Current perspectives on pancreatic serous cystic neoplasms:Diagnosis, management and beyond

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms have been increasingly recognized recently. Comprising about 16% of all resected pancreatic cystic neoplasms, serous cystic neoplasms are uncommon benign lesions that are usually asymptomatic and found incidentally. Despite overall low risk of malignancy, these pancreatic cysts still generate anxiety, leading to intensive medical investigations with considerable financial cost to health care systems. This review discusses the general background of serous cystic neoplasms, including epidemiology and clinical characteristics, and provides an updated overview of diagnostic approaches based on clinical features, relevant imaging studies and new findings that are being discovered pertaining to diagnostic evaluation. We also concisely discuss and propose management strategies for better quality of life.

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms:a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms present a complex diagnostic scenario encompassing low-and high-grade malignancies.Their prevalence varies widely,notably increasing with age,reaching 75%in individuals older than 80 years.Accurate diagnosis is crucial,as errors occur in approximately one-third of resected cysts discovered incidentally.Various imaging modalities such as computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and endoscopic techniques are available to address this challenge.However,risk stratification remains problematic,with guideline inconsistencies and diagnostic accuracy varying according to cyst type.This review proposed a stepwisemanagement approach,considering patient factors,imaging results,and specific features.This patient-centered model offers a structured framework for optimizing the care of individuals with pancreatic cystic neoplasms.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and other pancreatic cystic lesions

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are being increasingly recognized, even in the absence of symptoms, in large part, due to markedly improved imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance cholangio pancreatography (MRCP) and computer tomography (CT) scanning. During the past 2 decades, better imaging of these cystic lesions has resulted in definition of different types, including pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). While IPMN represent only a distinct minority of all pancreatic cancers, they appear to be a relatively frequent neoplastic form of pancreatic cystic neoplasm. Moreover, IPMN have a much better outcome and prognosis compared to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. Therefore, recognition of this entity is exceedingly important for the clinician involved in diagnosis and further evaluation of a potentially curable form of pancreatic cancer.

New horizons in the endoscopic ultrasonography-based diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions

Pancreatic cystic lesions(PCLs) are increasingly being identified because of the widespread use of highresolution abdominal imaging. These cysts encompass a spectrum from malignant disease to benign lesions, and therefore, accurate diagnosis is crucial to determine the best management strategy, either surgical resection or surveillance. However, the current standard of diagnosis is not accurate enough due to limitations of imaging and tissue sampling techniques, which entail the risk of unnecessary burdensome surgery for benign lesions or missed opportunities of prophylactic surgery for potentially malignant PCLs. In the last decade, endoscopic innovations based on endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS) imaging have emerged, aiming to overcome the present limitations. These new EUS-based technologies are contrast harmonic EUS, needle-based confocal endomicroscopy, through-the-needle cystoscopy and through-the needle intracystic biopsy. Here, we present a comprehensive and critical review of these emerging endoscopic tools for the diagnosis of PCLs, with a special emphasis on feasibility, safety and diagnostic performance.

Mixed serous-neuroendocrine neoplasm of the pancreas: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Pancreatic mixed serous-neuroendocrine neoplasms(MSNNs)are mixed tumors containing two components with different pathologies,namely,pancreatic serous cystic neoplasm(PSCN)and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor(PanNET).For MSNNs,diffuse PSCN involving the whole pancreas is extremely rare,with only eight previous case reports.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old Chinese woman,with a free previous medical history and no obvious symptoms,was found to have a pancreatic neoplasm and admitted to our hospital for further diagnosis in March 2018.Abdominal palpation revealed a painless,mobile mass in the epigastrium,and no abnormalities were observed in an examination of the nervous system and ocular system.A computed tomography scan showed multiple cystic lesions involving the whole pancreas ranging in diameter from 0.4 to 2 cm and also revealed an enhanced mass,2.2 cm in diameter,in the head of the pancreas.Moreover,multiple cysts were found in the kidneys bilaterally,and the right lobe of the liver contained a small cyst.A Whipple operation with total pancreatectomy and splenectomy was performed.A diagnosis of pancreatic MSNN was established,consisting of diffuse serous microcystic cystadenoma with a concomitant grade 2 PanNET.Of note,the patient had no personal or family history of Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome or other disease.CONCLUSION We report the first case of MSNN with a diffuse PSCN component involving the entire pancreas in a Chinese woman.It is important to be aware of its relationship with VHL syndrome,and close clinical follow-up is recommended.

Needle-based confocal endomicroscopy in the discrimination of mucinous from non-mucinous pancreatic cystic lesions

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cystic lesions(PCLs)are considered a precursor of pancreatic cancer.Needle-based confocal endomicroscopy(nCLE)is an imaging technique that enables visualization of the mucosal layer to a micron resolution.Its application has demonstrated promising results in the distinction of PCLs.This study evaluated the utility of nCLE in patients with indeterminate PCLs undergoing endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)to distinguish mucinous from non-mucinous lesions.AIM To evaluate the accuracy of nCLE in indeterminate PCLs undergoing EUS-FNA to distinguish mucinous from non-mucinous lesions.METHODS Patients who required EUS-FNA between 2015 and 2017 were enrolled prospectively.During EUS-FNA,confocal imaging,analyses of the tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen and amylase,and cytologic examination were conducted.All patients were followed for at least 12 mo and underwent laboratory testing and computed tomography scanning or magnetic resonance imaging.nCLE videos were independently reviewed by 6 observers to reach a final diagnosis(mucinous vs non-mucinous)based on criteria derived from previous studies;if there was disagreement>20%,a final diagnosis was discussed after consensus re-evaluation.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of nCLE were calculated.Adverse events were recorded.RESULTS Fifty-nine patients were included in this study.Final diagnoses were derived from surgery in 10 patients,cytology in 13,and imaging and multidisciplinary team review in 36.Three patients were excluded from final diagnosis due to problems with nCLE acquisition.Fifty-six patients were included in the final analysis.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of nCLE were 80%[95%confidence interval(CI):65-90],100%(95%CI:72-100),and 84%(95%CI:72-93),respectively.Postprocedure acute pancreatitis occurred in 5%.CONCLUSION EUS-nCLE performs better than standard EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of indeterminate PCL.

In vivo and ex vivo confocal endomicroscopy of pancreatic cystic lesions: A prospective study

To investigate the reproducibility of the in vivo endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) - guided needle based confocal endomicroscopy (nCLE) image patterns in an ex vivo setting and compare these to surgical histopathology for characterizing pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs).METHODSIn a prospective study evaluating EUS-nCLE for evaluation of PCLs, 10 subjects underwent an in vivo nCLE (AQ-Flex nCLE miniprobe; Cellvizio, MaunaKea, Paris, France) during EUS and ex vivo probe based CLE (pCLE) of the PCL (Gastroflex ultrahigh definition probe, Cellvizio) after surgical resection. Biopsies were obtained from ex vivo CLE-imaged areas for comparative histopathology. All subjects received intravenous fluorescein prior to EUS and pancreatic surgery for in vivo and ex vivo CLE imaging respectively.RESULTSA total of 10 subjects (mean age 53 ± 12 years; 5 female) with a mean PCL size of 34.8 ± 14.3 mm were enrolled. Surgical histopathology confirmed 2 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), 3 mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs), 2 cystic neuroendocrine tumors (cystic-NETs), 1 serous cystadenoma (SCA), and 2 squamous lined PCLs. Characteristic in vivo nCLE image patterns included papillary projections for IPMNs, horizon-type epithelial bands for MCNs, nests and trabeculae of cells for cystic-NETs, and a “fern pattern” of vascularity for SCA. Identical image patterns were observed during ex vivo pCLE imaging of the surgically resected PCLs. Both in vivo and ex vivo CLE imaging findings correlated with surgical histopathology.CONCLUSIONIn vivo nCLE patterns are reproducible in ex vivo pCLE for all major neoplastic PCLs. These findings add further support the application of EUS-nCLE as an imaging biomarker in the diagnosis of PCLs.

Endosonography in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cysts

Rapid advances in radiologic technology and increased cross-sectional imaging have led to a sharp rise in incidental discoveries of pancreatic cystic lesions. These cystic lesions include non-neoplastic cysts with no risk of malignancy, neoplastic non-mucinous serous cystadenomas with little or no risk of malignancy, as well as neoplastic mucinous cysts and solid pseudopapillary neoplasms both with varying riskof malignancy. Accurate diagnosis is imperative as management is guided by symptoms and risk of malignancy. Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) allows high resolution evaluation of cyst morphology and precise guidance for fine needle aspiration(FNA) of cyst fluid for cytological, chemical and molecular analysis. Initially, clinical evaluation and radiologic imaging, preferably with magnetic resonance imaging of the pancreas and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, are performed. In asymptomatic patients where diagnosis is unclear and malignant risk is indeterminate, EUSFNA should be used to confirm the presence or absence of high-risk features, differentiate mucinous from non-mucinous lesions, and diagnose malignancy. After analyzing the cyst fluid for viscosity, cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen, amylase, and cyst wall cytology should be obtained. DNA analysis may add useful information in diagnosing mucinous cysts when the previous studies are indeterminate. New molecular biomarkers are being investigated to improve diagnostic capabilities and management decisions in these challenging cystic lesions. Current guidelines recommend surgical pancreatic resection as the standard of care for symptomatic cysts and those with high-risk features associated with malignancy. EUSguided cyst ablation is a promising minimally invasive, relatively low-risk alternative to both surgery and surveillance.

Clinical approach to incidental pancreatic cysts

The approach to incidentally noted pancreatic cysts is constantly evolving. While surgical resection is indicated for malignant or higher risk cysts, correctly identifying these highest risk pancreatic cystic lesions remains difficult. Using parameters including cyst size, presence of solid components, and pancreatic duct involvement, the 2012 International Association of Pancreatology(IAP) and the 2015 American Gastroenterological Association(AGA) guidelines have sought to identify the higher risk patients who would benefit from further evaluation using endoscopic ultrasound(EUS). Not only can EUS help further assess the presence of solid component and nodules, but also fine needle aspiration of cyst fluid aids in diagnosis by obtaining cellular, molecular, and genetic data. The impact of new endoscopic innovations with novel methods of direct visualization including confocal endomicroscopy require further validation. This review also highlights the differences between the 2012 IAP and 2015 AGA guidelines, which include the thresholds for sending patients for EUS and surgery and methods, interval, and duration of surveillance for unresected cysts.

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms:a review of preoperative diagnosis and management

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms(PCNs) are a diverse group of neoplasms in the pancreas,and are more increasingly encountered with widespread abdominal screening and improved imaging techniques.The most common types of PCNs are serous cystic neoplasms(SCNs),mucinous cystic neoplasms(MCNs),and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs).Clinicians frequently feel bewildered in the differential diagnosis and subsequent management among the various types of lesions in the pancreas,which may lead to overtreatment or delayed treatment.The current review provides recent developments in the understanding of the three most common types of PCNs,the latest modalities used in preoperative diagnosis and differential diagnosis,as well as the most up to date management.Suggestions for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of SCNs,MCNs,and IPMNs are also provided for young surgeons.Better understanding of these neoplasms is essential for clinicians to make accurate diagnosis and to provide the best management for patients.

胰腺浆液性囊腺瘤的CT表现类型分析

目的分析胰腺浆液性囊腺瘤(SCN)的CT表现,讨论其影像学分型。方法回顾性分析62例经病理证实的SCN的临床、病理及CT资料,根据CT上所显示病灶的囊腔数量、大小和排列形态将SCN分为单囊型、多囊型、混合型、蜂巢型和实型,比较各型的性别、年龄、位置及大小。结果62例SCN中病灶单发56例,其中单囊型12例,多囊型17例,混合型12例,蜂巢型12例,实型3例,各型的性别构成、病灶位置及肿瘤长径无显著性差异,而多囊型的年龄显著低于混合型、蜂巢型及实型;4例病灶多发,共8个病灶,其中单囊型1个,多囊型2个,混合型2个,蜂巢型3个;2例胰内弥漫分布,均表现为混合型。结论SCN的CT表现多样,可以单发、多发、胰腺内弥漫分布,单囊型、多囊型、混合型、蜂巢型、实型可以较全面地概括其CT表现。

Pancreatic cystic tumors:an update

Pancreatic cystic tumors(PCTs)comprise a heterogeneous group of entities,accounting for 2%to 10%of pancreatic lesions.The most common types are intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs),mucinous cystic neoplasm(MCN),and serous cystic neoplasm(SCN),which account for approximately 90%of PCTs.This review discusses updates in pathologic features,malignant transformation,biologic behavior,and molecular evolution of PCTs.IPMN includes main duct and branch duct types.These can also be classified into 4 histologic subtypes based on cell lineages of differentiation,and may be associated with different tumorigenic pathways and clinicopathologic characteristics.The gastric type is the most common and is rarely associated with carcinomas,whereas the pancreatobiliary type is significantly more associated with invasive carcinoma.MCN is a mucinous cystic lesion with the presence of ovarian-type pericystic stroma.Prognosis of the resected non-invasive MCN is excellent,but the long-term survival of MCNs with invasive carcinoma may be poor.SCN includes microcystic adenoma,macrocystic adenoma,and solid variant serous adenoma.Serous cystadenocarcinoma is defined by the presence of distant metastases,which is rare in literature.Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm is characterized by uniformly high-grade dysplasia and ductal differentiation without overt production of mucin,with high risk for developing invasion.Acinar cell cystadenoma is a rare benign lesion with acinar differentiation.In addition,some pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors may assume a cystic configuration,sometimes referred to as cystic pancreatic endocrine neoplasm tumor,with a lower pathologic stage.Solid pseudopapillary tumor is composed of poorly cohesive monomorphic epithelial cells forming solid and pseudopapillary structures,with excellent prognosis.

胰腺黏液性囊性肿瘤的临床病理特点及良恶性影响因素分析

目的探讨胰腺黏液性囊性肿瘤(MCN)的临床病理特点并分析其良恶性的影响因素。方法回顾性分析2013年1月-2015年12月天津市肿瘤医院和邯郸市中心医院收治的经术后病理证实的43例胰腺MCN患者的临床资料,根据病理诊断结果分为良性组(包括黏液性囊腺瘤及胰腺MCN伴低/中级别异型增生)和恶性组(包括MCN伴高级别异型增生及MCN伴浸润癌)。总结2组患者的临床病理特点和影像学特征,分析胰腺MCN发生恶变的相关危险因素。计量资料组间比较采用独立样本t检验,计数资料组间比较采用χ~2检验,多因素分析采用logistic回归分析。结果 43例患者中男14例,女29例,年龄22~81岁,中位年龄58.53岁。有临床症状的患者30例(69.8%)。肿瘤最大直径4.8 cm(1.2~16 cm)。肿瘤位于胰头部18例(41.9%),胰颈3例(7.0%),体尾部20例(46.5%),2例(4.6%)为多发。2组患者在年龄、肿瘤性质、肿瘤部位、质地、肿瘤标志物、囊壁不均质强化、伴有实性成分不均质强化、囊壁厚度>0.2 cm上差异均有统计学意义(P值均<0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析显示年龄、肿瘤标志物升高是恶性胰腺MCN的独立预测因素(P值均<0.05)。结论年龄、肿瘤性质、肿瘤部位、质地、肿瘤标志物升高、囊壁不均质强化、伴有实性成分不均质强化、囊壁厚度>0.2 cm为恶性胰腺MCN的重要特点,其中年龄、肿瘤标志物升高为恶性胰腺MCN的独立危险因素。

胰腺囊性肿瘤的诊断与治疗

目的探讨胰腺囊性肿瘤的诊断和治疗。方法回顾性分析2008年1月-2012年7月间56例本院胰腺囊性肿瘤患者的临床资料,男性15例,女性41例,男女比例为1:2.73,其中浆液性囊腺瘤12例,黏液性囊腺瘤22例,黏液性囊腺瘤癌6例,导管内乳头状囊腺瘤3例和乳头状囊腺瘤癌1例,实性假乳头状瘤12例。结果所有患者均经手术治疗,胰十二指肠切除术13例,胰腺肿瘤节段切除术4例,1例因肿瘤侵及周围脏器及大血管行胃空肠及胆肠吻合术,1例行胰腺钩突部肿瘤切除、部分十二指肠空肠切除、十二指肠空肠吻合术,胰腺肿瘤局部切除术3例,胰体尾切除术18例,保留脾脏的腹腔镜胰体尾切除术8例,腹腔镜胰体尾加脾切除2例,腹腔镜胰腺肿瘤局部切除术6例。本组无围手术期死亡,腹腔感染2例,胃排空障碍3例,胰瘘4例,胆漏2例,均经保守治疗痊愈。结论 B超、CT和MRI是胰腺囊性肿瘤的主要诊断方法,具体手术方式应根据肿瘤所在部位、病理类型、与主胰管的关系以及患者全身情况综合考虑。

胰腺黏液性囊性肿瘤的超声表现

目的探讨胰腺黏液性囊性肿瘤(MCNs)的超声表现。方法回顾性分析42例经手术病理证实的MCNs的超声表现。结果 MCNs多发生于中年女性,大部分位于胰体尾部,肿瘤体积较大,边界清晰,多数有包膜。42例MCNs中,22例为囊性或以囊性为主;18例囊实混合性;2例实性。病理诊断良性病变24例,交界性7例,恶性11例。超声诊断:20例考虑为良性,22例考虑恶性,超声诊断恶性MCNs的敏感度为77.78%(14/18),特异度为66.67%(16/24)。结论 MCNs超声图像表现复杂,肿物内分隔厚度、是否存在实性部分有助于鉴别良、恶性病变。

CT能谱成像多参数联合鉴别诊断SOA与MCNs的价值探讨

目的探讨CT能谱成像多参数联合鉴别诊断胰腺寡囊型浆液性囊腺瘤（SOA）与胰腺黏液性囊性肿瘤（MCNs）的临床价值。方法回顾性分析2011年1月至2014年5月术前行能谱CT检查并经手术切除，病理活检明确诊断的胰腺囊性肿瘤患者共38例，对比两组患者不同keY水平的ct值、不同时期有效原子序数、不同时期钙（水）浓度和碘（水）浓度。结果SOA组的动脉期40～60keY及门静脉期40～50keYCt值均显著低于MCNs组动脉期40～60keY及门静脉期40～50keYCt值（P〈0．01）。SOA组的动脉期和门静脉期有效原子序数均显著低于MCNs组（P〈0．01）。SOA组动、静脉期钙（水）浓度和碘（水）浓度均显著低于MCNs组（P〈0．01）。结论SOA与MCNs具有不同的能谱cT表现，cT能谱成像多参数联合可用于两者的鉴别诊断。

胰腺导管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤:双排螺旋CT检查与诊断

目的探讨胰腺导管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤的CT表现,以及双排螺旋CT对胰腺导管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤的检查方法和诊断价值。方法回顾性研究2例在本院手术、并由病理确诊的胰腺导管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤,分析双排螺旋CT的扫描方法和影像表现。结果双排螺旋CT采用第一期延时45s,第二期延时65s扫描,胰腺图像显示清晰;胰腺导管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤表现为显著的胰管扩张和囊性病灶。结论双排螺旋CT采用合适的扫描方法对胰腺导管内乳头状黏液性肿瘤的诊断起到重要的作用。

胰腺囊性病变的诊治—单中心病例回顾

目的 :分享胰腺囊性病变的外科诊治经验,探讨胰腺囊性肿瘤的外科诊治特点。方法 :2002至2012年收治161例胰腺囊性疾病患者,行胰腺囊性肿瘤手术治疗。分析手术方式的选择及相应并发症的发生,结合病理分类的变革和差异讨论胰腺囊性肿瘤在外科诊治决策上的趋势。结果 :161例中,胰腺囊性病变位于胰头/钩突部74例,颈体尾部87例;行胰十二指肠切除术59例,胰体尾切除术50例,胰腺中段切除术6例,全/残胰切除术4例,胰腺肿瘤局部剜除术18例和囊肿内/外引流术24例。手术标本经病理证实为胰腺假性囊肿、先天性囊肿、浆液性囊腺瘤(癌)、黏液性囊腺瘤(癌)、导管内乳头状黏液样瘤(癌)和实性假乳头状瘤(癌)。无围手术期死亡病例发生,术后胰瘘的总发生率为44.7%(A级19.2%、B级25.5%)。结论 :应充分重视胰腺囊性病变,尤其是胰腺囊性肿瘤。对于胰腺囊性肿瘤中胰腺导管内乳头状黏液样瘤的诊治已是临床研究热点,而其与胰腺黏液性囊腺瘤的鉴别诊断值得进一步深入讨论。

胰腺囊性肿瘤222例临床诊治分析

目的总结本中心收治的胰腺囊性肿瘤(PCN)的诊治情况及预后,为PCN的临床处理提供一定依据。方法回顾性分析2005年1月至2016年10月南京鼓楼医院收治的PCN病例,分析各类PCN的临床特征、超声内镜下表现、治疗方式及预后情况。结果本研究共纳入222例PCN病例,包括94例导管内乳头状黏液瘤(IPMN),58例黏液性囊性肿瘤(MCN),43例浆液性囊性肿瘤(SCN)及27例实性假乳头状肿瘤(SPN)。各型PCN患者的男女比例1∶1.55,平均年龄为(56.0±15.7)岁,大部分PCN患者(64.0%,142/222)在就诊时有临床表现,其中以腹痛最常见(47.3%,105/222)。各型PCN术后病理提示分别有7例IPMN(16.3%,7/43)和5例MCN(9.1%,5/55)为恶性(伴浸润性癌或重度异型增生),而SCN和SPN术后病理均为良性(P=0.027)。未手术的PCN患者中,分别有4例IPMN(8.3%,4/48)和2例SPN(66.7%,2/3)在随访过程中发生癌变。获随访的188例PCN患者的5年生存率为86.0%。124例PCN患者术后的5年生存率为90.0%,SCN、MCN和SPN的术后5年生存率分别为100.0%、92.1%和93.8%,而IPMN仅为74.0%,差异有统计学意义(P=0.003)。结论PCN好发于中年女性,大部分患者就诊时有临床症状,最常表现为腹痛。MCN、IPMN和SPN具有恶变倾向,应在符合手术条件的情况下行手术切除;而SCN则可采取保守治疗。各类PCN预后差异显著,IPMN预后最差,MCN、SCN及SPN术后预后均较好。

胰腺囊性肿瘤的诊断和外科治疗

目的:探讨胰腺囊性肿瘤的诊断和外科治疗方法。方法:对28例胰腺囊性肿瘤病人的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果:胰腺囊性肿瘤多无特征性临床表现,影像学检查及确诊率:B超71.4%、CT82.1%和MRI80%。全组手术切除率89.3%。手术后发生胰瘘12例和腹腔感染4例,2例(黏液性囊腺癌和导管内乳头状黏液腺癌各1例)术后2年内死亡。结论:胰腺B超和CT检查是早期发现胰腺囊性肿瘤的最有效方法,积极手术治疗,多数患者可获得较好治疗效果。