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INTRODUCTION: 13 C-breath tests are valuable, noninvasive diagnostic tests that can be widely applied for the assessment of gastroenterological symptoms and diseases. Currently, the potential of these tests is compromised by a lack of standardization regarding performance and interpretation among expert centers. METHODS: This consensus-based clinical practice guideline defines the clinical indications, performance, and interpretation of 13 C-breath tests in adult and pediatric patients. A balance between scientific evidence and clinical experience was achieved by a Delphi consensus that involved 43 experts from 18 European countries. Consensus on individual statements and recommendations was established if ≥ 80% of reviewers agreed and

Available intracystic biomarkers show a limited accuracy for characterizing cystic pancreatic lesions (CPL). Glucose is an attractive alternative due to its availability, low cost and the possibility of on-site quantification by glucometry. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of on-site glucometry from samples obtained by EUS-FNA in the differential diagnosis between mucinous from non-mucinous CPL. Retrospective, multicentre, cross-sectional study of patients who underwent EUS-FNA of a CPL. A derivation and a validation cohorts were evaluated. Intracystic glucose was quantified by on-site glucometry and colorimetry in the lab. Final diagnosis was based on surgical specimens or global evaluation of clinical and imaging data, cytology and intracystic CEA. Diagnostic accuracy was based on Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) curve analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between on-site and lab glucose levels was calculated. Seventy two patients were finally analysed (40 in the derivation cohort and 32 in the validation cohort). Intracystic glucose levels by on-site glucometry was 12.3 ± 28.2 mg/dl for mucinous CPL and 103.3 ± 58.2 mg/dl for non-mucinous CPL, p

Background Pancreatic enzyme-replacement therapy (PERT), provided as pancreatin to patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), is considered an essential substitute for the pivotal physiological function the pancreas fulfills in digestion. PEI involves a reduction in the synthesis and secretion of pancreatic enzymes (lipase, protease, amylase), which leads to an inadequate enzymatic response to a meal and consequently to maldigestion and malabsorption of nutrients. The efficacy of PERT is strongly dependent on enzyme activity, dissolution, and pancreatin particle size. Objective The physiological properties of eight pancreatin preparations (nine batches; five different brands) available in Russia and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) were investigated. Methods The lipase activity, dissolution, and particle size distribution of samples from multiple batches of pancreatin of different strengths were measured. Results Regarding lipase activities, all pancreatin preparations except Micrazim® matched the labeled content. Considerable differences were observed in particle size and dissolution. Conclusion Pancreatin preparations available in Russia and CIS demonstrate product-to-product and batch-to-batch variability regarding the measured properties of lipase activity, dissolution, and particle size. This may impact the efficacy of PERT and therefore clinical outcomes.

Background and aims: The overall evidence on the association between gallbladder conditions (GBC: gallstones and cholecystectomy) and pancreatic cancer (PC) is inconsistent. To our knowledge, no previous investigations considered the role of tumour characteristics on this association. Thus, we aimed to assess the association between self-reported GBC and PC risk, by focussing on timing to PC diagnosis and tumour features (stage, location, and resection). Methods: Data derived from a European case-control study conducted between 2009 and 2014 including 1431 PC cases and 1090 controls. We used unconditional logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for recognized confounders. Results: Overall, 298 (20.8%) cases and 127 (11.6%) controls reported to have had GBC, corresponding to an OR of 1.70 (95% CI 1.33-2.16). The ORs were 4.84 (95% CI 2.96-7.89) for GBC diagnosed = 3 years. The risk was slightly higher for stage I/II (OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.15-2.55) vs. stage III/IV tumours (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 0.87-1.76); for tumours sited in the head of the pancreas (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.13-2.24) vs. tumours located at the body/tail (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.62-1.68); and for tumours surgically resected (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.14-2.51) vs. non-resected tumours (OR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.88-1.78). The corresponding ORs for GBC diagnosed >= 3 years prior PC were close to unity. Conclusion: Our study supports the association between GBC and PC. Given the time-risk pattern observed, however, this relationship may be non-causal and, partly or largely, due to diagnostic attention and/or reverse causation.

Main RecommendationsESGE suggests endoscopic therapy and/or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) as the first-line therapy for painful uncomplicated chronic pancreatitis (CP) with an obstructed main pancreatic duct (MPD) in the head/body of the pancreas. The clinical response should be evaluated at 6 – 8 weeks; if it appears unsatisfactory, the patient’s case should be discussed again in a multidisciplinary team and surgical options should be considered.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE suggests, for the selection of patients for initial or continued endoscopic therapy and/or ESWL, taking into consideration predictive factors associated with a good long-term outcome. These include, at initial work-up, absence of MPD stricture, a short disease duration, non-severe pain, absence or cessation of cigarette smoking and of alcohol intake, and, after initial treatment, complete removal of obstructive pancreatic stones and resolution of pancreatic duct stricture with stenting.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends ESWL for the clearance of radiopaque obstructive MPD stones larger than 5 mm located in the head/body of the pancreas and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for MPD stones that are radiolucent or smaller than 5 mm. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.ESGE suggests restricting the use of endoscopic therapy after ESWL to patients with no spontaneous clearance of pancreatic stones after adequate fragmentation by ESWL.Weak recommendation, moderate quality evidence.ESGE suggests treating painful dominant MPD strictures with a single 10-Fr plastic stent for one uninterrupted year if symptoms improve after initial successful MPD drainage. The stent should be exchanged if necessary, based on symptoms or signs of stent dysfunction at regular pancreas imaging at least every 6 months. ESGE suggests consideration of surgery or multiple side-by-side plastic stents for symptomatic MPD strictures persisting beyond 1 year after the initial single plastic stenting, following multidisciplinary discussion. Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends endoscopic drainage over percutaneous or surgical treatment for uncomplicated chronic pancreatitis (CP)-related pseudocysts that are within endoscopic reach.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.ESGE recommends retrieval of transmural plastic stents at least 6 weeks after pancreatic pseudocyst regression if MPD disruption has been excluded, and long-term indwelling of transmural double-pigtail plastic stents in patients with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE suggests the temporary insertion of multiple side-by-side plastic stents or of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) for treating CP-related benign biliary strictures.Weak recommendation, moderate quality evidence.ESGE recommends maintaining a registry of patients with biliary stents and recalling them for stent removal or exchange.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.

Background: Existing proposed classification systems for the Papilla of Vater (PV) suboptimally account for all relevant, encountered PV appearances, are too complex or have not been assessed for intra- or interobserver variability. We proposed a novel endoscopic classification system for PV, determined its inter- and intraobserver rates and used the classification system to assess whether the success and complications of needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) are influenced by the morphology of the PV. Methods: The classification system was developed by expert endoscopists. To evaluate the inter- and intraobserver agreement, an online questionnaire was sent to 20 endoscopists from several countries (10 experts and 10 nonexperts) that included 50 images of papillae of Vater divided among various categories. Four weeks later, a second survey, with the images from the first questionnaire randomly reordered, was sent to the same endoscopists. The inter- and intraobserver agreements among the experts and nonexperts was calculated. Using the proposed classification system, all 361 consecutive patients who underwent NKF for biliary access to a naïve papilla were prospectively enrolled in the study. Results: The novel classification system comprises 7 categories: type I, flat type, lacking an oral protrusion; type IIA, prominent tubular nonpleated type, with an oral protrusion and < 1 transverse fold over the oral protrusion; type IIB, prominent tubular pleated type, with an oral protrusion and > 2 transverse folds over the oral protrusion; type IIC: prominent bulging type, with an enlarged and bulging oral protrusion; type IIIA, diverticular-intradiverticular type, with a papillary orifice inside the diverticulum; type IIIB: diverticular-diverticular border type, with a papillary orifice less than 2 cm from the diverticular border; type IV: unclassified papilla, with no morphology classified in the other categories. The interobserver agreement between experts was substantial (K = 0.611, 95% CI 0.498–0.709) and was higher than that between nonexperts (K = 0.516; 95% CI 0.410–0.636). The intraobserver agreement was substantial among both experts (K = 0,651; 95% CI 0.586–0.715) and nonexperts (K = 0.646, 95% CI 0.615–0.677). In a multivariate model, type IIIA and IIIB were the only independent risk factors for difficult rescue NKF biliary cannulation (P = 0.003 and P = 0.019, respectively), and type I and type IIB were the only independent risk factors for a prolonged cannulation time using NKF (P < 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively). Conclusions: The novel endoscopic classification system for PV is highly reproducible among experienced ERCPists according to the substantial level of agreement between experts. However, nonexperts require further training in its use. Using the novel classification system, we identified different types of papillae significantly associated with a lower efficacy of NKF and a prolonged time to obtain successful biliary cannulation using NKF., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Introduction 13C‐breath tests are valuable, noninvasive diagnostic tests that can be widely applied for the assessment of gastroenterological symptoms and diseases. Currently, the potential of these tests is compromised by a lack of standardization regarding performance and interpretation among expert centers. Methods This consensus‐based clinical practice guideline defines the clinical indications, performance, and interpretation of 13C‐breath tests in adult and pediatric patients. A balance between scientific evidence and clinical experience was achieved by a Delphi consensus that involved 43 experts from 18 European countries. Consensus on individual statements and recommendations was established if ≥ 80% of reviewers agreed and

The work was partially supported by Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (FIS), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain (PI061614, PI11/01542, PI0902102, PI12/01635, PI12/00815, PI15/01573, PI18/01347); Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Cáncer, Spain (RD12/0036/0034, RD12/0036/ 0050, RD12/0036/0073); Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (BFU2017-85926-P), López de Maturana, E., Rodríguez, J.A., Alonso, L., Lao, O., Molina-Montes, E., Martín-Antoniano, I.A., Gómez-Rubio, P., Lawlor, R., Carrato, A., Hidalgo, M., Iglesias, M., Molero, X., Löhr, M., Michalski, C., Perea, J., O’Rorke, M., Barberà, V.M., Tardón, A., Farré, A., Muñoz-Bellvís, L., Crnogorac-Jurcevic, T., Domínguez-Muñoz, E., Gress, T., Greenhalf, W., Sharp, L., Arnes, L., Cecchini, L., Balsells, J., Costello, E., Ilzarbe, L., Kleeff, J., Kong, B., Márquez, M., Mora, J., O’Driscoll, D., Scarpa, A., Ye, W., Yu, J., García-Closas, M., Kogevinas, M., Rothman, N., Silverman, D.T., Albanes, D., Arslan, A.A., Beane-Freeman, L., Bracci, P.M., Brennan, P., Bueno-de-Mesquita, B., Buring, J., Canzian, F., Du, M., Gallinger, S., Gaziano, J.M., Goodman, P.J., Gunter, M., LeMarchand, L., Li, D., Neale, R.E., Peters, U., Petersen, G.M., Risch, H.A., Sánchez, M.J., Shu, X.-O., Thornquist, M.D., Visvanathan, K., Zheng, W., Chanock, S.J., Easton, D., Wolpin, B.M., Stolzenberg-Solomon, R.Z., Klein, A.P., Amundadottir, L.T., Marti-Renom, M.A., Real, F.X., Malats, N., PanGenEU Investigators, SBC/EPICURO Investigators

Deciphering the underlying genetic basis behind pancreatic cancer (PC) and its associated multimorbidities will enhance our knowledge toward PC control. The study investigated the common genetic background of PC and different morbidities through a computational approach and further evaluated the less explored association between PC and autoimmune diseases (AIDs) through an epidemiological analysis. Gene‐disease associations (GDAs) of 26 morbidities of interest and PC were obtained using the DisGeNET public discovery platform. The association between AIDs and PC pointed by the computational analysis was confirmed through multivariable logistic regression models in the PanGen European case–control study population of 1,705 PC cases and 1,084 controls. Fifteen morbidities shared at least one gene with PC in the DisGeNET database. Based on common genes, several AIDs were genetically associated with PC pointing to a potential link between them. An epidemiologic analysis confirmed that having any of the nine AIDs studied was significantly associated with a reduced risk of PC (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–0.93) which decreased in subjects having ≥2 AIDs (OR = 0.39, 95%CI 0.21–0.73). In independent analyses, polymyalgia rheumatica, and rheumatoid arthritis were significantly associated with low PC risk (OR = 0.40, 95%CI 0.19–0.89, and OR = 0.73, 95%CI 0.53–1.00, respectively). Several inflammatory‐related morbidities shared a common genetic component with PC based on public databases. These molecular links could shed light into the molecular mechanisms underlying PC development and simultaneously generate novel hypotheses. In our study, we report sound findings pointing to an association between AIDs and a reduced risk of PC. Grant sponsor: Acción Especial de Genómica, Spain; Grant numbers: #GEN2001-4748-c05-03; Grant sponsor: Swedish ALF; Grant numbers: #SLL20130022; Grant sponsor: Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and Department for Employment and Learning; Grant sponsor: EU H2020 Programme 2014-2020; Grant numbers: 634143 MedBioinformatics676559 Elixir-Excelerate; Grant sponsor: EU-6FP Integrated Project; Grant numbers: #018771-MOLDIAG-PACA; Grant sponsor: EU-FP7-HEALTH; Grant numbers: #256974-EPC-TMNet#259737-ANCERALIA#602783- Cam-Pac; Grant sponsor: Italian Foundation for Cancer Research (FIRC); Grant sponsor: Italian Ministry of Health; Grant numbers: FIMPCUP_J33G13000210001; Grant sponsor: Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Cáncer, Spain; Grant numbers: #RD12/0036/0050#RD12/0036/ 0073(#RD12/0036/0034; Grant sponsor: The work was partially supported by Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (FIS), Instituto de Salud Carlos III-FEDER, Spain; Grant numbers: #PI0902102#PI11/01542#PI12/00815#PI12/01635#PI13/ 00082CP10/00524PI15/01573; Grant sponsor: World Cancer Research Fund; Grant numbers: WCR #15-0391.

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: In collaboration with United European Gastroenterology, the working group on 'Harmonizing diagnosis and treatment of chronic pancreatitis across Europe' (HaPanEU) developed European guidelines for the management of chronic pancreatitis using an evidence-based approach. METHODS: Recommendations of multidisciplinary review groups based on systematic literature reviews to answer predefined clinical questions are summarised. Recommendations are graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. RESULTS: Recommendations covered topics related to the clinical management of chronic pancreatitis: aetiology, diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis with imaging, diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, surgical therapy, medical therapy, endoscopic therapy, treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts, pancreatic pain, nutrition and malnutrition, diabetes mellitus and the natural course of the disease and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The HaPanEU/United European Gastroenterology guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations concerning key aspects of the medical and surgical management of chronic pancreatitis based on current available evidence. These recommendations should serve as a reference standard for existing management of the disease and as a guide for future clinical research. This article summarises the HaPanEU recommendations and statements.

Background: Family history (FH) of pancreatic cancer (PC) has been associated with an increased risk of PC, but little is known regarding the role of inherited/environmental factors or that of FH of other comorbidities in PC risk. We aimed to address these issues using multiple methodological approaches. Methods: Case-control study including 1431 PC cases and 1090 controls and a reconstructed-cohort study (N = 16 747) made up of their first-degree relatives (FDR). Logistic regression was used to evaluate PC risk associated with FH of cancer, diabetes, allergies, asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis by relative type and number of affected relatives, by smoking status and other potential effect modifiers, and by tumour stage and location. Familial aggregation of cancer was assessed within the cohort using Cox proportional hazard regression. Results: FH of PC was associated with an increased PC risk [odds ratio (OR) = 2.68; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.27-4.06] when compared with cancer-free FH, the risk being greater when ≥ 2 FDRs suffered PC (OR = 3.88; 95% CI: 2.96-9.73) and among current smokers (OR = 3.16; 95% CI: 2.56-5.78, interaction FHPC*smoking P-value = 0.04). PC cumulative risk by age 75 was 2.2% among FDRs of cases and 0.7% in those of controls [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.42; 95% CI: 2.16-2.71]. PC risk was significantly associated with FH of cancer (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.13-1.54) and diabetes (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.01-1.52), but not with FH of other diseases. Conclusions: The concordant findings using both approaches strengthen the notion that FH of cancer, PC or diabetes confers a higher PC risk. Smoking notably increases PC risk associated with FH of PC. Further evaluation of these associations should be undertaken to guide PC prevention strategies. The work was partially supported by: Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (FIS), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain (#PI11/01542, #PI0902102, #PI12/01635, #PI12/00815, #PI15/01573); Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Cáncer, Spain (#RD12/0036/0034, #RD12/0036/0050, #RD12/0036/0073); WCR (15-0391); European Cooperation in Science and Technology – COST Action #BM1204: EUPancreas EU-6FP Integrated Project (#018771-MOLDIAG-PACA), EU-FP7-HEALTH (#259737-CANCERALIA, #256974-EPC-TM-Net); Associazione Italiana Ricerca sul Cancro (12182); Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and Department for Employment and Learning; and ALF (#SLL20130022), Sweden.

This article summarizes some of the recent and clinically relevant advances in chronic pancreatitis. These advances mainly concern the early diagnosis of the disease, the treatment of symptoms and complications, mainly pain and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and the diagnosis and therapy of autoimmune pancreatitis. The multimodal dynamic endoscopic ultrasound-guided secretin-stimulated evaluation of the pancreas provides relevant morphological and functional information for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis at early stages. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in patients with calcifying pancreatitis and endoscopic pancreatic stent placement are effective alternatives for pain therapy in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Presence of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in patients with chronic pancreatitis is associated with a significantly increase of mortality rate. Despite that, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is not prescribed in the majority of patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, or it is prescribed at a low dose. The newly developed and commercialized needles for endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic biopsy are effective in retrieving appropriate tissue samples for the histological diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis. Maintenance therapy with azathioprine is effective and safe to prevent relapses in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis.

Background: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) affects patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and cystic fibrosis (CF) who produce insufficient digestive pancreatic enzymes. Common symptoms include steatorrhoea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Objective: The objective of the study was to develop and test the content validity of a patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument assessing PEI symptoms and their impact on health-related quality of life. Methods: Instrument development was supported by a literature review, expert physician interviews (n = 10: Germany 4, UK 3, France 3), and exploratory, qualitative, concept-elicitation interviews with patients with CF and CP with PEI (n = 61: UK 29, Germany 18, France 14) and expert physicians (n = 10). Cognitive debriefing of the draft instrument was then performed with patients with PEI (n = 37: UK 24, Germany 8, France 5), and feasibility was assessed with physicians (n = 3). For all interviews, verbatim transcripts were qualitatively analysed using thematic analysis methods and Atlas.ti computerized qualitative software. All themes were data driven rather than a priori. Results: Patient interviews elicited symptoms and impacts not reported in the literature. Six symptom concepts emerged: pain, bloating, bowel symptoms, nausea/vomiting, eating problems, and tiredness/fatigue. Six impact domains were also identified. A 45-item instrument was developed in English, French, and German for testing in cognitive debriefing patient interviews. Following cognitive debriefing, 18 items were deleted. Conclusion: Rigorous qualitative patient research and expert clinical input supported development of a PEI-specific PRO with the potential to aid management and monitoring of unmet needs among patients with PEI. The next step is to perform psychometric evaluation of the resulting instrument.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is usually diagnosed in late adulthood; therefore, many patients suffer or have suffered from other diseases. Identifying disease patterns associated with PDAC risk may enable a better characterization of high-risk patients. METHODS: Multimorbidity patterns (MPs) were assessed from 17 self-reported conditions using hierarchical clustering, principal component, and factor analyses in 1705 PDAC cases and 1084 controls from a European population. Their association with PDAC was evaluated using adjusted logistic regression models. Time since diagnosis of morbidities to PDAC diagnosis/recruitment was stratified into recent (

Objective Studies indicate an inverse association between ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (PDAC) and nasal allergies. However, controversial findings are reported for the association with asthma. Understanding PDAC risk factors will help us to implement appropriate strategies to prevent, treat and diagnose this cancer. This study assessed and characterised the association between PDAC and asthma and corroborated existing reports regarding the association between allergies and PDAC risk. Design Information about asthma and allergies was collated from 1297 PDAC cases and 1024 controls included in the PanGenEU case-control study. Associations between PDAC and atopic diseases were studied using multilevel logistic regression analysis. Meta-analyses of association studies on these diseases and PDAC risk were performed applying random-effects model. Results Asthma was associated with lower risk of PDAC (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.88), particularly long-standing asthma (>=17 years, OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.65). Meta-analysis of 10 case-control studies sustained our results (metaOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.89). Nasal allergies and related symptoms were associated with lower risk of PDAC (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.83 and OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.77, respectively). These results were supported by a meta-analysis of nasal allergy studies (metaOR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.72). Skin allergies were not associated with PDAC risk. Conclusions This study shows a consistent inverse association between PDAC and asthma and nasal allergies, supporting the notion that atopic diseases are associated with reduced cancer risk. These results point to the involvement of immune and/or inflammatory factors that may either foster or restrain pancreas carcinogenesis warranting further research to understand the molecular mechanisms driving this association.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a serious cutaneous complication seen in approximately 1 % of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Oral corticosteroids are the mainstay treatment, although the evidence supporting their use is weak. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of pyoderma gangrenosum associated with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and which treatments are prescribed in Spanish clinical practice. In this retrospective, observational study, the medical records from all patients with IBD and a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum attended by the gastroenterology departments of 12 Spanish hospitals were reviewed. Data on patient demographics and characteristics, underlying IBD and treatment, and pyoderma gangrenosum characteristics, treatment, and outcome were collected and analyzed. The data from 67 patients were analyzed (41 [61.2 %] women, 41 [61.2 %] with Crohn’s disease, 25 [37.3 %] with ulcerative colitis, and 1 [1.5 %] with indeterminate disease). The underlying disease was in remission in approximately one-third of patients at the time of presentation of pyoderma gangrenosum. Healing was achieved in all patients (in 3 without any systemic therapy). Oral corticosteroids were taken by 51 patients (76.1 %), almost always as first-line treatment, although definitive healing was attained in 19 (28.4 %). Biologic agents such as infliximab and adalimumab were taken by 31 patients (46.3 %) at some point (first-line in 6 patients [9.0 %]), with definitive healing in 29 patients (93.5 %). Oral corticosteroid therapy remains the most common treatment for pyoderma gangrenosum associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Biologic therapies such as infliximab and adalimumab should also be considered.

Background: Adjusting to chronic disease is a complex process and one that, in the case of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), has received very little attention. The objectives of this study were to identify coping strategies used by patients with IBD and to explore how these strategies are related to psychological characteristics. Methods: A transversal study was designed in which 875 patients with IBD were prospectively enrolled. Independent variables were evaluated using a sociodemographic questionnaire and a clinical questionnaire—the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); dependent variables were evaluated using the COPE Inventory (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced), a multidimensional scale for evaluating general coping styles. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the variables associated with the type of coping used. Results: The participation rate was 91.3%. The most common coping strategy was emotion-focused coping ( X = 2.64 ; 95% CI = 2.61–2.69), with no differences in relation to type of disease. The highest scores for anxiety were associated with emotion-focused coping (β = 0.164, p = 0.001) whereas, for depression, the highest scores were associated with escape–avoidance (β = 0.108, p = 0.044). No correlation was found between stress levels and type of coping. Conclusions: Patients with IBD have a tendency to focus on emotions in their coping process, and this process appears to be related not only to sociodemographic characteristics or features of the disease itself but also to psychological factors—anxiety and depression, primarily.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a relatively uncommon, complex and heterogeneous disease. The absence of a gold standard applicable to the initial phases of CP makes its early diagnosis difficult. Some of its complications, particularly chronic pain, can be difficult to manage. There is much variability in the diagnosis and treatment of CP and its complications amongst centers and professionals. The Spanish Pancreatic Club has developed a consensus on the management of CP. Two coordinators chose a multi-disciplinary panel of 24 experts on this disease. A list of questions was drafted, and two experts reviewed each question. Then, a draft was produced and shared with the entire panel of experts and discussed in a face-to-face meeting. This first part of the consensus addresses the diagnosis of CP and its complications. Copyright (C) 2012, IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier India, a division of Reed Elsevier India Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Background and aims: Clarification of the position of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) regarding the interventional options available for treating patients with chronic pancreatitis. Methods: Systematic literature search to answer explicit key questions with levels of evidence serving to determine recommendation grades. The ESGE funded development of the Guideline. Summary of selected recommendations For treating painful uncomplicated chronic pancreatitis, the ESGE recommends extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy/endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as the first-line interventional option. The clinical response should be evaluated at 6 – 8 weeks; if it appears unsatisfactory, the patient’s case should be discussed again in a multidisciplinary team. Surgical options should be considered, in particular in patients with a predicted poor outcome following endoscopic therapy (Recommendation grade B). For treating chronic pancreatitis associated with radiopaque stones ≥ 5 mm that obstruct the main pancreatic duct, the ESGE recommends extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy as a first step, combined or not with endoscopic extraction of stone fragments depending on the expertise of the center (Recommendation grade B). For treating chronic pancreatitis associated with a dominant stricture of the main pancreatic duct, the ESGE recommends inserting a single 10-Fr plastic stent, with stent exchange planned within 1 year (Recommendation grade C). In patients with ductal strictures persisting after 12 months of single plastic stenting, the ESGE recommends that available options (e. g., endoscopic placement of multiple pancreatic stents, surgery) be discussed in a multidisciplinary team (Recommendation grade D). For treating uncomplicated chronic pancreatic pseudocysts that are within endoscopic reach, the ESGE recommends endoscopic drainage as a first-line therapy (Recommendation grade A). For treating chronic pancreatitis-related biliary strictures, the choice between endoscopic and surgical therapy should rely on local expertise, patient co-morbidities and expected patient compliance with repeat endoscopic procedures (Recommendation grade D). If endoscopy is elected, the ESGE recommends temporary placement of multiple, side-by-side, plastic biliary stents (Recommendation grade A).

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) affects Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) especially in patients with clinical activity but their impact over the disease during periods of remission has not been sufficiently studied. Objective: To evaluate HRQoL in CD patients in remission and to identify socio-demographic and clinical factors related. Methods: We included patients with CD in remission for at least 6 months, defined as a CDAI < 150 and a CRP < 5 mg/L. Socio-demographic and clinical parameters were recorded. HRQoL was evaluated with Short Form 36 Questionnaire (SF-36) and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). Results were analyzed using multiple regressions with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: Nine two patients (X = 37 ± 11.4 years, 52.2% men) were consecutively included. Two patients failed to fill correctly the questionnaire and were excluded. Scores on the SF-36 were lower than in the general population of similar age and sex. The most affected dimension in the SF-36 was General Health (47.98 ± 19.58) and the IBDQ Systemic Symptoms (5.15 ± 1.27). Age, colonic location and previous surgery was related with worse HRQoL, while higher educational status, more time since diagnosis, steroid-resistance and inflammatory behavior, was associated with better HRQoL. Conclusions: Despite being in remission, CD patients had affected their HRQoL, so we must continue working to achieve improvement in HRQL of these patients during these periods of the disease.Introducción: La enfermedad de Crohn (EC) afecta la Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la Salud (CVRS) en las fases de actividad pero el impacto de esta enfermedad en la CVRS durante los períodos de remisión no ha sido suficientemente estudiada. Objetivo: Evaluar la CVRS en pacientes con EC en remisión e identificar los factores sociodemográficos y clínicos relacionados. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes adultos con EC en remisión durante al menos 6 meses, definida con un CDAI < 150 y una PCR < 5 mg/l. Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, clínicos y de CVRS con los cuestionarios Short Form 36 Questionnaire (SF-36) y The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). Los resultados fueron analizados mediante regresión múltiple con un intervalo de confianza del 95%. Resultados: Se incluyeron consecutivamente 92 pacien-tes (X = 37 ± 11,4 años; 52,2% varones). 2 pacientes no cumplimentaron adecuadamente los cuestionarios. Las puntuaciones en el SF-36 fueron inferiores a las de la población general de similar edad y sexo. La dimensión más afectada en el SF-36 fue Salud General (47,98 ±19,58) y en el IBDQ Síntomas Sistémicos (5,15 ± 1,27). La mayor edad, la localización colónica y la cirugía previa se relacionaron con una peor CVRS, mientras que mayor nivel de estudios, mayor tiempo desde el diagnóstico, patrón inflamatorio y corticorresistencia se asociaron con una mejor CVRS. Conclusiones: A pesar de encontrarse en período de remisión los pacientes EC presentan afectada su CVRS, por lo que se debe continuar trabajando en la consecución de la mejora en la CVRS de estos enfermos durante esta fase de la enfermedad.

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is considered one of the most accurate methods for the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic tumors. EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) allows to increase the diagnostic accuracy of EUS in this setting; however, it is technically demanding (a pathologist is also essential) and is furthermore associated with small, but not insignificant morbidity. EUS pancreatic elastography, by analyzing tissue stiffness, arises as a new and very useful tool for the differential diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses. Elastography provides specific patterns supporting the benign or malignant nature of the disease. However, there is a handicap related to the subjective interpretation of images. Second-generation elastography has been recently developed, and allows a quantitative analysis of tissue stiffness. It is based on the determination of a strain ratio (obtained after comparing the strain value of the mass to a strain value from a control area in the region under study). We present two cases reflecting the usefulness of second-generation elastography in the differential diagnosis between pancreatic adenocarcinoma and an inflammatory mass in the context of chronic pancreatitis. We found significant differences between both masses in the strain ratio values (25.46% in the pancreatic adenocarcinoma vs. 2.35% in the inflammatory mass). Second-generation elastography is a very useful tool for the differential diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses.La ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE) es la técnica más eficaz para el diagnóstico y estadiaje local de los tumores pancreáticos. La asociación de la punción guiada por USE ha permitido aumentar la rentabilidad diagnóstica, si bien es muy explorador dependiente (sin obviar el papel fundamental del patólogo) y no se encuentra exenta de complicaciones. En este contexto la elastografía pancreática emerge como una técnica de gran utilidad que permite evaluar la dureza de los tejidos, mostrando una elevada eficacia diagnóstica en el diagnóstico diferencial de los tumores pancreáticos. La elastografía muestra patrones muy específicos que apoyan la naturaleza maligna o benigna de las lesiones. Sin embargo existe el hándicap de la subjetividad de la interpretación de las imágenes. Recientemente se ha desarrollado la elastografía de 2ª generación que permite realizar un análisis cuantitativo de la elasticidad de los tejidos. Se basa en la determinación de un coeficiente de elasticidad. Nosotros presentamos dos casos que reflejan la utilidad de la elastografía de segunda generación en el diagnóstico diferencial de las lesiones sólidas pancreáticas, en concreto en la diferenciación entre un adenocarcinoma de páncreas y una masa inflamatoria en el contexto de una pancreatitis crónica. Se aprecia cómo existen diferencias significativas entre ambas lesiones en el coeficiente de elasticidad (25,46 en el adenocarcinoma de pán-creas vs. 2,35 en la masa inflamatoria). Probablemente la elastografía de segunda generación sea una herramienta útil en el diagnóstico diferencial de las lesiones sólidas pancreáticas.

In the presence of a pancreatic tumor, the main diagnostic problem is to determine the benign o malignant nature of the lesion, and then to evaluate its resectability. A preoperative biopsy was usually rejected based on the fact that negative results do not exclude malignancy, that such biopsy may hamper the possibility of curative surgery because of potential seeding along the biopsy’s trajectory, that surgical morbidity and mortality are low, and also because of the high diagnostic sensitivity of the various imaging techniques. Biopsy for solid pancreatic tumors was limited to irresectable tumors, and isolated cases with suspicion of tuberculosis, lymphoma or neuroendocrine tumors. Nowadays the performance of a pancreatic biopsy is becoming essential for the correct management of solid lesions, and is useful not only to establish malignancy, but also for a better knowledge of all kind of pathologies and, thus, for better therapeutic management. In this context, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has proven a safe technique with a low rate of complications and a diagnostic accuracy superior to other procedures, this being considered the method of choice for the study of solid pancreatic lesions. An illustrative example is the case we report in this article -a patient diagnosed of a solid, locally advanced-stage pancreatic tumor with imaging techniques (abdominal ultrasounds and EUS) under EUS-guided FNA; the procedure could establish a final diagnosis of pancreatic fusocellular sarcoma.Ante una lesión pancreática se plantea clásicamente la duda diagnóstica entre su naturaleza benigna o maligna, para posteriormente valorar la resecabilidad de la lesión. Se rechazaba la biopsia preoperatoria basándose en que un resultado negativo no excluye malignidad, que la punción podría impedir una cirugía curativa por el riesgo de recidiva tumoral en el trayecto de la biopsia, por la baja morbi-mortalidad quirúrgica y por la alta sensibilidad diagnóstica de las técnicas de imagen. La biopsia de las lesiones sólidas pancreáticas se limitaba a tumores irresecables y a casos aislados de sospecha de tuberculosis, linfoma o tumor neuroendocrino. En la actualidad, la realización de una biopsia pancreática se está convirtiendo en un punto fundamental para el correcto manejo de las lesiones sólidas, siendo útil no sólo para la determinación de malignidad, sino para el mejor estudio y conocimiento de cualquier patología, y por ello, a un mejor manejo terapéutico. En este contexto, la punción guiada por ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE) ha demostrado ser una técnica segura, con un bajo índice de complicaciones, de una precisión diagnóstica superior a otros procedimientos, considerándose actualmente de elección para el estudio de lesiones sólidas pancreáticas. Como ejemplo ilustrativo presentamos el caso de un paciente con el diagnóstico de un tumor sólido pancreático en las pruebas de imagen (ecografía abdominal y USE), en un estadio localmente avanzando, siendo la punción guiada por USE la que permitió establecer el diagnóstico final de sarcoma fusocelular pancreático.

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and biopsy (FNB) is considered a very accurate and safe tool for sampling extra-intestinal tumors. Standard echoendosocopes for FNA/FNB are large with a sharpened tip that can be associated with complications. A new slim linear echoendoscope have been developed trying to overcome this limitation. Aim: Of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility; safety and diagnostic yield of this newly developed slim echoendoscope for performing EUS-guided FNA/FNB. Methods: A pilot observational study was performed. Consecutive patients submitted for a EUS-FNA/FNB were prospectively included in the study. Patients underwent EUS procedure using the new slim linear PENTAX-echoendoscope. Tissue acquisition was done with standard and histology needles. Feasibility and diagnostic yield were evaluated. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: 87 patients were included (mean age 66.7 years (range 24-90 years), 45 male. Mean size was of lesions sampled were 33.43 ± 20.8 mm. Esophagus intubation and access to the second portion of the duodenum (D2) were considered easy in all 87 cases (100%). Nineteen procedures (21.8%) were performed from the esophagus, 42 (48.3%) from the stomach, 22 (25.3%) cases from duodenal bulb, and 4 (4.6%) cases from D2. EUS-FNB was feasible in 85 cases (97.7%), failed in 2 pancreatic lesions accessed from D2. Diagnostic yield was 86.21% (95%CI 77.4-91.9) in the intention-to-treat analysis and 88.24% (95%CI 79.7-93.5) in per-protocol analysis. There were no complications related to the technique. Conclusion: Performing a EUS-FNA/FNB with the newly designed slim scope is feasible and safe for cyto-histopathology diagnosis of intra-intestinal and extra-intestinal mass lesions.

BACKGROUND Functional digestive disorders constitute a sizable proportion of gastroenterology and primary healthcare consultations, and have a negative impact on health-related quality of life. Dyspepsia and heartburn are often associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the incidence of these symptoms and their effect on IBS patients have not been evaluated. AIM To investigate the clinical, psychological and health-related quality of life impact of upper digestive symptoms on IBS patients. METHODS A prospective, observational, multicentered study was conducted in Spain: 517 IBS patients (Rome II criteria), grouped according to predominant symptoms of constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D) or alternating bowel habit (IBS-A) and 84 controls without IBS were recruited. Upper digestive symptoms were recorded in a 30-day diary. Health-related quality of life was evaluated by Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life and Euro-Quality of Life Five-Dimension Questionnaires; psychological well-being was evaluated by the Psychological General Well-Being Index. RESULTS IBS patients had greater frequencies of upper digestive symptoms (72.3 vs. 6.0%), dyspepsia (21.1 vs. 4.8%) and heartburn (40.0 vs. 13.1%) (all P < 0.05) than controls. Prevalence of upper digestive symptoms was lower in patients with IBS-D than in those with IBS-C or IBS-A (P < 0.05). Health-related quality of life and psychological status were significantly worse in IBS patients with upper digestive symptoms than in those without. CONCLUSIONS Upper digestive symptoms, frequently present in IBS patients, impair health-related quality of life and psychological status. This effect is greater in patients with IBS-C and IBS-A than in those with IBS-D. These data emphasize the importance of evaluating the presence of upper digestive symptoms in IBS patients.

Objective: the aim of this study is to assess the importance of NOD2/CARD15 gene mutations as prognostic factors for surgical indications in Crohn's disease. Patients and experimental design: a total of 165 Crohn's disease patients were studied, considering previous surgery related to Crohn´s disease. We analyzed for previous surgery in global procedures as well as separately for the two main surgical indications: ileal resection and fistula treatment. The need for appendectomy was also studied. All patients were genotyped for the three CARD15 mutations, and association studies were developed using Chi-square statistics and Fisher's exact test whenever appropriate. Results: carriers of the G908R or 1007fs mutation needed surgery more frequently, both for ileal resection and fistula repair. In contrast, appendectomy was not associated with CARD15 mutations. Conclusions: as previously reported in this population, the R702W mutation does influence parameters of disease or need of surgery. The need for Crohn's disease-related surgery is higher in carriers of the G908R or 1007fs CARD15 mutation in the Galician population. Nevertheless, the frequency of these mutations does not allow their use to predict the course of disease.Objetivo: conocer la influencia de las principales mutaciones descritas en el gen NOD2/CARD15 en la cirugía asociada a la enfermedad de Crohn. Pacientes y diseño experimental: se estudió un total de 165 pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn, analizándose los antecedentes de cirugía de estos pacientes en relación con su enfermedad, se analizaron los antecedentes de cirugía en global e, individualmente, de las dos formas principales de cirugía, resección ileal y cirugía de las fístulas. Se estudió también la necesidad de apendicectomía. Todos los pacientes fueron genotipados para las tres mutaciones del gen CARD15 y se llevaron a cabo estudios de asociación mediante el empleo de test Chi cuadrado o test exacto de Fisher cuando este fue necesario. Resultados: individuos portadores de las mutaciones G908R o 1007fs requieren cirugía con mayor frecuencia, tanto sea esta considerada de forma global como en resección ileal y cirugía de fístulas individualmente. Por el contrario la apendicectomía no aparece asociada significativamente al gen CARD15. Conclusiones: la necesidad de cirugía asociada a enfermedad de Crohn, es mayor en pacientes que portan las mutaciones G908R o 1007fs del gen CARD15. Sin embargo, la mutación R702W parece no influir en población gallega. La influencia de esas dos mutaciones no es, sin embargo, suficiente como para que puedan ser utilizadas con fines predictivos.

The epidemiology of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is incompletely understood. A number of difficulties exist in estimating the prevalence and incidence of CP. Long-term follow-up is often problematic, especially in chronic alcoholics, and obtaining a formal and standardised diagnosis can take years. The available studies are reasonably consistent in their estimation of the incidence of CP but few studies have attempted to estimate prevalence. Although life expectancy in CP is diminished compared with control populations, median survival lies in the range of 15-20 years. Such a survival would suggest a prevalence of CP rather higher than that determined from the survey studies. A recent epidemiological study in France found an annual incidence of 7.8 per 100,000. Assuming a survival of 15-20 years, the annual prevalence should be between 120 to 143 per 100,000. Overall, our understanding of the epidemiology of CP is poor compared with other illnesses. We consider that both prevalence and the rate of pancreatic insufficiency and of CP are currently underestimated. There is a distinct need for more studies to remedy this lack of knowledge.

Background Faecal elastase 1 (FE1) and the pancreolauryl test (PLT) are widely used for the non-invasive diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Whether one of these two tests is superior for the detection of mild-to-moderate EPI is the subject of controversy. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of the PLT and FE1 for the detection of EPI in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Methods Forty consecutive patients (27 males, 13 females, 23-72 years) with chronic pancreatitis based on imaging procedures (computed tomography, endoscopic retrograde pancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound) were admitted to the study. A secretin-caerulein test (SCT) was performed after an overnight fast by giving secretin (1 U/kg/h) and caerulein (100 ng/kg/h) intravenously over 90 min. Duodenal contents were aspirated at 15 min intervals and analysed for pH, bicarbonate, amylase, lipase and elastase. EPI was graded on the basis of the results of the SCT as absent, mild, moderate or severe. A serum PLT was performed in accordance with a modified protocol previously described. A commercial ELISA was used for determination of FE1. The cut-off values were ≥ 4.5 mg/I for PLT and ≥ 200 μg/g for FE1. Results Thirty-three patients had EPI (20 mild/moderate and 13 severe) on the basis of the results of the SCT. The sensitivity of the PLT for diagnosing EPI of all degrees of severity was 82% (27/33), compared with 50% for FE1 (16/ 33). In patients with severe EPI, the PLT was abnormal in 100% (13/13) and FE1 was abnormal in 85% (11/13) of the cases. The sensitivity decreases for both tests in the group of mild/moderate EPI (PLT 70% (14/20), FE1 35% (7/20)). In all seven patients with normal exocrine pancreatic function, both PLT and FE1 were also normal. Conclusions The PLT is more sensitive than FE1 for the diagnosis of mild-to-moderate EPI, and is therefore more appropriate for completing the staging of chronic pancreatitis.

Tu1649 Comparison of EUS-Guided Tissue Acquisition Using 25-Gauge and 22-Gauge Core Biopsy Needles Through Needle Cross-Over: a Prospective, Randomized Study Se Woo Park*, Moon Jae Chung, Jeong Youp Park, Seung Woo Park, SI Young Song, Seungmin Bang Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (the Republic of); Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of) Backgrounds: Even though theoretically thicker needle is able to get more tissue, hardness of the needle can lead to mechanical damage to endoscope, technical failure or potential blood contamination of sample. It is uncertain if needle gauge impacts the diagnostic outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) of pancreatic mass lesions. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate 25G core biopsy needles in procurement rate of histologic core compared with 22G needles through EUS-FNB of pancreatic mass. Methods: From March 2014 to July 2014, 56 patients with solid pancreatic mass underwent EUS-FNB with both 25G and 22G core biopsy needle. Needle sequence was selected randomly, and two passes were made with each needle, consisting of 20 uniform to-and-fro movements on each pass with 10-ml syringe suction. A pathologist blinded to sequence of needle evaluated specimens for presence of the histologic core. Results: The mean age of the patients was 65.8 9.5 (range, 44-89) and 35 patients (62.5%) were male. The mean size of pancreatic masses was 35.3 17.1 mm (range 14-122.3 mm). Twenty eight patients (50%) had tumor at head/uncinate process of pancreas. There was no significant difference in procurement rate (for 25G 49/56 [87.5%] and for 22G 46/56 [82.1%], PZ0.599) and diagnostic accuracy (for 25G 98%, for 22G 95%). There were no technical failures or procedure related adverse events. Conclusion: Our study results confirm a trend towards a better procurement of histologic core and diagnostic accuracy for the 25-gauge needle though the difference was not significant. Furthermore, in a particular anatomic site, the 25-gauge needle could be recommended because it has a diagnostic accuracy similar to that of the 22-gauge needle but has fewer technical difficulties. Tu1650 Feasibility and Diagnostic Yield of a New EUS Guided Histology 20-Gauge Needle in the Evaluation of Intraintestinal and Extraintestinal Lesions Julio Iglesias-Garcia*, Priscilla A. Van Riet, Alberto Larghi, Marc Giovannini, Maria C. Petrone, Jose Larino-Noia, Jan-Werner Poley, Erwan Bories, Emanuele Dabizzi, Ihab Abdulkader, Genevieve M. Monges, Katharina Biermann, Guido Rindi, Claudio Doglioni, Guido Costamagna, Paolo G. Arcidiacono, Marco J. Bruno, Enrique Dominguez-Munoz Gastroenterology, University Hospital. Foundation for research in digestive diseases, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Endoscopic Unit, Paoli-Calmettes institut, Marseilles, France; Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Pathology, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Foundation for research in digestive diseases, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Pathology, Paoli-Calmettes institut, Marseilles, France; Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Pathology, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Pathology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy Background: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) is an accurate technique for sampling intraintestinal and extraintestinal lesions. However, cytology possesses certain limitations, which may be overcome if histological specimens are provided to the pathologist. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a newly developed 20-gauge histology needle. Methods: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected data base including patients who underwent EUS-guided biopsy with the 20-gauge ProCore histology needle with reverse bevel (3-HD-20) for the evaluation of intraintestinal or extraintestinal lesions. EUS procedures were performed under sedation with linear echoendoscopes (Olympus and Pentax). Samples recovered into cytological solution or formalin and processed for histological evaluation. Results were compared to the gold standard of surgical histopathology, or global pathological, clinical and radiological assessment, and follow-up in non-operated cases. Feasibility of the procedure and different technical aspects were recorded. Percentage of samples suitable for histological evaluation and the overall diagnostic accuracy were evaluated. Results are shown as mean and standard deviation or 95% confidence interval. Results: 51 patients (mean age 62.2 years, range 36-83 years, 26 male) were included. A total of 52 lesions were attempted to be sampled (mean size 31.88 12.4mm). Indications were pancreatic www.giejournal.org Vol mass (nZ30), intraabdominal lymph nodes (LN) (nZ6), subepithelial lesions (nZ6), liver mass (nZ3) and 1 cases of mediastinal LN, lung cancer, rectal mass, esophageal lesion, hiliar mass, intraabdominal mass and a left suprarenal gland mass. Lesions were accessed from esophagus in 3 cases, stomach in 27 cases, bulbous in 15 cases, second part of the duodenum in 6 cases and from the rectum in 1 case. EUS-guided biopsy was feasible in 50 cases (96.1%), with a mean of 1.7 passes (range 1-4). From 50 cases completed, sample quality was adequate for histological assessment in 46 lesions (92.0%). In the intention to treat analysis, diagnostic yield was 84.6% (95%CI: 72.5-91.9) and in per protocol analysis, diagnostic yield was 88.0% (95%CI 76.2-94.4). There were 2 (3.9%) mild complications (intraparietal hematomas at the place of FNB). Conclusion: The EUS-guided biopsy with the 20gauge Procore histology needle provides with a very good core sample for histological evaluation allowing a high histopathologic diagnostic accuracy. Tu1651 Diagnosis of Autoimmune Pancreatitis Using Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Pancreatic Core Biopsy With Procore Needle Dongwook Oh*, Sang Soo Lee, Jin-Seok Park, Tae Young Park, Tae Jun Song, Do Hyun Park, Dong Wan Seo, Sung Koo Lee, Myung-Hwan Kim Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of) Objective: Histologic diagnosis is important for the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) has been performed to establish histologic diagnosis. To evaluate the usefulness of EUS-FNB using 19-gauge ProCore needles for the diagnosis of AIP. Methods: EUSFNB with 19-gauge ProCore needle was performed in 15 patients who were suspected with AIP between July 2012 and July 2014. These patients were classified based on the international consensus diagnostic criteria (ICDC). Results: The amount of obtained tissue samples was enough for histologic diagnosis. 15 patients were classified into type 1 AIP (nZ14; definite nZ10, probable nZ4), type 2 AIP (nZ1, definite). Based on the ICDC, 5 and 6 of 15 patients have level 1 (positive for 3 or 4 items) and level 2 (positive for 2 items) histological findings. 7 of 15 patients showed typical diffuse swelling on parenchymal imaging. Among them, 4 and 3 of 8 patients were positive for level 1 and level 2 histologic findings. 8 of 15 patients showed atypical imaging (low-density mass, segmental enlargement with delayed enhacement) on parenchymal imaging. Among these patients, 2 and 3 of 8 patients were positive for level 1 and level 2 histologic findings. There was no adverse events after procedure. Conclusions: EUS-FNB by using 19-gauge ProCore needle is a safe and useful for histologic diagnosis of AIP. Clinical findings of 15 patients ume 81, No. 5S : 2015 GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSC Total (n[15)

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic disease to disabling forms or serious complications. The management of CP frequently differs among geographical areas and even among centers. These differences are due to the scarcity of high-quality studies and clinical practice guidelines that focus on the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The aim of the Spanish Pancreatic Club was to create evidence-based recommendations for the management of CP. Two coordinators chose a multidisciplinary panel of 24 experts in this disease. These experts were selected on the basis of their clinical and research experience in CP. A list of questions was drawn up and each question was then reviewed by two panelists. These questions were then used to produce a draft, which was discussed in a face-to-face meeting with all the participants. Levels of evidence were based on the classification of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. In the second part of the consensus process, recommendations were established for the management of pain, pseudocysts, biliary and duodenal stenosis, pancreatic fistula and ascites, left portal hypertension, diabetes mellitus, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and nutritional support in CP.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal disease. Early diagnosis remains the only possibility nowadays for an intention to cure the disease, since prognosis of PC is significantly better in patients diagnosed of small (2 cm), well differentiated, stages I and II pancreatic tumors. However, the best approach would be to detect precursor lesions, like Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) or PanIN lesions. In this setting the best technique to diagnose either small PC and/or IPMN and PanIN lesions is clearly endoscopic ultrasound. However, detection of these lesions is very difficult, hampered by the absence of clinical manifestations of PC at these early stages. The implementation of screening programs, which - given the incidence of PC - is not cost effective for the general population, in high-risk individuals, may lead to increase the detection of PC an early stages as well as precursor lesion. When focusing on treatment, PC patients are best cared by multidisciplinary teams. For patients with resectable disease surgery remains the treatment of choice, followed by postoperative treatment. When precursor lesions are detected, mainly IPMN, treatment should be individualized, following latest international guidelines.

Persistent gastrocutaneous fistula after the removal of a gastrostomy tube is an unusual complication associated with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Surgical closure has been usually the treatment of choice. Several endoscopic methods have been previously attempted to close the fistula, usually with poor results. We report a successful case of percutaneous endoscopic suturing of a persistent gastrocutaneous post-PEG fistula, using a monofilament absorbable suture. A biopsy forceps was used to de-epithelialize both ends of the fistulous tract to promote granulation tissue formation. The gastrocutaneous fistula closed completely after the procedure and there were no complications during the follow-up.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become an essential tool in the evaluation of pancreatic disease and can be considered the technique of choice for the diagnosis and staging of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic cancer (PC). However, EUS has certain limitations, especially in the evaluation of patients with solid pancreatic masses (in the differential diagnosis of CP and PC). Furthermore there is variability in the EUS diagnostic criteria for CP. EUS-guided elastography is emerging as a highly useful tool in this setting. This modality has shown high diagnostic accuracy in the differential diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses, including differentiation between CP and PC. EUS-guided elastography has also been found to be useful in the diagnosis of CP, and can even classify patients according to the severity of their disease.