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Background and Aim: A recently carried out randomized controlled trial showed the benefit of a novel 20-G fine-needle biopsy (FNB) over a 25-G fine-needle aspiration (FNA) needle. The current study evaluated the reproducibility of these findings among expert academic and non-academic pathologists., Methods: This study was a side-study of the ASPRO (ASpiration versus PROcore) study. Five centers retrieved 74 (59%) consecutive FNB and 51 (41%) FNA samples from the ASPRO study according to randomization; 64 (51%) pancreatic and 61 (49%) lymph node specimens. Samples were re-reviewed by five expert academic and five non-academic pathologists and rated in terms of sample quality and diagnosis. Ratings were compared between needles, expert academic and non-academic pathologists, target lesions, and cytology versus histological specimens., Results: Besides a higher diagnostic accuracy, FNB also provided for a better agreement on diagnosing malignancy (ĸ = 0.59 vs ĸ = 0.76, P < 0.001) and classification according to Bethesda (ĸ = 0.45 vs ĸ = 0.61, P < 0.001). This equally applied for expert academic and non-academic pathologists and for pancreatic and lymph node specimens. Sample quality was also rated higher for FNB, but agreement ranged from poor (ĸ = 0.04) to fair (ĸ = 0.55). Histology provided better agreement than cytology, but only when a core specimen was obtained with FNB (P = 0.004 vs P = 0.432)., Conclusion: This study shows that the 20-G FNB outperforms the 25-G FNA needle in terms of diagnostic agreement, independent of the background and experience of the pathologist. This endorses use of the 20-G FNB needle in both expert and lower volume EUS centers., (© 2019 The Authors. Digestive Endoscopy published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society.)

Background: To determine predictive factors of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in patients undergoing enucleation (EN)., Methods: From 2005 to 2017, 47 patients underwent EN and had magnetic resonance imaging available for precise analysis of tumor location. Three pancreatic zones were delimited by the right side of the portal vein and the main pancreatic head duct (zone #3 comprising the lower head parenchyma and the uncinate process)., Results: The mortality and morbidity rates were 0% and 62%, respectively. POPF occurred in 23 patients (49%) and was graded as B or C (severe) in 15 patients (32%). Four patients (8.5%) developed a postoperative hemorrhage, and 5 patients (11%) needed a reintervention. In univariate and multivariate analyses, the pancreatic zone was the unique predictive factor of overall (P = .048) or severe POPF (P = .05). We did not observe any difference in postoperative courses when comparing the EN achieved in zones #1 and #2. We noted a longer operative duration (P = .016), higher overall (P = .017) and severe POPF (P = .01) rates, and longer hospital stays (P = .04) when comparing the EN achieved in zone #3 versus that in zones #1 and #2. Patients who underwent EN in zone #3 had a relative risk of developing a severe POPF of 3.22 compared with patients who underwent EN in the two other pancreatic zones., Conclusion: Our study identifies the lower head parenchyma and the uncinate process as a high-risk zone of severe POPF after EN. Patients with planned EN in this zone could be selected and benefit from preoperative and/or intraoperative techniques to reduce the severe POPF rate.

Background and Study Aims: The differential diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is currently suboptimal in centers that are not equipped with rapid on-site evaluation. Needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (nCLE) enables real-time in vivo microscopic imaging during endoscopy. This study aimed to describe nCLE interpretation criteria for the characterization of pancreatic masses, with histopathological correlation, and to perform the first validation of these criteria., Patients and Methods: A total of 40 patients were evaluated by EUS-FNA combined with nCLE for the diagnosis of pancreatic masses. Final diagnosis was based on EUS-FNA histology and follow-up at 1 year. Five unblinded examiners defined nCLE criteria for adenocarcinoma, chronic pancreatitis, and neuroendocrine tumor (NET) using a set of video sequences from 14 patients with confirmed pathology (Step 1). These criteria were retrospectively validated by four independent, blinded examiners using sequences from 32 patients (Step 2)., Results: nCLE criteria were described for adenocarcinoma (dark cell aggregates, irregular vessels with leakages of fluorescein), chronic pancreatitis (residual regular glandular pancreatic structures), and NET (black cell aggregates surrounded by vessels and fibrotic areas). These criteria correlated with the histological features of the corresponding lesions. In the validation review, a conclusive nCLE result was obtained in 75 % of cases (96 % correct). Statistical evaluation provided promising results, with high specificity, and negative and positive predictive values for all types of pancreatic masses., Conclusion: Considering the low negative predictive value of EUS-FNA, nCLE could help to rule out malignancy after a previous inconclusive EUS-FNA. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings and to establish the role of nCLE in the diagnosis of pancreatic masses., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01563133)., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnosis improvement of EUS-FNA when using ROSE performed by the endosonographer., Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. A total of 48 pancreatic solid masses EUS-FNA were divided into two groups according to the availability of on-site cytology (ROSE) - the first 24 patients (group A-without ROSE) and the latter 24 cases (group B-with ROSE). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, complications and inadequacy rate of EUS-FNA were determined and compared., Results: Among the 48 EUS-FNA, the overall performance was: sensitivity 82%; specificity 100%; positive predictive value (PPV) 100%; negative predictive value (NPV) 70% and accuracy 87%. The sensitivity of the Group A was 71%, versus 94% in-group B (p=0.61). Moreover, the negative predictive value was 58% versus 87% (p=0.72). The accuracy rate increased from 79% to 96% (p=0.67) in the ROSE group. The number of punctures was similar between the groups. No major complications were reported., Conclusion: Rapid on-site cytopathological examination, even when performed by the endosonographer, may improve the diagnostic performance in the diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions, regardless of the slight increase in the number of punctures.

Background: The option of obtaining tissue samples for histological examination during endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has theoretical and practical advantages over cytology alone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, yield, and diagnostic accuracy of a new EUS 22-G fine-needle biopsy (FNB) device in patients with solid pancreatic masses in a multicenter, prospective study., Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) using a newly developed 22-G FNB needle between September 2010 and October 2010 were enrolled in the study. The EUS-FNB technique was standardized among the participating endoscopists. Only a single needle pass was performed., Results: A total of 61 patients (35 males, mean age 64.2 ± 12.4 years) with solid pancreatic masses with a mean size of 32.4 ± 8.5 mm (range 13-90 mm) participated. EUS-FNB was performed through the duodenum in 35 cases (57.4 %) and was technically feasible in all but one of the 61 (98.4 %) patients without complications. Tissue samples for histological examination were obtained from 55 patients (90.2 %) and were deemed adequate in 54 of the cases (88.5 %). The diagnoses established by EUS-FNB were adenocarcinoma (39 patients), neuroendocrine tumors (5), chronic focal pancreatitis (5), sarcoma (2), lymphoma (1), acinar cellular tumor (1), and pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (1). In an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for the histologic diagnosis of a pancreatic mass were 87.5, 100, 100, 41.7, and 88.5 %, respectively., Conclusions: EUS-FNB was technically feasible in 98 % of patients with a solid pancreatic mass. A suitable sample for histological evaluation was obtained in 88.5 % of the cases after only one single needle pass. The apparently low negative predictive value is likely to be improved by increasing the number of needle passes.

Objectives: Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) are infrequent, which makes large experiences unlikely. Our aim was to describe a large single-center experience with PETs and the use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and a cancer staging system (TNM)., Methods: This study involves a retrospective analysis of 86 patients (44 men; age, 58 +/- 14 years) who underwent EUS-fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). Immunohistochemistry was used. Lesions were classified as recommended by TNM classification., Results: Typical EUS features were well-demarcated, hypoechoic, solid, homogeneous lesions. Ninety percent had the diagnosis obtained by EUS-FNA. Twelve PETs (14%) were functioning, 8 (9.3%) were cystic, and 14 (16%) were 10 mm or smaller. Nonfunctional PETs and larger lesions were more advanced. The TNM stage was I in 24, II in 10, III in 18, and IV in 34 patients. Sixteen patients (27%) died, and 30 patients (52%) had progression/recurrence during the follow-up (34 +/- 27 months). TNM stage and surgery with curative intent were related to progression. The overall 5-year survival was 60%. The mean survival time was 94 +/- 12 months for stage I, 52 +/- 12 months for stage III, and 54 +/- 7 months for stage IV (P = 0.06)., Conclusions: Nonfunctional PETs were more common and advanced. The EUS-FNA has a high accuracy for diagnosing PETs. Progression and poorer survival were associated with TNM stage.

Background: Cystic pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) are rare neoplasms with a preoperative diagnostic challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preoperative diagnostic strategy for these tumors and to assess the clinical and pathologic characteristics., Methods: Six cases of cystic PET were retrospectively enrolled. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) was performed in 4 cases. All cytomorphologic data from conventional smears, ThinPrep preparations, and cell block preparations were reported in detail., Results: There were 3 male and 3 female patients with a mean age of 52.3 years. Tumor size ranged from 10 mm to 60 mm (mean, 29.8 mm). EUS-FNAB contributed to an accurate diagnosis in all cases. Cytologically, loosely cohesive aggregates and single cells were predominant. Cells were small and typically plasmacytoid, with occasional cytoplasmic vacuolization. Nuclei were round or oval, uniform, with finely and evenly distributed chromatin. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the endocrine differentiation. Histologic findings were typical for endocrine proliferation. All tumors were well differentiated., Conclusions: Cystic PET is an unusual finding that presents diagnostic challenges for both endoscopists and cytologists. EUS-FNAB with the Thinprep preparation technique and cell block material were found to be helpful in improving diagnostic accuracy. Immunocytochemical staining with endocrine markers confirmed the diagnosis., (2009 American Cancer Society.)

Résumé: En 2022, la ponction sous écho-endoscopie à l'aide d'un écho-endoscope linéaire est une des indications principales de l'écho-endoscopie diagnostique. Elle est la pierre angulaire de la prise en charge des masses pancréatiques solides, mais également d'autres lésions péri-digestives (lésions kystiques, GIST, etc.). Les aiguilles cytologiques, sûres et efficaces avec une sensibilité supérieure à 85 % et une spécificité supérieure à 95 %, sont supplantées par le développement des aiguilles histologiques « nouvelle génération » permettant d'obtenir un matériel histologique de meilleure qualité sans majorer la morbidité. Ces évolutions adaptées à la médecine de plus en plus personnalisée et guidée par les marqueurs théranostiques ont progressivement changé la technique, en particulier la gestion de l'anatomo-pathologie. In 2022, EUS-guided sampling with linear EUS scope is one of the main diagnosis EUS indication. EUS-guided sampling is the building block concerning management of pancreatic solid mass but also other peridigestive lesions (cystic lesion, GIST, etc.). EUS fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), safe and efficient with sensibility over 85% and specificity over 95%, is gradually supplanted by EUS fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) which allows better histological materiel acquisition without increasing morbidity. These evolutions, perfectly adapted to modern medicine (personalized with theranostic markers) changed the EUS usage in particular cytopathology management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The diagnosis and therapeutic management of large single pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) represent major issues for clinicians and essentially rely on endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) findings. Needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (nCLE) has high diagnostic performance for PCLs. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of nCLE on the therapeutic management of patients with single PCLs.Methods: Retrospective and comparative study. Five independent pancreatic disease experts from tertiary hospitals independently reviewed data from a prospective database of 206 patients with single PCL, larger than 2 cm and who underwent EUS-FNA and nCLE. Two evaluations were performed. The first one included the sequential review of clinical information, EUS report and FNA results. The second one included the same data + nCLE report. Participants had to propose a therapeutic management for each case.Results: The addition of nCLE to EUS-FNA led to significant changes in therapeutic management for 28% of the patients (p < 0.001). nCLE significantly increased the interobserver agreement of 0.28 (p < 0.0001), from 0.36 (CI 95% 0.33-0.49) to 0.64 (CI 95% 0.61-0.67). nCLE improved the rates of full agreement among the five experts of 24% (p < 0.0001), from 30 to 54%. With nCLE, the surveillance rate of benign SCAs fell by 35%, from 40 (28/70) to 5% (4/76).Conclusion: The addition of nCLE to EUS-FNA significantly improves reliability of PCL diagnosis and could impact the therapeutic management of patients with single PCLs. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01563133. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: By using strain assessment, real-time endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) elastography provides additional information about a lesion''s characteristics in the pancreas. We assessed the accuracy of real-time EUS elastography in focal pancreatic lesions using computer-aided diagnosis by artificial neural network analysis. Methods: We performed a prospective, blinded, multicentric study at of 258 patients (774 recordings from EUS elastography) who were diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis (n = 47) or pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 211) from 13 tertiary academic medical centers in Europe (the European EUS Elastography Multicentric Study Group). We used postprocessing software analysis to compute individual frames of elastography movies recorded by retrieving hue histogram data from a dynamic sequence of EUS elastography into a numeric matrix. The data then were analyzed in an extended neural network analysis, to automatically differentiate benign from malignant patterns. Results: The neural computing approach had 91.14% training accuracy (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.87%–92.42%) and 84.27% testing accuracy (95% CI, 83.09%–85.44%). These results were obtained using the 10-fold cross-validation technique. The statistical analysis of the classification process showed a sensitivity of 87.59%, a specificity of 82.94%, a positive predictive value of 96.25%, and a negative predictive value of 57.22%. Moreover, the corresponding area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91%–0.97%), which was significantly higher than the values obtained by simple mean hue histogram analysis, for which the area under the receiver operating characteristic was 0.85. Conclusions: Use of the artificial intelligence methodology via artificial neural networks supports the medical decision process, providing fast and accurate diagnoses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]