Bile Duct Wall Thickening Research Articles

A case of gallbladder hemangioma detected in a patient with jaundice and suspected Klatskin tumor: case report and review of the literature

Background and objectiveThe diagnosis and treatment of benign tumors of the gallbladder and bile ducts are difficult due to their anatomical relationships with neighboring vital organs. Hemangiomas are non-epithelial benign tumors of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is an extremely rare localization for cavernous hemangiomas. To date, 7 cases of cavernous gallbladder hemangioma have been reported in the literature. Although it is seen very rarely, the main problem is that it mimics malignant lesions. Pre-operative diagnosis of gallbladder hemangiomas is difficult. Ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and angiography are helpful in differential diagnosis.Here, we aimed to present our case, which is the first case of cavernous gallbladder hemangioma and obstructive jaundice in the literature.Case presentationA 49-year-old female patient was admitted with the complaint of pain in the right upper quadrant of her abdomen. Bilirubin levels were high due to obstructive jaundice. Abdominal CT and MRI showed an appearance in favor of hemangioma in the gallbladder. There was an increase in bile duct wall thickness on MRCP, and it was evaluated as suspicious for malignant neoplasia. The patient was operated on, and extrahepatic bile duct resection + Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy procedure was performed. As a result of histopathology, hemangioma was detected in the gallbladder. There was no malignancy in the bile ducts.ConclusionIt should be kept in mind that the mass detected in the gallbladder in a patient with jaundice who is suspected of having a bile duct tumor may also be a hemangioma.

Diagnostic guide for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced liver injury.

With the widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), liver injury (ICI-induced liver injury) as an immune-related adverse event has become a major concern in clinical practice. Because severe cases of liver injury require administration of corticosteroids, a comprehensive evaluation is crucial, including clinical course, blood and imaging tests, and if necessary, pathological examination through liver biopsy. As with liver injury induced by other drugs, classification of injury type by R-value is useful in deciding treatment strategies for ICI-induced liver injury. Histologically, themost representative feature is an acute hepatitis-like hepatocellular injury, characterized by diffuse lobular inflammation accompanied by CD8-positive Tlymphocytes. Another condition that can cause liver injury during ICI treatment is cholangitis accompanied by non-obstructive bile duct dilatation and bile duct wall thickening. Many cases of ICI-induced cholangitis are classified as non-hepatocellular injury type, and they have been reported to respond poorly to corticosteroids. It is essential that gastroenterologists/hepatologists and doctors in various departments work in cooperation to develop a system that achieves early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of ICI-induced liver injury.

Clinical features, treatment, and outcome of pembrolizumab induced cholangitis.

Pembrolizumab induced hepatitis has received increasing attention, while pembrolizumab induced cholangitis is poorly understood. This study investigated the clinical features, treatment, and outcome of pembrolizumab induced cholangitis. Case reports, case series and clinical studies of pembrolizumab induced cholangitis were collected by retrieving English and Chinese database from inception until October 30, 2023. Fifty patients with cholecystitis entered our study with a median age of 68years (range 48, 89). The median time to onset of cholecystitis was 1.1months (range 0.3, 24), and the median number of cycles was 5 cycles (range 1, 27) after initial administration. Most of the patients had no clinical symptoms and only showed elevated biliary enzymes (24 cases, 48.0%), while some patients showed jaundice (12 cases, 24.0%), abdominal pain (10 cases, 20.0%) and fever (7 cases, 14.0%). The median alkaline phosphatase value was 1111IU(range 130, 3515) and the median glutamyltransferase value was 649.5IU(range 159, 3475). The imaging features of gallbladder were bile duct dilatation, stenosis and bile duct wall thickening and irregularity. Bile duct biopsy showed inflammatory infiltration, mainly CD8 + T cell infiltration. Immunosuppression treatment resulted in complete response in 4 cases (8.0%), partial response in 28 cases (56.0%), and poor response in 15 cases (30.0%). Cholangitis is a rare and serious adverse effect of pembrolizumab. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of cholangitis when administering pembrolizumab. Steroids may not be effective in most patients with cholecystitis, and ursodeoxycholic acid may be an option.

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct: diagnostic value of MRI features in differentiating pathologic subclassifications-type 1 versus type 2.

To identify MRI features for differentiating type 2 from type 1 intraductal papillary neoplasms of bile duct (IPNB) and assessing malignant potential of IPNB. This retrospective study included 60 patients with surgically proven IPNB who had undergone preoperative MRI between January 2007 and December 2020. All surgical specimens were reviewed retrospectively to classify types 1 and 2 IPNBs and assess tumor grade. Significant MRI features for differentiating type 2 (n = 40) from type 1 IPNB (n = 20); and for IPNB with an associated invasive carcinoma (n = 43) from intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 17) were determined using logistic regression analysis. An associated invasive carcinoma was more frequently found in type 2 than in type 1 IPNB (85.0% [34/40] vs. 45.0% [9/20], p = 0.003). At univariable analysis, MRI features including extrahepatic location, no dilatation of tumor-bearing segment of bile duct, isolated upstream bile duct dilatation, and single lesion were associated with type 2 IPNB (all p ≤ 0.012). At multivariable analysis, significant MRI findings for differentiating type 2 from type 1 IPNB were extrahepatic location and no dilatation of tumor-bearing segment of bile duct (odds ratio [OR], 7.24 and 46.40, respectively). At univariable and multivariable analysis, tumor size ≥ 2.5cm (OR, 8.45), bile duct wall thickening (OR, 4.82), and irregular polypoid or nodular tumor shape (OR, 6.44) were significant MRI features for differentiating IPNB with an associated invasive carcinoma from IPNB with intraepithelial neoplasia. MRI with MR cholangiopancreatography may be helpful in differentiating type 2 IPNB from type 1 IPNB and assessing malignant potential of IPNB. Preoperative MRI with MR cholangiopancreatography may be helpful in differentiating type 2 intraductal papillary neoplasms of bile duct (IPNB) from type 1 IPNB and assessing malignant potential of IPNB. • In terms of tumor grade, the incidence of invasive carcinoma was significantly higher in type 2 intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) than in type 1 IPNB. • At MRI, extrahepatic location and no dilatation of tumor-bearing segment are significant features for differentiating type 2 IPNBs from type 1 IPNBs. • At MRI, large tumor size, bile duct wall thickening, and irregular polypoid or nodular tumor shape are significant features for differentiating IPNB with an associated invasive carcinoma from IPNB with intraepithelial neoplasia.

Usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for biliary tract disease.

Conventional ultrasonography (US) for biliary tract disease shows high time and spatial resolution. In addition, it is simple and minimally invasive, and is selected as a first-choice examination procedure for biliary tract disease. Currently, contrast-enhanced US (CEUS), which facilitates the more accurate assessment of lesion blood flow in comparison with color and power Doppler US, is performed using a second-generation ultrasonic contrast agent. Such agents are stable and provide a timeline for CEUS diagnosis. Gallbladder lesions are classified into three types: gallbladder biliary lesion (GBL), gallbladder polypoid lesion (GPL), and gallbladder wall thickening (GWT). Bile duct lesions can also be classified into three types: bile duct biliary lesion (BBL), bile duct polypoid lesion (BDPL), and bile duct wall thickening (BDWT). CEUS facilitates the differentiation of GBL/BBL from tumorous lesions based on the presence or absence of blood vessels. In the case of GPL, it is important to identify a vascular stalk attached to the lesion. In the case of GWT, the presence or absence of a non-contrast-enhanced area, the Rokitansky-Aschoff sinus, and continuity of a contrast-enhanced gallbladder wall layer are important for differentiation from gallbladder cancer. In the case of BDWT, it is useful to evaluate the contour of the contrast-enhanced medial layer of the bile duct wall for differentiating IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis from primary sclerosing cholangitis. CEUS for ampullary carcinoma accurately reflects histopathological findings of the lesion. Evaluating blood flow in the lesion, continuity of the gallbladder wall, and contour of the bile duct wall via CEUS provides useful information for the diagnosis of biliary tract disease.

Follicular cholangitis mimicking a common bile duct cancer: a case report

BackgroundFollicular cholangitis (FC) is a benign bile duct disease that was first reported 2003. Pathologically, it is characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with multiple lymphoid follicle formations under the mucosal layer of the biliary tract. However, as this disease is extremely rare, little is known about its etiology and pathogenesis.Case presentationA 77-year-old woman was diagnosed with middle bile duct stenosis and potential increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels (γ-GTP). Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and IgG4 levels were all within the normal limits. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed bile duct dilation from intrahepatic to upper common bile duct and an irregular mass lesion in distal bile duct. Additionally, multiple overlapping leaf-like folds were detected. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) did not demonstrate fluorodeoxyglucose uptake. Subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with regional lymph node dissection was performed because common bile duct cancer could not be ruled out. The resected specimen showed diffuse homogeneous middle bile duct wall thickening. Microscopically, the lesion exhibited thick fibrosis with several invaded lymphoplasmacytic cells, and lymphoid follicle formations were detected under the mucosal layer. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) revealed positive for CD3, CD4, CD20 and CD79a, and these findings led to a final diagnosis of FC. The patient has not experienced recurrence to date (42 months postoperatively).ConclusionsCurrently, accurate preoperative diagnosis of FC is difficult. More cases must be accumulated to generate additional knowledge on its precise diagnosis and proper treatment.

Computed tomography findings of hepatobiliary systems in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced liver injury.

The incidence of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced liver injury has increased recently; however, its imaging characteristics remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize the computed tomography (CT) findings of ICI-induced liver injury. This was a single-center retrospective study of patients with ICI-induced liver injury who underwent CT between January 2020 and December 2021. Two board-certified radiologists independently evaluated the CT findings of the patients before the start of ICI therapy (pre-CT)and at the onset of ICI-induced liver injury (post-CT) to determine the presence or absence of imaging findings suggestive of hepatitis and cholangitis. ICI-induced liver injury was classified into three categories based on the CT findings: hepatitis alone, cholangitis alone, and overlapped (cholangitis plus hepatitis). A total of 19 patients were included in this study. Bile duct dilatation, bile duct wall thickening, non-edematous gallbladder wall thickening, hepatomegaly, periportal edema, and gallbladder wall edema were observed in the post-CT images of 12 (63.2%), 9 (60%), 11 (57.9%), 8 (42.1%), 6 (31.6%), and 2 (10.5%) patients, respectively. Wall thickening in the perihilar, distal, intrapancreatic bile duct and the cystic duct were observed in 53.3%, 60%, 46.7%, and 26.7% of the study population, respectively. Regarding the classification of ICI-induced liver injury, cholangitis alone was most common (36.8%), followed by overlapped (26.3%) and hepatitis alone (26.3%). Patients with ICI-induced liver injury demonstrated a higher incidence of biliary abnormalities than hepatic abnormalities on CT images; nonetheless, future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings.

Screening for hilar biliary invasion in ampullary cancer patients.

BACKGROUNDThe treatment for ampullary cancer is pancreatoduodenectomy or local ampullectomy. However, effective methods for the preoperative investigation of hilar biliary invasion in ampullary cancer patients have not yet been identified.AIMTo determine the necessity of and an appropriate method for investigating hilar biliary invasion of ampullary cancer.METHODSAmong 43 ampullary cancer patients, 34 underwent endoscopic treatment (n = 9) or surgery (n = 25). The use of imaging findings (thickening and enhancement of the bile duct wall on contrast-enhanced computed tomography, irregularity on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, thickening of the entire bile duct wall on intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS), and partial thickening of the bile duct wall on IDUS) and biliary biopsy results for diagnosing hilar biliary invasion of ampullary cancer was compared.RESULTSHilar invasion was not observed in every patient. Among the patients who did not undergo biliary stent insertion, the combination of partial thickening of the bile duct wall on IDUS and biliary biopsy results showed the highest accuracy (100%) for diagnosing hilar biliary invasion. However, each imaging method and biliary biopsy yielded some false-positive results.CONCLUSIONAlthough some false-positive results were obtained with each method, the combination of partial thickening of the bile duct wall on IDUS and biliary biopsy results was useful for diagnosing hilar biliary invasion of ampullary cancer. However, hilar invasion of ampullary cancer is rare; therefore, the investigation of hilar biliary invasion of ampullary cancer might be unnecessary.

Small duct primary sclerosing cholangitis diagnosed after fever and liver disorder: a case report

A woman in her 10s presented to our hospital with persistent fever and liver disorder and was admitted. It was considered that her fever was due to infectious, hematological, and collagen diseases; however, these diseases were excluded. Upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed gastritis and indicated inflammatory bowel disease involvement. Neither bile duct stricture nor bile duct wall thickening was observed in the imaging. Thus, liver biopsy was performed due to worsening liver disorder. A diagnosis of small duct primary sclerosing cholangitis was made based on the findings of edematous enlargement of the portal tracts, neutrophilic infiltration, and destruction of the interlobular bile ducts. Furthermore, liver biopsy is helpful in diagnosing unknown liver disorders, even if no abnormality in the bile duct is observed on imaging.

Diagnosis of AL‐type amyloidosis from bile duct wall thickening

Inoue and colleagues report a rare case in which jaundice was the initial symptom and bile duct wall thickening led to the diagnosis of systemic AL-type amyloidosis. The thickened bile duct wall in this case showed characteristic findings on various examinations, which may prove useful to clinicians in the future.

Endoscopic ultrasound features of autoimmune pancreatitis: The typical findings and chronic pancreatitis changes

BACKGROUNDFew studies have fully described endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) features of newly diagnosed autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) involving both typical findings and chronic pancreatitis (CP) features. The typical EUS findings are prevalent in the diffuse type AIP but may not be as common for the focal type, and the differences between the diffuse and focal AIP need to be specified.AIMTo demonstrate the EUS features of newly diagnosed AIP and the difference between diffuse and focal AIP.METHODSThis retrospective single center study included 285 patients of newly diagnosed type 1 AIP following the international consensus diagnostic criteria, with the EUS procedures accomplished before corticosteroid initiation. We explored the EUS features and compared the typical AIP and CP features between the diffuse and focal AIP cases. The Rosemont criteria were employed for CP features definition and CP change level comparison.RESULTSFor the typical AIP features, there were significantly more patients in the diffuse group with bile duct wall thickening (158 of 214 cases, 73.4% vs 37 of 71 cases, 52.1%, P = 0.001) and peripancreatic hypoechoic margin (76 of 214 cases, 35.5% vs 5 of 71 cases, 7.0%, P < 0.001). For the CP features, there were significantly more patients in the focal group with main pancreatic duct dilation (30 of 214 cases, 14.0% vs 18 of 71 cases, 25.3%, P = 0.03). The cholangitis-like changes were more prevalent in the focal cases with pancreatic head involvement. The CP change level was relatively limited for newly diagnosed AIP cases in both groups.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated the difference in the typical AIP and CP features between diffuse and focal AIP and indicated the limited CP change level in newly diagnosed AIP.

Mass-Like Extreme Wall Thickening of the Entire Common Bile Duct in a Case of Portal Cavernoma Cholangiopathy

AbstractPortal cavernoma cholangiopathy (PCC) refers to the cholangiographic abnormalities that occur in patients with portal cavernoma. These abnormalities may be either due to chronic portal vein thrombosis or extrahepatic portal vein occlusion. These abnormalities occur due to enlargement of the bridging tortuous paracholedochal, epicholedochal, and cholecystic veins exerting pressure on the bile ducts. Ischemic changes can also occur in the bile duct due to portal vein thrombosis, which affects the microvascular circulation or associated hepatic artery thrombosis. These may be either reversible with shunt procedures such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or irreversible in the advanced stage, leading to recurrent episodes of biliary pain, cholangitis, and cholestasis. Occasionally it may present as mass-like diffuse common bile duct (CBD) wall thickening, which may be confused with mimickers like primary CBD lymphoma, immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis, and even cholangiocarcinoma on imaging. Thus, we need to be aware of the mass-forming PCC imaging findings to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures like biopsy or surgical intervention. Here, we present a case of PCC, which presented as mass-like diffuse CBD wall thickening with patent lumen on ultrasound that led to further workup with contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The wall thickening showed persistent delayed enhancement, no significant diffusion restriction, and there was also associated superior mesenteric vein thrombosis with multiple mesenteric collaterals. A positron emission tomography-CT scan also ruled out malignant disease as there was no uptake. Finally, a diagnosis of mass-forming PCC was made by combining imaging features and excluding other causes.

Imaging diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis using endoscopic ultrasonography.

The diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is challenging and should be achieved through the comprehensive evaluation of clinical, radiological, serological, and pathological evidence, as there is currently no single reliable diagnostic modality. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) can reveal pancreatic parenchymal and ductal features in much more detail than any other existing imaging modality. In this article, we focused on three applications of EUS, i.e., conventional EUS imaging, EUS elastography (EUS-EG), and contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS (CEH-EUS), for the diagnosis of AIP. Diffuse hypoechoic areas, diffuse enlargement, bile duct wall thickening, and peripancreatic hypoechoic margins on conventional EUS are characteristic features of AIP, and the frequencies of these findings are significantly higher in AIP than in pancreatic cancer (PC). EUS-EG of the pancreatic parenchyma in AIP showed homogenous stiffness and that the elasticity of the pancreas may change after steroid therapy. CEH-EUS revealed focal or diffuse iso-enhancement in most AIP cases and hypo-enhancement in most PC cases. However, some AIP cases show a contrast enhancement pattern similar to that of PC. It should be noted that EUS findings of AIP may differ depending on its stage or disease activity. Differentiation from PC has become an increasingly important issue in the process of diagnosing AIP, and EUS, including elastography and contrast enhancement, could be a promising imaging modality for this purpose.

Immune-related cholangitis induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review of clinical features and management.

Background & AimsImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) improve the survival of patients with advanced tumors. However, immune-related adverse events limit the use of ICIs. Although liver toxicity has been concerned gradually, little is known about bile duct injury associated with ICIs. Hence, this review aims to describe clinicopathological features, imaging, and management of immune-mediated cholangitis (IMC) induced by ICIs.MethodsWe retrieved the literature from the PubMed database for case reports and series of IMC induced by ICIs. IMC was then classified as small-ducts type, large-ducts type and mixed type. Biochemical parameters, pathological characteristics, imaging features, treatment and response were evaluated and compared among three patterns.ResultsFifty-three cases of IMC were enrolled. The median values of alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase of IMC were 1328 and 156 IU/L. The ALP level of the large-ducts type was higher than that of the small-ducts type (P = 0.021). The main pathological characteristics of small-ducts cholangitis were portal inflammation, bile duct injury and ductular reaction. The imaging features of large-duct cholangitis were bile duct dilatation, stenosis and bile duct wall thickening and irregularity. Forty-eight (90%) cases received immunosuppression therapy. Biliary enzymes reduced in 79% of cases receiving immunosuppression therapy, but only 8.5% of cases returned to normal. It took a long time for biliary enzymes to recover.ConclusionsThe clinicians should be aware of the possibility of IMC if the biliary enzymes increase significantly after the use of ICIs. The liver function can be improved partially by immunosuppressive therapy in the majority of IMC.

Biliary Tract Malignancies Related to Gallbladder Polyps, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, and Choledochal Cysts.

Biliary Tract Malignancies Related to Gallbladder Polyps, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, and Choledochal Cysts.

Comparison of clinical features between immune-related sclerosing cholangitis and hepatitis

SummaryBackground Immune-related hepatotoxicity is often regarded as immune-related hepatitis (irHepatitis) despite including immune-related sclerosing cholangitis (irSC). This study examined the clinical differences between irSC and irHepatitis. Methods A single-center retrospective study of 530 consecutive patients who received immunotherapy between August 2014 and April 2020 was performed. IrSC and irHepatitis were respectively defined as the radiological presence and absence of bile duct dilation and wall thickness. Results Forty-one patients (7.7%) developed immune-related hepatotoxicity. A CT scan was performed on 12 patients, including 11 of 12 with ≥ grade 3 aminotransferase elevations. IrSC and irHepatitis were diagnosed in 4 (0.8%) and 8 (1.5%) patients, respectively. All the irSC patients had been treated with anti-PD-1. IrHepatitis was more common among patients receiving anti-CTLA-4 than among those receiving anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (14%, 7/50 vs. 0.2%, 1/480, P < 0.001). A ≥ grade 2 alkaline phosphatase (ALP) elevation resulting in a cholestatic pattern was seen in all 4 irSC patients. Among the irSC patients, 3 (3/4, 75%) developed ≥ grade 3 aminotransferases elevation. The median duration from the start of immunotherapy until ≥ grade 2 liver enzymes elevation was 257 and 55.5 days in irSC and irHepatitis patients. The median times for progression from grade 2 to 3 liver enzyme elevation were 17.5 and 0 days, respectively. Conclusions IrSC and irHepatitis have different characteristics in the class of immune checkpoint inhibitor and onset pattern. Radiological examination for the diagnosis of irSC should be considered for patients with ≥ grade 2 ALP elevation resulting in a cholestatic pattern. (Registration number J2020-36, Date of registration June 3, 2020)

Clinical characteristics of immunoglobulin IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis: Comparison of cases with and without autoimmune pancreatitis in a large cohort

BackgroundThe clinical characteristics of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) especially without autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) have not been investigated in a large cohort. AimsTo clarify the clinical characteristics of IgG4-SC and IgG4-SC without AIP. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed imaging, serology, other organ involvement (OOI) and histology of 872 patients with IgG4-SC who participated in a Japanese nationwide survey in 2019, and compared these items between IgG4-SC with and without AIP. ResultsAIP was present in 83.7% (730/872) of IgG4-SC. In IgG4-SC, bile duct wall thickening was observed on ultrasound (528/650; 81.2%), computed tomography (375/525; 71.4%) and magnetic resonance imaging or cholangiopancreatography (290/440; 65.9%). An elevated serum IgG4 level (≥ 135 mg/dL) was found in 88.0% (322/366). IgG4-related OOI other than AIP was observed in 25.2% (211/836). The proportion of females was significantly higher in IgG4-SC without AIP (28.9% vs. 20.1%; p = 0.025). Hilar stricture was the most common cholangiographic type in IgG4-SC without AIP (39/107; 36.4%).There were no significant differences between IgG4-SC with and without AIP in the rates of bile duct wall thickening, elevated serum IgG4 level, or IgG4-related OOI. ConclusionsThe clinical characteristics of IgG4-SC was similar between IgG4-SC with and without AIP in a large cohort.

The role of EUS in diagnosing focal autoimmune pancreatitis and differentiating it from pancreatic cancer.

Background and Objectives:The clinical presentation of focal autoimmune pancreatitis (FAIP) and together with radiological overlap can mimic pancreatic cancer (PC). The aim of this study is to construct and validate a prediction model for differentiating FAIP from PC according to EUS characteristics.Patients and Methods:Ninety patients with FAIP and 196 patients with PC, who consecutively underwent EUS at our center from January 2013 to December 2018, were retrospectively included in the study. The enrolled patients were randomly divided into either a derivation sample or a validation sample. According to EUS characteristics, multivariate stepwise logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were used to construct a prediction model in derivation sample, and then, the efficacy was assessed in validation sample.Results:EUS characteristics that were suggestive of FAIP included diffuse hypoechogenicity, hyperechoic foci/stands or lobularity (parenchymal heterogeneity), bile duct wall thickening and peripancreatic hypoechoic margin; and EUS features favoring PC included focal hypoechogenicity, absence of parenchymal heterogeneity, pancreatic duct dilation, and vessel involvement. The prediction model, with an area under the ROC curve of more than 0.95, had a good capability to distinguish FAIP from PC. By using the optimal cutoff value, the efficacy of model for diagnosing PC showed 83.7%–91.8% sensitivity and 93.3%–95.6% specificity.Conclusions:It is feasible to differentiate FAIP from PC based on EUS characteristics. The prediction model built in this study needs to be further confirmed by multicenter prospective researches.

Isolated Type Immunoglobulin G4 Sclerosing Cholangitis: The Misdiagnosed Cholangiocarcinoma.

Immunoglobulin G4 sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC), firstly described in 2004, is the biliary manifestation of a recently described multisystem immune-mediated disease known as IgG4-related disease. IgG4-SC is a unique and rare type of cholangitis of unknown etiology and its precise prevalence rate is still unclear. It is characterized by bile duct wall thickening and high levels of systemic serum IgG4 plasma cells. Differential diagnoses for IgG4-SC include benign (primary sclerosing cholangitis) as well as malignant (extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma) diseases. Discrimination between these entities is very important, due to the fact that they have different biological behaviors and different therapeutic strategies. The rare IgG4-SC subgroup with its puzzling manifestations carries a hefty diagnostic challenge for the treating physicians, and inaccurate diagnosis can lead to unnecessary morbid surgical procedures. With the paucity and relative weakness of available data in the current literature, one needs to carefully review all available parameters. A low threshold of suspicion is required to try and prevent missing IgG4-SC. IgG4-SC is highly responsive to steroid treatment, especially during the early inflammatory phase, while delay in management could lead to fibrosis and organ dysfunction. On the other hand, cholangiocarcinoma is treated by means of surgery and/or chemotherapeutic agents.

Micro- and ultrastructural organization of the common bile duct wall during four-week opioid effect in the experiment

Background. The widespread use of narcotic agents in clinical practice to obtain analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects requires a comprehensive morphological study of the structural organization of organs during the effect of opioids. Despite the urgency of the problem, only a few works have been devoted to the effect of opioids on the morphological state of the bile ducts. Objective: to establish the features of changes in the micro- and ultrastructural organization of the common bile duct during the four-week opioid administration in the experiment. Methods. We used histological, electron microscopic, morphometric, and statistical methods. A computer program ImageJ was used to measure the diameter of the lumen and thickness of the common bile duct wall. Results. After 4 weeks of nalbuphine administration, the common bile duct of experimental animals is dilated, its wall is disorganized, the layer of epitheliocytes (cholangiocytes) of the duct mucous membrane is deformed, often without clear contours. The cytoplasm of cholangiocytes is enlightened, mitochondria have the damaged crystals, a granular endoplasmic reticulum is destructured, the nuclei of epithelial cells lost their characteristic columnar shape, became rounded, contained condensed chromatin along the nuclear membrane, found nuclei in a state of apoptosis and karyopyknosis. Own plate of the mucous membrane in the common bile duct is fluffy and swollen, the glands are destructured and shifted in the direction of the epithelial layer. The bundles of smooth myocytes of the muscular membrane are stratified and separated by wide layers of connective tissue. Mitochondria of myocytes are swollen, cristae of many mitochondria are homogenized; in most of myocytes, there are revealed the unstructured sites of cytoplasm in a condition of small vacuole dystrophy. The arterioles of the common bile duct wall are dilated, their wall is thickened; in lumens, there was a formation of wall thrombi, the venules are expanded, the walls of venules are thinned. Conclusion. Four-week administration of the Nalbuphine opioid leads to profound changes in the micro- and ultrastructure of the common bile duct wall in experimental white rats. There is the dilatation of the common bile duct, thickening of its wall, the signs of exudative-proliferative inflammatory process predominate in the mucous membrane, there are developed the vacuolar dystrophy of myocytes in the muscular membrane of the common bile duct and fibro-sclerotic changes in the connective tissue layers.