Diagnosis Of Autoimmune Pancreatitis Research Articles

Transpapillary biliary stenting is a risk factor for pancreatic stones in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis.

Background and study aim: Pancreatic stones occasionally develop in autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), often worsen endocrine and exocrine functions, and occasionally cause pain attacks. However, the risks of pancreatic stones in AIP have been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors associated with pancreatic stone formation in cases of AIP. Patients and methods: In total, 50 patients with AIP (39 males, 11 females; mean age 64.0 years), followed up for at least a year, were analyzed for their demographic and clinical findings and pancreatic stone occurrence. Results: In total, 50 patients were followed up for an average of 59.7 (12 – 120) months, with steroid treatment in 44 patients (88 %); pancreatic stones occurred in 14 (28 %) patients after the diagnosis of AIP and endoscopic treatment was needed in one patient with pain attack. The pancreatic stones appeared only in patients with long follow-up period (P < 0.001, 83.9 months vs. 49.6 months), biliary stenting (odds ratio [OR]: 8.40, P = 0.010), relapse (OR: 6.20, P = 0.023), jaundice (OR: 5.40, P = 0.019), and swelling of the duodenal major papilla (OR: 4.67, P = 0.040). Biliary stenting was placed for an average of 9.9 months in 27 patients. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association only with biliary stenting (P = 0.011). The stones appeared relatively earlier in patients with stones in the main pancreatic duct or Santorini duct (22.1 months) than in patients where pancreatic stones developed elsewhere (53.4 months) (P = 0.018). Conclusions: The risk of pancreatic stone development should be taken into account when a biliary stent is placed in patients with AIP.

Differential Diagnosis of Autoimmune Pancreatitis From Pancreatic Cancer by Analysis of Serum Gelatinase Levels

The aim of this study was to analyze serum gelatinases as part of the clinical strategy for the preoperative differentiation between autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The finding of differential markers will prevent unnecessary surgical resection and allow optimal treatment of these diseases. Quantitative gelatin zymography was applied to analyze all individual gelatinase forms in serum and to define proteinase alterations associated with AIP and PDAC. For this purpose, sera of 130 patients, being 29 with AIP, 33 with chronic pancreatitis, 32 with PDAC, and 36 healthy controls, were first assayed for gelatinase levels by quantitative zymography before further validation by the analysis with commercial sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Serum profiling data obtained by zymography analysis revealed that gelatinase B/matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), the neutrophil gelatinase B-associated lipocalin/MMP-9 complex, and gelatinase A/MMP-2 levels were significantly increased in patients with AIP. These proteins are promising markers to discriminate between AIP and PDAC. The best composite parameter, being the ratio of total MMP-9 over MMP-2 levels, can predict 93% of the AIP and 75% of the PDAC correctly. With enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, we confirmed the zymography results. Differential gelatinase serum profiles as AIP markers, together with other clinical tests, help to assure the diagnosis of PDAC or AIP.

Current Concepts and Diagnosis of IgG4-Related Pancreatitis (Type 1 AIP).

Although now considered to be a member of the systemic entity of immunoglobulin G4- (IgG4-) related disease, IgG4-related pancreatitis is generally referred to as type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). Type 1 AIP was established based on a pathological background of lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis, high serum IgG4 concentration, and abundant IgG4-bearing plasma cell infiltration. The characteristic clinical features of type 1 AIP, such as elderly male preponderance, obstructive jaundice, and mass-forming lesions in the pancreas, often mimic those of pancreatic cancer. However, because AIP responds favorably to corticosteroid treatment, careful differentiation from pancreatic cancer is required. An AIP diagnosis is currently based on the 2011 International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for AIP, which are based on high sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy. Over the long term, AIP can progress to a chronic condition, with pancreatic stone formation and atrophy resembling that of chronic pancreatitis. Although AIP has been linked to the complication of malignancies, it remains controversial whether an association exists between the disease and tumor formation.

Analysis of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging characteristics in 36 patients with autoimmune pancreatitis

Objective To investigate the imaging characteristics and the clinical value of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). Methods The 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging characteristics of 36 patients (33 males, 3 females; average age 60 years) with AIP proved by histopathology or clinical follow-up from August 2010 to March 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. The morphologic and metabolic abnormalities of pancreatic and extra-pancreatic lesions were analyzed. The early SUVmax and delayed SUVmax were compared by paired t test in 32 patients who underwent dual time point 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. Results (1)18F-FDG PET/CT showed diffuse uptake of FDG by the pancreas in 17 patients (47.2%, 17/36), localized uptake in 10 patients (27.8%, 10/36), mixed uptake in 7 patients (19.4%, 7/36), and multifocal uptake in 2 patients (5.6%, 2/36). A total of 33 patients (91.7%) had intense FDG uptake in the pancreas with SUVmax of 5.32±1.83, while the others showed mild FDG uptake with SUVmax of 2.13±0.15. Delayed SUVmax was significantly different from early SUVmax (6.11±2.68 vs 5.08±2.03, t=-7.305, P<0.01) in the 32 patients undergoing delayed scan. The average retention index (RI) in those patients were (18.0±16.1)%. (2) Capsule-like rim surrounding the pancreas was found in 10 patients and abnormality of the main pancreatic duct was found in 9 patients. (3) Thirty-four (94.4%, 34/36) patients had extra-pancreatic lesions, including mediastinal and pulmonary hilar lymph nodes, salivary glands, cervical and submandibular lymph nodes, and foci with the invertedVshaped high FDG uptake in the prostate, which were found in 21 of 33 (63.6%) male patients. (4) The case-times of extra-pancreatic organs involved were 4.17±2.15 in the whole pancreas involved group (diffuse uptake + mixed uptake), and 2.64±1.63 in the partial pancreas involved group (localized uptake + multifocal uptake), which were significantly different (t=2.10, P<0.05). Conclusions Various intense uptake of FDG, which is higher on delayed scan, can be shown in the pancreas in patients with AIP. 18F-FDG PET/CT is an effective modality to detect extra-pancreatic lesions, and it could contribute to the diagnosis and evaluation of AIP. Key words: Autoimmune diseases; Pancreatitis; Tomography, emission-computed; Tomography, X-ray computed; Deoxyglucose

Diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis

Diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis

Hybrid kappa\lambda antibody is a new serological marker to diagnose autoimmune pancreatitis and differentiate it from pancreatic cancer.

The only generally accepted serological marker currently used for the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is IgG4. Our aim was mainly to determine whether hybrid κ\\λ antibody can help to diagnose AIP and to differentiate it from pancreatic cancer. We established an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system to measure the levels of hybrid κ\\λ antibodies in human sera. Sera were obtained from 338 patients, including 61 with AIP, 74 with pancreatic cancer, 50 with acute pancreatitis, 40 with ordinary chronic pancreatitis, 15 with miscellaneous pancreatic diseases, and 98 with normal pancreas. Our study showed levels of hybrid κ\\λ antibodies in the AIP group were significantly higher than in the non-AIP group (P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for the diagnosis of AIP were 80.3%, 91%, 66.2% and 95.5% respectively. Furthermore, the combined measurement of serum hybrid κ\\λ antibody and IgG4 tended to increase the sensitivity although the difference was not statistically significant (90.2% vs. 78.7%, P = 0.08), compared to measurement of IgG4 alone. Our findings suggest that hybrid κ\\λ antibody could be a new serological marker to diagnose AIP and differentiate it from pancreatic cancer.

Diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis by EUS-guided FNA using a 22-gauge needle: a prospective multicenter study.

Histopathologic examination is critical for diagnosing autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). However, specimens obtained using EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) are not recommended for histopathologic diagnosis because of inadequate sample size volume. We evaluated EUS-FNA efficacy for AIP diagnosis using a 22G needle. Seventy-eight patients exhibiting the imaging characteristics indicative of AIP in the pancreatic parenchyma and pancreatic duct underwent EUS-FNA with a 22G needle at 12 institutions between February 2013 and March 2014. Samples were evaluated for tissue sampling conditions, CD38- and IgG4-positive plasma cell counts, storiform fibrosis (SF), and obliterative phlebitis (OP). Tissue specimens containing >10, 5 to 10, and 1 to 4 high-power fields (HPFs) were obtained from 29(37.2%), 18 (23.1%), and 15 (19.2%) of 78 patients, respectively. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) CD38- and IgG4-positive plasma cell counts were 23.2 ± 18.8/HPF and 5.1 ± 6.7/HPF, respectively. SF was detected in 49 of 78 patients (62.8%) and OP in 38 of 78 patients (48.7%). According to the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria (ICDC), histopathologic levels corresponded to level 1 in 32, level 2 in 13, and unclassifiable in 17 patients. Hence, 45 of 78 patients (57.7%) could be diagnosed with lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis according to ICDC. Pancreatic tissues with at least 1 HPF were obtained by EUS-FNA from approximately 80% of patients, and nearly 60% of patients were diagnosed with ICDC level 2 or higher. Our findings indicate that EUS-FNA with a 22G needle may be useful for the histopathologic diagnosis of AIP. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000010097.).

Autoimmune pancreatitis: An update

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare disease, the pathophysiological understanding of which has been greatly improved over the last years. The most common form, type 1 AIP belongs to the IgG4-related diseases and must be distinguished from type 2 AIP, which is a much rarer entity associated with chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Clinically, there is an overlap with pancreatic cancer. Imaging and further criteria, such as serological and histological parameters are utilized for a differentiation between both entities in order to select the appropriate therapy and to avoid the small but ultimately unnecessary number of pancreatectomies. The diagnostics of AIP are complex, whereby the consensus criteria of the International Association of Pancreatology have become accepted as the parameters for discrimination. These encompass five cardinal criteria and one therapeutic criterion. By applying these criteria AIP can be diagnosed with a sensitivity of 84.9%, a specificity of 100% and an accuracy of 93.8%. The diagnosis of AIP is accomplished by applying several parameters of which two relate to imaging. As for the routine diagnostics of the pancreas these are ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Important for the differential diagnosis is the exclusion of signs of local and remote tumor spread for which CT and MRI are established. The essential diagnostic parameter of histology necessitates sufficient sample material, which cannot usually be acquired by a fine needle biopsy. CT or MRI are the reference standard methods for identification of the optimal puncture site and imaging-assisted (TruCut) biopsy. In patients presenting with unspecific upper abdominal pain, painless jaundice combined with the suspicion of a pancreatic malignancy in imaging but a mismatch of secondary signs of malignancy, AIP should also be considered as a differential diagnosis. As the diagnosis of AIP only partially relies on imaging radiologists also have to be aware of the clinical, serological and histological parameters for AIP in order to guide clinicians towards the correct diagnosis. Only in this way can the highly efficient steroid therapy be initiated and otherwise possibly severe forms of therapy be avoided.

Diagnosis, treatment and long-term outcomes of autoimmune pancreatitis in Spain based on the International Consensus DiagnosticCriteria: A multi-centre study.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a form of chronic pancreatitis that has been reported worldwide for the last two decades. The aim of this study is to analyse the clinical profile of patients from Spain with AIP, as well as treatments, relapses and long-term outcomes. Data from 59 patients with suspected AIP that had been diagnosed in 15 institutions are retrospectively analysed. Subjects are classified according to the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria (ICDC). Patients with type 1 AIP (AIP1) and type 2 AIP (AIP2) are compared. Kaplan-Meier methodology is used to estimate the overall survival without relapses. Fifty-two patients met ICDC, 45 patients were AIP1 (86.5%). Common manifestations included abdominal pain (65.4%) and obstructive jaundice (51.9%). Diffuse enlargement of pancreas was present in 51.0%; other organ involvement was present in 61.5%. Serum IgG4 increased in 76.7% of AIP1 patients vs. 20.0% in AIP2 (p=0.028). Tissue specimens were obtained in 76.9%. Initial successful treatment with steroids or surgery was achieved in 79.8% and 17.3%, respectively. Maintenance treatment was given in 59.6%. Relapses were present in 40.4% of AIP1, with a median of 483 days. Successful long-term remission was achieved in 86.4%. AIP1 is the most frequent form of AIP in Spain in our dataset. Regularly, ICDC allows AIP diagnosis without the need for surgery. Steroid and chirurgic treatments were effective and safe in most patients with AIP, although maintenance was required many times because of their tendency to relapse. Long-term serious consequences were uncommon.

Prospective multicenter study on the usefulness of EUS-guided FNA biopsy for the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis

In the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria (ICDC), autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is classified into types 1 and 2, and its definite histopathology diagnosis can be made based only on surgical or core biopsy specimens. Although EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) biopsy is a safe technique for the collection of pancreatic tissue, no consensus viewpoint has been reached with regard to the role of EUS-FNA biopsy in the diagnosis of AIP. This study investigated the utility of pancreatic tissue collected by EUS-FNA biopsy by using a standard 22-gauge aspiration needle in the diagnosis of AIP. Patients with suspected AIP were prospectively enrolled in Nagoya University Hospital and Nagoya University-affiliated institutions. Pancreatic tissue was collected from each by EUS-FNA biopsy with a standard 22-gauge aspiration needle. Fifty patients were registered, including 45 with a final diagnosis of AIP. Lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and abundant immunoglobulin G4-positive plasmacyte infiltration (>10/high-power field) were detected in 36(72%) and 27 (54%) patients, respectively. Obliterative phlebitis and storiform fibrosis were not detected in our study. Granulocytic epithelial lesions (GEL) were observed in 3 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of EUS-FNA biopsy to definitively diagnose AIP were 7.9% (3/38), 100% (12/12), 100% (3/3), and 25.5% (12/47), respectively. Pathology evaluation of pancreatic tissue collected by EUS-FNA biopsy improved the diagnostic accuracy in 8 (16%) of the 50 patients. In this study, EUS-FNA biopsy by using a standard 22-gauge aspiration needle is not an effective diagnostic method for most patients with AIP. The combination of level 2 histology diagnosis of AIP with other findings specified in the ICDC slightly improved the diagnostic accuracy, although it still remains insufficiently accurate forroutine clinical use.( 000006297.).

Role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis and immunoglobulin G4 - Related sclerosing cholangitis

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) must be differentiated from pancreatic carcinoma, and immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related sclerosing cholangitis (SC) from cholangiocarcinoma and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Pancreatographic findings such as a long narrowing of the main pancreatic duct, lack of upstream dilatation, skipped narrowed lesions, and side branches arising from the narrowed portion suggest AIP rather than pancreatic carcinoma. Cholangiographic findings for PSC, including band-like stricture, beaded or pruned-tree appearance, or diverticulum-like outpouching are rarely observed in IgG4-SC patients, whereas dilatation after a long stricture of the bile duct is common in IgG4-SC. Transpapillary biopsy for bile duct stricture is useful to rule out cholangiocarcinoma and to support the diagnosis of IgG4-SC with IgG4-immunostaining. IgG4-immunostaining of biopsy specimens from the major papilla advances a diagnosis of AIP. Contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and EUS elastography have the potential to predict the histological nature of the lesions. Intraductal ultrasonographic finding of wall thickening in the non-stenotic bile duct on cholangiography is useful for distinguishing IgG4-SC from cholangiocarcinoma. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is widely used to exclude pancreatic carcinoma. To obtain adequate tissue samples for the histological diagnosis of AIP, EUS-Tru-cut biopsy or EUS-FNA using a 19-gauge needle is recommended, but EUS-FNA with a 22-gauge needle can also provide sufficient histological samples with careful sample processing after collection and rapid motion of the FNA needles within the pancreas. Validation of endoscopic imaging criteria and new techniques or devices to increase the diagnostic yield of endoscopic tissue sampling should be developed.

病変部位が移動したステロイド依存性のIgG4関連硬化性胆管炎の1例

A 63-year-old male was conducted Corticosteroid Therapy (CST) in the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) . After recurrence as AIP with IgG4-SC, CST was resumed. Serum IgG4 level was deteriorated at the maintenance corticosteroid dose at 7.5mg then, enhanced computed tomography indicated thickening of hilar bile duct. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiographic image showed a long stricture of the bile duct, except for the lower bile duct. IDUS showed uniformity thickening of the bile duct wall. Endoscopic examination of the bile duct failed to obtain histopathological diagnosis. Steroid trial was started. At 14 days after CST, ERC showed improvement. Therefore the case was diagnosed as probable IgG4-SC. It is not easy to discriminate IgG4-SC without AIP from primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) , and cholangiocarcinoma. This case suggests the effectiveness of IDUS and steroid trial for diagnosis of IgG4-SC.

Alteration of serum N-glycan profile in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis.

The aims of this study were to determine the change in whole-serum N-glycan profile in autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) patients and to investigate its clinical utility. We collected serum from 21 AIP patients before any treatment, and from 60 healthy volunteers (HLTs). Serum glycan profile was measured by comprehensive and quantitative high-throughput glycome analysis. Of the 53 glycans detected, 14 were differentially expressed in AIP patients. Pathway analysis demonstrated that agalactosyl and monogalactosyl bi-antennary glycans were elevated in AIP patients. Among the 14 glycans, #3410, #3510, and #4510 showed high area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) values (0.955, 0.964, and 0.968 respectively) for the diagnosis of AIP. These three glycans were mainly bound to immunoglobulin G; however, their serum levels were significantly higher, even in AIP patients who showed lower serum IgG4 levels, than in HLTs. We demonstrated, for the first time, whole-serum glycan profiles of AIP patients and showed that the levels of glycans #3410, #3510, and #4510 were increased in AIP patients. These glycans might be valuable biomarkers of AIP.

Epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis: A retrospective analysis of 53 patients.

Most of the data about epidemiology, clinical presentation and treatment of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is based on case series or small study groups. We therefore analyzed all cases of AIP treated at our clinic retrospectively. We searched our clinical database for the diagnosis pancreatitis between January 2007 and June 2014, selected patients with AIP and entered all relevant information in a database for statistical analysis. In total 53 patients with AIP were treated at our institution, 62% with type 1 and 23% with type 2 AIP. Gender distribution was male/female 3.1:1 for type 1 and 1:1.2 for type 2 AIP. The median age was 63.0 and 32.5 years for type 1 and type 2 AIP, respectively. The most common symptom is abdominal pain particular in patients with type 2 AIP whereas jaundice was only apparent in patients with type 1 AIP. The international diagnostic criteria seem to facilitate diagnosis of AIP as unnecessary pancreatic surgery in patients with AIP decreases. In 62.6% of the patients therapy was indicated and 84.8% showed a response to initial therapy with steroids. Recurring disease occurred in 28.3% of the cases but only 3.8% suffered a second relapse. Permanent maintenance therapy with steroids or additional therapy with immunomodulatory drugs is successful in recurring disease. Our data further corroborate previous findings on epidemiology, clinical presentation and treatment of AIP. AIP is a well manageable autoimmune disease in most patients. Better biopsy techniques and simplified diagnostic criteria might further alleviate diagnosis of AIP.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related adverse events in patients with type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is frequently performed for the diagnosis and treatment of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). However, the prevalence of ERCP-related adverse events in patients with type 1 AIP has not been evaluated. We aimed to clarify the feasibility of ERCP in patients with type 1 AIP. We retrospectively reviewed 82 consecutive ERCP procedures performed in patients with type 1 AIP from 2004 to 2014 in one university hospital and three tertiary-care referral centers. One hundred four ERCP procedures in chronic pancreatitis and 1123 in non-AIP cohort were enrolled as control groups. We compared the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) between type 1 AIP and control groups. We evaluated the incidence of ERCP-related adverse events and various predictive factors for hyperamylasemia after ERCP. Pancreatography and cholangiography by ERCP were obtained in 78 (95.1%) and 76 (92.7%) patients, respectively. The incidence of PEP, cholangitis, and bleeding was 1.2% (1/82), 0%, and 1.2%, respectively. PEP occurred in type 1 AIP patient with diffuse parenchymal imaging, and the severity was mild. The incidences of PEP were 2.9% (3/104) and 5.4% (61/1123) in chronic pancreatitis and normal cohort, respectively. The incidence of PEP was slightly lower in type 1 AIP than non-AIP cohort (1.2% vs 5.8%, p = 0.119). There were no significant predictive factors for hyperamylasemia after ERCP in type 1 AIP. The incidence of ERCP-related adverse events is low in patients with type 1 AIP. ERCP-related procedures are feasible in the diagnosis and treatment of AIP.

Role of Amylase-α2A Autoantibodies in the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Several serological markers have been reported in autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) patients. However, only serum IgG4 (sIgG4) is available in clinical practice for AIP diagnosis. Antiamylase α antibodies (AMY-α Abs) have been proposed to diagnose AIP. This study evaluates the utility of AMY-α Abs and sIgG4 for AIP diagnosis. Twenty-five AIP patients, 84 disease control groups (31 chronic pancreatitis, 30 acute pancreatitis, 23 pancreatic adenocarcinoma), and 59 healthy donors were prospectively studied. The AMY-α Abs were determined by homemade enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and sIgG4 by nephelometry. Increased sIgG4 were detected to be present in 52% of AIP, 5% in control groups, and 0% in healthy donors, and AMY-α Abs, respectively, in 76%, 36%, and 2%. sIgG4 was elevated in 92% of the 13 patients with type 1 AIP, but in none of 3 with type 2 and of 8 with not otherwise specified AIP. The AMY-α Abs were present in 79%, 67%, and 75% of type 1, type 2, and not otherwise specified AIP, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of AMY-α Abs were 76% and 78%, and of sIgG4 50% and 94%. By combining the 2 serological markers, sensitivity was 41%, and specificity was 99%. The AMY-α Abs may help to diagnosis of AIP and to differentiate AIP subtypes.

Unnecessary Procedures and Surgery in Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Background/Aims: To identify the number and potential causes of unnecessary diagnostic procedures in a cohort of patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). Methods: All AIP cases at our centre between April 2006 and April 2013 were collected and followed up. Diagnosis was established by the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria (ICDC). Demographic, clinical, radiological, serological data, the number of diagnostic procedures and the reason for referral were recorded. Possible risk factors for a delayed diagnosis of AIP were analysed. Results: A total of 29 patients (median age 60 years; 22 males and 7 females) were diagnosed with AIP using ICDC. Twenty-five patients were diagnosed with definite, 2 with possible type 1 AIP and 2 with type 2 AIP. In 29 patients, 50 ERCPs and 18 EUS were carried out; based on ICDC recommendations, a total of 20 ERCPs and 4 EUS were unnecessary diagnostic procedures. Eight patients (23.0%) were referred for unnecessary surgery. Jaundice was shown to be a significant risk factor for unnecessary endoscopic investigations (OR 11.00, 95% CI 1.14-106.43, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Diagnosis of AIP still remains a challenge. Patients with jaundice are at particular risk of being subjected to unnecessary endoscopic procedures. Use of ICDC would help avoid unnecessary examinations or even major surgeries at times.

The clinical analysis of autoimmune pancreatitis: a report of 21 cases

To investigate the clinical feature, diagnostic and therapeutic experience of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). Twenty-one patients with AIP treated in the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University from January 2006 to July 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 15 men and 6 women among the 21 cases and the age ranged from 36 to 64 years. The characters of diagnosis and treatment of AIP were explored through clinical symptoms, imaging features, serologic test results, diagnostic treatment, and histopathologic characteristics. All the patients showed obstructive jaundice and upper abdominal pain to different extents as major manifestations and the levels of serum IgG4, CA19-9, CEA were elevated in 16 cases (76.2%), 6 cases (28.5%) and 3 cases (14.2%), respectively. CT showed diffuse enlargement of the pancreas in 9 cases, localized pancreatic head enlargement in 3 cases and focally pancreatic mass in 9 cases. AIP was confirmed by extrapancreatic involvement, radiological and serological results plus biopsy in 11 cases (52.4%), interpretation of response to steroid in 3 cases (14.3%) and open laparotomy in 7 cases (33.3%). Surgery included choledochojejunostomy in 3 cases, cholecystojejunostomy in 1 case, pancreaticoduodenectomy in 2 cases and distal pancreatectomy combined with splenectomy in 1 case. The pathologic results displayed massive lymphocytes and plasma cells infiltration in the pancreatic tissues as well as parenchymal fibrosis. Except for 1 patient who had no symptom, the regular steroid therapy was performed (oral prednisone) and all the patients were cured. The follow-up time range was from 3 to 93 months, 4 cases (19.0%) were recurrent followed by the symptoms alleviated after the steroid was applied again. AIP is rare and characterized by non-specific clinical manifestations so that the early diagnosis is difficult with a high misdiagnosis rate. The clinicians should strengthen the recognition of AIP and the definite diagnosis depends on the combination of clinical manifestations, radiological, serological and histopathological results so as to avoid the unnecessary operation.

Tu1644 Validation of Diagnostic Capability of EUS-FNA in the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Pancreatitis (AIP); Multicenter Prospective Study

It is unclear whether EUS-FNA brings a sufficient yield or not in the diagnosis of AIP. Under these circumstances, we conducted the multicenter prospective study to elucidate the diagnostic capability of EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of AIP.

Tu1650 Feasibility and Diagnostic Yield of a New EUS Guided Histology 20-Gauge Needle in the Evaluation of Intraintestinal and Extraintestinal Lesions

Tu1650 Feasibility and Diagnostic Yield of a New EUS Guided Histology 20-Gauge Needle in the Evaluation of Intraintestinal and Extraintestinal Lesions