Association between intra-pancreatic fat deposition and diseases of the exocrine pancreas: A narrative review

Intrapancreatic fat deposition(IPFD)has garnered increasing attention in recent years.The prevalence of IPFD is relatively high and associated with factors such as obesity,age,and sex.However,the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying IPFD remain unclear,with several potential contributing factors,including oxida-tive stress,alterations in the gut microbiota,and hormonal imbalances.IPFD was found to be highly correlated with the occurrence and prognosis of exocrine pan-creatic diseases.Although imaging techniques remain the primary diagnostic approach for IPFD,an expanding array of biomarkers and clinical scoring systems have been identified for screening purposes.Currently,effective treatments for IPFD are not available;however,existing medications,such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists,and new therapeutic approaches explored in animal models have shown considerable potential for managing this disease.This paper reviews the pathogenesis of IPFD,its association with exocrine pancreatic disea-ses,and recent advancements in its diagnosis and treatment,emphasizing the significant clinical relevance of IPFD.

Laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasonography in judging the resectability of pancreatic head cancer

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical value of laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) in judging the resectability of pancreatic head cancer. METHODS: LUS was employed as a prospective diagnosis of tumor staging before exploratory laparotomy in 22 patients diagnosed with pancreatic head cancer to identify whether the liver and peritoneum had small metastases or local invasion to the portal vein, superior mesenteric vessel, aorta, inferior vena cava. RESULTS: In the 22 patients receiving laparoscopy and LUS, we found peritoneal or surface liver metastases (3 patients), hepatic parenchyma metastases (1), and pancreatitis proved by biopsy under ultrasound guidance (1). Laparotomy was avoided in these 5 patients. Of the remaining 17 patients, 8 patients, including 2 patients with portal vein emboli due to tumor metastases had hypertrophic lymph nodes or tumor invasion of local vessels in the peritoneal cavity, retroperitoneum, and omentum and the other 9 patients had resectable tumors shown by LUS. The 17 patients were subjected to exploratory laparotomy, and pancreaticoduodenectomy was successful in 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy and LUS can be used to precisely estimate the possibility of resection of pancreatic head cancer, and prevent unnecessary exploratory laparotomy and its complications. It can be used as a routine examination before exploratory laparotomy.

Treatment strategy for pancreatic head cancer with celiac axis stenosis in pancreaticoduodenectomy:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND During pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with celiac axis(CA)stenosis due to compression by the median arcuate ligament(MAL),the MAL has to be divided to maintain hepatic blood flow in many cases.However,MAL division often fails,and success can only be determined intraoperatively.To overcome this problem,we performed endovascular CA stenting preoperatively,and thereafter safely performed pancreaticoduodenectomy.We present this case as a new preoperative treatment strategy that was successful.CASE SUMMARY A 77-year-old man with a diagnosis of pancreatic head cancer presented to our department for surgery.Preoperative assessment revealed CA stenosis caused by MAL.We performed endovascular stenting in the CA preoperatively because we knew that going into the operation without a strategy could lead to ischemic complications.Double-antiplatelet therapy(DAPT)–which is needed when a stent is inserted–was then administered in parallel with neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC).This allowed us to administer DAPT for a sufficient period before the main pancreaticoduodenectomy procedure while obtaining therapeutic effects from NAC.Subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was thenperformed.The operation did not require any unusual techniques and was performed safely.Postoperatively,the patient progressed well,without any ischemic complications.Histopathologically,curative resection was confirmed,and the patient had no recurrence or complications due to ischemia up to six months postoperatively.CONCLUSION Preoperative endovascular stenting,with NAC and DAPT,is effective and safe prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy in potentially resectable pancreatic cancer.

Extended radical operation of pancreatic head cancer: Appraisal of its clinical significance

AIM: To evaluate the significance of extended radical operation and its indications.METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 1998, 56inpatients with pancreatic head cancer received operation.Among them 35 patients (group 1) experienced the Whipple operation, and 21 patients (group 2) received the extended radical operation. The 1-, 2-, 3-year cumulative survival rates were used to evaluate the efficacy of the two operative procedures. Clinical stage (CS) was assessed retrospectively with the help of CT. The indications for extended radical operation were discussed.RESULTS: There was no difference in hospital mortality and morbidity rates. Whereas the 1-, 2-, 3-year cumulative survival rates were 84.8%, 62.8%, 39.9% in the extended radical operation group, and were 70.8%, 47.6%, 17.2%in the Whipple operation group, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P＜0.001, P＜0.001,P＜0.001, respectively). Most of the deaths within 3 years after operation were due to recurrence in the two groups.However, the 1-, 2-, 3-year cumulative rates of death due to local recurrence were decreased from 37.4% in patients that received the Whipple procedure to 23.8% in those who received by extended radical operation. Patients who survived for more than 3 years were only noted in those with CS1 in the Whipple procedure group and were founded in cases with CS1, CS2 and part of CS3 in the extended radical operation group.CONCLUSION: The extended radical operation appears to benefit patients with pancreatic head carcinoma which was indicated in CS1, CS2 and part of CS3 without severe invasion.

Management of borderline and locally advanced pancreatic cancer:Where do we stand?

Many patients with pancreas cancer present with locally advanced pancreatic cancer(LAPC).The principle tools used for diagnosis and staging of LAPC include endoscopic ultrasound,axial imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging,and diagnostic laparoscopy.The definition of resectability has historically been vague,as there is considerable debate and controversy as to the definition of LAPC.For the patient with LAPC,there is some level of involvement of the surrounding vascular structures,which include the superior mesenteric artery,celiac axis,hepatic artery,superior mesenteric vein,or portal vein.When feasible,most surgeons would recommend possible surgical resection for patients with borderline LAPC,with the goal of an R0 resection.For initially unresectable LAPC,neoadjuvant should be strongly considered.Specifically,these patients should be offered neoadjuvant therapy,and the tumor should be assessed for possible response and eventual resection.The efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy with this approach as a bridge to potential curative resection is broad,ranging from 3%-79%.The different modalities of neoadjuvant therapy include sin-gle or multi-agent chemotherapy combined with radiation,chemotherapy alone,and chemotherapy followed by chemotherapy with radiation.This review focuses on patients with LAPC and addresses recent advances and controversies in the field.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy for borderline resectable pancreatic head cancer with a modified artery-first approach technique

BACKGROUND： The treatment of borderline resectable pancreatic head cancer（BRPHC） is still controversial and challenging. The artery-first approaches are described to be the important options for the early determination. Whether these approaches can achieve an increase R0 rate, better bleeding control and increasing long-term survival for BRPHC are still controversial. We compared a previously reported technique, a modified artery-first approach（MAFA）, with conventional techniques for the surgical treatment of BRPHC.METHODS： A total of 117 patients with BRPHC undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy（PD） from January 2013 to June 2015 were included. They were divided into an MAFA group（n=78） and a conventional-technique group（n=39）. Background characteristics, operative data and complications were compared between the two groups.RESULTS： Mean operation time was significantly shorter in the MAFA group than that in the conventional-technique group（313 vs 384 min; P=0.014）; mean volume of intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the MAFA group than that in the conventional-technique group（534 vs 756 m L; P=0.043）; and mean rate of venous resection was significantly higher in the conventional-technique group than that in the MAFA group（61.5% vs 35.9%; P=0.014）. Pathologic data, early mortality and morbidity were not different significantly between the two groups.CONCLUSIONS： MAFA is safe, simple, less time-consuming, less intraoperative blood loss and less venous resection, and therefore, may become a standard surgical approach to PD for BRPHC with the superior mesenteric vein-portal vein involvement but without superior mesenteric artery invasion.

Prognostic analysis of patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma less than 2cm undergoing resection

AIM:To investigate the differences in clinicopathological features between patients with pancreatic cancer greater or less than 2 cm situated over the pancreatic head and the prognostic factors for survival of patients with pancreatic cancer<2 cm over the pancreatic head. METHODS:From 1983 to 2006,159 patients with histologically proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PAC) at the pancreatic head undergoing curative resection at the Department of Surgery,Chang Gung Memorial Hospital,Taipei,Taiwan were reviewed,comprising 123 cases of large(L)-PAC(tumor>2 cm)and 36 cases of small(S)-PAC(tumor≤2 cm).We compared the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of L-PAC and S-PAC patients.The clinicopathological characteristics of S-PAC were investigated to clarify the prognosis predictive factors of S-PAC. RESULTS:One hundred and fifty-nine PAC patients, aged 16-93 years(median,59.0 years)with a tumor at the pancreatic head undergoing intentional curative resection were investigated.The S-PAC and L-PAC patients had similar demographic data,clinical features,and tumor markers(a similar positive rate of carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohy- drate antigen 19-9).There were also similar rates of lymph node metastasis,portal vein invasion,stage distribution,tumor differentiation,positive resection margin,surgical morbidity and mortality observedbetween the two groups.During a follow-up period ranging from 1.0 to 122.7 mo(median,10.9 mo), S-PAC and L-PAC patients had a similar prognosis after resection(P=0.4805).Among the S-PAC patients group,patients with higher albumin level(>3.5 g/dL) had more favorable survival than those with lower albumin levels,which was the only favorable predictive prognostic factor.Meanwhile,early-staged(stageⅠ,Ⅱ) S-PAC patients tended to have a more favorable outcome than late-stage(stageⅢ,Ⅳ)S-PAC patients, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION:S-PAC patients should not be regarded as early PAC.Only higher albumin level(>3.5 g/dL) and early stage disease(stageⅠ,Ⅱ)were the favorable prognosis factors for S-PAC patients.

^(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the diagnosis of small pancreatic cancer

AIM:To investigate the role of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography(FDG-PET) in the diagnosis of small pancreatic cancer. METHODS:This study involved 31 patients with proven invasive ductal cancer of the pancreas.The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the maximum diameter of the tumor:TS1(maximum tumor size≤2.0 cm) ,TS2(>2.0 cm and≤4.0 cm) or TS3-4(>4.0 cm) .The relationships between the TS and various diagnostic tools,including FDG-PET with dual time point evaluation,were analyzed. RESULTS:The tumors ranged from 1.3 to 11.0 cm in diameter.Thirty of the 31 patients(97%) had a positive FDG-PET study.There were 5 patients classified as TS1,15 as TS2 and 11 as TS3-4.The sensitivity of FDG-PET,computed tomography(CT) and magnetic resonanceimaging(MRI) were 100%,40%,0%in TS1,93%,93%,89%in TS2 and 100%,100%,100%in TS3-4. The sensitivity of FDG-PET was significantly higher in comparison to CT and MRI in patients with TS1(P< 0.032) .The mean standardized uptake values(SUVs) did not show a significant difference in relation to the TS(TS1:5.8±4.5,TS2:5.7±2.2,TS3-4:8.2±3.9) ,respectively.All the TS1 tumors(from 13 to 20 mm) showed higher SUVs in FDG-PET with dual time point evaluation in the delayed phase compared with the early phase,which suggested the lesions were malignant. CONCLUSION:These results indicate that FDG-PET with dual time point evaluation is a useful modality for the detection of small pancreatic cancers with a diameter of less than 20 mm.

Para-aortic node involvement is not an independent predictor of survival after resection for pancreatic cancer

To analyze the importance of para-aortic node status in a series of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in a single Institution. METHODSBetween January 2000 and December 2012, 151 patients underwent PD with para-aortic node dissection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in our Institution. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with negative PALNs (PALNs-), and patients with metastatic PALNs (PALNs+). Pathologic factors, including stage, nodal status, number of positive nodes and lymph node ratio, invasion of para-aortic nodes, tumor’s grading, and radicality of resection were studied by univariate and multivariate analysis. Survival curves were constructed with Kaplan-Meier method and compared with Log-rank test: significance was considered as P < 0.05. RESULTSA total of 107 patients (74%) had nodal metastases. Median number of pathologically assessed lymph nodes was 26 (range 14-63). Twenty-five patients (16.5%) had para-aortic lymph node involvement. Thirty-three patients (23%) underwent R1 pancreatic resection. One-hundred forty-one patients recurred and died for tumor recurrence, one is alive with recurrence, and 9 are alive and free of disease. Overall survival was significantly influenced by grading (P = 0.0001), radicality of resection (P = 0.001), stage (P = 0.03), lymph node status (P = 0.04), para-aortic nodes metastases (P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis showed that grading was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.0001), while grading (P = 0.0001) and radicality of resection (P = 0.01) were prognostic parameters for disease-free survival. Number of metastatic nodes, node ratio, and para-aortic nodes involvement were not independent predictors of disease-free and overall survival. CONCLUSIONIn this experience, lymph node status and para-aortic node metastases were associated with poor survival at univariate analysis, but they were not independent prognostic factors.

Pancreatic head cancer: Open or minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy?

Pancreatic head cancer still represents an insurmountable barrier for patients and pancreatic surgeons.Pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)continues to be the operative standard of care and potentially curative procedure for pancreatic head cancer.Despite the rapid development of minimally invasive techniques,whether the efficacy of minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy(MIPD)is noninferior or superior to open pancreaticoduodenectomy(OPD)remains unclear.In this review,we summarized the history of OPD and MIPD and the latest staging and classification information for pancreatic head cancer as well as the proposed recommendations for MIPD indications for patients with pancreatic head cancer.By reviewing the MIPD-vs.OPD-related literature,we found that MIPD shows noninferiority or superiority to OPD in terms of safety,feasibility,enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)and several short-term and long-term outcomes.In addition,we analyzed and summarized the different MIPD outcomes in the USA,Europe and China.Certain debates over MIPD have continued,however,selection bias,the large number of low-volume centers,the steep MIPD learning curve,high conversion rate and administration of neoadjuvant therapy may limit the application of MIPD for pancreatic head cancer.

Involvement of substance P and the NK-1 receptor in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer related-death for both men and women and the 1-and5-year relative survival rates are 25%and 6%,respectively.Thus,it is urgent to investigate new antitumor drugs to improve the survival of pancreatic cancer patients.The peptide substance P(SP)has a widespread distribution throughout the body.After binding to the neurokinin-1(NK-1)receptor,SP regulates biological functions related to cancer,such as tumor cell proliferation,neoangiogenesis,the migration of tumor cells for invasion,infiltration and metastasis,and it exerts an antiapoptotic effects on tumor cells.It is known that the SP/NK-1 receptor system is involved in pancreatic cancer progression:(1)pancreatic cancer cells and samples express NK-1 receptors;(2)the NK-1 receptor is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells in comparison with non-tumor cells;(3)nanomolar concentrations of SP induce pancreatic cancer cell proliferation;(4)NK-1 receptor antagonists inhibit pancreatic cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner,at a certain concentration,these antagonists inhibit100%of tumor cells;(5)this antitumor action is medi-ated through the NK-1 receptor,and tumor cells die by apoptosis;and(6)NK-1 receptor antagonists inhibit angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer xenografts.All these data suggest that the SP/NK-1 receptor system could play an important role in the development of pancreatic cancer;that the NK-1 receptor could be a new promising therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer,and that NK-1 receptor antagonists could improve the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer stem cells:Perspectives on potential therapeutic approaches of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive solid tumours of the pancreas, characterised by a fve-year survival rate less than 8%. Recent reports that pancreatic cancer stem cells （PCSCs） contribute to the tumorigenesis, progression, and chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer have prompted the investigation of new therapeutic approaches able to directly target PCSCs. In the present paper the non-cancer related drugs that have been proposed to target CSCs that could potentially combat pancreatic cancer are revi-ewed and evaluated. The role of some pathways and deregulated proteins in PCSCs as new therapeutic tar-gets are also discussed with a focus on selected speci-fic inhibitors. Finally, advances in the development of nanoparticles for targeting PCSCs and site-specifc drug delivery are highlighted, and their limitations considered.

Integrative analysis of the inverse expression patterns in pancreas development and cancer progression

BACKGROUND As the malignant tumor,pancreatic cancer with a meager 5-years survival rate has been widely concerning.However,the molecular mechanisms that result in malignant transformation of pancreatic cells remain elusive.AIM To investigate the gene expression profiles in normal or malignant transformed pancreas development.METHODS MaSigPro and ANOVA were performed on two pancreas development datasets downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.Six pancreatic cancer datasets collected from TCGA database were used to establish differentially expressed genes related to pancreas development and pancreatic cancer.Moreover,gene clusters with highly similar interpretation patterns between pancreas development and pancreatic cancer progression were established by self-organizing map and singular value decomposition.Additionally,the hypergeometric test was performed to compare the corresponding interpretation patterns.Abnormal regions of metabolic pathway were analyzed using the Subpathway-GM method.RESULTS This study established the continuously upregulated and downregulated genes at different stages in pancreas development and progression of pancreatic cancer.Through analysis of the differentially expressed genes,we established the inverse and consistent direction development-cancer pattern associations.Based on the application of the Subpathway-GM analysis,we established 17 significant metabolic sub-pathways that were closely associated with pancreatic cancer.Of note,the most significant metabolites sub-pathway was related to glycerophospholipid metabolism.CONCLUSION The inverse and consistent direction development-cancer pattern associations were established.There was a significant correlation in the inverse patterns,but not consistent direction patterns.

Preoperative defining system for pancreatic head cancer considering surgical resection

AIM: To provide appropriate treatment, it is crucial to share the clinical status of pancreas head cancer among multidisciplinary treatment members.METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 113 patients who underwent surgery for pancreas head cancer from January 2008 to December 2012 was performed. We developed preoperative defining system of pancreatic head cancer by describing &#x0201c;resectability - tumor location - vascular relationship - adjacent organ involvement - preoperative CA19-9 (initial bilirubin level) - vascular anomaly&#x0201d;. The oncologic correlations with this reporting system were evaluated.RESULTS: Among 113 patients, there were 75 patients (66.4%) with resectable, 34 patients (30.1%) with borderline resectable, and 4 patients (3.5%) with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Mean disease-free survival was 24.8 mo (95%CI: 19.6-30.1) with a 5-year disease-free survival rate of 13.5%. Pretreatment tumor size &#x02265; 2.4 cm [Exp(B) = 3.608, 95%CI: 1.512-8.609, P = 0.044] and radiologic vascular invasion [Exp(B) = 5.553, 95%CI: 2.269-14.589, P = 0.002] were independent predictive factors for neoadjuvant treatment. Borderline resectability [Exp(B) = 0.222, P = 0.008], pancreatic head cancer involving the pancreatic neck [Exp(B) = 9.461, P = 0.001] and arterial invasion [Exp(B) = 6.208, P = 0.010], and adjusted CA19-9 &#x02265; 50 [Exp(B) = 1.972 P = 0.019] were identified as prognostic clinical factors to predict tumor recurrence.CONCLUSION: The suggested preoperative defining system can help with designing treatment plans and also predict oncologic outcomes.

Management of pancreatic head adenocarcinoma: From where to where?

Pancreatic head adenocarcinoma(PHAC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies, and it has low long-term survival rates. Surgery is the only option for long-term survival. The difficulties associated with PHAC include higher frequencies of regional or distant lymph node metastases and vascular involvement, and positive resection margins in pancreatic and retroperitoneal tissues. Radical resections increase margin negativity and life expectancy;however, the extend of the surgery applied is controversial. Thus, western and eastern centers may use different approaches. Multiorgan, peripancreatic nerve plexus, and vascular resections have been discussed in relation to radical surgery for pancreatic cancer as have the roles of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy regimens. Determining the appropriate limits for surgery, standardizing definitions and surgical techniques according to guidelines, and centralizing pancreatic surgery within high-volume institutions to reduce mortality and morbidity rates are among the most important issues to consider. In this review,we evaluate the basic concepts underlying and the roles of radical surgery for PHAC, and lymphadenectomy, nerve plexus, retroperitoneal tissue, vascular,and multivisceral resections, total pancreatectomy, and liver metastases are discussed.

Long-term survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) has the worst prognosis of all malignant tumors due to unavailable screening methods, late diagnosis with a low proportion of resectable tumors and resistance to systemic treatment. Complete tumor resection remains the cornerstone of modern multimodal strategies aiming at long-term survival. This study was performed to investigate the overall rate of long-term survival(LTS) and its contributing factors. Methods: This was a retrospective single-center analysis of consecutive patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD) for PDAC between 2007 and 2014 at the St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. Clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed and evaluated for prediction of LTS with Cox regression analysis. Results: The overall rate of LTS after PD for PDAC was 20.4%(34/167). Median survival was 24 months regardless of adjuvant treatment. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels, tumor grade, lymph vessel invasion, perineural invasion and reduced general condition were significantly associated with LTS in univariate analysis( P<0.05). Serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, tumor grade, abdominal pain, male, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and duration of postoperative hospital stay were independent predictors of cancer survival in multivariable analysis. Conclusions: Cancer related characteristics are associated with LTS in multimodally treated patients after curative PDAC surgery.

Feasibility of pancreatectomy following high-dose proton therapy for unresectable pancreatic cancer

AIM To review surgical outcomes for patients undergoing pancreatectomy after proton therapy with concomitant capecitabine for initially unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.METHODS From April 2010 to September 2013,15 patients with initially unresectable pancreatic cancer were treated withproton therapy with concomitant capecitabine at 1000 mg orally twice daily. All patients received 59.40 Gy(RBE) to the gross disease and 1 patient received 50.40 Gy(RBE) to high-risk nodal targets. There were no treatment interruptions and no chemotherapy dose reductions. Six patients achieved a radiographic response sufficient to justify surgical exploration,of whom 1 was identified as having intraperitoneal dissemination at the time of surgery and the planned pancreatectomy was aborted. Five patients underwent resection. Procedures included:Laparoscopic standard pancreaticoduodenectomy(n = 3),open pyloris-sparing pancreaticoduodenectomy(n = 1),and open distal pancreatectomy with irreversible electroporation(IRE) of a pancreatic head mass(n = 1). RESULTS The median patient age was 60 years(range,51-67). The median duration of surgery was 419 min(range,290-484),with a median estimated blood loss of 850 cm^3(range,300-2000),median ICU stay of 1 d(range,0-2),and median hospital stay of 10 d(range,5-14). Three patients were re-admitted to a hospital within 30 d after discharge for wound infection(n = 1),delayed gastric emptying(n = 1),and ischemic gastritis(n = 1). Two patients underwent R0 resections and demonstrated minimal residual disease in the final pathology specimen. One patient,after negative pancreatic head biopsies,underwent IRE followed by distal pancreatectomy with no tumor seen in the specimen. Two patients underwent R2 resections. Only 1 patient demonstrated ultimate local progression at the primary site. Median survival for the 5 resected patients was 24 mo(range,10-30).CONCLUSION Pancreatic resection for patients with initially unresectable cancers is feasible after high-dose [59.4 Gy(RBE)] proton radiotherapy with a high rate of local control,acceptable surgical morbidity,and a median survival of 24 mo.

CT-Guided Celiac Plexus Neurolysis in the Management of Pain Related to Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer: About 2 Cases

Celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) has become a minimally invasive approach for the management of patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer and abdominal pain unresponsive to medical treatment. CPN has been shown to have long-lasting improvement in abdominal pain and decreased narcotic usage in 70% to 90% of patients. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to report our experience with CPN in the treatment of two cases of advanced pancreatic cancer, with satisfying results in controlling pain. The use of CT scan-guided CPN should be considered and performed relatively early in the course of disease to offer optimal pain relief and increase the patient’s quality of life.

Push vs pull method for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of pancreatic head lesions: Propensity score matching analysis

AIM To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasoundguided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) of pancreatic head cancer when pushing(push method) or pulling the echoendoscope(pull method).METHODS Overall, 566 pancreatic cancer patients had their first EUS-FNA between February 2001 and December 2017. Among them, 201 who underwent EUS-FNA for pancreatic head lesions were included in this study. EUS-FNA was performed by the push method in 85 patients, the pull method in 101 patients and both the push and pull methods in 15 patients. After propensity score matching(age, sex, tumor diameter, and FNA needle), 85 patients each were stratified into the push and pull groups. Patient characteristics and EUSFNA-related factors were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Patient characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. The distance to lesion was significantly longer in the push group than in the pull group(13.9 ± 4.9 mm vs 7.0 ± 4.9 mm, P < 0.01). The push method was a significant factor influencing the distance to lesion(≥ median 10 mm)(P < 0.01). Additionally, tumor diameter ≥ 25 mm(OR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.02-3.58, P = 0.043) and the push method(OR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.03-3.55, P = 0.04) were significant factors contributing to the histological diagnosis of malignancy.CONCLUSION The pull method shortened the distance between the endoscope and the lesion and facilitated EUS-FNA of pancreatic head cancer. The push method contributed to the histological diagnosis of pancreatic head cancer using EUS-FNA specimens.

IgG4-Unrelated Type 1 Auto Immune Pancreatitis Manifesting with Pancreatic Head Mass Mimicking Cancer

Auto immune pancreatitis (AIP) is an uncommon form of chronic pancreatitis that has been divided into type 1 and type 2 which have distinct histopathology and clinical features. Type 1 AIP seems to be the pancreatic manifestation of an IgG4-related systemic disease, characterized by elevated IgG4 serum levels, infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells and extrapancreatic lesions. When manifesting as a focal disease in the pancreas, it can be challenging to differentiate it from pancreatic cancer (PC). Because AIP is typically responsive to steroid therapy without the need for resection, differentiation between these two diseases is critical. We report the case of a 56-year-old man with initial suspect of PC, and final diagnosis of type 1 AIP according to the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria (ICDC) without elevated levels of serum IgG4 or need for a histology sample. We take a review of literature in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy of AIP and describe clinical and imaging features to differentiate it from PC and avoid unnecessary surgery due to misdiagnosis.