Endoscopic needle aspiration biopsy at ERCP in the diagnosis of biliary strictures.

We have developed a ball-tipped catheter with a retractable 22-gauge, 7-mm long needle to perform endoscopic needle aspiration (ENA) for cytology and compared this technique to brush cytology of malignant-appearing biliary strictures during ERCP. Of 31 patients, 26 had proven malignant strictures involving the common bile duct and 5 had benign lesions. All 31 patients had ENA and 29 were brushed. Positive ENAs were obtained in 16 of 26 patients (61.5%) and positive brushings in 2 of 24 (8.3%). With the addition of two suspicious ENAs for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 73% of patients had positive or suspicious cytology for malignancy by combined ENA and brush with a specificity of 100%. Although ENA appeared to be more sensitive in diagnosing cholangiocarcinoma, it proved to be most effective in the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma when compared with brush cytology. One patient with cholangiocarcinoma in our series was diagnosed by brush cytology only, with a negative ENA, supporting our recommendation of using both endoscopic brushings and ENA for cytology when evaluating biliary strictures.     

Brush cytology evaluation of lesions encountered during ERCP

Malignant obstruction of the pancreaticobiliary system is a frequent indication for ERCP. Twenty-five patients with abnormalities suggestive of malignancy were encountered during ERCP at our institution and brush cytology was obtained. Positive cytology specimens were collected in 12 of 20 (60%) cases of malignancy causing biliary obstruction. Using a recently developed cytology brush for the biliary tree, detection of malignancy in strictures of the bile duct had a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 100%. Both cases of cholangiocarcinoma were diagnosed with cytology, as were 5 of 10 cases of pancreatic cancer. It is concluded that brush cytology is a diagnostically reliable, highly specific technique for malignant lesions encountered at ERCP. In experienced hands, a positive cytologic result may obviate the need for additional invasive diagnostic studies.     

ERCP or EUS for tissue diagnosis of biliary strictures? A prospective comparative study

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of ERCP-based brush cytology or forceps biopsy for tissue diagnosis is relatively low (usually not exceeding 70%). By contrast, reported accuracy rates for EUS-guided FNA of pancreatobiliary masses are over 80%. This prospective study compared these two modalities for the first time in the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures and pancreatic tumors. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients (29 men, 21 women; mean age 62.1 years) with obstructive jaundice in whom a tissue diagnosis was required were included. During ERCP, intraductal specimens were obtained with a forceps and with two different types of brush (conventional and spiral suction) in random order. During EUS, only visible mass lesions or localized bile duct wall thickening were aspirated (22-gauge needle), with at least two passes yielding material sufficient for assessment. A cytopathologist was not present in the procedure room to evaluate specimen adequacy. The reference methods were surgery, other biopsy results, follow-up until death, or the conclusion of the study (mean follow-up 20 months). RESULTS: The final diagnoses were malignancy, 28 (16 pancreatic, 12 biliary), and benign biliary stricture, 22. Sensitivity and specificity for ERCP-guided biopsy were 36% and 100%, respectively; for ERCP-guided cytology (when using conventional and spiral suction brushes), 46% and 100%, respectively; and for EUS-guided FNA, 43% and 100%, respectively. If the punctured lesions are considered (n=28) alone, the sensitivity of EUS-guided FNA was 75%. In general, sensitivity was better for ERCP-based techniques in the subgroup biliary tumor (ERCP 75% vs. EUS 25%), whereas EUS-guided biopsy was superior for pancreatic mass (EUS 60% vs. ERCP 38%). CONCLUSIONS: For biliary strictures, combined ERCP- and EUS-guided tissue acquisition seems to be the best approach to tissue diagnosis. From a clinical standpoint, it appears reasonable, when a tissue diagnosis is required, to start with ERCP if biliary malignancy is suspected and with EUS when a pancreatic tumor is thought to be the cause of a biliary stricture.     

The combination of stricture dilation, endoscopic needle aspiration, and biliary brushings significantly improves diagnostic yield from malignant bile duct strictures.

BACKGROUND: Brush cytology, routinely performed at ERCP to assess malignant-appearing biliary strictures, is limited by relatively low sensitivity and negative predictive value. This study assessed whether the combination of stricture dilation, endoscopic needle aspiration, and biliary brushing improves diagnostic yield. METHODS: In a prospective nonrandomized study, 46 consecutive patients were evaluated with malignant-appearing biliary strictures at ERCP. Twenty-four patients (Group A) underwent standard brush cytology alone and 22 patients (Group B) underwent stricture dilatation to 10F, endoscopic needle aspiration, and subsequent biliary brushing by using the Howell biliary system. The diagnostic yields for both techniques were compared. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients, 34 had proven malignant strictures (14 Group A, 20 Group B). Compared with brushing alone, the combination of stricture dilatation, endoscopic needle aspiration, and subsequent biliary brushing significantly increased both the sensitivity (57% vs. 85%, p < 0.02) and specificity (80% vs. 100%, p < 0.02) of cytology with positive brushings in all patients with pancreatic or gallbladder carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of stricture dilation, endoscopic needle aspiration, and biliary brushing significantly improves diagnostic yield for malignant bile duct strictures and may particularly be of benefit for extrinsic strictures caused by pancreatic or gallbladder carcinoma.     

Endoscopic ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration of unexplained bile duct strictures

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the utility of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in patients with unexplained common bile duct strictures after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and intraductal tissue sampling. METHODS: Records were reviewed for all subjects undergoing EUS for evaluation of unexplained bile duct strictures at our institution. 40 subjects had either a final histologic diagnosis (24) or no evidence of malignancy after at least 1 yr of follow-up (16). RESULTS: The finding of a pancreatic head mass and/or an irregular bile duct wall had sensitivity for malignancy of 88%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 84%. Bile duct wall thickness >/=3 mm had a sensitivity for malignancy of 79%, specificity of 79%, positive predictive value of 73%, and negative predictive value of 80%. Sensitivity of EUS FNA for malignancy was 47% with specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, and negative predictive value 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographic features may be more sensitive than EUS FNA for diagnosis of unexplained bile duct strictures and include presence of a pancreatic mass, an irregular bile duct wall, or bile duct wall thickness > 3 mm. EUS FNA cytology is specific but insensitive for diagnosis. EUS improves the diagnosis of otherwise unexplained bile duct strictures.     

经内镜细胞刷检查对胆管恶性狭窄性病变的诊断价值

目的 探讨经内镜细胞刷检查对胆管恶性狭窄性病变的诊断价值,分析影响诊断的因素.方法 对ERCP检查发现可疑胆管恶性狭窄的144例患者行胆管细胞刷检查.2004年-2006年在胆管内来回拉刷10次 2007年-2009年在狭窄部位来回拉刷20次,并重复操作2次.专业病理医师固定阅片,对照术后病理诊断和（或）临床最终诊断,分析细胞刷检查诊断胆管狭窄病变的作用.结果 最终诊断96例为胆管恶性狭窄,48例良性狭窄.恶性狭窄患者中78例细胞刷检查阳性（敏感度81.3%）,18例阴性 良性狭窄患者细胞刷检查均为阴性（特异度100.0%） 总体准确率87.5%.2007年-2009年间恶性狭窄性病变细胞刷检出率为87.7%（50/57）,2004年-2006年间检出率仅为71.8%（28/39）,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.细胞刷检查阳性率与肿瘤来源及狭窄部位无明显关系.术后发生4例轻度胰腺炎、3例胆管炎、2例胆管出血,无严重并发症发生.结论 胆管细胞刷检查对恶性胆管狭窄病变具有较高的特异度和敏感度,于狭窄部位反复拉刷和重复操作有助于提高细胞刷检阳性率.     

A prospective evaluation of cytology from biliary strictures.

BACKGROUND: Bile duct strictures may be benign or malignant. A definite diagnosis is desirable to advise patients of their prognosis and to identify any amenable to curative surgery. AIMS: To compare different methods of cytology sampling from biliary strictures and evaluate the use of cytology in this context. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study 54 patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) had cytology samples obtained as follows: (1) biliary stricture brushings, (2) from the screw thread of a "Soehendra stent retriever" inserted through the stricture, (3) from the proximal end of a blocked biliary stent, and (4) cellular material spun down from a 20 ml specimen of bile. Examination of slides and rinsings was performed by an expert cytologist who graded them for the adequacy of the sample and for evidence of malignancy. RESULTS: Prolonged follow up disclosed malignancy in 52 of the 54 cases, the other two being chronic pancreatitis. Bile samples provided adequate cytology samples in 44%, the Soehendra stent retriever in 70%, retrieved stents in 84%, and cytology brush sampling in 96%. Overall, 28 malignancies were detected by cytology, including 14 of 28 pancreatic carcinomas and 12 of 16 cholangiocarcinomas. Twenty two of the malignancies were detected by brush sampling and the other methods added a total of another six cases. CONCLUSIONS: Cytology sampling is best done by brushing the biliary stricture. Cytology sampling can confirm the diagnosis in 75% of cholangiocarcinomas and 50% of pancreatic carcinomas. The techniques involved are simple to perform and should be routine clinical practice whenever potentially malignant biliary strictures are encountered at ERCP.     

Brush cytology of ductal strictures during ERCP

BACKGROUND: Previous reports on endoscopic retrograde brush cytology (ERBC) of bile ducts and of the main pancreatic duct have reached widely varying sensitivity levels of 33 up to 85%. AIMS: To report our experience with ERBC in a series of biliary strictures (n = 98) and pancreatic duct strictures (n = 8). For the purpose of our study, that was mainly directed to the value of the cytologic examination as such, only those specimens that were considered satisfactory for cytological interpretation were studied. PATIENTS: From October 1988 until August 1994, 154 cytologic brushings were performed at ERCP in 132 patients. In 132 brushings obtained from 115 patients (86%), cell yield was satisfactory for cytologic interpretation. Nine patients lacked adequate follow-up. Hence, 123 brushings from 106 patients were included in this study. A final diagnosis of malignancy was obtained in 62 patients. METHODS: Cytological changes were described as 'benign', 'columnar cell intraepithelial neoplasia', 'inconclusive' by the presence of atypical cells, or 'malignant'. RESULTS: For a positive diagnosis of the malignant nature of a stenosis, ERBC had an overall sensitivity of 63% with a specificity of 96%. One false positive result was obtained in a patient with a biliary infection by Fasciola Hepatica. Sensitivity was highest in malignant ampullary strictures (91%). Sensitivity was 60% for cholangiocarcinomas, and 65% for pancreatic cancer. The finding of 'columnar cell intra-epithelial neoplasia' in the ampullary region led to a Whipple resection and diagnosis of invasive carcinoma in one patient. Atypical cells were found in 4 brush specimens: in three of these 4 cases, a malignant lesion proved to be present. CONCLUSIONS: Brush cytology is a simple technique with a high specificity and should be performed in biliary and pancreatic duct strictures of unknown etiology. Categorizing the smears according to cytomorphology may improve diagnostic accuracy.     

Evaluation of indeterminate bile duct strictures by intraductal US

BACKGROUND: Cholangiography and tissue sampling (brush cytology, biopsy) are the standard nonsurgical techniques for determining whether a bile duct stricture is benign or malignant. The aim of this study was to determine whether intraductal US is of assistance in distinguishing benign from malignant biliary strictures. METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken of 30 patients with indeterminate bile duct strictures who underwent ERCP and tissue sampling from September 1999 to November 2000. A 20 MHz over-the-guidewire intraductal US catheter probe was used during ERCP for further examination of the strictures. Final diagnoses of malignant strictures (18 patients) were confirmed histopathologically; confirmation of benign stricture (12 patients) was based on negative tissue sampling plus extended clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Based on retrospective blinded review, the diagnosis by ERCP was correct in 67% of patients, by tissue sampling in 68%, by combined ERCP/tissue sampling in 67%, and by intraductal US in 90% (p = 0.04 vs. ERCP/tissue sampling) of cases. No complication of intraductal US or ERCP was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Intraductal US is safe and can improve on the ability at ERCP to distinguish benign from malignant biliary strictures.     

多种内镜检查方法联合应用对胆管狭窄性疾病的诊断价值

目的评估多种内镜检查方法联合应用对胆管狭窄性疾病的诊疗价值。方法回顾性分析36例胆管狭窄性疾病患者的诊断情况。36例患者均进行了超声内镜检查术（EUS）、经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术（ERCP）、胆管内超声检查术（IDUS）,胆道靶向刷检行细胞学涂片、液基薄层细胞学检查,并结合临床资料及组织学病理检查,综合诊断。结果最终诊断胆管恶性病变21例,其中胆管细胞癌9例、十二指肠乳头癌4例、胰腺癌侵犯胆总管4例、肝癌侵犯胆总管4例;胆管良性病变15例,其中胆总管结石9例、肝吸虫感染所致胆管狭窄4例、单纯胆管炎性狭窄1例、外部压迫所致胆管狭窄1例。EUS、ERCP、IDUS及ERCP＋IDUS对胆管狭窄性疾病鉴别诊断的准确率分别为77．8％、88．9％、91．7％、94．4％,ERCP、IDUS及ERCP＋IDUS均明显高于EUS（P均〈0．05）;ERCP＋IDUS对胆管狭窄性疾病鉴别诊断的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值与阴性预测值分别为95．2％、93．3％、95．2％、93．3％,均高于EUS、ERCP及IDUS单独检查。胆道刷检细胞学、液基薄层细胞学或组织病理学检查,19例诊断为恶性狭窄,17例诊断为良性狭窄,对鉴别胆管狭窄性质诊断的敏感度为90．5％、特异度为100．0％、准确率为94．4％。结论对于胆管狭窄性病变,ERCP＋IDUS可使诊断准确率得到明显提高;联合应用ERCP＋IDUS＋病变胆管的靶向刷检等多种内镜检查方法,诊断准确率更高。     

Diagnostic benefit of biliary brush cytology in cholangiocarcinoma in primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is associated with a high risk of cholangiocarcinoma development. Efforts should be made to detect early neoplastic changes that can be radically treated by liver transplantation. METHODS: In this prospective case series we obtained brush cytology specimens from bile duct strictures in 61 consecutive PSC patients. The cytological classifications were compared with histopathological findings in bile ducts from explanted livers or clinical outcome. RESULTS: Among patients with cytological low-grade (n=9; 15%) or high-grade dysplasia/adenocarcinoma (n=13; 21%), 8 (36%) proved to have cholangiocarcinoma and 7 (32%) to have high-grade dysplasia (i.e. cholangiocarcinoma in situ) in bile ducts from explanted livers. The sensitivity, specificity, positive- and negative predictive values, and accuracy of brush cytology in diagnosis of biliary malignancy were 100%, 84%, 68%, 100%, and 88% for the combination of low-grade and high-grade dysplasia/adenocarcinoma and 73%, 95%, 85%, 91%, and 90% for high-grade dysplasia/adenocarcinoma only. All patients with high-grade biliary epithelial dysplasia in explanted bile ducts were tumour free at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Brush cytology from bile duct strictures in PSC patients can detect cholangiocarcinoma in situ. Patients with cytological low-grade and high-grade dysplasia/adenocarcinoma are currently referred for liver transplantation in our hospital.     

A comparison of routine cytology and fluorescence in situ hybridization for the detection of malignant bile duct strictures

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the relative sensitivities and specificities of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and routine cytology for the detection of malignancy in biliary tract strictures. METHODS: Bile duct brushing and aspirate specimens were collected from 131 patients being evaluated for possible malignant bile duct strictures. Both specimen types were assessed by FISH but only brushing specimens were assessed by cytology. The FISH assay used a mixture of fluorescently-labeled probes to the centromeres of chromosomes 3, 7, and 17 and chromosomal band 9p21 (Vysis UroVysion) to identify cells having chromosomal abnormalities. A case was considered positive for malignancy if five or more cells exhibited polysomy. RESULTS: Sixty-six of the 131 patients had surgical pathologic and/or clinical evidence of malignancy. Thirty-nine patients had cholangiocarcinoma, 19 had pancreatic carcinoma, and 8 had other types of malignancy. The sensitivity of cytology and FISH for the detection of malignancy in bile duct brushing specimens in these patients was 15% and 34% (p < 0.01), respectively. The sensitivity of FISH for the bile aspirate specimens was 23%, and the combined sensitivity of FISH for aspirate and brushing specimens was 35%. The specificity of FISH and cytology brushings were 91% and 98% (p= 0.06), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: FISH is significantly more sensitive than and nearly as specific as conventional cytology for the detection of malignant biliary strictures in biliary brushing specimens. FISH may improve the clinical management of patients who are being evaluated for malignancy in bile duct strictures.     

The Significance of p53 and K-ras Immunocytochemical Staining in the Diagnosis of Malignant Biliary Obstruction by Brush Cytology during ERCP

Background/Aims

Brush cytology during ERCP can provide a pathologic diagnosis in malignant biliary obstruction. K-ras and p53 mutations are commonly found in biliary and pancreatic cancers. We evaluated the diagnostic yield of brush cytology and the changes obtained by adding p53 and K-ras staining.

Methods

One hundred and forty patients with biliary obstruction who underwent ERCP with brush cytology during a 7-year period were included. The sensitivity and specificity of brush cytology only and with the addition of p53 and K-ras staining were obtained.

Results

Malignant biliary obstruction was confirmed in 119 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of brush cytology were 78.2% and 90.5%, respectively. The sensitivity of cytology was 77.3% at the ampulla-distal common bile duct (CBD), 92.6% at the mid common hepatic duct (CHD), and 94.7% at the proximal CBD-CHD (p<0.05); these values did not differ with the degree or the length of the obstruction. In the 97 patients who received additional p53 and K-ras staining, the sensitivity of cytology plus p53 was 88.2%, cytology plus K-ras was 84.0%, and cytology plus p53 and K-ras was 88.2%. The sensitivity of cytology plus p53 was higher than that of brush cytology only (95% confidence interval: 83.69-92.78 vs 72.65-83.65) but not that of cytology plus K-ras.

Conclusions

Brush cytology for malignant biliary obstruction has a high diagnostic accuracy. Adding p53 staining can further improve the diagnostic yield, whereas K-ras staining does not.     

Prospective evaluation of advanced molecular markers and imaging techniques in patients with indeterminate bile duct strictures

BACKGROUND AND  AIMS: Standard techniques for evaluating bile duct strictures have poor sensitivity for detection of malignancy. Newer imaging modalities, such as intraductal ultrasound (IDUS), and advanced cytologic techniques, such as digital image analysis (DIA) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), identify chromosomal abnormalities, and may improve sensitivity while maintaining high specificity. Our aim was to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of these techniques in patients with indeterminate biliary strictures.
METHODS: Cholangiography, routine cytology (RC), intraductal biopsy, DIA, FISH, and IDUS were performed in 86 patients with indeterminate biliary strictures. Patients were stratified based on the presence or absence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
RESULTS: RC provided low sensitivity (7–33%) but high specificity (95–100%) for PSC and non-PSC patients. The composite DIA/FISH results (when considering trisomy-7 [Tri-7] as a marker of benign disease) yielded a 100% specificity and increased sensitivity one- to fivefold in PSC patients versus RC, and two- to fivefold in patients without PSC, depending on how suspicious cytology results were interpreted. For the most difficult-to-manage patients with negative cytology and histology who were later proven to have malignancy (N = 21), DIA, FISH, composite DIA/FISH, and IDUS were able to predict malignant diagnoses in 14%, 62%, 67%, and 86%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: DIA, FISH, and IDUS enhance the accuracy of standard techniques in evaluation of indeterminate bile duct strictures, allowing diagnosis of malignancy in a substantial number of patients with false-negative cytology and histology. These findings support the routine use of these newer diagnostic modalities in patients with indeterminate biliary strictures.     

管腔内超声对胰胆疾病诊断价值的初探

目的 评价管腔内超声(IDUS)检查在胰胆疾病中的诊断价值.方法 回顾性分析北京协和医院2006年7月至2007年8月期间,对19例胰胆疾病患者的ERCP与IDUS检查结果及其相关临床资料.结果 (1)19例患者中梗阻性黄疸17例,胰腺导管内乳头状黏液瘤(IPMT)2例.17例梗阻性黄疸中胆管癌6例,胰腺癌2例,胆囊癌2例,胆管结石合并胆管狭窄2例,自身免疫性胰腺炎2例,十二指肠乳头腺癌1例,十二指肠乳头腺瘤1例,硬化性胆管炎1例.19例诊断中11例经手术或组织病理学证实.(2)ERCP对胰胆疾病诊断的正确率为73.7%(14/19),IDUS对胰胆疾病诊断的正确率为84.2%(16/19),ERCP联合IDUS对胰胆疾病诊断的正确率89.5%(17/19).(3)ERCP对胆管良恶性狭窄鉴别诊断的敏感性和特异性分别为100.0%(11/11)和83.3%(5/6),IDUS对胆管良恶性狭窄鉴别诊断的敏感性和特异性分别为100.0%(11/11)和100.O%(6/6).(4)ERCP对胆管癌诊断的敏感性和特异性分别为83.3%(5/6)和60.0%(3/5),IDUS对胆管癌诊断的敏感性和特异性分别为100.0%(6/6)和40.0%(2/5).结论 ERCP检查同时进行IDUS检查能提高胰胆疾病的诊断率.IDUS对胆管良恶性狭窄的鉴别诊断具有较高的敏感性和特异性,但在具体区分恶性狭窄的病因上尚存在一定的困难.     

Clinical significance of bile cytology via an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube for pathological diagnosis of malignant biliary strictures

Background/purpose

In patients in whom there is a suspicion of malignant biliary strictures, bile cytology via an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube (ENBD cytology) is often performed, in addition to aspirated bile cytology, brush cytology, and forceps biopsy, during the initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We aimed to reveal the significance of ENBD cytology for the pathological diagnosis of malignant biliary strictures.

Methods

We studied 214 patients with malignant biliary strictures. We performed aspirated bile cytology, brush cytology, and forceps biopsy in 93, 130, and 114 patients, respectively. ENBD cytology was performed one or more times in 79 patients. We examined the sensitivity of each sampling method, and analyzed the utility of ENBD cytology.

Results

The sensitivities of each sample acquisition method were as follows: 30% (28/93) for aspirated bile cytology, 48% (62/130) for brush cytology, 41% (47/114) for forceps biopsy, and 24% (19/79) for ENBD cytology. In 19 patients who showed positive ENBD cytology, other methods were performed in 11. Aspirated bile cytology, brush cytology, and forceps biopsy, were performed in 7, 5, and 6 patients, and the results were negative in 3 (43%), 2 (40%), and 1 (17%) patient, respectively. Three patients showed positive results only on ENBD cytology.

Conclusions

Although the sensitivity of ENBD cytology was inferior to that of the other methods used, ENBD cytology may contribute to the improvement of the total diagnostic sensitivity for malignancy.     

Second generation optical coherence tomography: Preliminary experience in pancreatic and biliary strictures

IntroductionEvaluation of indeterminate biliary strictures remains a diagnostic challenge. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides in-vivo, wide-field, cross-sectional imaging at the microstructure level. We present the first preliminary data using a second-generation OCT system using volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) in biliary and pancreatic duct strictures.Methods10 consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and OCT for indeterminate biliary or pancreatic stricture evaluation were captured in a registry. Following ductal cannulation and guidewire placement, an imaging probe was advanced into the duct and images were interpreted in-vivo. Tissue sampling with cytology brushing was performed in all cases. Demographics, procedural information, imaging data, and histologic findings were collected.Results8 had biliary strictures and 2 had pancreatic duct strictures. VLE was successfully performed in all patients (100%). Histology revealed malignancy in 3 patients (cholangiocarcinoma) and benign disease in the remaining 7 patients, including 1 with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). All 3 cholangiocarcinoma patients demonstrated epithelial thickening with projections, a hyper-reflective surface with shadowing, and layering effacement (loss of visualization and haziness of inner mucosal layers). A PSC patient showed onion skin layering and hyper-reflective sub-surface structures but with preserved wall layering. Benign biliary strictures showed clearly delineated epithelial layer and clear layering in the inner mucosal layers as well as the presence of dilated hypo-reflective structures.ConclusionThere may be characteristic VLE findings for malignant, inflammatory, and benign biliary strictures.     

核磁共振胰胆管造影与内镜下逆行胰胆管造影在胰胆疾病诊断方面的对比研究

目的：探索核磁共振胰胆管造影（ＭＲＣＰ）检查在临床应用中的价值。方法：对１１０例胰胆管疾病患者选择性地行ＭＲＣＰ检查,并与内镜下逆行胰胆管造影（ＥＲＣＰ）检查作比较,结合内镜下治疗以及外科手术,以明确两者之间的相关性。ＥＲＣＰ和手术结果作为金标准。结果：１１０例患者ＭＲＣＰ图像质量均较高,对胆管扩张诊断的敏感性为８５．０６％（７８／８７）,对胆管下段狭窄伴扩张诊断的敏感性为９０％（１８／２０）。Ｍ     

Cytodiagnosis in the management of extrahepatic biliary stricture.

A total of 117 patients presenting with extrahepatic biliary strictures between 1981 and 1989 had 206 cytological examinations of the bile duct or bile (153 non-operative, 53 intraoperative) to establish the presence of malignancy. A final diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma was made in 88 patients, with 29 patients having benign biliary strictures. The cytological techniques used were fine needle aspiration (n = 102) or brushing (n = 24) of the bile duct, or exfoliative cytology of bile (n = 80). Forty one patients with malignancy had two or more examinations with differing results between samples in 20 cases. The overall sensitivity was 72%. There was only one false positive result, giving a patient predictive value of positive cytology of 98%. Intraoperative cytology was more sensitive than non-operative examination (80% v 42%). Overall, the sensitivity of fine needle aspiration (67%) was greater than that of brush cytology (40%) or exfoliative cytology (30%). No complications were encountered. Cytodiagnosis of extrahepatic biliary strictures is a safe procedure which is not technically demanding, and as it has a high sensitivity and predictive value for positive cytology, cytological confirmation of malignancy should be sought in all clinically and radiologically suspicious cases.     

胆胰管活检,刷检及脱落细胞检查对胆胰疾病的诊断价值

为探讨经内镜组织学诊断法对胆胰疾病的诊断价值，对胆胰管狭窄或中断者在ＥＲＣＰ时做胆胰管活检、刷检及脱落细胞检查。胆管癌２３例，胰腺癌１８例，胆管炎性狭窄４例，慢性胰腺炎５例，均经手术或随访证实诊断。胆管活检２３例，胰管活检１５例，胆管刷检２３例，胰管刷检１２例，胆汁脱落细胞检查１３例，胰液脱落细胞检查５例。恶性疾病中胆、胰管活检的敏感性分别为４７．１％与４５．５％，胆、胰管刷检的敏感性分别为６８．８％与５０．０％，胆汁与胰液脱落细胞检查敏感性分别为２３．１％与４０．０％，特异性均为１００％。结果显示经内镜胆胰管活检、刷检与脱落细胞检查安全，以刷检敏感性最高，三种方法联合应用能进一步提高其敏感性，对鉴别胆胰良恶性疾病有重要的价值