Main Pancreatic Duct Diameter Research Articles

CT findings and clinical effects of high grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

To investigate the common CT findings of high-grade (HG) PanIN and clinical effects in the remnant pancreas in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas. Two hundred fifty-one patients with surgically confirmed IPMNs (118 malignant [invasive carcinoma/high-grade dysplasia] and 133 benign [low-grade dysplasia]) were retrospectively enrolled. The grade of PanIN (233 absent/low-grade and 18 high-grade) was recorded, and all patients underwent serial CT follow-up before and after surgery. Two radiologists analyzed CT findings of high-risk stigmata or worrisome features according to 2017 international consensus guidelines. They also analyzed tumor recurrence on serial follow-up CT after surgery. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant predictors and clinical impact on postoperative outcomes of HG PanIN. PanIN grade showed a significant association with IPMN grade (p = 0.012). Enhancing mural nodules ≥5 mm, abrupt main pancreatic duct (MPD) changes with distal pancreatic atrophy, increased mural nodule size and MPD diameter were common findings in HG PanIN (P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, abrupt MPD change with distal pancreatic atrophy (odds ratio (OR) 6.59, 95% CI: 2.32-18.72, <0.001) and mural nodule size (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08, 0.004) were important predictors for HG PanIN. During postoperative follow-up, HG PanIN (OR, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.22-20.33, 0.025) was significantly associated with cancer recurrence in the remnant pancreas. CT can be useful for predicting HG PanIN using common features, such as abrupt MPD changes and mural nodules. In HG PanIN, extra caution is needed to monitor postoperative recurrence during follow-up.

Quantitative MR imaging biomarkers for distinguishing inflammatory pancreatic mass and pancreatic cancer-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging biomarkers in distinguishing between inflammatory pancreatic masses (IPM) and pancreatic cancer (PC). A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science through August 2023. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) was used to evaluate the risk of bias and applicability of the studies. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated using the DerSimonian-Laird method. Univariate meta-regression analysis was used to identify the potential factors of heterogeneity. Twenty-four studies were included in this meta-analysis. The two main types of IPM, mass-forming pancreatitis (MFP) and autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), differ in their apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Compared with PC, the ADC value was higher in MFP but lower in AIP. The pooled sensitivity/specificity of ADC were 0.80/0.85 for distinguishing MFP from PC and 0.82/0.84 for distinguishing AIP from PC. The pooled sensitivity/specificity for the maximal diameter of the upstream main pancreatic duct (dMPD) was 0.86/0.74, with a cutoff of dMPD ≤ 4 mm, and 0.97/0.52, with a cutoff of dMPD ≤ 5 mm. The pooled sensitivity/specificity for perfusion fraction (f) was 0.82/0.68, and 0.82/0.77 for mass stiffness values. Quantitative MR imaging biomarkers are useful in distinguishing between IPM and PC. ADC values differ between MFP and AIP, and they should be separated for consideration in future studies. Quantitative MR parameters could serve as non-invasive imaging biomarkers for differentiating malignant pancreatic neoplasms from inflammatory masses of the pancreas, and hence help to avoid unnecessary surgery. • Several quantitative MR imaging biomarkers performed well in differential diagnosis between inflammatory pancreatic mass and pancreatic cancer. • The ADC value could discern pancreatic cancer from mass-forming pancreatitis or autoimmune pancreatitis, if the two inflammatory mass types are not combined. • The diameter of main pancreatic duct had the highest specificity for differentiating autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer.

Stent placement for the prevention of clinically-relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreaticojejunostomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesThere remains a lack of consensus regarding the benefits of stent placement following pancreaticojejunostomy in terms of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas (CR-POPFs). This study was aimed at analyzing the effects of stent placement, stent technique (internal and external), stent size, and dilation of the main pancreatic duct on CR-POPFs. MethodsOur study comprised a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving patients undergoing pancreaticojejunostomy. The primary outcome was defined as the incidence of CR-POPFs. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted, and pooled analyses were performed to provide comparative references. ResultsTwelve randomized controlled trials, including a total of 1117 patients, were included. Compared with no stent placement, stenting did not exhibit a significant association with reduced CR-POPF incidence (odds ratio [OR] ​= ​0.60, 95% CI: 0.34–1.04, P ​= ​0.07). Subgroup analysis revealed that only external stents, and not internal stents, were significantly associated with a reduced CR-POPF incidence compared with no stent placement (OR ​= ​0.53, 95% CI: 0.28–0.99, P ​= ​0.05 vs. OR ​= ​0.92, 95% CI: 0.28–3.05, P ​= ​0.89). Furthermore, stent placement in patients with a main pancreatic duct diameter of ≤3 ​mm, and not in those with a main pancreatic duct diameter of >3 ​mm, was associated with a significantly reduced CR-POPF incidence compared with no stent placement (OR ​= ​0.24, 95% CI: 0.07–0.78, P ​= ​0.02 vs. OR ​= ​1.58, 95% CI: 0.41–6.06, P ​= ​0.50). ConclusionsThe findings suggest a potential role for external stent placement in the prevention of CR-POPFs after pancreaticojejunostomy, particularly in patients with undilated pancreatic ducts. The reliability of our findings is constrained by the limited number of studies included. Prospero registration numberCRD42022380103.

Correlation between main pancreatic duct diameter measurements: Special pancreatic ultrasonography versus magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.

Main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilatation is reported to be a risk factor for pancreatic cancer (PC). Although magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and ultrasonographic modalities are valuable for monitoring the pancreas, there is limited information on the efficacy of different imaging modalities in measuring MPD diameter. To improve pancreatic imaging, we developed a specialized ultrasound approach focusing on the pancreas (special pancreatic US). We aimed to examine the correlation between MPD diameter measurements using special pancreatic US versus MRCP. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients with MPD dilation (≥2.5 mm) via special pancreatic US used for screening at our institution between January 2020 and October 2022 and included patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging 2 months before and after pancreatic US. The MPD diameter on MRCP was measured at the pancreatic locus, where the maximum MPD diameter was obtained on special pancreatic US. This study included 96 patients, with a median interval of 8.5 days between the date of special pancreatic US and the date of undergoing MRCP. MPD dilatation and/or pancreatic cysts were diagnosed in 86 patients, PC in 5 patients, and other diseases in 5 patients. The median MPD diameter, measured using special pancreatic US, was 3.4 mm (interquartile range: 2.9-4.9 mm), whereas it was 3.5 mm using MRCP (interquartile range: 2.8-4.5 mm). There were strong positive correlations between MPD diameter measured on special pancreatic US and that measured on MRCP (R = 0.925, P < .001). This study revealed strong positive correlations between the MPD diameter measurements using special pancreatic US and MRCP. MPD diameter measurements from each imaging method can be helpful during follow-up in individuals at a high risk of PC.

Comparing the distal pancreatectomy fistula risk score (D-FRS) and DISPAIR-FRS for predicting pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy.

Distal pancreatectomy fistula risk score (D-FRS) and DISPAIR-FRS has not been widely validated for predicting postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP). We retrospectively analysed 104 patients undergoing DP. The predictive value of the D-FRS and DISPAIR-FRS were compared. Risk factors associated with POPF were investigated by multivariate analysis. Of the 104 patients, 23 (22.1%) were categorized into the POPF group (all grade B). The areas under the ROC (AUCs) of the D-FRS (preoperative), D-FRS (intraoperative), and DISPAIR-FRS were 0.737, 0.809, and 0.688, respectively. Stratified by the D-FRS (preoperative), the POPF rates in low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups were 5%, 22.6%, and 36.4%, respectively. By the D-FRS (intraoperative), the POPF rates in low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups were 8.8%, 47.1%, and 47.4%, respectively. By the DISPAIR-FRS, the POPF rates in low-risk, intermediate-risk, and extreme-high-risk groups were 14.8%, 23.8% and 62.5%, respectively. Body mass index and main pancreatic duct diameter were independent risk factors of POPF both in preoperative (P = 0.014 and P = 0.033, respectively) and intraoperative (P = 0.015 and P = 0.039) multivariate analyses. Both the D-FRS (preoperative), D-FRS (intraoperative), and DISPAIR-FRS has good performance in POPF prediction after DP. The risk stratification was not satisfactory in current Asian cohort.

Combined pre-operative risk score predicts pancreatic leak after pancreatic resection.

Post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a major complication following pancreatectomy and is currently difficult to predict pre-operatively. This study aims to validate pre-operative risk factors and develop a novel combined score for the prediction of POPF in the pre-operative setting. Data were collected from 2016 to 2021 for radiologic main pancreatic duct diameter (MPD), body mass index (BMI), physical status classified by American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), polypharmacy, mean platelet ratio (MPR), comorbidity-polypharmacy score (CPS), and a novel Combined Pancreatic Leak Prediction Score (CPLPS) (derived from MPD diameter, BMI, and CPS) were obtained from pre-operative data and analyzed for their independent association with POPF occurrence. In total, 166 patients who underwent pancreatectomy with pancreatic leak (Grade A, B, and C) occurring in 51(30.7%) of patients. Pre-operative radiologic MPD diameter < 4 mm (p < 0.001), < 5 mm (p < 0.001), < 6 mm (p = 0.001), BMI ≥ 25 (p = 0.009), and ≥ 30 (p = 0.017) were independently associated with the occurrence of pancreatic leak. CPLPS was also predictive of pancreatic leak following pancreatectomy on univariate (p = 0.005) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.036). MPD and BMI were independent risk factors predictive for the development of pancreatic leak. CPLPS, was an independent predictor of pancreatic leak following pancreatectomy and could be used to help guide surgical decision making and patient counseling.

The relationship between observation interval and prognosis in pancreatic cancer concomitant with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia

BackgroundIntraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN) is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer (PC). PC concomitant with IPMN shows rapid progression similar to de novo PC, therefore, the appropriate observation interval (OI) is not yet clear. Patients and methodThis was a multicenter retrospective observational study, and patients with PC concomitant with IPMN were analyzed. OI was defined as the interval between the date of imaging at PC diagnosis and just before the diagnosis. Clinical factors of PC and prognosis were assessed according to OI. ResultsFrom January 2010 to December 2018, 73 patients from 11 institutions were enrolled. The images performed just before PC diagnosis were contrast-enhanced CT/magnetic resonance imaging/endoscopic ultrasonography in 44/27/2 patients, respectively. The median cyst size was 14.0 mm, and the median main pancreatic duct diameter was 3.0 mm. The median OI was 6.8 months. In OI 6 months or less (OI ≤ 6 M)/OI more than 6 months (OI > 6 M), the mean tumor size, the frequencies of metastatic PC, resectable PC and early-stage PC were 20.1/21.5 mm (P = 0.91), 12.1 %/32.5 % (P = 0.05), 72.7 %/52.5 % (P = 0.09) and 27.3 %/25.0 % (P = 1.00), respectively. The median overall survival was 35.5 months in OI ≤ 6 M and 16.2 months in OI > 6 M (P = 0.05). ConclusionIn OI 6 months or less, the rate of resectable PC was high, however, the rate of early PC was almost the same as that of OI more than 6 months. Approximately 10 % of cases found in the advanced stage with metastasis even if OI 6 months or less.

External validation of fistula risk scores for postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy

BackgroundFistula risk scores such as distal fistula risk scores and DISPAIR have been recently developed to assess the risk of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy. This study aimed to validate these models externally using a large-scale Chinese cohort. MethodsThe study enrolled adult patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy at a high-volume single center between January 2011 and December 2021. The clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula was defined as grade B/C, according to the 2016 International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the curve. ResultsAmong 653 eligible patients, 126 (19.3%) suffered from clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas. Independent predictors for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas included body mass index, diabetes mellitus, pancreatic thickness at both neck and transection sites, main pancreatic duct diameter, and soft pancreas. Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula risk increased with increasing score severity. All 3 prediction models showed acceptable discrimination, with area under the curve values of preoperative distal fistula risk score at 0.723 (95% confidence interval 0.687–0.757), intraoperative distal fistula risk score at 0.737 (95% confidence interval 0.701–0.770), and DISPAIR at 0.721 (95% confidence interval 0.685–0.755). No significant differences were found among them. ConclusionDistal fistula risk scores and DISPAIR are useful tools for predicting clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy, highlighting their importance in guiding surgical approach decisions and mitigating strategies against this complication in clinical practice.

Preconditions for radiomics-based approach in differential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions: critical evaluation of meta-analyses and international guidelines

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are a heterogenous group of lesions ranging from benign to malignant with variable histological, pathomorphological and prognostic characteristics. The development and improvement of radiation methods provides a great opportunity to diagnose such neoplasms. However, there are still difficulties in differential diagnosis and prediction malignant potential in pancreatic cyst subtypes due to their similar radiation characteristics.OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic performane and difficulties of differentiating PCLs by invasive and non-invasive radiological methods. To determine the preconditions for radiomics-based approach in differential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions based on a review and analysis of international guidelines.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched for scientific publications in the PubMed and Springer information and analytical systems for 2009–2023 by keywords: «pancreatic tumors», «pancreatic cyst», «pancreatic cystic lesion», «pancreatic radiomics», «intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm», «pancreatic cystadenoma». As a result, 49 articles were selected for analysis.RESULTS: Despite the high potential of modern non-invasive radiation methods in the detection of pancreatic cysts, differentiation of PCLs subtypes is still very difficult. Due to the variability of international guidelines and a lack of their specificity, there is no universal consensus for management PCLs. In this regard, introduction new alternative diagnostic methods and markers is an important direction of research. At the moment, the assessment of the malignant potential of PCLs is comes down to only two main signs — the main pancreatic duct diameter and the vascularized solid component.CONCLUSION: Currently, common semiotic features, limitations of invasive diagnostic methods and increasing risks of recurrence and malignancy dictate the need to apply new diagnostic approaches to evaluation of PCLs. Searching and introduction new markers will allow us to analyze the lesion structure, to stratify risks and long-term prognosis more accurately. Textural image analysis is a new and promising noninvasive method with high power. This tool plays an important role to estimate those structural parameters which are impossible to judge according to the standard radiologic features, and to offset the problems of traditional diagnostic approach.

Operative risk factors for clinically relevant-postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a prospective multicenter cohort study

Background Pancreatic fistula remains the most dangerous complication after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). This study aimed to identify the operative risk factors for clinically relevant-postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after PD. Methods This prospective multicenter cohort study investigated the association between CR-POPF and operative risk factors in 107 patients who underwent PD at three tertiary centers from August 2017 to July 2022. Results The incidence of CR-POPF was 26.2%. With univariate analysis, soft pancreatic texture, pancreatic duct diameter (≤3 mm), right-sided pancreatic transection, absorbable suture, pancreatico-enteric anastomosis invagination technique, non-stented pancreatic drainage, internal pancreatic drainage, long anastomotic time (&gt;40 min), and R1 resection margin were risk factors for CR-POPF. Multivariate analysis identified four independents risk factors for CR-POPF: (1) soft pancreatic texture (OR 0.219; 95% CI 0.061–0.792; P&lt;0.021), (2) small main pancreatic duct diameter (OR 0.280; 95% CI 0.086–0.910; P&lt;0.034), (3) right-sided pancreatic transection (OR 0.168; 95% CI 0.032–0.881; P&lt;0.035), and (4) non-stented pancreatic drainage (OR 3.771; 95% CI 1.147–12.401; P&lt;0.029). Conclusion The incidence of CR-POPF after PD is reduced significantly by left-sided pancreatic transection and pancreatic drainage. Soft pancreatic texture and small main pancreatic duct diameter are independent risk factors for CR-POPF, and clinically postoperative prophylactic measures should be implemented as soon as possible.

Safety and feasibility of modified duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy during pancreatoduodenectomy: A retrospective cohort study.

Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is the most effective surgical procedure to remove a pancreatic tumor, but the prevalent postoperative complications, including postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), can be life-threatening. Thus far, there is no consensus about the prevention of POPF. To determine possible prognostic factors and investigate the clinical effects of modified duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) on POPF development. We retrospectively collected and analyzed the data of 215 patients who underwent PD between January 2017 and February 2022 in our surgery center. The risk factors for POPF were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Then, we stratified patients by anastomotic technique (end-to-side invagination PJ vs modified duct-to-mucosa PJ) to conduct a comparative study. A total of 108 patients received traditional end-to-side invagination PJ, and 107 received modified duct-to-mucosa PJ. Overall, 58.6% of patients had various complications, and 0.9% of patients died after PD. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that anastomotic approaches, main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter and pancreatic texture were significantly associated with the incidence of POPF. Additionally, the POPF incidence and operation time in patients receiving modified duct-to-mucosa PJ were 11.2% and 283.4 min, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in patients receiving traditional end-to-side invagination PJ (27.8% and 333.2 minutes). Anastomotic approach, MPD diameter and pancreatic texture are major risk factors for POPF development. Compared with traditional end-to-side invagination PJ, modified duct-to-mucosa PJ is a simpler and more efficient technique that results in a lower incidence of POPF. Further studies are needed to validate our findings and explore the clinical applicability of our technique for laparoscopic and robotic PD.

Utility of Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography for Differentiating Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma from Inflammatory Mass in Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to identify the most useful contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) features for differentiating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) from mass-forming chronic pancreatitis (MFCP) in chronic calcific pancreatitis (CCP). Methods In total, 101 patients with CCP and focal pancreatic mass formed the study group. Sixteen qualitative and four quantitative parameters were analyzed. Qualitative parameters included size, site, margin, intralesional hypodensity, collateral duct sign, abrupt pancreatic duct (PD) cutoff, upstream PD dilatation, distal pancreatic atrophy, double duct sign, enhancement pattern, contrast attenuation, peripancreatic inflammation, vascular involvement, regional nodes, and metastasis. Quantitative parameters included duct-to-body ratio, common bile duct (CBD) diameter, main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter, and carcinoembryonic antigen 19-9 (CA19-9). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated for prediction of PDAC. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed and the area under ROC curve (AUROC) was calculated to determine diagnostic accuracy to assess the optimal cutoff. Results PDAC was confirmed in 48 patients and MFCP in 53 patients. A duct-to-body ratio greater than 0.48 had 95.5% sensitivity, 83.3% specificity, 80.8% PPV, 96.2% NPV, and 88.5% accuracy for predicting PDAC. A CBD diameter cutoff ≥9.5 mm had an accuracy of 75% (p &lt; 0.019) and an MPD cutoff ≥6.25 mm had an accuracy of 67.8% (p = 0.008) for predicting PDAC. On binary logistic regression, the duct-to-body ratio was found to be the significant independent factor associated with malignancy. Conclusion A duct-to-body ratio greater than 0.48, intralesional hypodensity, and abrupt duct cutoff are the most helpful computed tomography (CT) features for distinguishing PDAC from MFCP in CCP. On binary logistic regression, the duct-to-body ratio was found to be a significant independent factor. Interspersed normal parenchyma was observed as a very specific sign of MFCP. Intraparenchymal hypodensity has high specificity, but further validation is needed.

Perioperative Fluid Balance and the Risk of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Propensity Score-adjusted Analysis.

The impact of perioperative fluid management on postoperative morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the independent association between perioperative fluid balance (FB) and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in PD patients. A total of 243 consecutive open PD patients were included. Intra- and postoperative FB until postoperative day 3 were calculated, and their predictive performance for POPF was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Propensity score (PS) was estimated as the probability of having higher FB, and factors associated with POPF were identified using crude and PS-adjusted logistic regression models. POPF occurred in 60 patients (24.7%). ROC analysis showed the highest predictive value for total FB on postoperative days 1 and 2, with a cut-off value of 1,585 ml (area under the ROC curve=0.74). Patients with FB ≥1,585 ml had a significantly higher POPF rate (48.3%) compared to those with lower FB (11.0%, PS-adjusted p<0.001). Male sex, body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, non-pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, biliary drainage, main pancreatic duct diameter <3 mm, and higher FB showed significant associations with POPF in crude univariate analysis. Higher FB remained a significant factor in both crude multivariate and PS-adjusted analysis [crude multivariate: odds ratio (OR)=8.0; PS-adjusted univariate: OR=4.2; PS-adjusted multivariate: OR=6.1, all p<0.001]. Higher early postoperative FB, a potentially modifiable factor, may be independently associated with increased risk of POPF in PD patients.

Development of a Nomogram to Predict Clinically Relevant Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Pancreaticoduodenectomy on the Basis of Visceral Fat Area and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram to predict the risk of developing clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) using preoperative clinical and imaging data. The data of 205 patients were retrospectively analyzed, randomly divided into training (n = 125) and testing groups (n = 80). The patients' preoperative laboratory indicators, preoperative clinical baseline data, and preoperative imaging data [enhanced computed tomography (CT), enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] were collected. Univariate analyses combined with multivariate logistic regression were used to identify the independent risk factors for CR-POPF. These factors were used to train and validate the model and to develop the risk nomogram. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to measure the predictive ability of the models. The integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI) and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the clinical feasibility of the nomogram in relation to five other models established in literature. CT visceral fat area (P = 0.014), the pancreatic spleen signal ratio on T1 fat-suppressed MRI sequences (P < 0.001), and CT main pancreatic duct diameter (P = 0.001) were identified as independent prognostic factors and used to develop the model. The final nomogram achieved an AUC of 0.903. The IDI and DCA showed that the nomogram outperformed the other five CR-POPF models in the training and testing cohorts. The nomogram achieved a superior predictive ability for CR-POPF following PD than other models described in literature. Clinicians can use this simple model to optimize perioperative planning according to the patient's risk of developing CR-POPF.

Association Between Preoperative Pancreatic Exocrine Function and Pathological Evaluation With Postoperative Pancreatic Fistulas Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) may cause severe complications. In this study, risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fluid leakage after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) were investigated, with a particular focus on preoperative pancreatic exocrine function and pathological evaluations of the resected pancreas. A total of 67 patients underwent the N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-para-aminobenzoic acid (BT-PABA) test and PD in our department between June 2003 and March 2018. The endpoint was the development of POPF. Patients' clinical characteristics, preoperative test results, surgery-related parameters, and pathological evaluations of the resected samples were investigated. Preoperative pancreatic exocrine function was evaluated by the BT-PABA test, and the proportion of residual acinar tissue and the fibrosis rate of the resected pancreatic tissue were assessed. 17 (25.4%) patients with Grade B and C POPF were compared with 50 patients without POPF. On univariate analysis, pancreatic carcinoma (p=0.028), BT-PABA test results higher than 66.3% (p=0.030), and main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter lower than 5.0 mm (p=0.006) were identified as risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fluid leakage. On multivariate analysis, pancreatic carcinoma (p=0.008), BT-PABA test results higher than 66.3% (p=0.036), MPD diameter lower than 5.0mm (p=0.029) were significant risk factors. BT-PABA test results have a moderate correlation with both the proportion of pancreatic acinar tissue (r=0.421, p=0.028) and the pancreatic fibrosis rate (r=-0.443, p=0.021). The preoperative BT-PABA test results higher than 66.3% were an independent risk factor for POPF. This suggests that the development of POPF may be attenuated by diminished exocrine function with poor pancreatic fluid flow and the progression of fibrosis.

Prediction of malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm: A nomogram based on clinical information and radiological outcomes.

Clinical practitioners face a significant challenge in maintaining a healthy balance between overtreatment and missed diagnosis in the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). The current study aimed to identify significant risk factors of malignant IPMN from a series of clinical and radiological parameters that are widely available and noninvasive and develop a method to individually predict the risk of malignant IPMN to improve its management. We retrospectively investigated 168 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with IPMN after individualized pancreatic resection between June, 2012 and December, 2020. Independent predictors determined using both univariate and multivariate analyses to construct a predictive model. The discriminatory power of the nomogram was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Decision curve analysis was performed to demonstrate the clinical usefulness of the nomogram. Internal cross validation was performed to assess the validity of the predictive model. In the multivariate analysis, five significant independent risk factors were identified: increased serum CA19-9 level, low prognostic nutritional index (PNI), cyst size, enhancing mural nodule, and main pancreatic duct diameter. The nomogram based on the parameters mentioned above had outstanding performance in distinguishing malignancy, with an AUC of 0.907 (95% confidence interval: 0.859-0.956, p < 0.05), which remained 0.875 after internal cross-validation, and showed good clinical usefulness. A novel nomogram for predicting malignant IPMN first introducing PNI was developed, which may aid in improving IPMN management. Nevertheless, external validation is required to confirm its efficacy.

Automatic Detection of Pancreatic Lesions and Main Pancreatic Duct Dilatation on Portal Venous CT Scans Using Deep Learning.

This study proposes and evaluates a deep learning method to detect pancreatic neoplasms and to identify main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilatation on portal venous computed tomography scans. A total of 2890 portal venous computed tomography scans from 9 institutions were acquired, among which 2185 had a pancreatic neoplasm and 705 were healthy controls. Each scan was reviewed by one in a group of 9 radiologists. Physicians contoured the pancreas, pancreatic lesions if present, and the MPD if visible. They also assessed tumor type and MPD dilatation. Data were split into a training and independent testing set of 2134 and 756 cases, respectively.A method to detect pancreatic lesions and MPD dilatation was built in 3 steps. First, a segmentation network was trained in a 5-fold cross-validation manner. Second, outputs of this network were postprocessed to extract imaging features: a normalized lesion risk, the predicted lesion diameter, and the MPD diameter in the head, body, and tail of the pancreas. Third, 2 logistic regression models were calibrated to predict lesion presence and MPD dilatation, respectively. Performance was assessed on the independent test cohort using receiver operating characteristic analysis. The method was also evaluated on subgroups defined based on lesion types and characteristics. The area under the curve of the model detecting lesion presence in a patient was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97-0.99). A sensitivity of 0.94 (469 of 493; 95% CI, 0.92-0.97) was reported. Similar values were obtained in patients with small (less than 2 cm) and isodense lesions with a sensitivity of 0.94 (115 of 123; 95% CI, 0.87-0.98) and 0.95 (53 of 56, 95% CI, 0.87-1.0), respectively. The model sensitivity was also comparable across lesion types with values of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91-0.97), 1.0 (95% CI, 0.98-1.0), 0.96 (95% CI, 0.97-1.0) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumor, and intraductal papillary neoplasm, respectively. Regarding MPD dilatation detection, the model had an area under the curve of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.96-0.98). The proposed approach showed high quantitative performance to identify patients with pancreatic neoplasms and to detect MPD dilatation on an independent test cohort. Performance was robust across subgroups of patients with different lesion characteristics and types. Results confirmed the interest to combine a direct lesion detection approach with secondary features such as the MPD diameter, thus indicating a promising avenue for the detection of pancreatic cancer at early stages.

Clinical features and images of malignant lymphoma localized in the pancreatic head to differentiate from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a case series study

BackgroundPathological examination by endoscopic ultrasonography–guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has been reported to be useful in diagnosing pancreatic malignant lymphoma (ML), but some ML cases are difficult to be differentiated from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).MethodsThis retrospective study included 8 patients diagnosed with ML that had a pancreatic-head lesion at initial diagnosis and 46 patients with resected PDAC in the pancreatic head between April 2006 and October 2021 at our institute. ML and PDAC were compared in terms of patients’ clinical features and imaging examinations.ResultsThe median tumor size was larger in ML than in PDAC (45.8 [24–64] vs. 23.9 [8–44] mm), but the median diameter of the caudal main pancreatic duct (MPD) was larger in PDAC (2.5 [1.0–3.5] vs. 7.1 [2.5–11.8] mm), both showing significant differences between these malignancies (both, P < 0.001). In the analysis of covariance, MLs showed a smaller caudal MPD per tumor size than PDACs, with a statistical difference (P = 0.042). Sensitivity and specificity using sIL-2R ≥ 658 U/mL plus CA19-9 < 37 U/mL for the differentiation of ML from PDAC were 80.0% and 95.6%, respectively.ConclusionsDiagnosing pancreatic ML using cytohistological examination through EUS-FNA can be difficult in some cases. Thus, ML should be suspected if a patient with a pancreatic tumor has a small MPD diameter per tumor size, high serum sIL-2R level, normal CA19-9 level. If the abovementioned features are present and still cannot be confirmed as PDAC, re-examination should be considered.

Completely 3-dimensional laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy with modified Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy: an analysis of 100 consecutive cases.

Although laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is increasingly performed in high-volume centers, pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) is still the most challenging procedure. Pancreatic anastomotic leakage remains a major complication after PD. Thus, various technical modifications regarding PJ, such as the Blumgart technique, have been attempted to simplify the procedure and minimize anastomotic leakage. Three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic systems have been shown to be particularly helpful in performing difficult and precise tasks. We present a modified Blumgart anastomosis in 3D-LPD and investigate its clinical outcomes. A retrospective analysis of 100 patients who underwent 3D-LPD with modified Blumgart PJ from September 2018 to January 2020 was conducted. Data on the preoperative characteristics, operative outcomes, and postoperative characteristics of the patients were collected and analyzed. The mean operative time and duration of PJ were 348.2 and 25.1min, respectively. The mean estimated blood loss was 112mL. The overall rate of postoperative complications over Clavien‒Dindo classification III was 18%. The incidence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula was 11%. The median postoperative hospital stay was 14.2days. Only one patient required reoperation (1%), and no patient died in the hospital or 90days after the operation. High BMI, small main pancreatic duct diameter, and soft pancreatic consistency had a significant influence on the occurrence of CR-POPF. The surgical outcome of 3D-LPD with modified Blumgart PJ seems to be comparable to other studies in terms of operation time, blood loss, hospital stay, and complication incidence. We consider the modified Blumgart technique in 3D-LPD to be novel, reliable, safe, and favorable for PJ in the PD procedure.

Hypoattenuated Area at Pancreatojejunostomy Site After Pancreatoduodenectomy Predicts Grade B/C Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula

BackgroundAfter pancreatojejunostomy for pancreatic head resection, contrast-enhanced computed tomography sometimes reveals a hypoattenuated area at the pancreatojejunostomy site. The clinical impact of this hypoattenuated area, in terms of postoperative pancreatic fistula, is unknown. MethodsAmong 309 patients undergoing pancreatic head resection with pancreatojejunostomy reconstruction at Osaka University Hospital from 2012 to 2020, 105 exhibited drain amylase levels over 3× the upper limit of normal. According to contrast-enhanced computed tomography on postoperative days 3–14, these patients were divided into two groups—evident hypoattenuated area group (≥ 5 mm; n = 46) and subtle hypoattenuated area group (< 5 mm; n = 59)—and evaluated for clinically relevant pancreatic fistula. ResultsClinically relevant pancreatic fistula was significantly more common with the evident hypoattenuated group (80.4%; 37/46) than the subtle hypoattenuated group (40.7%; 24/59) (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified four factors related to clinically relevant pancreatic fistula formation: male sex (P = 0.0230), main pancreatic duct diameter < 3 mm (P = 0.0007), operative time > 475 min (P = 0.0161), and evident hypoattenuated area group (P = 0.0050). Hypoattenuated area ≥ 5 mm was associated with clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (60.7% sensitivity; 79.6% specificity). ConclusionEvident hypoattenuated area on postoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography was an independent risk factor for clinically relevant pancreatic fistula. Patients experiencing increased drain amylase levels may benefit from contrast-enhanced computed tomography assessment to predict clinically relevant pancreatic fistula formation.