Occult pancreaticobiliary reflux is a pathogenic factor of some benign biliary diseases and gallbladder cancer

Background:Pancreaticobiliary maljunction(PBM)is a well-known high-risk factor for biliary malignant tumors because of constant pancreaticobiliary reflux(PBR).However,the impact of occult pancreaticobiliary reflux(OPR),which is characterized by high bile amylase levels in individuals with anatomically normal pancreaticobiliary junction,on biliary diseases remains unclear.The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between OPR and biliary diseases.Methods:We enrolled 94 consecutive patients with normal pancreaticobiliary junction and primary biliary diseases confirmed by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.We prospectively collected patients’bile samples and measured bile amylase levels.We investigated the incidence of OPR and the difference in bile amylase levels among these patients and assessed the correlation between high bile amylase levels(HBAL)and benign or malignant biliary diseases,as well as the OPR risk factors.Results:The incidence of OPR was 36.6%in patients with benign biliary diseases,26.7%in those with cholangiocarcinoma and 62.5%in those with gallbladder cancer.The median bile amylase level tended to be higher in patients with gallbladder cancer than in those with benign biliary diseases,but there was no significant difference(165.5 IU/L vs.23.0 IU/L,P=0.212).The prevalence of an HBAL with bile amylase levels of 1000-7500 IU/L was similar in patients with gallbladder cancer and benign biliary diseases.However,the incidence of HBAL with bile amylase levels greater than 7500 IU/L was significantly higher in patients with gallbladder cancer than in those with benign biliary diseases(37.5%vs.4.2%,P=0.012).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that choledocholithiasis was an independent risk factor for OPR.Conclusions:OPR can occur in benign and malignant biliary diseases,and it may be a pathogenic factor for some benign biliary diseases and a high-risk factor for gallbladder cancer.There is a correlation between choledocholithiasis and OPR.

Global, regional, and national burden of gallbladder and biliary diseases from 1990 to 2019

BACKGROUND Gallbladder and biliary diseases(GABDs)are a major public health issue.AIM To analysis the cause-specific incidence,prevalence,and years lived with disability(YLDs)and its temporal trends of GABDs at the global,regional,and national level.Data on GABD were available from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019.METHODS The estimated annual percentage change(EAPC)was used to quantify temporal trend in GABD age-standardized incidence rates(ASIRs),age-standardized prevalence rate(ASPR),and age-standardized YLD rate(ASYR)by region,sex.We analyzed the relationship between the GABD burden and country development level using the human development index(HDI).RESULTS In 2019,the incident cases of GABD were 52003772,with an ASIR of 63432/100000 population.Globally,the number of incident cases and ASIR of GABD increased 97%and 58.9%between 1990 and 2019.Although,the ASPR and ASYR decreased from 1990 to 2019,the number of prevalent and YLDs cases increased.The highest ASIR was observed in Italy,and the highest ASPR and ASYR was observed in United Kingdom.The highest burden of GABD was found in low-SDI region,and the burden in female was significantly higher than males.A generally negative correlation(ρ=-0.24,P<0.05)of GABD with the EAPC and human development index(HDI)(in 2021)were observed for ASIR.What’s more,no correlation in ASPR(ρ=-0.06,P=0.39)and ASYR(ρ=-0.07,P=0.36)of GABD with the EAPC and HDI(in 2021)were observed,respectively.CONCLUSION GABD remain a major global public health challenge;however,the burden of GABD varies geographically.Globally,the number of incident cases and ASIR of GABD increased between 1990 and 2019.The results of our study provide insight into the global disease burden of GABD and may assist policymakers in formulating effective policies to mitigate modifiable risk factors.

New trends in diagnosis and management of gallbladder carcinoma

Gallbladder(GB)carcinoma,although relatively rare,is the most common biliary tree cholangiocarcinoma with aggressiveness and poor prognosis.It is closely associated with cholelithiasis and long-standing large(>3 cm)gallstones in up to 90%of cases.The other main predisposing factors for GB carcinoma include molecular factors such as mutated genes,GB wall calcification(porcelain)or mainly mucosal microcalcifications,and GB polyps≥1 cm in size.Diagnosis is made by ultrasound,computed tomography(CT),and,more precisely,magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Preoperative staging is of great importance in decisionmaking regarding therapeutic management.Preoperative staging is based on MRI findings,the leading technique for liver metastasis imaging,enhanced three-phase CT angiography,or magnetic resonance angiography for major vessel assessment.It is also necessary to use positron emission tomography(PET)-CT or ^(18)F-FDG PET-MRI to more accurately detect metastases and any other occult deposits with active metabolic uptake.Staging laparoscopy may detect dissemination not otherwise found in 20%-28.6%of cases.Multimodality treatment is needed,including surgical resection,targeted therapy by biological agents according to molecular testing gene mapping,chemotherapy,radiation therapy,and immunotherapy.It is of great importance to understand the updated guidelines and current treatment options.The extent of surgical intervention depends on the disease stage,ranging from simple cholecystectomy(T1a)to extended resections and including extended cholecystectomy(T1b),with wide lymph node resection in every case or IV-V segmentectomy(T2),hepatic trisegmentectomy or major hepatectomy accompanied by hepaticojejunostomy Roux-Y,and adjacent organ resection if necessary(T3).Laparoscopic or robotic surgery shows fewer postoperative complications and equivalent oncological outcomes when compared to open surgery,but much attention must be paid to avoiding injuries.In addition to surgery,novel targeted treatment along with immunotherapy and recent improvements in radiotherapy and chemotherapy(neoadjuvant-adjuvant capecitabine,cisplatin,gemcitabine)have yielded promising results even in inoperable cases calling for palliation(T4).Thus,individualized treatment must be applied.

Gallbladder carcinosarcoma with a poor prognosis: A case report

BACKGROUND Carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder is a rare malignant tumor with a very poor prognosis.To date,only approximately 100 patients have been reported in the English literature.The prognosis of this tumor type is poor,the preoperative diagnosis is difficult,and there is a possibility of a misdiagnosis.We present an unsuccessful case of carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder with a preoperative misdiagnosis and rapid early postoperative recurrence.Therefore,we have a deeper understanding of the poor prognosis of gallbladder carcinosarcoma(GBC)patients.CASE SUMMARY The patient is a 65-year-old male.He was admitted to the hospital because of right upper abdomen distending pain and discomfort for half a month.Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a polycystic mass in the right lobe of the liver and the fossa of the gallbladder.After admission,the patient was diagnosed with a liver abscess,which was treated by abscess puncture drainage.Obviously,this treatment was unsuccessful.Hepatectomy and cholecystectomy were performed one month after the puncture.Postoperative pathologic examination revealed carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder,and the resected specimen contained two tumor components.One month after surgery,the patient's tumor recurred in situ and started to compress the duodenum,resulting in duodenal obstruction and bleeding.The treatment was not effective.The patient died of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock.CONCLUSION Carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder is a rare malignant tumor that is easily misdiagnosed preoperatively and has a poor prognosis.

Emerging roles for transthoracic ultrasonography in pulmonary diseases

As a result of many advantages such as the absence of radiation exposure,non-invasiveness,low cost,safety,and ready availability,transthoracic ultrasonography(TUS) represents an emerging and useful technique in the management of pleural and pulmonary diseases.In this second part of a comprehensive review that deals with the role of TUS in pleuropulmonary pathology,the normal findings,sonographic artifacts and morphology of the most important and frequent pulmonary diseases are described.In particular,the usefulness of TUS in diagnosing or raising suspicion of pneumonia,pulmonary embolism,atelectasis,diffuse parenchymal diseases,adult and newborn respiratory distress syndrome,lung cancer and lung metastases are discussed,as well as its role in guidance for diagnostic and therapeutic interventional procedures.Moreover,the preliminary data about the role of contrast enhanced ultrasonography in the study of pulmonary pleural-based lesions are also reported.Finally,the limits of TUS when compared with chest computed tomography are described,highlighting the inability of TUS to depict lesions that are not in contact with the pleura or are located under bony structures,poor visualization of the mediastinum,and the need for very experienced examiners to obtain reliable results.

Expression profile of cholecystokinin type-A receptor in gallbladder cancer and gallstone disease

BACKGROUND:Regulatory peptide receptors have attracted the interest of oncologists as a new promising approach for cancer pathology,imaging and therapy.Although cholecystokinin (CCK) is a potent modulator of gallbladder contractility and plays a potential role in pancreatic carcinogenesis through CCK type-A receptor (CCKAR),its role in gallbladder cancer (GBC) is still unknown and immunohistochemical detection of CCKAR in the gallbladder has not yet been reported.This novel case-control study aimed to investigate the expression profile of CCKAR in GBC and gallstone disease (GSD).METHODS:This study included 162 samples of gallbladder:94 from GBC and 68 from GSD.Expression of CCKAR was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting.The results were statistically correlated with disease history including age,sex,presence of gallstone,stage and differentiation.RESULTS:CCKAR was positive in 30/68 (44.1%) of GSD and 72/94 (76.6%) of GBC samples.Fifty-one of the 72 (70.8%) CCKAR-positive GBC samples showed over-expression.Interestingly,consistent results also appeared in the immunoblotting study.CONCLUSIONS:CCKAR expression was significantly increased in GBC compared to GSD.Moreover,CCKAR expression was associated with the degree of tumor differentiation,i.e.,less expression in poorly-differentiated tumors.Thus,it has future prognostic and therapeutic implications in the management of GBC.

Endoscopic ultrasonography does not differentiate neoplastic from non-neoplastic small gallbladder polyps

AIM:To assess the ability of endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS) to differentiate neoplastic from non-neoplastic polypoid lesions of the gallbladder(PLGs) .METHODS:The uses of EUS and transabdominal ultrasonography(US) were retrospectively analyzed in 94 surgical cases of gallbladder polyps less than 20 mm in diameter.RESULTS:The prevalence of neoplastic lesions with a diameter of 5-10 mm was 17.2%(10/58) ;11-15 mm,15.4%(4/26) ,and 16-20 mm,50%(5/10) .The overall diagnostic accuracies of EUS and US for small PLGs were 80.9% and 63.9%(P < 0.05) ,respectively.EUS correctly distinguished 12(63.2%) of 19 neoplastic PLGs but was less accurate for polyps less than 1.0 cm(4/10,40%) than for polyps greater than 1.0 cm(8/9,88.9%) (P = 0.02) .CONCLUSION:Although EUS was more accurate than US,its accuracy for differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic PLGs less than 1.0 cm was low.Thus,EUS alone is not suffi cient for determining a treatment strategy for PLGs of less than 1.0 cm.

Gallbladder carcinoma in a pregnant patient with Crohn's disease complicated with gallbladder involvement

Primary gallbladder (GB) carcinoma and Crohn's disease (CD) of the GB are individually rare. We present a case of a pregnant woman with CD found to have GB involvement and primary GB carcinoma. A 34-year-old female at 6 wk gestation with a 21 year history of CD of uncertain extent presented with 3 mo of diarrhea, urgency and abdominal pain. During work-up, she was found to have elevated transaminases and an abnormal alkaline phosphatase. Imaging revealed two gallbladder polyps both greater than 1 cm in size. Resection and histological evaluation was consistent with Crohn's involvement of the GB, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the GB with invasion through the muscularis propria and matted lymph nodes in the porta hepatis positive for metastatic carcinoma (stage pT2N1). Six cases of CD involving the GB, two cases of primary GB carcinoma in CD, and ten cases of cholangiocarcinoma in pregnancy have been published.This is the only case that describes all three factors. Common features in CD of the GB include acute cholecystitis, ileal involvement, and presence independent of active intestinal disease. Common features in CD patients with GB malignancy include younger age of detection, a long history of CD, extensive colonic and ileal involvement of disease, the absence of cholelithiasis, and pre-existing gallbladder disease (primary sclerosing cholangitis and gallbladder polyps). Pregnancy is specific to this case. The role of CD in the development of GB malignancy is not well understood nor is the contribution of pregnancy to the spread of disease. Chronic inflammation and immunosuppression compounded by hormonal influence is implicated.

Effects of cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy on prognosis of patients with advanced gallbladder cancer

BACKGROUND Gallbladder cancer(GC)is a common malignant tumor and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide.It is typically highly invasive,difficult to detect in the early stages,and has poor treatment outcomes,resulting in high mortality rates.The available treatment options for GC are relatively limited.One emerging treatment modality is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC).HIPEC involves delivering heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity.It combines the strategies of surgical tumor resection and localized chemotherapy administration under hyperthermic conditions,aiming to enhance the concentration and effectiveness of drugs within the local tumor site while minimizing systemic toxicity.AIM To determine the effects of cytoreductive surgery(CRS)combined with HIPEC on the short-term prognosis of patients with advanced GC.METHODS Data from 80 patients treated at the Punan Branch of Renji Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between January 2018 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.The control group comprised 44 patients treated with CRS,and the research group comprised 36 patients treated with CRS combined RESULTS The baseline data of the research and control groups were similar(P>0.05).Six days after surgery,the alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,total bilirubin,and direct bilirubin levels significantly decreased compared to the preoperative levels in both groups(P<0.05).However,the values did not differ between the two groups six days postoperatively(P>0.05).Similarly,the postoperative creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were significantly lower than the preoperative levels in both groups(P<0.05),but they did not differ between the groups six days postoperatively(P>0.05).Furthermore,the research group had fewer postoperative adverse reactions than the control group(P=0.027).Finally,a multivariate Cox analysis identified the tumor stage,distant metastasis,and the treatment plan as independent factors affecting prognosis(P<0.05).The three-year survival rate in the study group was higher than that in the control group(P=0.002).CONCLUSION CRS combined with HIPEC lowers the incidence of adverse reactions and improves survival in patients with advanced GC.

Gallbladder function and dynamics of bile flow in asymptomatic gallstone disease

AIM:To investigate the effects of gallbladder stones on motor functions of the gallbladder and the dynamics of bile flow in asymptomatic gallstone disease.METHODS:Quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy was performed to detect the parameters of gallbladder motor function [gallbladder ejection fraction(GBEF),gallbladder visualization time(GBVT),gallbladder time to peak activity(GBTmax),gallbladder half emptying time(GBT1/2),and transit time of bile to duodenum(TTBD)] in 24 patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis who were diagnosed incidentally during routine abdominal ultrasonographic examination and 20 healthy subjects with normal gallbladder.RESULTS:Even though there was no significant difference in the clinical and laboratory parameters between the patient and control groups,all parameters of gallbladder function except TTBD were found to differ significantly between the two groups.GBEF in the patient group was decreased(P=0.000) and GBVT,GBTmax,GBT1/2 in the patient group were longer(P=0.000,P=0.015,P=0.001,respectively).CONCLUSION:Our results showed that even if there were not any clinical and laboratory findings,gallbladder filling and emptying could be impaired in patients with gallstone disease.

Correlations of transcranial sonography of substantia nigra characteristics with MRI iron deposition on substantia nigra in patients with Parkinson disease

Objective To explore the correlations of transcranial sonography of substantia nigra(SN-TCS)characteristics with MRI iron deposition on substantia nigra in patients with Parkinson disease(PD).Methods Data of SN-TCS and craniocerebral MRI in 120 PD patients were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into iron deposition positive group(positive group,n=46)and iron deposition negative group(negative group,n=74)according to quantitative susceptibility mapping(QSM)value.Then parameters of SN-TCS and MRI were compared between groups(both P<0.05),and correlation analysis were also performed.Results The proportion of high echo positive,strong echo area and QSM value of substantia nigra,as well as of hyper-substantia nigra area/midbrain area(S/M)in positive group were all higher than those in negative group(all P<0.001).No significant difference of midbrain area was found between groups(P>0.05).Strong echo area of substantia nigra and S/M based on SN-TCS were both low-medium positively correlated with substantia nigra QSM value showed on MRI(r=0.497,0.529,both P<0.001).Conclusion SN-TCS characteristics of PD patients were correlated with MRI iron deposition on substantia nigra,among which strong echo area and S/M were valuable for evaluating iron deposition on substantia nigra.

Association of autoimmune thyroid disease with type 1 diabetes mellitus and its ultrasonic diagnosis and management

As a common hyperglycemic disease,type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)is a complicated disorder that requires a lifelong insulin supply due to the immunemediated destruction of pancreaticβcells.Although it is an organ-specific autoimmune disorder,T1DM is often associated with multiple other autoimmune disorders.The most prevalent concomitant autoimmune disorder occurring in T1DM is autoimmune thyroid disease(AITD),which mainly exhibits two extremes of phenotypes:hyperthyroidism[Graves'disease(GD)]and hypothyroidism[Hashimoto's thyroiditis,(HT)].However,the presence of comorbid AITD may negatively affect metabolic management in T1DM patients and thereby may increase the risk for potential diabetes-related complications.Thus,routine screening of thyroid function has been recommended when T1DM is diagnosed.Here,first,we summarize current knowledge regarding the etiology and pathogenesis mechanisms of both diseases.Subsequently,an updated review of the association between T1DM and AITD is offered.Finally,we provide a relatively detailed review focusing on the application of thyroid ultrasonography in diagnosing and managing HT and GD,suggesting its critical role in the timely and accurate diagnosis of AITD in T1DM.

LIVER SCINTIGRAPHY AND ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF FOCAL AND DIFFUSE DISEASES

The scintiphotos and ultrasonophotos of 186 patients with focal and diffuse diseases of liver were collected and analysed. All the data were get from the in-patients of China-Japan Friendship Hospital. The Sigma 438 typedγ camera (USA) was used. Fifteen min after 99mTc-phytate were injected i.v., If any defect region was found, it was recorded as a SOL; the SSA 90A, SAL 77A and SAL 50A US scanners (Japan) were used, if any abnormal echo pattern was found, it was a SOL. Of 134 patients have done both examinations during 7 days, 122 patients had coincident results occupied 91.0%. For detection of SOL, the sensitivity of scintigraphy is 94.1%, specificity is 94.2%, accuracy is 94.8%; the sensitivity of US is 100%, specificity is 89.7%, the accuracy is 95.6%. The hepatic blood flow and blood pool study showed that 104 from 115 patients were coincident (90.4%). The spleen and liver accumulation ratio determination showed that 51 from 64 subjects were coincident (80.0%). The characteristic features of scintigraphy and US graphy were described in hepatoma, hemangioma, cyst abscess and cirrhosis. The advantages of these examinations were discussed and concluded that their procedures are valuable and widely available.

Study of Gastric and Gallbladder Kinetics with Real－time Ultrasonography in Cases of Functional Dyspepsia

Gastric and gallbladder emptying in 113 patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) were evaluated by real-time ultrasonography (RUS) after a liquid-fat meal by the patients, and compared with 15 healthy volunteers. The results showed that in FD group 69 patients (61. 06%) had delayed gastric emptying,and 28 patients (24.77%) had gallbladder hypokinesia. Among them both delayed gastric ernptying and gallbladder hypokinesia were found in 11 patients (9.7%), 44 patients (38.93%)had normal gastric emptying and 85 patients (75.22%) had normal gallbladder emptying.

Accuracy of Doppler Ultrasonography in Assessment of Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Diseases

Doppler ultrasound scan is a non-invasive, cheap and convenient tool and it complements angiography, Computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and catheter digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of peripheral vascular diseases. Symptoms of peripheral vascular diseases are becoming more common due to rise in incidence of diseases and risk factors (diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemias, smoking, sedentary lifestyle). Due to limited availability of highly specific tools such as CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and DSA (digital subtraction angiography) in many developing countries, doppler ultrasound is gaining more importance. Early determination of peripheral arterial diseases is beneficial in prevention of complications as severity increases may cause intermittent claudication, pain, tissue loss, including ulceration and gangrene (as the diseases progresses) and early management of arteriosclerosis will be beneficial to prevent these complications.

Study on the relationship between syndrome characteristics degree and inflammatory factor and negative emotional scale in"double heart disease"patients with Qi stagnation blood stasis and heart gallbladder heat stagnation

Objective:To Discuss the correlation between Hypersensitivity C-reactive Protein(Hs-CRP),Total Cholesterol(TC),Triglyceride(TG),negative emotion scale and TCM syndrome scores in“Double Heart Disease”patients with Qi stagnation blood stasis and heart gallbladder heat stagnation.Method:Fifty-two patients in Western Medicine Diagnosis of Double Heart Disease,in TCM syndrome identified as Qi stagnation blood stasis Heart gallbladder heat stagnation syndrome,detects it Hs-CRP,TC,TG levels by ELISA,use TCM Syndromes Scale to evaluate TCM Syndrome,use the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)and Self-rating symptom scale(SCL-90)to assess anxiety and sleep levels,analyze the correlation between TCM syndrome scores and Hs-CRP,TC,TG level,PSQI index,SCL-90 index.Result:There was a significant positive correlation between Hs-CRP,TG level and TCM Syndrome scores(P<0.05);TC level was postively correlated with TCM Syndrome scores,but there was no statistical significance(P>0.05);There was a significant positive correlation between PSQI index,SCL-90 index and TCM Syndrome scores(P<0.05).Conclusion:In“Double Heart Disease”patients with Qi stagnation blood stasis and heart gallbladder heat stagnation,there have characteristic syndrome changes in terms of inflammatory factor level,blood lipid level and negative emotion score;Which the above indexes can reflect the severity of TCM syndromes to a certain extent and provide the basis for the effective intervention treatment of TCM.

Stepwise approach and surgery for gallbladder adenomyomatosis: a mini-review

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder adenomyomatosis (GBA) is a hyperplastic disease affecting the wall of the gallbladder, with some typical features. It has historically been considered a benign condition, nevertheless recent reports highlighted a potential role of GBA in predisposing to malignancies of the gallbladder. DATA SOURCES: We reviewed the literature concerning GBA from its identification until July 2012. Owing to the relative rarity of the disease, studies often are case reports or case series. Thus we herein report a summary of the key-points concerning diagnosis and treatment of GBA, easily applicable in everyday practice, rather than a systematic review. Also, results are integrated with our recent experience. RESULTS: In our experience, we observed a trend toward an increase of GBA during the last years, probably due to enhanced ultrasonographic technical advancements and physician’s expertise. GBA has distinctive imaging features. Several recent reports highlight the potential risk of cancer associated with GBA; however the disease is still classified as a benign condition. Although its correlation with malignancy has not been demonstrated, it is prudent to recommend cholecystectomy in some cases. However, in selected asymptomatic patients, a wait-and-see policy is a viable alternative. We propose an algorithm, based on GBA pathological pattern (diffuse, segmental, localized or fundal), suitable for decision-making.CONCLUSIONS: In symptomatic patients and if the diagnosis is doubtful, cholecystectomy is mandatory. Postponing surgery is an option to be offered to asymptomatic patients with low-risk GBA pattern who adhere to scheduled follow-ups.

Imaging-based algorithmic approach to gallbladder wall thickening

Gallbladder(GB) wall thickening is a frequent finding caused by a spectrum of conditions. It is observed in many extracholecystic as well as intrinsic GB conditions. GB wall thickening can either be diffuse or focal. Diffuse wall thickening is a secondary occurrence in both extrinsic and intrinsic pathologies of GB, whereas, focal wall thickening is mostly associated with intrinsic GB pathologies. In the absence of specific clinical features, accurate etiological diagnosis can be challenging. The survival rate in GB carcinoma(GBC) can be improved if it is diagnosed at an early stage, especially when the tumor is confined to the wall. The pattern of wall thickening in GBC is often confused with benign diseases, especially chronic cholecystitis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, and adenomyomatosis. Early recognition and differentiation of these conditions can improve the prognosis. In this minireview, the authors describe the patterns of abnormalities on various imaging modalities(conventional as well as advanced) for the diagnosis of GB wall thickening. This paper also illustrates an algorithmic approach for the etiological diagnosis of GB wall thickening and suggests a formatted reporting for GB wall abnormalities.

Gallbladder cancer:Historical treatment and new management options

Gallbladder cancer is a rare,aggressive malignancy that has a poor overall prognosis.Effective treatment consists of early detection and surgical treatment.With the wide spread treatment of gallbladder disease with minimally invasive techniques,the rate of incidental gallbladder cancer has seen an equitable rise along with stage migration towards earlier disease.Although the treatment remains mostly surgical,newer modalities such as regional therapy as well as directed therapy based on molecular medicine has led to improved outcomes in patients with advanced disease.We aim to summarize the management of gallbladder cancer along with the newer developments in this formidable disease process.

Use of color Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of anomalous connection in pancreatobiliary disease

AIM: To estimate the detectability of anomalous connection in pancreatobiliary disease (ACPBD) cases, measuring gallbladder wall blood flow (GWBF).METHODS: In the retrospective study, we enrolled 42subjects with gallbladder wall thickening. GWBF velocity was determined as an average value of the peak velocity of color signals on the gallbladder wall, three times in each case. Based on the findings on endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the 42 subjects were divided into 11 cases with ACPBD and 31 cases without ACPBD. In the prospective study, the subjects were 92 cases with gallbladder wall thickening. Using the cut-off level of the flow velocity obtained in the retrospective study, the usefulness of measuring GWBF velocity in diagnosing ACPBD was evaluated.RESULTS: In the retrospective study, imaging of GWBF was obtained in 40 of the 42 subjects. The mean GWBF velocity of the ACPBD cases was 29.4±3.9 cm/s(mean±SD), which was significantly different (P＜0.0001;95% CI 5.48-13.2) from that of the without ACPBD cases(20.1±5.9 cm/s). Based on this result, we prepared a receiver operating characteristic curve, and the cut-off level appropriate for diagnosing ACPBD was estimated to be 25 cm/s. In the prospective study, GWBF was detected in 86 of the 92 subjects. Based on the EUS or ERCP findings, the 92 subjects were divided into 15 cases with ACPBD and 77 cases without ACPBD. When a cut-off level of 25 cm/s was employed, ACPBD could be diagnosed with a sensitivity of 87.0% (13/15) and a specificity of87.3% (62/71).CONCLUSION: Measurement of GWBF velocity, which is less invasive and provides objective values, is very useful for diagnosing ACPBD prior to the development of malignant tumors in cases with gallbladder wall thickening.