Branch-duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms Research Articles

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: Uncommon imaging presentation, evolution and comparison of guidelines

Pancreatic cystic lesions are often asymptomatic, incidentally detected and include a range of entities with varying degrees of concern for malignancy. Among these, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are considered premalignant pancreatic lesions, with a broad pathological spectrum ranging from lesions without dysplasia, which can be managed conservatively, to malignant lesions that require surgical resection. The increasing use of CT and MRI has led to increased recognition of this entity incidentally, with branch-duct IPMN representing the most common subtype and the most challenging lesions in terms of patient management. The main imaging modality involved in diagnosis and surveillance of IPMN is MRI. Radiologists play an important role in the management of patients with IPMN, including lesion detection, characterization, follow-up and prognostication, allowing early MRI identification of features that are concerning for malignancy. The main aim of this pictorial review is to illustrate MRI features of IPMN and to discuss risk stratification scores based on different guidelines, with a main focus on branch-duct IPMN. The secondary aims include the presentation of common and uncommon imaging evolution of BD-IPMN as well as the discussion on current controversies on the appropriate management of IPMN.

Are the screening guidelines for branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms cost-effective in an Australian setting?

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are cystic neoplasms of the pancreatic ductal system. These incidental cystic lesions are increasingly found on radiological imaging and screened for malignant transformation. The Fukuoka consensus guidelines recommend screening with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or endoscopic ultrasound. Branch duct IPMN (BD-IPMN) have significantly lower malignancy and mortality rates compared to main duct IPMN. Our aim was to assess the cost-effectiveness of guideline's recommendations for BD-IPMN screening of cysts between 2 and 3 cm in an Australian context. Markov model decision analysis was used to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of screening. The ICER was compared to a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of $50 000. We performed scenario analysis to examine the effect of cyst size and non-linearity of malignancy rate on ICER. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed on our input parameters. Screening resulted in 586 quality adjusted life years gained and a net present value of $20 379 939, resulting in a base-case ICER of $34 758. After scenario analysis for non-linearity of malignancy rate the ICER increases to $64 555, which is above the WTP threshold. PSA indicates that ICER is most susceptible to the pre-test malignancy rate. This cost analysis demonstrates that screening of 2-3 cm BD-IPMN according to current guidelines is unlikely to be cost-effective in an Australian context. To determine the true ICER, a cost analysis on real-world data is required.

Pancreatic cancer detection with a non-contrast MR protocol: is it reliable?

PurposeThe pancreatic cancer (PC) is the 4th leading cancer-related death, becoming the second one by 2030, with a 5 year survival rate of 8%. Considering its increased incidence in high-risk categories compared to the general population, we aimed to validate a non-contrast MR protocol, to detect PC in its earliest phase, which could be suitable as a screening tool in high-risk patients.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, we selected 200 patients (> 40 years) from our radiological database, which performed upper abdominal MRI between 2012 and 2017. 100 were negative for pancreatic lesions and 100 positive for pancreatic lesion (< 30 mm). The latter group included: 40 PDAC (pancreatic adenocarcinoma), 42 BD-IPMN (Branch Duct- Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm), 10 PNET(pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor), 4 SCN(serous cystic neoplasm), 3 IPS(intrapancreatic spleen), 1 MCN(mucinous cystic neoplasm). Three readers (R1, R2 and R3) with a high, medium and low experience, respectively, analysed, first, the non-contrast MR sequences (single-shot T2w breath-hold, GE T1w FS, DWI and 2D/3D MRCP), and then the standard MR protocol, independently, randomly and anonymously. Readers identified or excluded the presence of pancreatic lesion, in both reading sessions. These results were compared with the histopathological diagnosis, and then divided into 3 different classes of lesions: all lesions, pancreatic adenocarcinoma and solid lesion. Mcnemar’s test was used to compare the results. The inter-observer agreement was determined according to the kappa statistic in both protocols, and then the inter-protocol agreement was calculated.ResultsThe non-contrast MR protocol has reached statistical parameters values ranging between 83% in SE (sensitivity) by R3 and 99% in NPV (negative predictive value) by R1. The standard MR protocol has reported slight increasing statistical parameters compared to those of the proposed one. However, there are not significant statistical differences between the both protocols. The proposed non-contrast MR protocol has reported the highest NPVs in the PDAC group detection (R1: 99%, R2: 99%, R3: 98%). In all groups of lesions, the agreement between the two protocols was excellent for each Reader ranging from 96 to 98%.ConclusionThe proposed non-contrast MR protocol showed high PC detection values and a time execution ≤ 20 min. Therefore, it can be proposed as a screening tool in high-risk patients.

Surveillance for Presumed BD-IPMN of the Pancreas: Stability, Size, and Age Identify Targets for Discontinuation

Currently, most patients with branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMN) are offered indefinite surveillance, resulting in health care costs with questionable benefits regarding cancer prevention. This study sought to identify patients in whom the risk of cancer is equivalent to an age-matched population, thereby justifying discontinuation of surveillance. International multicenter study involving presumed BD-IPMN without worrisome features (WFs) or high-risk stigmata (HRS) at diagnosis who underwent surveillance. Clusters of individuals at risk for cancer development were defined according to cyst size and stability for at least 5 years, and age-matched controls were used for comparison using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for pancreatic cancer. Of 3844 patients with presumed BD-IPMN, 775 (20.2%) developed WFs and 68 (1.8%) HRS after a median surveillance of 53 (interquartile range 53) months. Some 164 patients (4.3%) underwent surgery. Of the overall cohort, 1617 patients (42%) remained stable without developing WFs or HRS for at least 5 years. In patients 75 years or older, the SIR was 1.12 (95% CI, 0.23-3.39), and in patients 65 years or older with stable lesions smaller than 15 mm in diameter after 5 years, the SIR was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.11-3.42). The all-cause mortality for patients who did not develop WFs or HRS for at least 5 years was 4.9% (n= 79), and the disease-specific mortality was 0.3% (n= 5). The risk of developing pancreatic malignancy in presumed BD-IPMN without WFs or HRS after 5 years of surveillance is comparable to that of the general population depending on cyst size and patient age. Surveillance discontinuation could be justified after 5 years of stability in patients older than 75 years with cysts <30 mm, and in patients 65 years or older who have cysts ≤15 mm.

Pancreatic Cyst Surveillance: Who, Why, How?

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are widely prevalent and commonly encountered in abdominal radiology. Some PCLs can be definitively identified at imaging as benign subtypes or those with malignant potential, while others remain indeterminate. Notably, the degree of malignant potential and natural history of the most common subtype, branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, are not clearly established. In the work-up of PCLs, patients may further be identified as high-risk individuals who are at elevated risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma due to familial and genetic factors. This review describes current PCL surveillance and management guidelines and highlights ongoing controversies and future directions to aid radiologists in their daily practice.

Effectiveness and safety of central pancreatectomy in benign or low-grade malignant pancreatic body lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The best approach for treating benign or low-grade malignant lesions localized in the pancreatic neck or body remains debatable. Conventional pancreatoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy (DP) are associated with a risk of impairment of pancreatic function at long-term follow-up. With advances in technology and surgical skills, the use of central pancreatectomy (CP) has gradually increased. To compare the safety, feasibility, and short-term and long-term clinical benefits of CP and DP in matched cases. The PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases were systematically searched to identify studies published from database inception to February 2022 that compared CP and DP. This meta-analysis was performed using R software. Twenty-six studies matched the selection criteria, including 774 CP and 1713 DP cases. CP was associated with significantly higher rates of operative time (P<0.0001), blood loss (P<0.01), overall and clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (P<0.01), postoperative hemorrhage (P<0.0001), reoperation (P=0.0196), delayed gastric emptying (P=0.0096), hospital stay (P<0.01), and morbidity (P<0.0001) but with a significantly lower incidence of overall endocrine and exocrine insufficiency (P<0.0001), and new-onset (P<0.0001) and worsening diabetes mellitus (P<0.0001) than DP. CP should be considered as an alternative to DP in selected cases such as without pancreatic disease, length of the residual distal pancreas ≥5cm, branch-duct IPMNs, and a low risk of POPF after adequate evaluation.

Natural history of low-risk branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and indeterminate pancreatic cysts and its implications on surveillance

Hwee Leong TAN*, Jonathan HEE, Jania WU, Grace R.S. LIM, Damien M.Y. TAN, Albert LOW, Choon Hua THNG, Ye Xin KOH, Brian K.P. GOH. Ann Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg 2023;27:S91. https://doi.org/10.14701/ahbps.2023S1.OP-5-4

In Brief

The management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) continues to evolve. In particular, the indications for resection of branch duct IPMN have changed from early resection to more deliberate observation as proposed by the international consensus guidelines of 2006 and 2012. Another guideline proposed by the American Gastroenterological Association in 2015 restricted indications for surgery more stringently and recommended physicians to stop surveillance if no significant change had occurred in a pancreatic cyst after five years of surveillance, or if a patient underwent resection and a non-malignant IPMN was found. Whether or not it is safe to do so, as well as the method and interval of surveillance, has generated substantial debate. Based on a consensus symposium held during the meeting of the International Association of Pancreatology in Sendai, Japan, in 2016, the working group has revised the guidelines regarding prediction of invasive carcinoma and high-grade dysplasia, surveillance, and postoperative follow-up of IPMN. As the working group did not recognize the need for major revisions of the guidelines, we made only minor revisions and added most recent articles where appropriate. The present guidelines include updated information and recommendations based on our current understanding, and highlight issues that remain controversial or where further research is required.

Long-term (10-year) outcomes and prognostic factors in resected intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm tumors in Finland: A nationwide retrospective study

BackgroundThe degree of dysplasia is the most important prognostic factor for patients with resected intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms are predominantly premalignant conditions; in most cases, surveillance is an adequate treatment. If worrisome features are present, surgery should be considered. However, there is limited data on the long-term prognosis of resected intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. We aimed to ascertain the nationwide survival of patients with resected intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and identify factors associated with survival. MethodsThis is a retrospective nationwide cohort study. All intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms operated on in Finland between 2000 and 2008 were identified. Patient records were evaluated, and original radiologic data and histologic samples were re-evaluated. Survival data were collected after a 10-year follow-up period. ResultsOut of 2,024 pancreatic resections, 88 were performed for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. The median age of the patients was 65 years. Histologic diagnoses were main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm 47/88 (53,4%), mixed-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm 27/88 (30.7%), and branchduct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm 14/88 (15.9%). Of the tumors, 40/88 (45.5%) were low-grade dysplasia, 9/88 (10.2%) high-grade, and 39/88 (44.3%) were invasive cancer. The median survival was 121 (range 0–252) months. Ten-year survival was 72.5%, 66.7%, and 23.1% in the low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, invasive cancer groups, respectively. Ten-year mortality for pancreatic cancer was 5%, 9.1%, and 71.8% in the low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, invasive cancer groups, respectively. ConclusionOverall, 44.3% of the patients had a malignant tumor, and three-quarters (74.5%) of the main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms were malignant or high-grade dysplasia at the time of surgery. Ten-year survival was significantly better in patients operated on at the stage of a premalignant tumor (low-grade dysplasia + high-grade dysplasia) than in patients operated on at the stage of a malignant tumor.

由来浸潤癌と併存癌を同時性に認めた分枝型膵管内乳頭粘液性腫瘍の1切除例

症例は75歳男性．7年前より膵尾部に嚢胞病変を認め分枝型IPMNで経過観察中，膵頭部主膵管に狭窄と尾部主膵管にわずかな拡張の進行が疑われた．膵頭部と膵体尾部移行部で施行した経乳頭的擦過細胞診にて腺癌が検出され，膵全摘術を施行したところ，頭部はIPMN併存癌，尾部嚢胞はIPMN由来浸潤癌と組織学的に診断された．IPMN由来浸潤癌と併存癌を同時に認めた膵全摘例は貴重であり，報告する．

Inframesocolic Approach for Robotic Enucleation of Branch-Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas

BackgroundThe inframesocolic approach to the uncinate process of the pancreas has been rarely described in literature. To the best of our knowledge, no robotic cases have been reported. MethodsThe case of a 74-year-old woman, with a 43-mm branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with worrisome features within the uncinate process of the pancreas, is described. ResultsAfter diagnostic work-up, due to the uncertain potential of malignancy and the strong motivation of the patient to undergo surgery, we performed a robotic enucleation through an inframesocolic approach. The neoplasm was more than 1 cm from the main pancreatic duct. Final pathological diagnosis revealed a low-grade dysplasia branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. ConclusionsThe inframesocolic approach could represent an easy way to access the uncinate process of the pancreas, allowing safe limited resection in selected cases such as small branch-duct IPMN or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Branch duct-intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs): an MRI-based radiomic model to determine the malignant degeneration potential.

Branch duct-intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) are the most common pancreatic cystic tumors and have a low risk of malignant transformation. Features able to early identify high-risk BD-IPMNs are lacking, and guidelines currently rely on the occurrence of worrisome features (WF) and high-risk stigmata (HRS). In our study, we aimed to use a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomic model to identify features linked to a higher risk of malignant degeneration, and whether these appear before the occurrence of WF and HRS. We retrospectively evaluated adult patients with a known BD-IPMN who had had at least two contrast-enhanced MRI studies at our center and a 24-month minimum follow-up time. MRI acquisition protocol for the two examinations included pre- and post-contrast phases and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)/apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. Patients were divided into two groups according to the development of WF or HRS at the end of the follow-up (Group 0 = no WF or HRS; Group 1 = WF or HRS). We segmented the MRI images and quantitative features were extracted and compared between the two groups. Features that showed significant differences (SF) were then included in a LASSO regression method to build a radiomic-based predictive model. We included 50 patients: 31 in Group 0 and 19 in Group 1. No patients in this cohort developed HRS. At baseline, 47, 67, 38, and 68 SF were identified for pre-contrast T1-weighted (T1-W) sequence, post-contrast T1-W sequence, T2-weighted (T2- W) sequence, and ADC map, respectively. At the end of follow-up, we found 69, 78, 53, and 91 SF, respectively. The radiomic-based predictive model identified 16 SF: more particularly, 5 SF for pre-contrast T1-W sequence, 6 for post-contrast T1-W sequence, 3 for T2-W sequence, and 2 for ADC. We identified radiomic features that correlate significantly with WF in patients with BD-IPMNs undergoing contrast-enhanced MRI. Our MRI-based radiomic model can predict the occurrence of WF.

Uncinate Duct Dilatation Predicts Additional Risk for High-Grade Dysplasia or Invasive Carcinoma Among Fukuoka-Positive Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms.

To determine whether uncinate duct dilatation (UDD) increases the risk of high-grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma (HGD/IC) in Fukuoka-positive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). Though classified as a branch duct, the uncinate duct is the primary duct of the pancreatic ventral anlage. We hypothesized that UDD, like main duct dilatation, confers additional risk for HGD/IC. A total of 467 patients met inclusion criteria in a retrospective cohort study of surgically resected IPMNs at the Massachusetts General Hospital. We used multivariable logistic regression to analyze the association between UDD (defined as ≥4mm) and HGD/IC, controlling for Fukuoka risk criteria. In a secondary analysis, the modeling was repeated in the 194 patients with dorsal branch duct IPMNs (BD-IPMNs) in the pancreatic neck, body, or tail. Mean age at surgery was 70, and 229 (49%) patients were female. In total, 267 (57%) patients had only worrisome features and 200 (43%) had at least 1 high-risk feature. UDD was present in 164 (35%) patients, of whom 118 (73%) had HGD/IC. On multivariable analysis, UDD increased the odds of HGD/IC by 2.8-fold, even while controlling for Fukuoka risk factors (95% CI: 1.8-4.4, P <0.001). Prevalence of HGD/IC in all patients with UDD was 73%, compared with 74% in patients with high-risk stigmata and 73% in patients with main duct IPMNs. In the secondary analysis, UDD increased the odds of HGD/IC by 3.2-fold in patients with dorsal BD-IPMNs (95% CI: 1.3-7.7, P =0.010). UDD confers additional risk for HGD/IC unaccounted for by current Fukuoka criteria. Further research can extend this study to Fukuoka-negative patients, including unresected patients.

Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas: can common imaging features help to avoid resection?

BackgroundDifferentiation of cystic pancreatic neoplasms remains a challenging task for radiologists regarding the main aim of identifying malignant and premalignant lesions.PurposeThe study aimed to compare the radiological features of lymphoepithelial cysts (LEC) with other cystic pancreatic lesions, which could help to differentiate them in order to avoid unnecessary resection.Material and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 10 cases of resected and histopathologically confirmed LECs during a 12-year period with available imaging studies; 20 patients with mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN), 20 patients with branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMN), and 20 patients with serous cystic neoplasms (SCN) were selected to serve as control groups. Imaging findings as well as clinical data were analyzed.ResultsThe following imaging morphology of LEC was identified: simple cystic appearance (20%) and mixed cystic-solid appearance (80%) with either a diffuse subsolid component (30%) or mural nodule(s) (50%). All lesions revealed exophytic location with a strong male predominance (9:1). MCNs occurred exclusively in middle-aged women, IPMN in both sexes showed slight male predominance (13:7), and SCN showed female predominance (5:15). Median patient age in LEC (48.5, IQR 47–54.5) was significantly younger compared to IPMN (p < 0.001) and SCN (p = 0.02). Unenhanced CT attenuation of LEC was higher than MCNs (p = 0.025) and IPMNs (p = 0.021), showing no significant difference to SCN (p = 0.343).ConclusionThe present study provides key radiological features of LEC for the differentiation from other cystic pancreatic lesions such as increased CT attenuation in the unenhanced phase, absence of a connection to the main pancreatic duct (MPD), and exophytic location. In addition to these imaging features, clinical data, such as male predominance in LEC, must be considered for the differentiation of cystic pancreatic lesions.

Diagnostic, Structured Classification and Therapeutic Approach in Cystic Pancreatic Lesions: Systematic Findings with Regard to the European Guidelines.

Due to the increasing use of cross-sectional imaging techniques and new technical possibilities, the number of incidentally detected cystic lesions of the pancreas is rapidly increasing in everyday radiological routines. Precise and rapid classification, including targeted therapeutic considerations, is of essential importance. The new European guideline should also support this. This review article provides information on the spectrum of cystic pancreatic lesions, their appearance, and a comparison of morphologic and histologic characteristics. This is done in the context of current literature and clinical value. The recommendations of the European guidelines include statements on conservative management as well as relative and absolute indications for surgery in cystic lesions of the pancreas. The guidelines suggest surgical resection for mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) ≥ 40 mm; furthermore, for symptomatic MCN or imaging signs of malignancy, this is recommended independent of its size (grade IB recommendation). For main duct IPMNs (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms), surgical therapy is always recommended; for branch duct IPMNs, a number of different risk criteria are applicable to evaluate absolute or relative indications for surgery. Based on imaging characteristics of the most common cystic pancreatic lesions, a precise diagnostic classification of the tumor, as well as guidance for further treatment, is possible through radiology.

Comparison of Clinical and Imaginal Features According to the Pathological Grades of Dysplasia in Branch-Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (BD-IPMN) for Personalized Medicine.

Background: In patients with BD-IPMN, surgical indications have been focused on finding malignant lesions (HGD, high-grade dysplasia/IC, invasive carcinoma). The aim of this study was to compare the preoperative factors that distinguish HGD from LGD (low-grade dysplasia) and HGD from IC to find the optimal pathologic target for surgery according to individuals, considering surgical risks and outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 232 patients with BD-IPMN diagnosed based on pathology after surgery and preoperative images. The primary outcome was identifying preoperative factors distinguishing HGD from LGD, and HGD from IC. Results: In patients with LGD/HGD, a solid component or an enhancing mural nodule ≥ 5 mm (OR = 9.29; 95% CI: 3.3-54.12; p &lt; 0.000) and thickened/enhancing cyst walls (OR = 6.95; 95% CI: 1.68-33.13; p = 0.008) were associated with HGD. In patients with malignant lesions (HGD/IC), increased serum CA 19-9 (OR = 12.59; 95% CI: 1.81-87.44; p = 0.006) was associated with IC. Conclusions: The predictive factors for HGD were the presence of a solid component or an enhancing mural nodule ≥ 5 mm and thickened/enhancing cyst walls compared with LGD, and if accompanied by increased CA 19-9, it might be necessary to urgently evaluate the lesion due to the possibility of progression to IC. Based on this finding, we need to find HGD as the optimal pathologic target for surgery to improve survival in low-surgical-risk patients, and IC could be assumed to be the optimal pathologic target for surgery in high-surgical-risk patients because of high morbidity and mortality associated with surgery.

When to Stop Surveillance: Pancreatic Cysts.

Surveillance of mucinous pancreatic cysts is a key to reducing pancreatic cancer risk and detecting malignancy early. However, while the management of cysts with high-risk and worrisome features is fairly straightforward, surveillance of patients with low-risk branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms has long presented gastroenterologists with the challenging question of discontinuation of surveillance. Up-to-date evidence supports the cessation of follow-up in these patients depending on both interval stability of the cyst and cyst size. Based on these criteria, discontinuation of surveillance at either 5 years or 10 years is recommended. Oversurveillance of patients with pancreatic cysts in the absence of high-risk and worrisome features is discouraged.

Diagnostic value of EUS-guided SF6 pancreatography for pancreatic cystic lesions on cyst communication with the pancreatic duct.

ERCP remains the reliable method to determine whether pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) and pancreatic duct communicate when other modalities (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and EUS) fail. However, complications after ERCP are still a risk that should not be ignored. In this study, we evaluated the value of EUS-guided SF6 pancreatography (ESP) for the diagnosis of PCLs focusing on pancreatic cyst communication with the pancreatic duct. We reviewed the database of medical records to retrieve the clinicopathological data of the patients with PCLs who had undergone ESP, and analyzed the diagnostic value of ESP to determine communication between the cyst and the pancreatic duct. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) PCLs were pathologically diagnosed by postsurgery specimen or through-the-needle biopsy and (2) ESP was performed to determine communication between the pancreatic cyst and the pancreatic duct. Pathological diagnosis confirmed communication with the pancreatic duct in all eight patients with positive pancreatography, among whom seven were branch-duct-intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (BD-IPMN) and one was the main duct-IPMN. Pathological diagnosis confirmed noncommunication with the pancreatic duct in 20 of the 21 patients with negative pancreatography, among whom 11 were mucinous cystic neoplasm, 7 were serous cystic neoplasm, 1 was solid pseudopapillary neoplasm, 1 was pancreatic pseudocyst, and 1 was BD-IPMN. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of ESP to determine communication between the pancreatic cyst and the pancreatic duct were 96.6% (28/29), 88.9% (8/9), 100% (20/20), 100% (8/8), and 95.2% (20/21), respectively. ESP achieved high accuracy to determine communication between the pancreatic cyst and the pancreatic duct.

Molecular Analysis of Pancreatic Cyst Fluid for the Management of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal human cancers. Early detection and diagnosis of precursor lesions for pancreatic malignancy is essential to improve the morbidity and mortality associated with this diagnosis. Of the cystic precursor lesions, branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is the most frequently identified lesion and has a wide range of malignant potential. Currently, Carcinogenic embryonic antigen (CEA) levels in the cyst fluid and cytology are the two most often utilized tools to diagnose these lesions; however, their diagnostic and risk stratification capabilities are somewhat limited. Within the last decade, the use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration has opened the door for molecular analysis of cystic fluid as an option to enhance both the diagnosis and risk stratification of these lesions. The first step is to differentiate branch duct IPMNs from other lesions. KRAS and GNAS alterations have been shown to be accurate markers for this purpose. Following cyst type identification, mutational analysis, telomere fusion, microRNAs, long non-coding RNA, and DNA methylation have been identified as potential targets for stratifying malignant potential using the cystic fluid. In this review, we will examine the various targets of cyst fluid molecular analysis and their utility in the diagnosis and risk stratification of branch duct IPMNs.

Cystic pancreatic neoplasms in a tertiary gastroenterologic referral center: Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound, progression rate and malignancy rate in a large unicentric cohort.

Cystic pancreatic neoplasms (CPN) are frequently diagnosed due to better diagnostic techniques and patients becoming older. However, diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and value of follow-up are still unclear. The aim of our retrospective study was to investigate the frequency of different cystic pancreatic neoplasms (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm [IPMN], serous and mucinous cystadenoma, solid pseudopapillary neoplasia), diagnostic accuracy, size progression, and rate of malignancy using EUS in a tertiary reference center in Germany. Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018, 455 patients were diagnosed with cystic pancreatic lesions (798 EUS examinations). Endoscopic ultrasound diagnosed 223 patients with cystic pancreatic neoplasms, including 138 (61.9%) patients with branch duct IPMN, 16 (7.2%) with main duct IPMN, and five (2.2%) with mixed-type IPMN. In the largest subgroup of branch duct IPMN, cysts were size progressive in 20 patients (38.5%). Fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed in 21 patients, and confirmed the suspected diagnosis in 12/21 patients. 28 surgical resections were performed, in 7/28 patients (25%), high-grade dysplasia or cancer was diagnosed. Endoscopic ultrasound diagnosis of serous and mucinous cystic pancreatic neoplasms was correct in 68.4%. Endoscopic ultrasound differential diagnosis of CPNs is challenging. Even in a tertiary expert center, differentiation of serous and mucinous cystic neoplasia is not guaranteed. Relevant size progression of CPN, however, is rare, as is the rate of malignancy. The data of this study suggest that morphologic criteria to assess pancreatic cysts alone are not sufficient to allow a clear diagnosis. Hence, for the improved assessment of pancreatic cysts, EUS should be combined with additional tests and techniques such as MRT/MRCP, contrast-enhanced EUS, and/or FNA/fine needle biopsy including fluid analysis. The combination and correlation of imaging studies with EUS findings is mandatory.