved observation of pancreatic lesions and helps identify the target of EUS-FNA among different pathological areas of the lesions particularly of > 15 mm.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Chronic pancreatitis (CP) leads to permanent impairment of exocrine and endocrine functions. The endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-based Rosemont classification plays an important role in diagnosing CP. However, it is based on subjective judgment. In contrast, EUS shear wave measurement (EUS-SWM) has been established to be a precise method for evaluating tissue hardness. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of EUS-SWM in diagnosing CP and determining exocrine and endocrine dysfunctions. METHODS We evaluated 40 patients who underwent EUS-SWM between January 2019 and January 2020. They were classified into the normal pancreas and early, probable, and definite CP groups following the Japan Pancreatic Society criteria. EUS-SWM value was compared between the normal pancreas group and the early, probable, and definite CP groups. The relationship between EUS-SWM value and exocrine/endocrine dysfunctions was also assessed. The cut-off value of EUS-SWM for diagnosing CP and exocrine/endocrine dysfunctions was investigated. RESULTS The EUS-SWM value was positively correlated with the Japan Pancreatic Society criteria stages. The probable and definite CP groups had significantly higher EUS-SWM values than the normal group. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-SWM for CP, exocrine dysfunction, and endocrine dysfunction were 0.92, 0.78, and 0.63, respectively. The cut-off values of 1.96, 1.96, and 2.34 for diagnosing CP, exocrine dysfunction, and endocrine dysfunctions had 83%, 90%, and 75% sensitivity, respectively, and 100%, 65%, and 64% specificity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic ultrasonography shear wave measurement provides objective assessment and can thus be an alternative diagnostic tool for diagnosing CP and exocrine/endocrine dysfunctions.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of pancreatic tumors. The present study aimed to investigate the current status of needle tract seeding (NTS) after EUS-TA of pancreatic tumors based on a nationwide survey in Japan.Patients who underwent surgical resection of primary pancreatic tumors after EUS-TA performed between April 2010 and March 2018 were surveyed. The incidence rates of NTS were determined, and compared in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) and other tumors, and in patients who underwent transgastric and transduodenal EUS-TA of PDACs. The detailed features and prognosis of patients with NTS were also assessed.A total of 12,109 patients underwent surgical resection of primary pancreatic tumors after EUS-TA. The overall incidence rate of NTS was 0.330%, and the NTS rate was significantly higher in patients with PDAC than in those with other tumors (0.409% vs. 0.071%, P=0.004). NTS was observed in 0.857% of patients who underwent transgastric EUS-TA, but in none of those who underwent transduodenal EUS-TA. Of the patients with NTS of PDACs, the median time from EUS-TA to occurrence of NTS and median patient survival were 19.3 and 44.7 months, respectively, with 97.4% of NTS located in the gastric wall and 65.8% of NTS resected. The patient survival was significantly longer in patients who underwent NTS resection than in those without NTS resection (P=0.037).NTS appeared only after transgastric not after transduodenal EUS-TA. Careful follow-up provides an opportunity to remove localized NTS lesions by gastrectomy.

Background: Although several molecular analyses have shown that the Kras gene status is related to long-term survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the results remain controversial. Here, we examined the Kras gene status in a cohort of unresectable PDAC patients who underwent first-line therapy with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel (GA) and assessed differences in chemotherapy responses and survival. Methods: Patients with a histological diagnosis of PDAC (based on EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration) from 2017 to 2019 were enrolled. Tumor genomic DNA was extracted from residual liquid-based cytology specimens and Kras mutations were assessed using the quenching probe method. The relationships between the Kras status and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Results: Of the 110 patients analyzed, 15 had wild-type Kras. Those with the wild-type gene showed significantly longer PFS and OS than those with mutant Kras (6.9/5.3 months (p = 0.044) vs. 19.9/11.8 months (p = 0.037), respectively). Multivariate analyses identified wild-type Kras as a significant independent factor associated with longer PFS and OS (HR = 0.53 (p = 0.045) and HR = 0.35 (p = 0.007), respectively). Conclusions: The analysis of the Kras gene status could be used to predict therapeutic responses to GA and prognosis in unresectable PDAC patients.

The purpose of this study was to assess prognosis with different intratumoral vascularity on contrast-enhanced endoscopic harmonic ultrasonography (CH-EUS) in pancreatic cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.Patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer who underwent CH-EUS before first-line gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel (GEM and nab-PTX) therapy were classified into four groups according to vascularity on the early and late phases of contrast enhancement: "Group A″, poor on both phases; "Group B″, rich and poor on the early and late phases, respectively; "Group C″, poor and rich on the early and late phases; "Group D″, rich on both phases. Subgroups were compared in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). We also assessed whether the results with CH-EUS correlate with those of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT).On CH-EUS, 57, 64, 0, and 24 patients were classified into Groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. The median PFS of patients in groups A, B, and D was 3.9, 7.6, and 10.8 months, respectively, and the median OS were 9.5, 13.1, and 18.6 months, respectively. Both PFS and OS were longest in Group D (p 0.001 and p 0.001, respectively). The results of CE-CT were consistent with those of CH-EUS, and there was a correlation between CE-CT and CH-EUS.Evaluation of intratumoral vascularity by CH-EUS may be useful for predicting the efficacy of chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer. A better response to GEM and nab-PTX can be expected in patients showing rich vascularity at both the early and late phases.

Detective flow imaging endoscopic ultrasonography (DFI-EUS) provides a new method to image and detect fine vessels and low-velocity blood flow without using ultrasound contrast agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of DFI-EUS for pancreatobiliary lesions and lymph nodes. Between January 2019 and January 2020, 53 patients who underwent DFI-EUS, e-FLOW EUS, and contrast-enhanced EUS were enrolled. The ability of DFI-EUS and e-FLOW EUS to detect vessels was compared with that of contrast-enhanced EUS. This article describes the DFI technique along with our first experience of its use for vascular assessment of pancreatobiliary lesions. Vessels were imaged in 34 pancreatic solid lesions, eight intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), seven gall bladder lesions, and four swollen lymph nodes. DFI-EUS (91%) was significantly superior to e-FLOW EUS (53%) with respect to detection of vessels (p < 0.001) and for discrimination of mural nodules from mucous clots in IPMN and gallbladder lesions from sludge (p = 0.046). Thus, DFI-EUS has the potential to become an essential tool for diagnosis and vascular assessment of various diseases.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS This study aimed to compare contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound (CH-EUS) with fundamental B-mode endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) for the diagnosis of left hepatic lobe metastases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS In this single-center prospective study, CE-CT, EUS, and CH-EUS were performed to detect left hepatic lobe metastases in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and the detection rates were compared between EUS plus CH-EUS and the other two modalities. Subgroup comparisons of between-modality detection rate were performed in patients with only metastases of

Colonoscopy is currently considered the optimal method to detect colorectal neoplasia; however, some adenomas remain undetected. While indigo carmine staining with a dye-spray catheter has demonstrated promising results for reducing the miss rate, we investigated the oral indigo carmine method. The aim of this study was to determine whether oral indigo carmine intake before standard colonoscopy increases the adenoma (and adenocarcinoma) detection rate (ADR) or the mean number of adenomas per patient (MAP).The oral indigo carmine method was performed from April 2018 to July 2020 in two hospitals. Data were collected in a prospective manner and compared to the conventional group whose data were collected retrospectively and consecutively from January 2016 to March 2018. All data were anonymized.Among the 704 patients included, colonoscopies were completely performed in 693 patients (347 in the indigo group). The ADR did not significantly differ between the groups: 42.3% vs. 40.3% (indigo vs. conventional group; odds ratio: 1.13; 95% confidence interval: 0.9-1.33,The routine use of oral indigo carmine does not lead to a higher ADR despite the higher MAP.

OBJECTIVES Detective flow imaging for endoscopic ultrasonography (DFI?EUS) is a new imaging modality developed for detecting fine vessels without using ultrasound contrast agents. This study aimed to evaluate its utility by comparing it with a type of directional power Doppler (eFLOW) for subepithelial lesions (SELs). METHODS Between January 2019 and January 2020, 28 patients with SELs undergoing DFI?EUS and eFLOW?EUS were enrolled. DFI?EUS and eFLOW?EUS assessing the vascularity in SELs were compared in terms of the rates of identification of intratumoral vessels. We also investigated how large vessels were depicted in both modalities based on surgical specimens as well as the detection rates of intratumoral vessels in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and non?GISTs using either DFI?EUS or eFLOW?EUS. RESULTS Among 28 patients, 23 with pathological confirmation by EUS?guided fine?needle aspiration biopsy (EUS?FNAB) specimens were included. Of those 23 patients, the 10 who underwent surgical resection were selected for analysis. The rate of detection of intratumoral vessels in SELs was significantly higher on DFI?EUS (80%) than on eFLOW?EUS (30%) (P\xA0=\xA00.03). Comparison with surgical specimens revealed that detection rate for vessels with maximum size of less 1000\xA0μm was higher in DFI?EUS (66%) than that in eFLOW?EUS (0%). GIST patients had significantly higher positive rates (90%) of intratumoral vessels than non?GIST patients (31%) on DFI in 23 cases including EUS?FNAB specimens (P\xA0=\xA00.045). CONCLUSIONS Detective flow imaging?EUS is more sensitive for depicting intratumoral vessels than eFLOW?EUS. Evaluation of intratumoral vessels on DFI?EUS is useful for identifying GISTs without contrast agents.

The features of pancreatic parenchyma that tend to progress towards pancreatic cancer (PC) are unknown. We performed volumetry of the pancreas in PC patients using computed tomography (CT) scans acquired before detection of PC, and investigated whether CT findings of pancreatic parenchyma could predict the future occurrence of PC. Between April 2009 and March 2017, a total of 3769 patients underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced CT, the scans of which were archived as digital images. Among them, 15 PC patients underwent abdominal CT 6–120 months before diagnosis of PC. This retrospective study compared the 15 PC patients (PC group) with 15 propensity score-matched subjects without PC (non-PC group). Pancreatic volumetry and radiological findings were compared between the two groups. There were significant differences between the PC and non-PC groups in the volume of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) plus any cystic lesion (P = 0.007), volume of the MPD plus any cystic lesion/body surface area (BSA; P = 0.009), MPD diameter (P = 0.011), and MPD diameter/BSA (P = 0.013). Univariate analysis revealed volume of MPD plus any cystic lesion/BSA ≥ 0.53 mL/m2 (odds ratio [OR] 38.50, P = 0.002), volume of pancreatic parenchyma/BSA

Highlight Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration with contrast-enhanced harmonic imaging is useful for accurately and safely obtaining tissue from a gallbladder tumor. Tamura and colleagues demonstrate how contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound facilitates puncturing the gallbladder tumor while avoiding fluid spaces as it demarcates the borderline between the tumor and fluid spaces.

Accumulated evidence has revealed that endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has had a great impact on the clinical evaluation of pancreatic cancers. EUS can provide high-resolution images of the pancreas with a quality regarded as far surpassing that achieved on transabdominal ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). EUS is particularly useful for the detection of small pancreatic lesions, while EUS and its related techniques such as contrast-enhanced EUS (CE-EUS), EUS elastography, and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) are also useful in the differential diagnosis of solid or cystic pancreatic lesions and the staging (T-staging, N-staging, and M-staging) of pancreatic cancers. In the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions, CE-EUS and EUS elastography play a complementary role to conventional EUS. When sampling is performed using EUS-FNA, CE-EUS and EUS elastography provide information on the target lesions. Thus, conventional EUS, CE-EUS, EUS elastography, and EUS-FNA are essential in the clinical investigation of pancreatic cancer.

Background and Aims EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is associated with high rates of adverse events. The present study evaluated the feasibility of a newly designed stent equipped with a dilatation and antimigration system for EUS-HGS in phantom and animal models. Methods The newly designed stent was a partially covered laser-cut stent with antimigration anchoring hooks and a thin tapered tip (7.2F). The feasibility of these stents for biliary obstruction was compared with that of conventional stents. Evaluated outcomes were resistance force to migration in phantom and ex vivo models, rates of technical success and adverse events, and histology in an in vivo model. Results The resistance forces on the distal (3.59 vs 1.73 N and 6.21 vs 1.74 N) and proximal (3.58 vs 1.5 N and 5.97 vs 1.67 N) sides in phantom and ex vivo models were significantly higher for hook stents than for conventional stents. Although EUS-HGS was successfully performed in all cases with both stents (100% [10/10] vs 100% [8/8]), the success rate of EUS-HGS without using a fistulous tract dilation device was significantly higher with hook stents (100% [10/10]) than with conventional stents (13% [1/8]). No adverse events occurred with either stent. Pathologic examination showed adhesion between the stomach and liver. Conclusions The strong resistance to migration and the absence of the dilation step are important advantages of newly designed hook stents. These stents may therefore be feasible and safe for EUS-HGS.

Background and Aims: The benefit of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) on the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound–guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) has never been evaluated in a randomized study. This trial aimed to test the hypothesis that in solid pancreatic lesions (SPLs), diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNB without ROSE was not inferior to that of EUS-FNB with ROSE. Methods: A noninferiority study (noninferiority margin, 5%) was conducted at 14 centers in 8 countries. Patients with SPLs requiring tissue sampling were randomly assigned (1:1) to undergo EUS-FNB with or without ROSE using new-generation FNB needles. The touch-imprint cytology technique was used to perform ROSE. The primary endpoint was diagnostic accuracy, and secondary endpoints were safety, tissue core procurement, specimen quality, and sampling procedural time. Results: Eight hundred patients were randomized over an 18-month period, and 771 were analyzed (385 with ROSE and 386 without). Comparable diagnostic accuracies were obtained in both arms (96.4% with ROSE and 97.4% without ROSE, P = .396). Noninferiority of EUS-FNB without ROSE was confirmed with an absolute risk difference of 1.0% (1-sided 90% confidence interval, –1.1% to 3.1%; noninferiority P < .001). Safety and sample quality of histologic specimens were similar in both groups. A significantly higher tissue core rate was obtained by EUS-FNB without ROSE (70.7% vs. 78.0%, P = .021), with a significantly shorter mean sampling procedural time (17.9 ± 8.8 vs 11.7 ± 6.0 minutes, P < .0001). Conclusions: EUS-FNB demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in evaluating SPLs independently on execution of ROSE. When new-generation FNB needles are used, ROSE should not be routinely recommended. (ClinicalTrial.gov number NCT03322592.)

Objective EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is often indicated for advanced stage patients because it prevents the adverse events associated with EUS-HGS procedures, and provides long stent patency. EUS-guided antegrade stenting (AS) has been developed as an advanced technique. Thus, to prevent adverse events and achieve, long stent patency, EUS-AS combined with EUS-HGS (EUS-HGAS) has been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and efficacy of EUS-HGAS in a multicenter, prospective study. Methods This prospective study was carried out at each hospital of the Therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound group. The primary endpoint of this multicenter prospective study was the stent patency of EUS-HGAS. Results A total of 49 patients were enrolled. The technical success rate of EUS-HGS was 95.8% (47/49). EUS-AS failed in 5 patients because the guidewire could not be advanced into the intestine across the bile duct obstruction site. Therefore, EUS-HGAS was successfully performed in 40 patients (technical success rate: 85.7%). Median overall survival was 114days. Median stent patency including stent dysfunction and patient's death was 114days. On the other hand, mean stent patency was 320 days. Adverse events were seen in 10.2% (5/49) of cases. Hyperamylasemia was seen in 4patients, and bleeding was seen in 1 patient. Conclusions In conclusions, the present study is the first to evaluate EUS-HGAS. EUS-HGAS has clinical benefit for obtaining long stent patency, and avoiding adverse events, although the possibility of acute pancreatitis due to obstruction of the orifice of the pancreatic duct must be considered. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and the feasibility of 18-mm-diameter stents for obstructive colorectal cancer, comparing the clinical courses with 22- mm-diameter stents. Methods: We retrospectively compared 33 consecutive cases treated with 18-mm-diameter stents (bridge to surgery [BTS] in 25, palliative therapy [PAL] in 8) with 27 consecutive cases treated with 22-mm-diameter stents (BTS in 21, PAL in 6) for obstructive colorectal cancer between May 2013 and November 2015 in our institution. Results: There were no significant differences between the 18-mm and 22-mm groups in technical success rates (97 and 96%, respectively) and clinical success rates (100 and 100%, respectively). As a BTS, the rates of complications and stoma formation were not significantly different between groups. For PAL, although the rates of complications and stent patency were similar, stent occlusion occurred in 1 patient (12.5%) in the 18-mm group. Conclusions: The 18-mm-diameter stents were similarly effective when compared with 22-mm-diameter stents. Because 18-mm-diameter stents are easy to handle and produce less mechanical stress, they have the potential to decrease the perforation rate and mitigate the stent's impact on the tumors. 18-mm-diameter stents can be useful and safe, especially as a BTS.

This study aimed to assess whether contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography (CH-EUS), compared to multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is useful for early diagnosis of small pancreatic cancer (PC). Between March 2010 and June 2018, all three imaging modalities and surgery were performed for patients with a pancreatic solid lesion measuring ≤20 mm; diagnostic ability was compared among modalities. Fifty-one of 60 patients were diagnosed with PC (PC size in 41 patients: 11−20 mm; 10 patients: ≤10 mm). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CH-EUS, MDCT, and MRI for PC (11−20 mm) detection were 95%/83%/94%, 78%/83%/79%, and 73%/33%/68%, respectively. The diagnostic ability of CH-EUS was significantly superior compared with MDCT and MRI (p = 0.002 and p = 0.007, respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CH-EUS, MDCT, and MRI for PC (≤10 mm) detection were 70%/100%/77%, 20%/100%/38%, and 50%/100%/62%, respectively. The diagnostic ability of CH-EUS tended to be superior to that of MDCT (p = 0.025). The sensitivity of MDCT for PC (≤10 mm) detection was significantly lower than that for PC (11−20 mm) detection (20% vs. 78%; p = 0.001). CH-EUS, compared to MDCT and MRI, is useful for diagnosing small PCs.

Animal studies of endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) of the liver have rarely been reported. We assessed the effectiveness and safety of EUS-RFA in pigs. We conducted four experiments using newly designed RFA electrodes. In the first experiment, we ablated excised liver using 19 G electrodes with active electrode tips with lengths of 1, 1.5, and 2 cm. The second experiment was performed with the same electrodes as those used in the first experiment, but with the electrodes inserted into the livers of live pigs under EUS. In the third experiment, we tested the electrodes for water permeability. In the fourth experiment, we performed EUS-RFA on live pigs, using 19 G electrodes in 7/12 pigs and 18 G electrodes in 5/12 pigs. Complications were evaluated after 7 days of survival. The newly designed RFA electrodes achieved ablation of the liver. In the first experiment, the maximal sizes of the ablation areas were 27, 26, 24, and 25 mm at 10, 20, 30, and 40 W, respectively, with the 2-cm electrode. In the second experiment, the maximal vertical sizes were 22, 23, 22, and 23 mm at 10, 20, 30, and 40 W, respectively, with the 2-cm electrode. In the third experiment, the 18 G electrode had better water permeability than the 19 G electrode. In the fourth experiment, all pigs survived. Complications occurred in 1/5 (18 G electrode) and 4/7 (19 G electrode) pigs. We performed EUS-RFA in pigs and concluded that it may be feasible to perform RFA of lesions near the stomach.

Background:Postoperative pancreatic collection (POPC) is a frequent complication after pancreatectomy. Although percutaneous drainage (PD) has been the treatment of choice for POPC with encapsulation, endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage (EUS-TD) was recently reported effective for this condition. The main aim of this retrospective study was to compare EUS-TD and PD in terms of effectiveness and safety as the first procedure in patients with noncapsulated POPC.Methods:Consecutive patients who underwent pancreatectomy and developed noncapsulated POPC requiring EUS-TD or PD between April 2003 and May 2018 were enrolled. Noncapsulated POPC was defined as pancreatic collection appearing within 28 days postoperatively and lacking a thick encapsulating inflammatory wall on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The effectiveness of drainage was compared between the two groups before and after propensity-score matching of patient characteristics. Outcomes of interest included re-intervention rate, number of re-interventions, immediate complication, remote complication, and time to clinical resolution after the procedure.Results:A sum of 81 patients were included: 14 underwent EUS-TD, and 67 underwent PD. There were significant differences between groups in POPC size and type of surgery. Propensity-score matching selected 13 patients who underwent EUS-TD and 28 who underwent PD. Re-intervention rate ( p = 0.045), and number of re-interventions ( p = 0.026) were significantly lower in the matched EUS-TD group than in the matched PD group. There were no significant between-group differences in immediate complication and remote complication. The time to clinical resolution after the procedure was significantly shorter in the matched EUS-TD than in the matched PD group (14 versus 26 days; p Conclusion:EUS-TD is more effective than PD for drainage of noncapsulated POPC. EUS-TD should be considered as the first treatment of choice for noncapsulated POPC visible on EUS.

Background/Aims: Rosemont classification (RC) with endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is important for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis (CP) but is based only on subjective judgement. EUS shear wave measurement (EUS-SWM) is a precise modality based on objective judgment, but its usefulness has not been extensively studied yet. This study evaluated the utility of EUS-SWM for diagnosing CP and estimating CP severity by determining the presence of endocrine dysfunction along with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Between June 2018 and December 2018, 52 patients who underwent EUS and EUS-SWM were classified into two groups according to RC: non-CP (indeterminate CP and normal) and CP (consistent and suggestive of CP). The EUSSWM value by shear wave velocity was evaluated with a median value. The EUS-SWM value was compared with RC and the number of EUS features. The diagnostic accuracy and cutoff value of EUS-SWM for CP and DM and its sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results: The EUS-SWM value significantly positively correlated with the RC and the number of EUS features. The EUS-SWM values that were consistent and suggestive of CP were significantly higher than that of normal. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve for the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-SWM for CP was 0.97. The cutoff value of 2.19 had 100% sensitivity and 94% specificity. For endocrine dysfunction in CP, the AUROC was 0.75. The cutoff value of 2.78 had 70% sensitivity and 56% specificity. Conclusions: EUS-SWM provides an objective assessment and can be an alternative diagnostic tool for diagnosing CP. EUS-SWM may also be useful for predicting the presence of endocrine dysfunction. (Gut Liver 2020;14:659-664)

Background and aim Biliary obstruction can impair the effectiveness of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. This study was designed to compare biliary stenting with covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) and plastic stents (PS) in patients with biliary obstruction caused by borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) who were undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy during preoperative biliary drainage. Methods This single-center, comparative, randomized, superiority study was designed to compare FCSEMS with PS for drainage of biliary obstruction of BRPC. Twenty two eligible patients providing informed consent will be randomized 1:1 by computer to either FCSEMS or PS for endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD). All subsequent clinical interventions, including crossover to alternative procedures, will be at the discretion of the treating physician based on standard clinical care. The primary outcomes will be the rates and causes of stent dysfunction during preoperative biliary drainage. Other outcomes include time required for ERBD, adverse events related to ERBD, period from ERBD to surgery, percentage of patients able to undergo surgery, operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative adverse events, and postoperative hospitalization. Subjects, treating clinicians, and outcome assessors will not be blinded to assignment. Discussion This study is intended to determine whether FCSEMS or PS is the better biliary stent for ERBD for management of patients with biliary obstruction of BRPC, a common clinical dilemma that has not yet been investigated in randomized trials. Trials registration UMIN-CTR, Identifier: UMIN000030473. Registered July 10, 2017, Wakayama Medical University Hospital.

Although endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS–FNA) has been widely used for the diagnosis of pancreatic tumors, the ability to obtain adequate pancreatic tumor tissue needs to be improved. This study was performed to compare a newly designed 21-gauge needle (EUS Sonopsy CY; Hakko Medical, Nagano, Japan) and a standard 22-gauge needle for tissue sampling of solid pancreatic masses. Consecutive patients with solid pancreatic masses who underwent EUS–FNA with either the EUS Sonopsy CY or the 22-gauge needle from June 2014 to December 2016 were enrolled. The primary outcome was comparison of the diagnostic yield of the FNA samples. The secondary outcomes were comparison of technical success, diagnostic ability for malignancy, and complications. A total of 93 patients (40.9% female; mean age, 70.1 years) underwent EUS–FNA with the EUS Sonopsy CY (n = 47) or the standard 22-gauge needle (n = 46). The technical success rate was 100% in both groups, and the overall diagnostic accuracy for malignancy was similar between the groups (100% in the EUS Sonopsy CY group vs. 95.7% in the 22-gauge needle group, P = 0.242). Nevertheless, the EUS Sonopsy CY resulted in significantly higher scores for cellularity (P = 0.006) and lower scores for blood contamination (P

BACKGROUND AND AIM When endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) fails in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction, endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) is an alternative. It has high technical and clinical success rates, but also has high adverse event rates. This prospective cohort study was aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of EUS-CDS with our newly developed partially covered self-expandable metal stent with a thin delivery system. METHODS Patients consisted of all consecutive patients in three tertiary referral centers with unresectable malignant distal obstruction in whom ERCP failed and in whom EUS-CDS with the thin delivery system was selected as the second-line approach. Rates of clinical success, technical success, technical success in cases not requiring fistulous tract dilation, adverse events, and stent dysfunction were determined. RESULTS In the 20 patients, technical and clinical success rates were 95.0% (19/20) and 100% (19/19), respectively. In 31.6% (6/19), the delivery system was successfully inserted into the bile duct without requiring a fistulous-tract dilatation device. These patients had significantly shorter procedure times than patients requiring fistulous-tract dilatation (12.7 ± 3.1 vs 23.2 ± 2.1 min; P

OBJECTIVES Pancreatic metastases (PMs) account for 1% to 2% of pancreatic tumors, and their prognostic significance is poorly defined. We evaluated the incidence and clinical characteristics of primary tumors and defined prognostic factors. METHODS This retrospective study of 39 Japanese tertiary referral hospitals (January 2005 to August 2015) analyzed patient and tumor characteristics and survival time. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were applied to evaluate overall survival and prognostic factors, respectively. RESULTS We enrolled 159 patients with a pathologic diagnosis of PM. The most common primary tumor was renal cell carcinoma (38.4%), followed by lung cancer (24.5%), colorectal cancer (11.3%), and sarcoma (6.3%). Eight patients were lost during follow-up, and 151 patients were included for statistical analysis. Median overall survival was 43.0 months, and the 5-year survival rate was 42.6%. Multivariate analysis identified 3 independent prognostic factors: extrapancreatic metastasis (hazard ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-4.07; P = 0.02), tumor-related symptoms at diagnosis (hazard ratio, 5.39; 95% confidence interval, 2.92-9.91; P < 0.001), and pathologic diagnosis of primary tumors (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Treatment strategies and prognoses for PMs completely differ according to the primary tumor type. A definitive pathologic diagnosis of PMs is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment.

Background and aim Treatment efficiency of walled-off necrosis (WON) using endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage (EUS-D) with a double pigtail stent (DPS) is limited. Endoscopic necrosectomy is often carried out if EUS-D fails. However, endoscopic necrosectomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Thus, we developed transmural nasocyst continuous irrigation (TNCCI) as an alternative therapeutic option for WON. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of TNCCI therapy for WON. Methods Between April 2009 and March 2018, 19 of 39 patients admitted with WON underwent EUS-D. Ten consecutive patients also received TNCCI therapy (TNCCI group) between May 2015 and March 2018. TNCCI was carried out by inserting an external tube from the gastroduodenal lumen into the WON under endoscopic ultrasonography guidance and then continuously irrigating the WON with saline at a rate of 40 ml/h. Nine consecutive patients who underwent EUS-D without TNCCI therapy between April 2009 and April 2015 were used for comparison (control group). Various parameters were compared between the TNCCI and control groups. Results Time taken to reduce WON (6 vs 32 days, P = 0.001), implementation rate of endoscopic necrosectomy (0% vs 55.6%, P = 0.01), and number of endoscopic necrosectomy sessions per patient (0 vs 0.8 ± 1.0, P = 0.008) were significantly lower in the TNCCI group than in the control group. Conclusions Walled-off necrosis can be effectively and safely treated by endoscopic drainage with a DPS and TNCCI. This technique can be an alternative therapeutic option before carrying out endoscopic necrosectomy.

Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is a thin-layer slide preparation procedure that was developed to overcome the cell crowding and contamination associated with smear cytology (SC). The present study compared diagnostic efficacy between SC alone and SC combined with LBC (SLBC) using endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) samples of pancreatic lesions. We retrospectively analyzed data derived from 311 consecutive patients. Specimens obtained via EUS-FNA from 179 patients between December 2011 and May 2016 were analyzed by SC, and those obtained from 132 patients between June 2016 and October 2017 were analyzed by SLBC. The 2 groups were compared in terms of adequate sample rate, diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity using propensity score matching. SC and SLBC were compared using propensity score-matching in 204 patients (n = 102 per group). The adequate sample rate did not differ significantly between SLBC (100%) and SC (99.0%, P = 1). Diagnostic sensitivity, negative predictive value and accuracy were better for SLBC than for SC in terms of cytological (93.2% vs 67.4%, 68.4% vs 23.1%, and 94.1% vs 69.6%, P

EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been recognized as a new alternative to failed ERCP. The alternatives for failed/impossible ERCP in cases of difficult and selective bile duct cannulation include percutaneous transhepatic BD (PTBD) with precut papillotomy. EUS-BD is reportedly more convenient than PTBD and more successful than precut papillotomy, suggesting that EUS-BD is the next step following failed/impossible ERCP.

Background The relationship between the thickness of subepithelial collagen bands (CB) and the development of linear ulcerations (LU) in collagenous colitis (CC) remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical and pathological features, including the thickness of CB, in CC patients with and without LU. Patients and Methods Twenty-five patients with CC diagnosed by pathological examination of biopsy specimens were analyzed. Eleven patients with LU (LU group) and 14 patients without LU (non-LU group) were compared. Results Ten patients in the LU group and seven in the non-LU group were taking lansoprazole (P = 0.038). Seven patients in the LU group and one in the non-LU group were taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (P = 0.004). All LU were locatedin the transverse or left colon. Patients in the LU group were older than those in the non-LU group (P = 0.015). CB were significantly thicker in the LU group than in the non-LU group (mean ± SD, 40 ± 21 μm vs 20 ± 11 μm, P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that NSAIDs use (odds ratio, 19.236; 95% confidence interval, 1.341–275.869) and CB thickness (odds ratio, 0.893; 95% confidence interval, 0.804–0.999) were independently associated with the development of LU. Conclusion Use of lansoprazole and NSAIDs, thick CB, and advanced age are associated with the development of LU in CC patients.

The value of serum cholinesterase (ChE) level as a predictive marker in sorafenib therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not yet been investigated. The present retrospective study therefore analyzed the impact of the serum ChE level in 93 patients with advanced HCC treated with sorafenib. Patients were categorized into two groups: group A with pretreatment serum ChE ≥140 IU/l (n=46) and group B with pretreatment serum ChE