OBJECTIVES: In recent years, the incidence and detection rate of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) have increased significantly. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) plays an indispensable role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of PCLs. However, evidence comparing the diagnostic performance of EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and fine-needle biopsy (FNB) remains limited. This study aims to compare the diagnostic yield, adequacy of tissue acquisition, and safety between EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB in evaluating PCLs to inform clinical practice. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on patients with PCLs who underwent either EUS-FNA or EUS-FNB between January 2014 and August 2021. The diagnostic yield, tissue acquisition adequacy, and incidence of adverse events were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients with PCLs were included (52 in the FNA group and 38 in the FNB group). The diagnostic yield was similar between the FNA and FNB groups (94.2% vs 94.7%, P>0.05). The adequacy of tissue acquisition was 71.2% in the FNA group and 81.6% in the FNB group (P>0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse events between the 2 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB demonstrate equally high diagnostic yields and tissue adequacy in PCLs, with excellent safety profiles. Both methods are safe and effective diagnostic tools for evaluating PCLs.
Humans ; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration/adverse effects* ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; Male ; Pancreatic Cyst/diagnostic imaging* ; Middle Aged ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle/adverse effects* ; Aged ; Pancreatic Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Adult ; Endosonography/methods* ; Pancreas/pathology* ; Diagnosis, Differential

As the detection rate of pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) increases,recommendations or guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PCN have been released from professional organizations.From the perspective of radiology,we compared seven guidelines in terms of general introduction,preoperative monitoring methods and strategies,stratification of risk factors,surgical indications,and postoperative follow-ups,aiming to provide references for the evaluation of images and the formulation of individualized approach for the treatment of PCN.
Humans ; Pancreatic Cyst/therapy* ; Pancreatic Neoplasms/therapy* ; Pregnenolone Carbonitrile ; Radiography ; Radiology

The occurrence of incidentally detected pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) is continuously increasing. Radiologic examinations including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography have been widely used as the main diagnostic and surveillance methods for patients with incidental PCLs. Although most incidentally detected PCLs are considered benign, they have the potential to become malignant. Currently, we have several guidelines for the management of incidental PCLs. However, there is still debate over proper management, in terms of accurate diagnosis, optimal follow-up interval, and imaging tools. Because imaging studies play a crucial role in the management of incidental PCLs, the 2017 consensus recommendations of the Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology for the diagnosis and surveillance of incidental PCLs approved 11 out of 16 recommendations. Although several challenges remain in terms of optimization and standardization, these consensus recommendations might serve as useful tools to provide a more standardized approach and to optimize care of patients with incidental PCLs.
Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance ; Consensus ; Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Pancreas ; Pancreatic Cyst

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas consist of a wide range of pathological entities and are being detected more frequently due to advances in cross-sectional imaging modalities and increasing numbers of periodic health checkups. The majority of pancreatic cystic neoplasms are intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, serous neoplasms, and mucinous cystic neoplasms, but recently, rare cases of mucinous non-neoplastic cyst of the pancreas (MNCP) have been reported, and despite the availabilities of modern imaging systems, such as MRI and CT, the differentiation of non-neoplastic and neoplastic cysts remains challenging. Herein, we report our experience of a 65-year-old male case with an MNCP.
Aged ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Mucins ; Pancreas ; Pancreatic Cyst ; Pancreatic Neoplasms

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are becoming increasingly frequent, presenting a number of challenges in clinical practice. While several guidelines have been published to address these, they are largely composed of expert opinions based on relatively low-level evidence. Their recommendations are similar in general, but there are many differences in detail. Pancreatic neoplasms have differing malignant potential, based on the histologic type and clinical and radiological features of the cysts. It is necessary to stratify the malignancy risk of each cyst, using proper evaluation methods, and to manage it appropriately, with surgical resection or surveillance. In addition, risks associated with surgical resection, costs associated with long-term follow-up, and patient discomfort and anxiety must be considered in the proper management of pancreatic cystic neoplasms. In this review, we introduce four recently published guidelines.
Anxiety ; Expert Testimony ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Pancreatic Cyst ; Pancreatic Neoplasms

Congenital pancreatic cysts are rare in newborn babies, and this makes prenatal diagnosis difficult. Diagnosis can be delayed for a few months after birth until the infant presents with an abdominal mass, abdominal distension, or vomiting due to gastric outlet obstruction. Excision of the cyst is the treatment of choice. A congenital pancreatic cyst should be considered if the fetus has an abdominal cyst without a definite origin. A prompt diagnosis is crucial to prevent fatal complications such as cholangitis, pancreatitis, cyst rupture, and peritonitis. We report a case of neonate with multiple congenital pancreatic cysts suspected prenatally to be stomach diverticulum or duplication cysts of the intestine.
Cholangitis ; Diagnosis ; Diverticulum, Stomach ; Fetus ; Gastric Outlet Obstruction ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Intestines ; Pancreatic Cyst ; Pancreatic Pseudocyst ; Pancreatitis ; Parturition ; Peritonitis ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Rupture ; Vomiting

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

The frequency of incidental detection of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) is increasing because of the frequent use of cross-sectional imaging. The appropriate treatment for PCLs is challenging, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided ablation for PCLs has been reported in several studies. Although the feasibility and efficacy of this therapeutic modality have been shown, the safety issues associated with the procedure are still a concern. We present a case of a 61-year-old man who underwent ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation for PCL and needed repeated endoscopic balloon dilatation for severe duodenal stricture caused by necrotizing pancreatitis after the cyst ablation therapy.
Constriction, Pathologic ; Dilatation ; Duodenal Obstruction ; Endosonography ; Ethanol ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatic Cyst ; Pancreatitis ; Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing

The increasing discovery of pancreatic cystic neoplasm is a recent trend because of the widespread use and development of imaging techniques. Physicians have to recognize the different characteristics of the cystic neoplasms so that a determination may be selected regarding the potential for malignancy. Appropriate evaluation of pancreatic cystic lesion includes a multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists with experience in endoscopic ultrasound, radiologist, and pancreatic surgeons. The selective approach is important in management of this neoplasm with minimizing incorrect diagnosis and unnecessary surgery. Considering the characteristic features of pancreatic cystic neoplasm, the clinical decision should be tailored according to needs and conditions of the individual patients.
Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Pancreatic Cyst ; Surgeons ; Ultrasonography ; Unnecessary Procedures

The accurate diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) is important because they determine the strategy of treatment or follow-up. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been widely used in diagnosis and treatment of PCLs. EUS can be used to obtain additional information in the case of an indeterminate cyst on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, or in case of showing a worrisome feature. Contrast-enhanced EUS showed highly accurate for differential diagnosing of non-neoplastic cysts from neoplastic cyst, and it also useful for distinguishing mural nodules from mucin. EUS-guided fine needle aspiration can be used to analyze cytology, chemistry, and molecular markers in cystic fluid if there is insufficient evidence for the diagnosis by non-invasive modalities. Needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy allows real time diagnosis of PCLs with good accuracy during EUS-guided fine needle aspiration by subcellular level imaging. Through-the-needle cystoscopy or through-the-needle forceps biopsy are also attempted in these days but the evidence for its effectiveness is insufficient. EUS-guided ablation procedures are emerging as a minimally invasive therapeutic methods for unmet needs in dichotomous treatment policy for PCLs. Large long-term follow-up observational studies have been reported on the feasibility and efficacy of EUS-guided ablation for PCLs with ethanol or in combination with chemoagent. Further study for the actual treatment effects or real clinical benefit would be needed. The use of EUS in the diagnosis and treatment of PCLs is expected to make much progress in the future.
Biopsy ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Chemistry ; Cystoscopy ; Diagnosis ; Endosonography ; Ethanol ; Follow-Up Studies ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Mucins ; Pancreatic Cyst ; Surgical Instruments ; Ultrasonography