Role of endoscopic ultrasound in the characterization of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas

BACKGROUND Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm(SPN)is an uncommon pathology of the pancreas with unpredictable malignant potential.Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)assessment plays a vital role in lesion characterization and confirmation of the tissue diagnosis.However,there is a paucity of data regarding the imaging assessment of these lesions.AIM To determine the characteristic EUS features of SPN and define its role in preoperative assessment.METHODS This was an international,multicenter,retrospective,observational study of prospective cohorts from 7 large hepatopancreaticobiliary centers.All cases with postoperative histology of SPN were included in the study.Data collected included clinical,biochemical,histological and EUS characteristics.RESULTS One hundred and six patients with the diagnosis of SPN were included.The mean age was 26 years(range 9 to 70 years),with female predominance(89.6%).The most frequent clinical presentation was abdominal pain(80/106;75.5%).The mean diameter of the lesion was 53.7 mm(range 15 to 130 mm),with the slight predominant location in the head of the pancreas(44/106;41.5%).The majority of lesions presented with solid imaging features(59/106;55.7%)although 33.0%(35/106)had mixed solid/cystic characteristics and 11.3%(12/106)had cystic morphology.Calcification was observed in only 4(3.8%)cases.Main pancreatic duct dilation was uncommon,evident in only 2 cases(1.9%),whilst common bile duct dilation was observed in 5(11.3%)cases.One patient demonstrated a double duct sign at presentation.Elastography and Doppler evaluation demonstrated inconsistent appearances with no emergence of a predictable pattern.EUS guided biopsy was performed using three different types of needles:Fine needle aspiration(67/106;63.2%),fine needle biopsy(37/106;34.9%),and Sonar Trucut(2/106;1.9%).The diagnosis was conclusive in 103(97.2%)cases.Ninety-seven patients were treated surgically(91.5%)and the post-surgical SPN diagnosis was confirmed in all cases.During the 2-year follow-up period,no recurrence was observed.CONCLUSION SPN presented primarily as a solid lesion on endosonographic assessment.The lesion tended to be located in the head or body of the pancreas.There was no consistent characteristic pattern apparent on either elastography or Doppler assessment.Similarly SPN did not frequently cause stricture of the pancreatic duct or common bile duct.Importantly,we confirmed that EUS-guided biopsy was an efficient and safe diagnostic tool.The needle type used does not appear to have a significant impact on the diagnostic yield.Overall SPN remains a challenging diagnosis based on EUS imaging with no pathognomonic features.EUS guided biopsy remains the gold standard in establishing the diagnosis.

Use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage as a rescue approach in cases of unsuccessful biliary drainage

This narrative review provides an overview of the utilization of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage(EUS-GBD)as a salvage approach in cases of unsuccessful conventional management.EUS-GBD is a minimally invasive and effective technique for drainage in patients with acute cholecystitis with high risk of surgery.The procedure has demonstrated impressive technical and clinical success rates with low rates of adverse events,making it a safe and effective option for appropriate candidates.Furthermore,EUS-GBD can also serve as a rescue option for patients who have failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or EUS biliary drainage for relief of jaundice in malignant biliary stricture.However,patient selection is critical for the success of EUS-GBD,and proper patient selection and risk assessment are important to ensure the safety and efficacy of the procedure.As the field continues to evolve and mature,ongoing research will further refine our understanding of the benefits and limitations of EUS-GBD,ultimately leading to improved outcomes for patients.

Practical approach to linear endoscopic ultrasound examination of the gallbladder

The gallbladder(GB)is a susceptible organ,prone to various pathologies that can be identified using different imaging techniques.Transabdominal ultrasound(TUS)is typically the initial diagnostic method due to its numerous well-established advantages.However,in cases of uncertainty or when a definitive diagnosis cannot be established,computed tomography(CT)or magnetic resonance imaging may be employed to provide more detailed information.Nevertheless,CT scans may sometimes offer inadequate spatial resolution,which can limit the differentiation of GB lesions,particularly when smaller yet clinically relevant abnormalities are involved.Conversely,endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)provides higher frequency compared to TUS,superior spatial resolution,and the option for contrast-enhanced harmonic imaging,enabling a more comprehensive examination.Thus,EUS can serve as a supplementary tool when conventional imaging methods are insufficient.This review will describe the standard EUS examination of the GB,focusing on its endosonographic characteristics in various GB path-ologies.