Primary biliary cholangitis presenting with granulomatous lung disease misdiagnosed as lung cancer:A case report

BACKGROUND There are few cases of pulmonary granulomatous changes secondary to primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC).No case of granulomatous lung disease secondary to PBC misdiagnosed as lung cancer had been reported.CASE SUMMARY A middle-aged woman presented with lung nodules and was misdiagnosed with lung cancer by positron emission tomography/computed tomography.She underwent left lobectomy,and the pathology of the nodules showed granulomatous inflammation,which was then treated with antibiotics.However,a new nodule appeared.Further investigation with lung biopsy and liver serology led to the diagnosis of PBC,and chest computed tomography indicated significant reduction in the pulmonary nodule by treatment with methylprednisolone and ursodeoxycholic acid.CONCLUSION Diagnosis of pulmonary nodules requires integrating various clinical data to avoid unnecessary pulmonary lobectomy.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in pancreatic and biliary tract disease in Korean children

AIM:To assess the indications,findings,therapeutic procedures,safety,and complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) performed in Korean children.METHODS:The demographic characteristics,indications for ERCP,findings,therapeutic procedures,and complications of 122 pediatric patients who underwent 245 ERCPs in the Asan Medical Center between June 1994 and March 2008 were investigated.RESULTS:The mean age of the 122 patients was 8.0 ± 4.2 years.Indications were biliary pathology in 78(64.0%),pancreatic pathology in 43(35.2%),and chronic abdominal pain in one.Biliary indications included choledochal cysts in 40,choledocholithiasis in 24,suspected sclerosing cholangitis in 8,trauma in 2,and other conditions in 4.Pancreatic indications includedacute pancreatitis in 7,acute recurrent pancreatitis in 11,chronic pancreatitis in 20,trauma in 3,and pancreatic mass in 2.Of the 245 ERCPs,success rate was 98.4% and 190(77.6%) were for therapeutic purposes,including endoscopic nasal drainage(51.8%),biliary sphincterotomy(38.0%),pancreatic sphincterotomy(23.3%),stent insertion(15.1%),stone extraction(18.8%),and balloon dilatation(11.0%).Complications were postERCP pancreatitis in 16(6.5%),ileus in 23(9.4%),hemorrhage in 2(0.8%),perforation in 2(0.8%),sepsis in 1(0.4%),and impacted basket in 1(0.4%).There were no procedure-related deaths,and most complications improved under supportive care.CONCLUSION:This study showed that there is a high incidence of choledochal cyst and diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP for the management of various biliary and pancreatic diseases was safe and effective in Korean children.

Reoperation for benign biliary tract diseases in 149 cases: causes and prevention

BACKGROUND: Failure to diagnose and treat benign bi- liary tract disease relatively common surgical disease may cause serious consequences. Since the introduction of B- mode ultrasonography, CT, or MRI early and accurate diagnosis of the disease has been possible. In clinical prac- tice, however, these methods have not been adequately used. Inappropriate surgical procedures can also lead to bile duct injury or stenosis after injury, residual cholecystitis, stenosis after cholangiojejunostomy, or stenosis of the Od- di' s sphincter. But improvement of the diagnosis and treat- ment of benign biliary tract disease remains a great chal- lenge to clinicians. METHODS: A total of 149 patients with benign biliary tract disease who had received reoperation from June 1988 to June 2001 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them 95 patients (63.76%) received operation twice and 38 (25.5%) underwent 3 operations. Sixteen patients (10.74%) needed 4 or more operations. The procedures for the first opera- tion included cholecystectomy (71 patients, 47.65%), cho- lecystectomy with exploration of the common bile duct (42, 28.19%), cholangiojejunostomy (21, 14.1%), and la- paroscopic cholecystectomy (15, 10.06%). RESULTS: The causes for reoperation included residual and recurrent bile duct stones in 53 patients (35.57%), bile duct injury or stenosis after injury in 41 (27.52%), residual cho- lecystitis with or without stones in 28 (18.8%), stenosis af- ter cholangiojejunostomy in 17 (11.41%), stenosis of the Oddi's sphincter in 5 (5.35%), and others in 5 (5.35%). Four patients (2.68%) died after operation. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent reoperation for benign biliary tract diseases, the following measures should be taken to in- crease preoperative diagnostic rate, to understand condi- tions of the biliary tract by using imaging techniques and cholangiography, to examine comprehensively and careful- ly with choledochoscopy, cholangiography and B-mode ul-trasonography intraoperatively, to choose appropriate ope- rative procedures to decrease the rate of residual stones, and to decide the time for the first repair according to inju- ry type of the bile duct. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with cholangioplasty is the best operation for the recon- struction of the biliary tract.

Current status of peroral cholangioscopy in biliary tract diseases

Peroral cholangioscopy(POC) is an important tool for the management of a selected group of biliary diseases. Because of its direct visualization, POC allows targeted diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. POC can be performed using a dedicated cholangioscope that is advanced through the accessory channel of a duodenoscope or via the insertion of a small-diameter endoscope directly into the bile duct. POC was first described in the 1970 s, but the use of earlier generation devices was substantially limited by the cumbersome equipment setup and high repair costs. For nearly ten years, several technical improvements, including the single-operator system, high-quality images, the development of dedicated accessories and the increased size of the working channel, have led to increased diagnostic accuracy, thus assisting in the differentiation of benign and malignant intraductal lesions, targeting biopsies and the precise delineation of intraductal tumor spread before surgery. Furthermore, lithotripsy of difficult bile duct stones, ablative therapies for biliary malignancies and direct biliary drainage can be performed under POC control. Recent developments of new types of conventional POCs allow feasible, safe and effective procedures at reasonable costs. In the current review, we provide an updated overview of POC, focusing our attention on the main current clinical applications and on areas for future research.

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.

CA19-9 antigen levels can distinguish between benign and malignant pancreaticobiliary disease

BACKGROUND:CA19-9 is a carbohydrate tumor-associated antigen which is frequently upregulated in pancreatobiliary neoplasia.However,it may also be elevated in patients with jaundice in the absence of a tumor due to biliary obstruction,and in other non-hepato-pancreatico-biliary conditions.This study aimed to evaluate whether CA19-9 levels could accurately differentiate between benign and malignant pancreatobiliary disease.METHODS:All patients referred to a single surgeon for investigation of pancreaticobiliary disease in 2003 in whom a firm diagnosis had been established were included.For malignant disease,a histological diagnosis was required but for benign disease a firm radiological diagnosis was deemed adequate.The patients were divided into 4 categories:pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PCa);cholangiocarcinoma(CCa);chronic pancreatitis(CP)and biliary calculous disease(Calc).Bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels corresponding to the point of assessment of CA19-9 were also noted.RESULTS:Final diagnoses were made of pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PCa,n=73),cholangiocarcinoma(CCa,n=19),ampullary carcinoma(Amp,n=7),neuroendocrine carcinoma(Neu,n=4),duodenal carcinoma(Duo,n=3),chronic pancreatitis(CP,n=115),and biliary calculous disease(Calc,n=27).Median CA19-9 levels(U/ml)were:PCa,653;CCa,408;Duo,403;Calc,27;CP,19;Neu,10.5;Amp,8(reference range:0-37).The CA19-9 levels were significantly greater for malignant than for benign disease,could differentiate PCa from CCa/Duo,and were significantly higher in unresectable than in resectable PCa.The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV)and negative predictive value(NPV)for CA19-9 were 84.9%,69.7%,67.7%and 86.1%,respectively.A ROC analysis provided an area under the curve for CA19-9 of 0.871(0.820-0.922),giving an optimal CA19-9 of 70.5 U/ml for differentiating benign from malignant pathology.Using this cut-off,the sensitivity was 82.1%,while specificity,PPV and NPV improved to 85.9%,81.3%and 86.5%,respectively.When standard radiology was included(US/ CT/MRCP)in the decision process,the results improved to 97.2%,88.7%,86.6%,and 97.7%.For benign disease,the CA19-9 correlated directly with the serum bilirubin,but for malignant disease,CA19-9 levels were elevated independent of the bilirubin level.CONCLUSIONS:CA19-9 is useful in the differentiation of pancreatobiliary disease and when using an optimized cut-off and combining with routine radiology,the diagnostic yield is improved significantly,thus stressing the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to pancreatobiliary disease.

Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of primary biliary cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC), formerly referred toas primary biliary cirrhosis, is an infrequent progressive intrahepatic cholestatic autoimmune illness that can evolve into hepatic fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, hepatic failure, and, in some cases, hepatocellular carcinoma. The disease itself is characterized by T-lymphocytemediated chronic non-suppurative destructive cholangitis and elevated serum levels of extremely specific antimitochondrial autoantibodies(AMAs). In this article, we will not only review epidemiology, risk factors, natural history, predictive scores, radiologic approaches(e.g., acoustic radiation force impulse imaging, vibration controlled transient elastography, and magnetic resonance elastography), clinical features, serological characteristics covering biochemical markers, immunoglobulins, infections markers, biomarkers, predictive fibrosis marker, specific antibodies(including AMAs such as AMA-M2), anti-nuclear autoantibodies [such as anti-multiple nuclear dot autoantibodies(anti-sp100, PML, NDP52, anti-sp140), anti-rim-like/membranous anti-nuclear autoantibodies(anti-gp210, anti-p62), anti-centromere autoantibodies, and some of the novel autoantibodies], histopathological characteristics of PBC, diagnostic advances, and antidiastole of PBC. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the recent advances in research of PBC in terms of therapies, including ursodeoxycholic acid, budesonide, methotrexate, obeticholic acid, cyclosporine A, fibrates such as bezafibrate and fenofibrate, rituximab, mesenchymal stem cells transplant, and hepatic transplant. Currently, hepatic transplant remains the only optimal choice with acknowledged treatment efficiency for end-stage PBC patients.

Management of occluded self-expanding biliary metal stents in malignant biliary disease

Background: Occlusion of self-expanding metal stents(SEMS) in malignant biliary obstruction occurs in up to 40% of patients. This study aimed to compare the different techniques to resolve stent occlusion in our collective of patients.Methods: Patients with malignant biliary obstruction and occlusion of biliary metal stent at a tertiary referral endoscopic center were retrospectively identified between April 1, 1994 and May 31, 2014. The clinical records were further analyzed regarding the characteristics of patients, malignant strictures, SEMS,management strategies, stent patency, subsequent interventions, survival time and case charges.Results: A total of 108 patients with biliary metal stent occlusion were identified. Seventy-nine of these patients were eligible for further analysis. Favored management was plastic stent insertion in 73.4% patients. Second SEMS were inserted in 12.7% patients. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and mechanical cleansing were conducted in a minority of patients. Further analysis showed no statistically significant difference in median overall secondary stent patency(88 vs. 143 days, P = 0.069), median survival time(95 vs. 192 days, P = 0.116), median subsequent intervention rate(53.4% vs. 40.0%, P = 0.501)and median case charge(€5145 vs. €3473, P = 0.803) for the treatment with a second metal stent insertion compared to plastic stent insertion. In patients with survival time of more than three months,significantly more patients treated with plastic stents needed re-interventions than patients treated with second SEMS(93.3% vs. 57.1%, P = 0.037).Conclusions: In malignant biliary strictures, both plastic and metal stent insertions are feasible strategies for the treatment of occluded SEMS. Our data suggest that in palliative biliary stenting, patients especially those with longer expected survival might benefit from second SEMS insertion. Careful patient selection is important to ensure a proper decision for either management strategy.

Diagnosis and treatment of congenital choledochal cyst: 20 years' experience in China

AIM: To summarize the experience of diagnosis and treatment of congenital choledochal cyst in the past 20 years (1980-2000). METHODS: The clinical data of 108 patients admitted from 1980 to 2000 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Abdominal pain,jaundice and abdominal mass were presented in most child cases. Clinical symptoms in adult cases were non-specific, resulting in delayed diagnosis frequently. Fifty-seven patients (52.7%) had coexistent pancreatiobiliary disease. Carcinoma of the biliary duct occurred in 18 patients (16.6%).Ultrasonic examination was undertaken in 94 cases, ERCP performed in 46 cases and CT in 71 cases. All of the cases were correctly diagnosed before operation. Abnormal pancreatobiliary duct junction was found in 39 patients. Before 1985 the diagnosis and classification of congenital choledochal cyst were established by ultrasonography preoperatively and confirmed during operation, the main procedures were internal drainage by cyst enterostomy. After 1985, the diagnosis was established by ERCP and CT, and cystectomy with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was the conventional procedures.In 1994, we reported a new and simplified operative procedure in order to reduce the risk of choledochal cyst malignancy. Postoperative complication was mainly retrograde infection of biliary tract, which could be controlled by the administration of antibiotics, there was no perioperative mortality. CONCLUSION: The concept in diagnosis and treatment of congenital choledochal cyst has obviously been changed greatly.CT and ERCP were of great help in the classification of the disease.Currently, cystectomy with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is strongly recommended as the choice for patients with type I and type IV cysts. Piggyback orthotopic liver transplantation is indicated in type V cysts (Caroli's disease) with frequently recurrent cholangitis.

Disease spectrum and use of cholecystolithotomy in gallstone ileus

BACKGROUND: Gallstone ileus is a heterogeneous and highly morbid condition that suffers from a lack of consensus regarding the timing and approach to management of the biliary tree and associated fistula. METHODS: We report three cases that demonstrate the spectrum of gallstone ileus with classical examples of both Barnard’s and Bouveret’s syndromes. Clinical presentation diagnostic imaging, surgical technique and outcome are discussed. RESULTS: One patient with Barnard’s syndrome presented with recurrent gallstone ileus. To minimize the risks of complex, definitive biliary surgery and avoid further recurrent episodes, a cholecystolithotomy was performed with effect Two cases of Bouveret’s syndrome were successfully managed with enterolithotomy/cholecystectomy and multivisceral resection respectively, thus highlighting the diverse nature of this disease and management options. CONCLUSIONS: Following enterolithotomy, potentially morbid definitive one-stage surgery in typically compromised, elderly patients needs to be weighed against the risk of recurrence and ongoing biliary pathology. We suggest the use of open cholecystolithotomy for the removal of residual gallstones when the patient is not suitable for definitive biliary surgery.

Empirical antibiotic treatment with piperacillin-tazobactam in Patients with microbiologically-documented biliary tract infections

AIM: To report our experience with empiric antimicrobial monotherapy (piperacillin/tazobactam, of which no data are available in such specific circumstances) in microbiologically-documented infections in patients with benign and malignant conditions of the biliary tract.METHODS: Twenty-three patients, 10 with benign and 13 with malignant conditions affecting the biliary tree and microbiologically-documented infections were recruited and the efficacy of empirical antibiotic therapy was assessed.RESULTS: The two groups featured similar demographic and clinical data. Overall, the infective episodes were most due to Gram negative agents, more than 60% of such episodes (mostly in malignant conditions) were preceded by invasive instrumental maneuvers. Empirical antibiotic therapy with a single agent (piperacillin/tazobactam) was effective in more than 80% of cases. No deaths were reported following infections. CONCLUSION: An empiric therapeutic approach with piperacillin/tazobactam is highly effective in biliary tract infections due to benign or malignant conditions.

Burden of biliary tract carcinoma in China(1990–2021):Findings from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study

Biliary tract carcinoma(BTC)is a group of malignant tumors that originate in the digestive system and occurs with a high incidence in China.Few consistent and comparable assessments of BTC disease burden have been conducted at national or subnational levels,and little is known about the demographic,temporal,and geographic patterns of epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of BTC in China.The incidence,mortality,disability-adjusted life-years(DALYs),years of life lost(YLLs)due to premature death and years lived with disability(YLDs)of BTC were comprehensively examined by age,sex,and calendar year in the Chinese population,using the methodological framework and analytical strategies used for the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study.All-age incidence increased from 17,077 to 51,720between 1990 and 2021,and the age-standardized incidence rate rose by 13.62%;all-age deaths increased from 17,251 to 37,833,but the age-standardized mortality rate fell by nearly one-fifth.The DALYs rose by 89.57%while the age-standardized DALY rate fell by 23.24%.Variations of the tendencies in BTC burden were found between sexes and age groups.Data for each provincial region indicate that coastal eastern provincial regions have higher incidence and YLD levels,whereas northern provincial regions have higher mortality,DALY,and YLL levels.The proportions of DALYs attributable to high body mass index(BMI)illustrate the growing attribution obesity has made,and high BMI usually puts more burden on northern provincial regions.These results provide evidence to support precise,targeted,and customed public health strategies aimed at enhancing biliary tract health among the Chinese population.

Managing malignant biliary obstruction in pancreas cancer: Choosing the appropriate strategy

Most patients with pancreatic cancer develop malignant biliary obstruction.Treatment of obstruction is generally indicated to relieve symptoms and improve morbidity and mortality.First-line therapy consists of endoscopic biliary stent placement.Recent data comparing plastic stents to self-expanding metallic stents(SEMS)has shown improved patency with SEMS.The decision of whether to treat obstruction and the means for doing so depends on the clinical scenario.For patients with resectable disease,preoperative biliary decompression is only indicated when surgery will be delayed or complications of jaundice exist.For patients with locally advanced disease,self-expanding metal stents are superior to plastic stents for long-term patency.For patients with advanced disease,the choice of metallic or plastic stent depends on life expectancy.When endoscopic stent placement fails,percutaneous or surgical treatments are appropriate.Endoscopic therapy or surgical approach can be used to treat concomitant duodenal and biliary obstruction.

Pancreaticobiliary reflux in patients with a normal pancreaticobiliary junction:Pathologic implications

Knowledge on pancreaticobiliary reflux in normal pancreaticobiliary junction and its pathologic implications has experienced tremendous progress during the last few years.This editorial reviews the current knowledge on this condition and its pathological implications on gallbladder diseases.The following aspects were def ined appropriate for discussion:(1) Evidence of carcinogenesis associated with pancreaticobiliary reflux;(2) Evidence of pancreaticobiliary reflux in normal pancreaticobiliary junction;and(3) Evidence of sphincter of Oddi(SO) dysfunction as a cause of pancreaticobiliary reflux in normal pancreaticobiliary junction.The articles reviewed were selected and classif ied according to f ive levels of evidence:Level-this condition.Although an important body of research has been published regarding pancreaticobiliary reflux in normal pancreaticobiliary junction and its clinical significance,the current evidence does not fully support what has been suggested.Studies with evidence level Ι have not been undertaken.This is a fascinating subject of study,and if finally supported by evidence level Ι,the importance of this condition will constitute a major breakthrough in biliary pathology.

Biliary-colonic fistula caused by cholecystectomy bile duct injury

Biliary-colonic fistula is a rare complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We present a case of post-cholecystectomy iatrogenic biliary injury that resulted in a fistula between the common hepatic duct and large bowel. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography provided good visualization of injury even with concurrent normal level of alkaline phosphatase. Radiologic findings and surgical management of this condition are discussed in detail.

Cholesterol crystal binding of biliary immunoglobulin A: visualization by fluorescence light microscopy

AIM: To assess potential contributions of biliary IgA for crystal agglomeration into gallstones, we visualized cholesterol crystal binding of biliary IgA. METHODS: Crystal binding biliary proteins were extracted from human gallbladder bile using lectin affinity chromatography.Biliary IgA was isolated from the bound protein fraction by immunoaffinity chromatography. Pure cholesterol monohydrate crystals were incubated with biliary IgA and fluoresceine isothiocyanate (FITC)conjugated anti IgA at 37 degree. Samples were examined under polarizing and fluorescence light microscopy with digital image processing. RESULTS: Binding of biliary IgA to cholesterol monohydrate crystals could be visualized with FITC conjugated anti IgA antibodies.Peak fluorescence occurred at crystal edges and dislocations. Controls without biliary IgA or with biliary IgG showed no significant fluorescence. CONCLUSION: Fluorescence light microscopy provided evidence for cholesterol crystal binding of biliary IgA. Cholesterol crystal binding proteins like IgA might be important mediators of crystal agglomeration and growth of cholesterol gallstones by modifying the evolving crystal structures in vivo.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON AURICULAR POINT TREATMENT FOR 144 CASES OF BILIARY COLIC

In this study, 144 cases of biliary colic were treated by injecting Atropine in the auricu-lar points (Liver, Gallbladder). Among the 144 cases, 130 cases were markedly effective, 11 cases ef-fective and 3 cases ineffective, with the effective rate being 97. 90%. The results showed that therewas no difference between colic degrees, ages and analgesic effects. But analgesic effects for biliary as-cariosis and cholecystitis, cholelithiasis are much better than choledochal calculus (P【0.01).

Biochemical and radiological predictors of malignant biliary strictures

AIM: Differentiation of benign biliary strictures (BBS) from malignant biliary strictures (MBS) remains difficult despite improvement in imaging and endoscopic techniques. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical, biochemical and or radiological predictors of malignant biliary strictures.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all charts of patients who had biliary strictures (BS) on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous cholangiography (PTC) in case of unsuccessful ERCP from March 1998 to August 2002. Patient characteristics, clinical features, biochemical, radiological and biopsy results were all recorded. Stricture etiology was determined based on cytology,biopsy or clinical follow-up. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to determine the optimal laboratory diagnostic criterion threshold in predicting MBS.RESULTS: One hundred twenty six patients with biliary strictures were enrolled, of which 72 were malignant. The mean age for BBS was 53 years compared to 62.4 years for MBS (P=0.0006). Distal bile duct stricture was mainly due to a malignant process 48.6% vs 9% (P=0.001). Alkaline phosphates and AST levels were more significantly elevated in MBS (P=0.0002). ROC curve showed that a bilirubin level of 84 μmol/L or more was the most predictive of MBS with a sensitivity of 98.6%, specificity of 59.3% and a positive likelihood ratio of 2.42 (95% CI=0.649-0.810). Proximal biliary dilatation was more frequently encountered in MBS compared to BBS, 73.8% vs39.5% (P=0.0001). Majority of BBS (87%) and MBS (78%) were managed endoscopically.CONCLUSION: A serum bilirubin level of 84 μmol/L or greater is the best predictor of MBS. Older age, proximal biliary dilatation, higher levels of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, ALT and AST are all associated with MBS. ERCP is necessary to diagnose and treat benign and malignant biliary strictures.

Clinical study of extrahepatic biliary adenoma

BACKGROUND Biliary adenomas that occur in the extrahepatic biliary tree are rare.It is difficult to distinguish it from cholangiocarcinoma or cholangiolithiasis by various imaging examinations,and it is very easy to be misdiagnosed.AIM To evaluate the cumulative experiences including clinical characteristics and treatments of nine patients diagnosed with extrahepatic biliary adenoma admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from 2016 to 2022.METHODS A total of nine patients were included in our study.The laboratory examinations,disease diagnosis,therapy and pathological characteristics,and follow-up of every patient were evaluated.RESULTS Our cohort consisted of six females and three males with an average diagnosis age of 65.1 years(range 46-87).Six extrahepatic biliary adenomas were located in the common bile ducts and three in the hepatic duct.On initial presentation,all of the patients have symptom of biliary origin,including obstructive jaundice(4/9,44.4%),abdominal pain(6/9,66.7%),and fever(3/9,33.3%).Preoperative imaging examination considered bile duct carcinoma in 6 cases and bile duct calculi in 3 cases.All the patients received surgical treatment and were confirmed by pathology as biliary adenoma.The symptoms improved significantly in all 9 patients after surgery.Seven of nine patients recovered well at follow-up without tumor recurrence.One patient died 2 mo after the surgery due to heart failure.One patient developed jaundice again 8 mo after surgery,underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and biliary stent placement.CONCLUSION Benign extrahepatic biliary tumors are rare and difficult to diagnosis preoperatively.Intraoperative choledochoscopy and timely biopsy may offer great advantages.

多种无创检测指标预测自身免疫性肝病患者肝硬化效能比较

目的评估无创检测指标诊断自身免疫性肝病(AILDs)患者肝硬化的效能。方法2017年4月~2020年9月我院诊治的自身免疫性肝炎(AIH)患者93例和自身免疫性肝炎-原发性胆汁性胆管炎重叠综合征(AIH-PBC OS)患者37例,均接受肝活检,并常规检测获得门冬氨酸氨基转移酶/血小板计数比值(APRI)、基于4因子的纤维化指数(FIB-4)、门冬氨酸氨基转移酶-丙氨酸氨基转移酶(AAR)和肝脏硬度检测(LSM),绘制受试者工作特征曲线(ROC),并计算曲线下面积(AUROC),评估诊断效能。结果肝组织病理学检查显示,在AIH患者中,发现肝硬化21例(22.6%),在AIH-PBC OS患者中,发现肝硬化6例(16.2%);无论在AIH组还是AIH-PBC OS组,肝硬化患者LSM、FIB-4和AAR都显著高于非肝硬化组(P<0.05);LSM、FIB-4和AAR诊断AIH患者肝硬化的截断点分别为17.7 kPa、3.6和1.1,其诊断的AUC分别为0.876、0.783和0.745;LSM、FIB-4和AAR诊断AIH-PBC OS患者肝硬化的截断点分别为22.9 kPa、7.7和1.0,其诊断的AUC分别为0.989、0.914和0.833,均以LSM的诊断效能最高。结论无创检测指标LSM、FIB-4和AAR诊断AILDs患者肝硬化具有很大的临床应用价值,适合普查和筛查。