BACKGROUND/AIMS: The duodenal intubation test (duodenal secretin test; DST) is now considered the 'gold standard' test of exocrine pancreatic function in detecting exocrine pancreatic dysfunction in patients with chronic pancreatitis. However, the DST has not been widely used, because it is time-consuming, invasive, and labor-intensive. On the other hand, intraductal secretin test (IDST) with endoscopic retrograde cannulation of the main pancreatic duct has been showed similar diagnostic efficiency compared with DST. We assessed the clinical usefulness of IDST and investigated parameters for assessing impaired pancreatic function of IDST. METHODS: Pure pancreatic juices were collected from 12 patients with chronic pancreatitis by endoscopic cannulation after a bolus intravenous injection of secretin 100 U, for 15min in three 5-min intervals. Five parameters of IDST were measured, and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of IDST evaluated compared with ERP. RESULTS: When we regarded mean-1.5 SD as the lower limits of IDST, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of five parameters to detect chronic pancreatitis were 91.7-100%, 75-87.5%, and 85-90%, respectively. Among five parameters, pancreatic juice secretory volume, bicarbonate concentration, and amylase output showed the highest diagnostic accuracy, followed by lipase output and bicarbonate output. A 10-min collection showed as much information as a 15-min collection. CONCLUSIONS: 10-min intraductal secretin test is useful as the conventional exocrine pancreatic function test in detecting exocrine pancreatic dysfunction in patients with chronic pancreatitis and the most discriminatory parameters are pancreatic juice secretory volume, bicarbonate concentration, and amylase output.
Amylases ; Catheterization ; Hand ; Humans ; Injections, Intravenous ; Intubation ; Lipase ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Pancreatic Function Tests ; Pancreatic Juice ; Pancreatitis, Chronic* ; Secretin* ; Sensitivity and Specificity

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of external radiation therapy and the prognostic factors, we retrospectively analyzed therapeutic results of malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO). METHODS AND MATERIALS: We analyzed the results of the external radiation therapy in 59 patients of inoperable malignant EHBO who had been treated with more than 10 Gy of external radiation therapy from April 1984 to December 1996. There were 21 stomach cancer (35.6%), 12 pancreas cancer (20.3%), 15 extrahepatic biliary cancer (18.6%) and 11 another cancer (18.6%). Their pathologies were confirmed in 31 patients (52.5%). They divided into 27 adenocarcinoma and 4 nonadenocarcinoma. Their chief complaints were jaundice in 47 patients (79.7%) and abdominal pain in 15 patients (49.2%). Twelve patients had slightly increased bilirubin level in liver function test without jaundice. We treated twenty four patients (40.6%) with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and 32 patients (54%) with systemic chemotherapy (CT). We performed external radiation therapy (ERT) upto 10.8~55.8 Gy (median 37.8 Gy) with palliative aim. RESULTS: Overall median survival duration was 7.80+/-1.15 months. The response rates of jaundice were 81.8% in PTBD group and 66.7% in non-PTBD group without statistical significance. The improving rate of jaundice was not significantly different in decreased ratio of total bilirubin level. But abdominal pain was more decreased in CT group than non-CT group (P<0.05). The significant prognostic factors were high performance status (Karnofski Performance Status >70), total radiation dose more than 35 Gy and good response of pain after therapy. There were increased in bacterial cholagitis in PTBD group and gastrointestinal complications in CT group. CONCLUSION: External radiotheapy could improve jaundice and abdominal pain in malignant EHBO patients. Overall survival duration was prolonged in patients with higher performance status and patients who had been treated with more than 35 Gy of total radiation dose. In the future, we expect not only better palliative role but also the prolongation of survival of using the ERT combined with other treatment method. But to achieve certain conclusion, we need futher study consisted with many kinds of treatment methods including new technologies in RT.
Abdominal Pain ; Adenocarcinoma ; Bilirubin ; Drainage ; Drug Therapy ; Humans ; Jaundice ; Liver Function Tests ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; Pathology ; Radiotherapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The quantitative analysis of fecal elastase-1 has been proposed as a noninvasive test for the examination of pancreatic exocrine function. Therefore, we evaluated the diagnostic value of fecal elastase-1 by comparing with endoscopic intraductal secretin test (IDST) which is used as a direct exocrine function test for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: Fecal elastase-1 concentrations were measured by ELISA in spot stool samples of 40 healthy control subjects, 21 patients with liver disease, and 12 patients with chronic pancreatitis diagnosed with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and IDST. Chronic pancreatitis were then sub-classified into mild (I), moderate (II) and severe form (III), using the Cambridge classification according to ERCP finding. The linear regression analysis to evaluate the correlation between the concentration of fecal elastase-1 and IDST was performed during ERCP. The cut-off value of fecal elastase-1 to discriminate chronic pancreatitis was calculated based on receiver operating characteristic curve, and the clinical usefulness of fecal elastase-1 in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis was evaluated. RESULTS: There were several significant correlations between fecal elastase-1 and various parameters of IDST: pancreatic juice secretory volume (r=0.797, p<0.002), bicarbonate concentration (r=0.846, p<0.001), elastase-1 concentration in pancreatic juice (r=0.671, p<0.017), and amylase output (r=0.783, p<0.003). The mean value of fecal elastase-1 concentration in the patients with chronic pancreatitis (197+/-77microgram/g stool) was significantly lower than those in the healthy control subjects (815+/-133microgram/g stool) and patients with liver disease (594+/-206microgram/g stool) (p<0.05). The cutoff value of fecal elastase-1 to discriminate between the healthy control and chronic pancreatitis patients was 201microgram/g stool. With this cutoff value, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of fecal elastase-1 to diagnose chronic pancreatitis were 78.8%, 67.7%, and 82.5%, respectively, compared to the morphological severity (the sensitivity of mild, moderate, and severe chronic pancreatitis was 33.3%, 66.7%, 83.3%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of fecal elastase-1 is a reliable and sensitive non-invasive test for the diagnosis of moderate to severe forms of chronic pancreatitis.
Amylases ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Classification ; Diagnosis* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Liver Diseases ; Pancreatic Function Tests* ; Pancreatic Juice ; Pancreatitis, Chronic* ; ROC Curve ; Secretin ; Sensitivity and Specificity

The most common finding related to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is obesity, but a status of severe malnutrition can also induce the steatohepatitis. The authors report a rare case of steatohepatitis leading to hepatic decompensation caused by malnutrition after pancreaticoduodenectomy. A 68-year-old female patient who had been previously diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy 5 months previously presented with abdominal distension. Routine CT performed 3 months after the surgery revealed severe fatty liver without evidence of tumor recurrence. After undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy her food intake had reduced, and as a result she had lost 7 kg of body weight over 2 months. At this admission, CT revealed moderate amounts of ascites without tumor recurrence. Furthermore, her albumin and lipid profile levels were markedly decreased, and she had a flapping tremor and slurred speech suggestive of hepatic encephalopathy. Her liver biopsy findings were consistent with steatohepatitis and disclosed macrovesicular steatosis without definite fibrosis. After careful nutritional control, her symptoms disappeared and her laboratory findings improved.
Aged ; Ascites/etiology ; Fatty Liver/*diagnosis/etiology/pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Function Tests ; Malnutrition/*complications ; Pancreatic Neoplasms/surgery ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) represents a rare but clinically challenging differential diagnosis in patients with biliary strictures which can be mistaken for cholangiocarcinoma. We present a case of a 73-year-old male presented with abdominal discomfort and weight loss. Biliary images showed long-segment luminal narrowing of extrahepatic bile duct associated with prominent enhanced wall thickening, but luminal patency was preserved. Pancreatic images revealed segmental irregular narrowing of main pancreatic duct without upstream duct dilatation. His liver function tests and CA19-9 level were normal. Putting all findings together, IgG4-SC associated with autoimmune pancreatitis was strongly suspected. However, endobiliary biopsy of extrahepatic bile duct revealed adenocarcinoma which was not resectable due to celiac axis involvement. Because there is an overlap in biliary imaging findings between IgG4-SC and cholangiocarcinoma, biopsy is essential for adequate differential diagnosis. We present a case of cholangiocarcinoma masquerading as IgG4-SC based on clinical and imaging findings.
Adenocarcinoma ; Aged ; Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic ; Biopsy ; Cholangiocarcinoma* ; Cholangitis, Sclerosing* ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Dilatation ; Humans ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Pancreatitis ; Phenobarbital ; Weight Loss

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe the diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in patients with isolated elevated levels of amylase and/or lipase. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted at a large academic medical center from 2000 to 2016. Patients were selected based on having elevated amylase, lipase, or both, but without a diagnosis of pancreatitis or known pancreatobiliary disease. Patients were excluded if they had abnormal liver function tests or abnormal imaging of the pancreas. RESULTS: Of 299 EUS procedures performed, 38 met inclusion criteria. Symptoms were present in 31 patients, most frequently abdominal pain (87%). In 20 patients (53%), initial EUS most commonly found chronic pancreatitis (n=7; 18%), sludge (5; 13%), or new diagnosis of pancreas divisum (3; 8%). In the asymptomatic patients (7), 3 had a finding on EUS, most importantly sludge (2), stone (1), and pancreas divisum (1). No patients were diagnosed with a mass or pancreatic cyst. During the follow up period, 6 patients (22%) had cholecystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: In our study of patients with isolated elevations in amylase and/or lipase without acute pancreatitis who underwent EUS, approximately 50% had a pancreatobiliary finding, most commonly chronic pancreatitis or biliary sludge.
Abdominal Pain ; Academic Medical Centers ; Amylases ; Bile ; Cholecystectomy ; Diagnosis ; Endosonography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lipase ; Liver Function Tests ; Pancreas ; Pancreatic Cyst ; Pancreatitis ; Pancreatitis, Chronic ; Retrospective Studies ; Sewage ; Ultrasonography

Malignant insulinoma in the beta cells of the pancreatic islet is rare and usually presented as hypoglycemia. We report a case of large malignant insulinoma in a 53-year-old Korean woman. A presumptive clinical diagnosis was made before surgery, based on the high plasma insulin-to-glucose ratio and a large solitary heterogeneous pancreatic mass by abdominal computed tomography and endosonography. The tumor measured 5.8X4.7X4.5 cm in dimension and showed capsular invasions and metastases in two of four peripancreatic lymph nodes. The tumor cells were strongly immunoreactive to insulin and had a high Ki-67 labeling index (13%) and atypical membranous electron-dense granules, ranging from 120 to 400 nm in diameter, in the cytoplasm on electron microscopy. The patient was treated by distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and rapidly recovered without neurohypoglycemic symptoms. This case showed not only lymph node metastases, the most reliable parameter for malignancy in pancreatic endocrine tumors, but also other valid diagnostic clues, such as high Ki-67 labeling index, heterogeneous enodosonographic findings, capsular invasions with large tumor and pure atypical secretory granules.
Biopsy, Needle ; Endosonography ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Insulinoma/*diagnosis/*surgery ; Islets of Langerhans/pathology/ultrastructure ; Korea ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Pancreatectomy/*methods ; Pancreatic Function Tests ; Pancreatic Neoplasms/*diagnosis/*surgery ; Risk Assessment ; Treatment Outcome

Pancreatic inflammatory disease may be classified as acute pancreatitis(AP) and chronic pancreatitis(CP) by primarily clinical criteria, with the obvious difference between them being restoration of normal function in the former and permanent residual damage in the latter. Gallstones and alcohol are the most common causes of acute pancreatitis. Abdominal pain is the major symptom. The diagnosis of AP is usually established by the presence of an increased serum amylase and lipase. CT scanning is the imaging method of choice in determining the severity and complications of AP. There are no generally recognized specific treatments for AP. Supportive therapy, which includes vigorous intravenous hydration, ample analgesia, and vascular, respiratory, and renal support as needed, remains the mainstay of therapy. CP may present as episodes of acute inflammation superimposed on a previously injured pancreas or as chronic fibrotic damage with persistent pain or malabsorption. Alcoholism is the most common cause of CP. The classic triad of pancreatic calcification, steatorrhea, and diabetes mellitus usually establishes the diagnosis of CP. ERCP and pancreatic function test are gold standard imaging procedures for diagnosing CP and planning treatment. Therapy for patients with CP is directed toward major problems such as pain, malabsorption, and diabetes mellitus. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy improves the abdominal pain and malabsorption. If Complications is found, endoscopic or Surgical treatments should be considered.
Abdominal Pain ; Alcoholism ; Amylases ; Analgesia ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diagnosis ; Enzyme Replacement Therapy ; Gallstones ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Lipase ; Pancreas ; Pancreatic Function Tests ; Pancreatitis* ; Pancreatitis, Chronic ; Steatorrhea ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

BACKGROUND: Choledochal cysts are not so rare in far east Asian countries as in western countries and are found mainly in children. Reflux of pancreatic juice to the bile duct through anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union (APBDU) is considered to be an important etiologic factor. METHOD: To study the clinical characteristics of choledochal cysts in children and the significance of APBDU in this disease, we reviewed 80 choledochal cyst cases. APBDU is defined as a long common channel (>1.5 cm). RESULTS: Ages ranged from 19 days to 13 years, and the male to female ratio was 1 to 4 which revealed a predominance among females. The symptoms, in order of frequency, were abdominal pain (63%), jaundice (48%), and abdominal mass (26%); classic triads were present in 3 cases (4%). The diagnosis was made mainly with ultrasonography. Todani type I (88%) and IV (11%) were the two most common types of cysts. An operative cholangiography was performed in 80 cases, among which an analysis of the status of the pancreaticobiliary ductal union was possible in 21 cases. A long common channel (>1.5 cm) was found in all 21 cases, 16 cases being of the P- type and 5 cases of the B- type. A cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy was performed in 79 cases of type I and type IV cysts, and a liver biopsy only was performed in one case of a type V cyst. A common bile duct stone was associated with one case and cholangitis was associated with two cases as postoperative complications. One patient expired due to heart disease. Seventy-ine patients were followed up for a mean period of 7.2 years after the operation. Seventy-ight patients are healthy now, and liver function tests have returned to normal level. One Carolie's disease patient has been followed up outpatiently without bad liver function. An intraoperative liver biopsy was performed in 73 cases. The results were normal in 3 cases; cholestasis was noted in 2 cases, inflammation in 26, fibrosis in 38, and cirrhosis in 4. CONCLUSIONS: APBDU seems to play an important role in the pathogenesis of choledochal cysts, especially type I and type IV cysts. Excision of the cyst is the procedure of choice for treatment because it eliminates the APBDU and prevents both hepatic cirrhosis and the potential for developing a malignancy.
Abdominal Pain ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Bile Ducts ; Biopsy ; Child ; Cholangiography ; Cholangitis ; Choledochal Cyst* ; Cholestasis ; Common Bile Duct ; Diagnosis ; Far East ; Female ; Fibrosis ; Heart Diseases ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Jaundice ; Liver ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Pancreatic Juice ; Postoperative Complications ; Ultrasonography

The prognosis of distal pancreatic cancer is even poorer than that of pancreatic head cancer because of its late symptom onset and tendency of aggressive retroperitoneal invasion at diagnosis. Since the first Appleby's operation in 1952, it has been performed in stomach cancer by several surgeons. But the survival benefit is still controversial. Appleby's operation includes total gastrectomy, splenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, celiac trunk division with ligation of common hepatic artery(CHA) and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. In 1976, Nimura first adopted this method for distal pancreatic cancer. We report a case of modified Appleby's operation for distal pancreatic cancer. The patient was 44- year old female. Her chief complaint was epigastric pain for 2 weeks. Preoperative liver function test was within normal range and CA19-9 was elevated to 200 U/ml. Preoperative CT angiography showed 4.5x3cm sized, pancreatic mass in body and tail area invading splenic artery and celiac trunk from its left side. In operation, splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy was initially performed. After ligation of CHA, we confirmed intact proper hepatic artery(PHA) flow by doppler and then divided CHA. After confirmation of intact gastric blood flow, left gastric artery(LGA) was divided. Celiac axis(CA) was divided near its origin. Then we dissected retroperitoneal lymph nodes. There was minor pancreatic leakage controlled by conservative management. CA19-9 was normalized to 33 U/ml on the 16th postoperative day. She was discharged on the 28th postoperative day and underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There is no evidence of recurrence for 15 months of follow-up. We suggest that modified Appleby's operation should be considered for radical resection of distal pancreatic cancer which is invading CA or major CA branch but not involving PHA and superior mesenteric artery(SMA), if the CA root is resectable and PHA flow is intact from SMA after ligation of CHA.
Angiography ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrectomy ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; Humans ; Ligation ; Liver Function Tests ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Pancreatectomy ; Pancreatic Neoplasms* ; Prognosis ; Radiotherapy ; Recurrence ; Reference Values ; Splenectomy ; Splenic Artery ; Stomach Neoplasms