Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration vs fine needle biopsy for pancreatic masses,subepithelial lesions,and lymph nodes

Endoscopic ultrasound tissue acquisition,in the form of both fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)and fine needle biopsy(EUS-FNB),is utilized for pancreatic mass lesions,subepithelial lesions,and lymph node biopsy.Both procedures are safe and yield high diagnostic value.Despite its high diagnostic yield,EUS-FNA has potential limitations associated with cytological aspirations,including inability to determine histologic architecture,and a small quantitative sample for further immunohistochemical staining.EUS-FNB,with its larger core biopsy needle,was designed to overcome these potential limitations.However,it remains unclear which technique should be used and for which lesions.Comparative trials are plagued by heterogeneity at every stage of comparison;including variable needles used,and different definitions of endpoints,which therefore limit generalizability.Thus,we present a review of prospective trials,systematic reviews,and meta-analyses on studies examining EUS-FNA vs EUSFNB.Prospective comparative trials of EUS-FNA vs EUS-FNB primarily focus on pancreatic mass lesions,and yield conflicting results in terms of demonstrating the superiority of one method.However,consistent among trials is the potential for diagnosis with fewer passes,and a larger quantity of sample achieved for next generation sequencing.With regard to subepithelial lesions and lymph node biopsy,fewer prospective trials exist,and larger prospective studies are necessary.Based on the available literature,we would recommend EUS-FNB for peri-hepatic lymph nodes.

Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration vs fine needle biopsy in solid lesions:A multi-center analysis

BACKGROUND While endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration(FNA)is considered a preferred technique for tissue sampling for solid lesions,fine needle biopsy(FNB)has recently been developed.AIM To compare the accuracy of FNB vs FNA in determining the diagnosis of solid lesions.METHODS A retrospective,multi-center study of EUS-guided tissue sampling using FNA vs FNB needles.Measured outcomes included diagnostic test characteristics(i.e.,sensitivity,specificity,accuracy),use of rapid on-site evaluation(ROSE),and adverse events.Subgroup analyses were performed by type of lesion and diagnostic yield with or without ROSE.A multivariable logistic regression was also performed.RESULTS A total of 1168 patients with solid lesions(n=468 FNA;n=700 FNB)underwent EUS-guided sampling.Mean age was 65.02±12.13 years.Overall,sensitivity,specificity and accuracy were superior for FNB vs FNA(84.70%vs 74.53%;99.29%vs 96.62%;and 87.62%vs 81.55%,respectively;P<0.001).On subgroup analyses,sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of FNB alone were similar to FNA+ROSE[(81.66%vs 86.45%;P=0.142),(100%vs 100%;P=1.00)and(88.40%vs 85.43%;P=0.320].There were no difference in diagnostic yield of FNB alone vs FNB+ROSE(P>0.05).Multivariate analysis showed no significant predictor for better accuracy.On subgroup analyses,FNB was superior to FNA for non-pancreatic lesions;however,there was no difference between the techniques among pancreatic lesions.One adverse event was reported in each group.CONCLUSION FNB is superior to FNA with equivalent diagnostic test characteristics compared to FNA+ROSE in the diagnosis of non-pancreatic solid lesions.Our results suggest that EUS-FNB may eliminate the need of ROSE and should be employed as a first-line method in the diagnosis of solid lesions.

Improved diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle biopsy with histology specimen processing

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy(EUS-FNB)has emerged as a safe,efficacious alternative to fine needle aspiration(FNA)for tissue acquisition.EUS-FNB is reported to have higher diagnostic yield while preserving specimen tissue architecture.However,data on the optimal method of EUS-FNB specimen processing is limited.AIM To evaluate EUS-FNB with specimen processing as histology vs EUS-FNA cytology with regards to diagnostic yield and specimen adequacy.METHODS All EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB performed at our institution from July 1,2016,to January 31,2018,were retrospectively analyzed.We collected data on demographics,EUS findings,pathology,clinical outcomes,and procedural complications in two periods,July 2016 through March 2017,and April 2017 through January 2018,with predominant use of FNB in the second data collection time period.FNA specimens were processed as cytology with cell block technique and reviewed by a cytopathologist;FNB specimens were fixed in formalin,processed for histopathologic analysis and immunohistochemical staining,and reviewed by an anatomic pathologist.Final diagnosis was based on surgical pathology when available,repeat biopsy or imaging,and length of clinical follow up.RESULTS One hundred six EUS-FNA and EUS-FNB procedures were performed.FNA alone was performed in 17 patients;in 56 patients,FNB alone was done;and in 33 patients,both FNA and FNB were performed.For all indications,diagnostic yield was 47.1%(8/17)in FNA alone cases,85.7%(48/56)in FNB alone cases,and 84.8%(28/33)in cases where both FNA and FNB were performed(P=0.0039).Specimens were adequate for pathologic evaluation in 52.9%(9/17)of FNA alone cases,in 89.3%(50/56)of FNB alone cases,and 84.8%(28/33)in cases where FNA with FNB were performed(P=0.0049).Tissue could not be aspirated for cytology in 10.0%(5/50)of cases where FNA was done,while in 3.4%(3/89)of FNB cases,tissue could not be obtained for histology.In patients who underwent FNA with FNB,there was a statistically significant difference in both specimen adequacy(P=0.0455)and diagnostic yield(P=0.0455)between the FNA and FNB specimens(processed correspondingly as cytology or histology).CONCLUSION EUS-FNB has a higher diagnostic yield and specimen adequacy than EUS-FNA.In our experience,specimen processing as histology may have contributed to the overall increased diagnostic yield of EUS-FNB.

Two Cases of Primary Intraocular Lymphoma:Fine Needle Aspiration Diagnosis and Intravitreal Methotrexate Treatment

We described clinical process of two cases of intraocular lymphoma in aspects of early diagnosis by fine needle aspiration（FNA） and biopsy and treatment by intravitreal methotrexate（MTX）.Two patients were suspected to have primary intraocular lymphoma（PIOL） with geographic yellow-white infiltrates and vitreous opacity.FNA confirmed malignant intraocular lymphoma in one patient and failed in the other patient due to complication of vitreous hemorrhage.Subsequent vitreous biopsy confirmed malignant intraocular lymphoma in the other patient.Both patients were treated by intravitreal methotrexate.In case 1 the tumor had complete remission and follow-up of 12 months had not found any signs of recurrence.In case 2 the patient died of brain metastasis 22 months after the ocular biopsy.Our findings demonstrate that although cytological examination of vitrectomy specimens remains the gold standard in diagnosis of PIOL,examination of FNA and biopsy increases the reliability of early diagnosing or excluding a PIOL.Individualized intravitreal methotrexate can be used to effectively treat PIOL.More effective integrated program treating primary central nervous system lymphoma/PIOL is worthy of looking forward to.

Endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle biopsies of pancreatic lesions: Prospective study of histology quality using Franseen needle

BACKGROUND The introduction of fine needle biopsies(FNB)to clinical practice presents a changing trend towards histology in the endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition(EUS-TA).AIM To evaluate the clinical performance of a new FNB needle,the 22-gauge(22G)Franseen needle,when sampling pancreatic solid lesions.METHODS Consecutive patients with an indication for EUS-TA for the assessment of pancreatic solid lesions were included in this prospective,single-center,singlearm trial.Each patient underwent a puncture of the lesion two times using the 22G Franseen needle and the obtained samples were directly placed into formalin for histological analysis.The primary study endpoint was the rate of high-quality obtained specimen.Secondary endpoints included the length and diameter of the core specimen,the diagnostic accuracy and the complication rate.RESULTS From June 2017 to December 2018,forty patients with pancreatic solid lesions(22 females;mean age 67.2 years)were enrolled.Tissue acquisition was achieved in all cases.High-quality histology,rated with Payne score 3,was obtained in 37/40 cases(92.5%)after two needle passes.The mean size of the acquired histological core tissue was 1.54 mm×0.39 mm.The diagnostic accuracy for the correct diagnosis was 85%(34/40).Only one adverse event was occurred,consisting of a self-limiting bleeding in the puncture site.CONCLUSION The 22G Franseen needle achieved according to our standardized protocol a high rate of histological core procurement,and a high diagnostic accuracy,with one minor adverse event reported.

Contrast-enhanced guided endoscopic ultrasound procedures

Contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound(CH-EUS)can overcome the limi-tations of endoscopic ultrasound-guided acquisition by identifying microvessels inside inhomogeneous tumours and improving the characterization of these tumours.Despite the initial enthusiasm that oriented needle sampling under CH-EUS guidance could provide better diagnostic yield in pancreatic solid lesions,further studies did not confirm the supplementary values in cases of tissue acquisition guided by CH-EUS.This review details the knowledge based on the available data on contrast-guided procedures.The indications for CH-EUS tissue acquisition include isoechoic EUS lesions with poor visible delineation where CH-EUS can differentiate the lesion vascularisation from the surrounding parenchyma and also the mural nodules within biliopancreatic cystic lesions,which occur in select cases.Additionally,the roles of CH-EUS-guided therapy in patients whose pancreatic fluid collections or bile ducts that have an echogenic content have indications for drainage,and patients who have nonvisualized vessels that need to be highlighted via Doppler EUS are presented.Another indication is represented if there is a need for an immediate assessment of the post-radiofrequency ablation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours,in which case CH-EUS can be used to reveal the incomplete tumour destruction.

Septic shock due to Granulicatella adiacens after endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy of a splenic mass:A case report

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration or biopsy(EUS-FNA or FNB)has become a popular method for diagnosing various lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and surrounding tissue due to the accuracy and safety.To the best of our knowledge,no case report of severe infection after EUS-FNB of a solid lesion in the spleen has been described.Herein,we report a rare case of septic shock after EUS-FNB of a splenic mass.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old male patient presented to the outpatient clinic due to an incidentally detected splenic mass.A definitive diagnosis could not be established based on the abdominal magnetic resonance imaging.EUS of the spleen showed a 6 cm-sized,relatively well-demarcated,heterogeneous mass,and EUS-FNB with a 22G needle was performed.Ten days after the procedure patient developed septic shock and a splenic abscess was identified.Blood culture revealed growth of Granulicatella adiacens.After the treatment with antibiotics the patient underwent surgical resection,and the pathological examination showed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.The patient received chemotherapy and he is in complete remission.CONCLUSION Infection of a splenic mass after EUS-FNB is a rare complication and prophylactic antibiotics might be considered.

Tunneled biopsy is an underutilised,simple,safe and efficient method for tissue acquisition from subepithelial tumours

BACKGROUND Tissue acquisition from subepithelial lesions is often attempted by endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-sampling as conventional endoscopic biopsy usually fails to reach deeper layers of the gastrointestinal wall.AIM To investigate the utilisation,safety and diagnostic yield of an intensified“biteon-bite”tunnel biopsy technique.METHODS In this retrospective cohort study,all patients presenting with subepithelial masses in the upper gastrointestinal tract from March 2013 to July 2019 were included.Data were analysed for size and location of the subepithelial mass,use of intensified tunnel biopsy protocol(more than 10 double bite-on-bite biopsies)or superficial conventional biopsies,histology and imaging results,occurrence of readmission and adverse events after endoscopy.RESULTS Two hundred and twenty-nine patients with subepithelial lesions were included.Superficial conventional biopsies were taken in 117 patients and were diagnostic only in one lipoma(0.9%).Tunnel biopsies taken in 112/229(48.9%)patients were significantly more likely to provide histological diagnosis(53.6%;P<0.001).For lesions≥10mm the diagnostic yield of tunnel biopsies further increased to 41/67(61.2%).No immediate or delayed complications were reported.Only 8 of the 51 endoscopists(15.7%)regularly attempted tunnel biopsies.CONCLUSION Tunnel biopsy is a simple,safe and efficient but underutilised diagnostic modality for tissue acquisition in subepithelial masses.It should be routinely attempted at the initial endoscopy.

Comparison of the reverse bevel versus Franseen type endoscopic ultrasound needle

BACKGROUND Reverse bevel(RB)needle is widely used for endoscopic ultrasound fine needle biopsy(EUS-FNB).A 3-plane symmetrical needle with Franseen geometry(FG)has recently become available.AIM To compare the clinical efficacy of FG to that of RB needle.METHODS A retrospective cohort study of all adult patients who underwent EUS-FNB for solid and mixed lesions either with 22G RB needle or 22G FG needle between January 2016 and February 2019 was undertaken.All cytology slides were reviewed by an independent gastrointestinal cytopathologist blinded to the needle used and the initial cytology report.The primary and secondary outcomes were to assess the sample adequacy using Euro-cytology criteria and the number of cell clusters,respectively.RESULTS Two hundred and twenty six procedures were included in the study.RB needle was used in 128 procedures and FG needle in 98 procedures.The baseline characteristics of both groups were comparable.On multivariable analysis,FG needle(P=0.02)and location of the lesion(P<0.01)were independently associated with adequate tissue.Further,the use of FG needle(P=0.04)and the size of the lesion(P=0.02)were independently associated with acquisition of increased number of cell clusters.CONCLUSION FG needle is superior to RB needle in acquiring adequate tissue and attaining higher number of cell clusters for solid and mixed lesions.

Comprehensive review on endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition techniques for solid pancreatic tumor

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is speculated to become the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2030,a high mortality rate considering the number of cases.Surgery and chemotherapy are the main treatment options,but they are burdensome for patients.A clear histological diagnosis is needed to determine a treatment plan,and endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided tissue acquisition(TA)is a suitable technique that does not worsen the cancer-specific prognosis even for lesions at risk of needle tract seeding.With the development of personalized medicine and precision treatment,there has been an increasing demand to increase cell counts and collect specimens while preserving tissue structure,leading to the development of the fine-needle biopsy(FNB)needle.EUS-FNB is rapidly replacing EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration(FNA)as the procedure of choice for EUS-TA of pancreatic cancer.However,EUS-FNA is sometimes necessary where the FNB needle cannot penetrate small hard lesions,so it is important clinicians are familiar with both.Given these recent developments,we present an up-to-date review of the role of EUS-TA in pancreatic cancer.Particularly,technical aspects,such as needle caliber,negative pressure,and puncture methods,for obtaining an adequate specimen in EUS-TA are discussed.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition in diagnosing hepatic focal lesions

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)has become an established method in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in gastroenterology;however,it has recently gained a growing role in hepatology.AIM To evaluate the role of EUS features,strain elastography(SE),and EUS-tissue acquisition in diagnosing hepatic focal lesions(HFLs)that could affect further management.METHODS This cross-sectional study included 215 patients with pancreatic,biliary,or gastrointestinal malignancies referred for EUS examination.HFLs were identified in 43 patients(20%),and EUSguided tissue acquisition was performed from these lesions.RESULTS EUS features were highly sensitive(100%)but much less specific(57%)in diagnosing HFLs;the overall accuracy was 94%.Real-time elastography was also very sensitive(97%)but less specific(67%)in diagnosing HFLs;however,the overall accuracy was 92%.EUS tissue acquisition was extremely sensitive(100%)and specific(100%),with a 100%overall diagnostic accuracy.CONCLUSION The diagnostic utility of EUS-guided tissue acquisition was extremely accurate in diagnosing HFLs.EUS characteristics and real-time SE accurately predicted the histological diagnosis of both benign and malignant HFLs.

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

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

Pancreatic tuberculosis in a human immunodeficiency virus positive patient:A case report

Despite the increased incidence of tuberculosis related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in recent decades, pancreatic tuberculosis has rarely been described. We report a case of pancreatic tuberculosis in a 39-year- old African man who presented with progressive dysphagia, vomiting, weight loss and productive cough, accompanied by localized epigastric pain and one episode of melena. HIV-1 testing was positive and lymphocyte subset profile showed CD4 count of 9/mm3. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast revealed a cystic mass in the body of the pancreas, significant portal and retroperitoneal cystic adenopathy, and multiple cystic lesions in the spleen and liver. CT guided cyst aspiration and node biopsy detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient responded well on antituberculosis and antiretroviral therapy. Tuberculosis rarely involves the pancreas, probably due to the presence of pancreatic enzymes which interfere with the seeding of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Pancreatic tuberculosis is considered to be the result of dissemination of the infection from nearby lymphatic nodes. Endoscopic ultrasound or CT guided fine needle aspiration for cytology is the recommended diagnostic technique. Although the prognosis is good with anti-tuberculosis treatment, it could be fatal without correct diagnosis and treatment. The clinician’s high index of suspicion of pancreatic tuberculosis and application of FNAB to obtain pathological evidence are extremely important to a correct diagnosis, especially in young HIV positive patients.

Peripancreatic paraganglioma:Lesson from a round table

We described the case of a peripancreatic paraganglioma(PGL)misdiagnosed as pancreatic lesion.Surgical exploration revealed an unremarkable pancreas and a large well-defined cystic mass originating at the mesocolon root.Radical enucleation of the mass was performed,preserving the pancreatic tail.Histologically,a diagnosis of PGL was rendered.Interestingly,two previously unreported mutations,one affecting the KDR gene in exon 7 and another on the JAK3 gene in exon 4 were detected.Both mutations are known to be pathogenetic.Imaging and cytologic findings were blindly reviewed by an expert panel of clinicians,radiologists,and pathologists to identify possible causes of the misdiagnosis.The major issue was lack of evidence of a cleavage plane from the pancreas at imaging,which prompted radiologists to establish an intraparenchymal origin.The blinded revision shifted the diagnosis towards an extrapancreatic lesion,as the pancreatic parenchyma showed no structural alterations and no dislocation of the Wirsung duct.Ex post,the identified biases were the emergency setting of the radiologic examination and the very thin mesocolon sheet,which hindered clear definition of the lesion borders.Original endoscopic ultrasonography diagnosis was confirmed,emphasizing the intrinsic limit of this technique in detecting large masses.Finally,pathologic review favored a diagnosis of PGL due to the morphological features and immonohistochemical profile.Eighteen months after tumor excision,the patient is asymptomatic with no disease relapse evident by either radiology or laboratory tests.Our report strongly highlights the difficulties in rendering an accurate preoperative diagnosis of PGL.

Focal liver lesions found incidentally

Incidentally found focal liver lesions are a commonfinding and a reason for referral to hepatobiliary service.They are often discovered in patients with history of liver cirrhosis,colorectal cancer,incidentally during work up for abdominal pain or in a trauma setting.Specific points should considered during history taking such as risk factors of liver cirrhosis;hepatitis,alcohol consumption,substance exposure or use of oral con-traceptive pills and metabolic syndromes.Full blood count,liver function test and tumor markers can act as a guide to minimize the differential diagnosis and to categorize the degree of liver disease.Imaging should start with B-mode ultrasound.If available,contrast enhanced ultrasound is a feasible,safe,cost effective option and increases the ability to reach a diagnosis.Contrast enhanced computed tomography should be considered next.It is more accurate in diagnosis and better to study anatomy for possible operation.Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance is the gold standard with the highest sensitivity.If doubt still remains,the options are biopsy or surgical excision.

Nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours misdiagnosed as autoimmune pancreatitis:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours are difficult to diagnose in the early stage of disease due to a lack of clinical symptoms,but they can rarely manifest as autoimmune pancreatitis.Autoimmune pancreatitis is an uncommon disease that may cause recurrent acute pancreatitis and is therefore often regarded as a special type of chronic pancreatitis.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 42-year-old female who had nonspecific upper abdominal pain for 4 years and radiological abnormalities of the pancreas that mimicked autoimmune pancreatitis.The symptoms and pancreatic imaging did not improve following 1 year of steroid therapy.Finally,pancreatic biopsy was performed through endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy,and nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours were ultimately diagnosed.Pancreatectomy has resolved her symptoms.CONCLUSION Therefore,the differentiation of nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours from autoimmune pancreatitis is very important,although it is rare.We propose that endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy should be performed if imaging characteristics are equivocal or the diagnosis is in question.

Electronic Synoptic Reporting of Thyroid Nodules: Potential for Reduction in Number of Patients Undergoing Thyroid Nodule Biopsies

Purpose: The objective of the study was to design and implement an electronic synoptic report for thyroid sonography that incorporates the thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) and assess potential for reducing unnecessary fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) of thyroid nodules. Methods: The electronic synoptic report was developed using a relational database based on elements from TIRADS and a multidisciplinary consensus statement for thyroid reporting. A retrospective analysis of 138 patients with previously reported thyroid sonographic exams was evaluated for the presence of these elements. The electronic synoptic report calculates the TIRADS score and generates a formal report. Using the TIRADS score the potential decrease in unnecessary FNAB was estimated. Results: Key TIRADS elements were variously reported ranging from 43% for the thyroid nodule’s architecture as solid or cystic. Thyroid nodule echogenicity and calcification was commented in 27% and 23%, respectively. Other features of the TIRADS score were commented in 0% to 8% of the official reports. Estimated reduction for potentially reduced need for FNAB was 34.5%. Conclusions: This study is the first implementation of synoptic reporting using a relational database for sonography of thyroid nodules. Implementation of an electronic standardized synoptic reporting system may facilitate more accurate, and more comprehensive reporting for thyroid ultrasound scanning of thyroid nodules. The use of TIRADS was estimated to be able to potentially reduce the need for FNAB which was significant.

Impact of endoscopic ultrasound elastography in pancreatic lesion evaluation

Pancreatic malignancy still becomes a major global problem and is considered as one of the most lethal cancers in the field of gastroenterology.Most patients come in the late stage of the disease due to organ’s location,and until now the treatment result is still far away from satisfaction.Early detection is still the main key for good,prolonged survival.However,discerning from other types of tumor sometimes is not easy.Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)is still the best tool for pancreatic assessment,whereas fine-needle aspiration biopsy(FNAB)is considered as the cornerstone for further management of pancreatic malignancy.Several conditions have become a concern for EUS-FNAB procedure,such as risk of bleeding,pancreatitis,and even needle track-seeding.Recently,an artificial intelligence innovation,such as EUS elastography has been developed to improve diagnostic accuracy in pancreatic lesions evaluation.Studies have shown the promising results of EUS elastography in improving diagnostic accuracy,as well as discerning from other tumor types.However,more studies are still needed with further considerations,such as adequate operator training,expertise,availability,and its cost-effectiveness in comparison to other imaging options.