Pancreatic malignancy is the third leading cause of cancer related death in the United States with limited viable screening options. By the end of this decade, cancers are poised to become the leading cause of death with pancreatic cancer projected to be the second leading cause of cancer related mortality. Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are found in approximately 5%–14% of patients due to the increased utilization of cross-sectional imaging, with approximately 8%–10% of pancreatic cancers originating as PCLs. Current screening guidelines have shown discrepancies between morphologic characteristics of PCLs and identifying advanced pancreatic disease. Molecular analysis has emerged as a novel technology to aid in adequate diagnosis and management decisions of PCLs. Mucinous cysts including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) or mucinous cystic neoplasms have similar oncogenic mutations including KRAS, TP53, SMAD4, PIK3CA, PTEN, or CKDN2A, while GNAS and RNF43 mutations are specific only to IPMNs. Serous cystadenomas have been associated with a loss of tumor suppressor gene VHL, while solid-psuedopapillary neoplasms have an oncogenic mutation CTNNB1. A specific molecular marker to diagnose existing high-grade dysplasia or impending malignant transformation is yet to be identified. Moving forward it is important to advance technology in isolating and identifying high-risk molecular markers from cyst fluid while considering their increased utilization in the evaluation of PCLs.
Biomarkers, Tumor ; Cause of Death ; Cyst Fluid ; Cystadenoma, Serous ; Diagnosis ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Humans ; Loss of Heterozygosity ; Mass Screening ; Mortality ; Mucins ; Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous ; Pancreatic Cyst* ; Pancreatic Diseases ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; United States

Background/Aims: Endoscopic visualization of the microscopic anatomy can facilitate the real-time diagnosis of pancreatobiliary disorders and provide guidance for its treatment. This study aimed to review the technique, image classification, and diagnostic performance of confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE). Methods: We conducted a systematic review of CLE in pancreatic and biliary ducts of humans, and have provided a narrative of the technique, image classification, diagnostic performance, ongoing research, and limitations. Results: Probe-based CLE differentiates malignant from benign biliary strictures (sensitivity, ≥89%; specificity, ≥61%). Needlebased CLE differentiates mucinous from non-mucinous pancreatic cysts (sensitivity, 59%; specificity, ≥94%) and identifies dysplasia. Pancreatitis may develop in 2-7% of pancreatic cyst cases. Needle-based CLE has potential applications in adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and pancreatitis (chronic or autoimmune). Costs, catheter lifespan, endoscopist training, and interobserver variability are challenges for routine utilization. Conclusions CLE reveals microscopic pancreatobiliary system anatomy with adequate specificity and sensitivity. Reducing costs and simplifying image interpretation will promote utilization by advanced endoscopists.

Background/Aims: Gastroparesis is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that frequently presents with symptoms that are difficult to manage, necessitating frequent hospitalizations. We sought to determine the predictors of early readmission due to gastroparesis based on etiology. Methods: We identified all adults discharged with a principal diagnosis of gastroparesis after hospitalization from the 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database. We compared etiology wise (diabetes, post-surgical, and idiopathic) early readmission. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors of 30-day readmission. Results: A total of 12 689 patients were identified, 30.7% diabetic, 2.6% post-surgical, and 66.7% were idiopathic. Patients with diabetic gastroparesis were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days than idiopathic (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.94) and post-surgical gastroparesis (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34-0.98). Pyloroplasty was associated with less likelihood of 30-day readmission (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.20-0.97). In addition, male gender (aOR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02-1.37), modifiedElixhauser comorbidity score ≥ 3 (aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.18-1.61), chronic pain syndrome (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.11-1.78), younger(18-64 years) age (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.34-2.00), need for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy/jejunostomy tube (aOR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.21-3.52), and need for total parenteral nutrition (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.24-2.35) were associated with increased risk of 30-day readmission. Conclusions One in 5 patients was readmitted with gastroparesis within 30 days. In the diabetic group, diabetes-related complications contributed to readmissions than gastroparesis. Pyloroplasty is associated with reduced early hospital readmission. Prospective studies are needed for validation of these results.

Background/Aims: Gastroparesis is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that frequently presents with symptoms that are difficult to manage, necessitating frequent hospitalizations. We sought to determine the predictors of early readmission due to gastroparesis based on etiology. Methods: We identified all adults discharged with a principal diagnosis of gastroparesis after hospitalization from the 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database. We compared etiology wise (diabetes, post-surgical, and idiopathic) early readmission. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors of 30-day readmission. Results: A total of 12 689 patients were identified, 30.7% diabetic, 2.6% post-surgical, and 66.7% were idiopathic. Patients with diabetic gastroparesis were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days than idiopathic (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.94) and post-surgical gastroparesis (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34-0.98). Pyloroplasty was associated with less likelihood of 30-day readmission (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.20-0.97). In addition, male gender (aOR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02-1.37), modifiedElixhauser comorbidity score ≥ 3 (aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.18-1.61), chronic pain syndrome (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.11-1.78), younger(18-64 years) age (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.34-2.00), need for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy/jejunostomy tube (aOR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.21-3.52), and need for total parenteral nutrition (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.24-2.35) were associated with increased risk of 30-day readmission. Conclusions One in 5 patients was readmitted with gastroparesis within 30 days. In the diabetic group, diabetes-related complications contributed to readmissions than gastroparesis. Pyloroplasty is associated with reduced early hospital readmission. Prospective studies are needed for validation of these results.