Yield of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy in patients with suspected pancreatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Although atypical or suspicious cytology may support a clinical diagnosis of a malignancy, it is often not sufficient for the implementation of therapy in patients with pancreatic carcinoma. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) is a relatively new method for obtaining cytology samples, and one that may decrease the number of atypical/suspicious diagnoses. The goals of the current study were to prospectively evaluate the yield of EUS-FNAB in the diagnosis of patients presenting with solid pancreatic lesions and to evaluate the significance of atypical, suspicious, and false-negative aspirates. METHODS: All patients who presented with a solid pancreatic lesion and underwent EUS-FNAB over a 13-month period were included in the current study. One endoscopist performed all EUS-FNABs. On-site evaluation of specimen adequacy by a cytopathologist was available for each case. Follow-up included histologic correlation (n = 21) and clinical and/or imaging follow-up (n = 80), including 38 patients who died of the disease. RESULTS: EUS-FNABs were obtained from 101 patients (mean age, 62 +/- 11.8 years; age range, 34-89 years). The male-to-female ratio was 2:1. Sixty-five percent of the lesions were located in the head of the pancreas, 12% were located in the uncinate, 17% were located in the body, and 6% were located in the tail. The mean size of the tumors was 3.3 cm (range, 1.3-7 cm). A median of 4 needle passes were performed (range, 1-11 needle passes). Sixty-two biopsies (61.4%) were interpreted as malignant on cytologic evaluation, 5 (5%) as suspicious for a malignancy, 6 (5.9%) as atypical/indeterminate, and 26 (25.7%) as benign processes. Of the 76 malignant lesions, 71 were adenocarcinomas, 3 were neuroendocrine tumors, 1 was a lymphoma, and 1 was a metastatic renal cell carcinoma. All except one of the suspicious/atypical aspirates were subsequently confirmed to be malignant. Agreement was complete for the atypical cases. Among the suspicious cases, 2 of the 5 were identified as carcinoma by one cytopathologist and as suspicious lesions by the other, yielding a 40% disagreement rate between the 2 cytopathologists. Therefore, for the 10 atypical or suspicious cases that later were confirmed to be malignant, the final diagnosis of malignant disease was not made due to scant cellularity that could be attributed to sampling error in 8 cases and to interpretative disagreement in 2 cases (20%). All four false-negative diagnoses were attributed to sampling error. Two percent of all biopsies were inadequate for interpretation. Of the 99 adequate specimens, 72 yielded true-positive results, 23 yielded true-negative results, and 4 yielded false-negative results. No false-positives were encountered. Therefore, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of EUS-FNAB for solid pancreatic masses were 94.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.7-99.8%), 100%, 100%, and 85.2% (95% CI, 71.8-98.6%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNAB is a safe and highly accurate method for tissue diagnosis of patients with solid pancreatic lesions. Patients with suspicious and atypical EUS-FNAB aspirates deserve further clinical evaluation.     

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract lesions by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) allows detailed imaging of both intramural and extramural structures of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and also allows tissue samples to be obtained from masses and lesions in the GI tract. The objective of the current study was to determine the diagnostic utility of EUS-FNA in evaluating intramural and extramural GI tract lesions. METHODS: The authors evaluated all EUS-FNA specimens of GI tract lesions obtained over a 30-month period (from August 2000 to February 2003). Samples of pancreatic and intrabdominal/mediastinal lymph nodes were excluded from the study. A single endosonographer performed all procedures. An attending cytopathologist also was present on site to assess specimen adequacy. Cytologic diagnoses were analyzed for correlations with final diagnoses, which were based on histologic examination of biopsied/resected pathology materials and/or clinical follow-up findings. RESULTS: Sixty-two EUS-FNA specimens of intramural and extramural GI tract lesions were obtained from a total of 60 patients. The mean patient age was 58.8 years (standard deviation, 15.3 years). Thirty-six patients (60%) were male, and 24 (40%) were female. Twenty-eight patients had surgical pathologic evaluation of the corresponding lesions. The remaining 32 patients were followed clinically for a mean duration of 9.5 months (standard deviation, 7.7 months). The anatomic sites of the lesions were as follows: esophagus in 23 patients (37%), stomach in 13 patients (21%), duodenum in 15 patients (24%), and rectum/sigmoid in 11 patients (18%). It is noteworthy that 29 patients (43%) previously had experienced unsuccessful attempts at tissue diagnosis by endoscopic forceps biopsy. Of the 62 EUS-FNA specimens, 43, 4, and 15 were reported as being positive for a neoplasm, suspicious, and benign, respectively. Neoplastic lesions included carcinoma (n = 24), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST; n = 18), neuroendocrine neoplasm (n = 2), and lymphoma (n = 1). There were two cases of endometriosis, three foregut duplication cysts, and one case of diverticulosis. There were two lesions that yielded false-negative findings (one gastric lymphoma and one GIST) secondary to sampling or interpretive error. There also were three cases that yielded false-positive findings (one case of endometriosis, one case of duodenal diverticula with smooth muscle hyperplasia, and one case of normal pancreas, which presented as a periduodenal mass). The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA in diagnosing GI tract neoplastic lesions were 89%, 88%, and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNA provides accurate tissue diagnosis in a wide variety of extraintestinal mass lesions and intramural GI tumors, particularly in patients for whom previous endoscopic forceps biopsy was unsuccessful in establishing a diagnosis.     

ATP assay-guided chemosensitivity testing for gemcitabine with biopsy specimens obtained from unresectable pancreatic cancer using endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration

Objectives

This study evaluates the feasibility of chemosensitivity testing by use of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) samples and determines the optimum cut-off value for gemcitabine.

Methods

Thirty-four consecutive patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer were enrolled. Chemosensitivity (treated/control ratio: T/C ratio) was calculated as the quantity of adenosine triphosphate for a tumor treated with gemcitabine as a percentage of that for the control. To identify the cut-off value sufficient to predict 180?days of progression-free survival (PFS), the receiver operating characteristic curve and the corresponding area under the curve (AUC) were calculated.

Results

The success of this assay was 88.2% (30/34); therefore, 30 patients were assessable and included in the population of analyzable patients.. The response was 6.7%. Median PFS was 96?days and median overall survival was 241?days, respectively. The cut-off value was determined as 74% (AUC, 0.745; p?=?0.053; 95% CI 0.485?C1.005). According to this cut-off value, we predicted 180?days PFS with a sensitivity and specificity of 71.4 and 91.3%, respectively. When patients were divided into two groups at T/C ratio 74%, a significant difference was found in PFS (median 77 vs. 205?days, p?=?0.0036). Moreover, T/C ratio?Conclusion Chemosensitivity testing by use of EUS-FNA samples in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer is feasible. This definition emphasizes the possibility of selecting patients for whom favorable results from gemcitabine treatment can be expected.     

Rapid diagnosis of liver cancer by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy

Because of the relatively favorable prognosis to the patient with early detected hepatocarcinoma followed by surgical treatment if resection is possible, it is important to differentiate quickly between primary and secondary liver cancer. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) was used as a first diagnostic measure in patients with sonographic evidence of liver tumors. Biopsies were done under sonographic control and antiseptic conditions from the center and the border zone of solid tumors of the liver, and the aspirated cell material was air dried on glass slides and Giemsa stained. The cytologic diagnosis was proved by clinical course and in most cases by surgical or autoptic histology. Cytologic evaluation lead in 15 cases to the diagnosis of definitive or suspicious malignant liver disease; the sensitivity was 93% and the specificity was 87%. One case classified as suspicious for malignancy by cytologic examination could be identified as cirrhotic nodule by further investigations. In none of the patients did we find complications from the biopsy procedure. From these data it is concluded that US-FNAB can serve as a rapid, inexpensive, safe, and highly accurate first diagnostic step in patients with solid lesions of the liver.     

Serous cystadenoma of the pancreas: limitations and pitfalls of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy

BACKGROUND: Expectant management of serous cystadenoma (SCA) of the pancreas requires an accurate preoperative diagnosis. Previously published cytologic diagnostic sensitivities have ranged widely, from 10% to 100%. In the current study, the authors evaluated the diagnostic sensitivity of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and cross-sectional imaging for SCA. METHODS: Group I consisted of 21 histologically confirmed SCAs. Group II (n = 7 lesions) lacked histologic confirmation and was defined by EUS findings that were consistent with SCA and a cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level <5 ng/mL. Group III was comprised of 2 nonserous and potentially malignant cysts of the pancreas for which a preoperative diagnosis of SCA was considered. Cross-sectional imaging data were recorded. The smears were evaluated for the presence of serous lining epithelium, gastrointestinal-contaminating epithelium, and inflammatory cells including hemosiderin-laden macrophages. The authors also evaluated the presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages in a series of 110 FNA specimens from histologically confirmed neoplastic mucinous cysts of the pancreas and 45 pseudocysts of the pancreas. RESULTS: Prospectively among Group I lesions, the appearance on computed tomography (CT) was considered definitive for SCA in 3 of 12 cases (25%). The histologically confirmed SCA cases had CEA levels of <5 ng/mL, except for 1 case for which the CEA level was 176.5 ng/mL. A cytologic diagnosis of SCA was made prospectively in only 1 CT-guided case. Retrospectively, 3 intraoperative FNAs and 1 additional CT-guided aspirate contained rare epithelial cells of a SCA. None of the EUS-guided aspirates demonstrated serous epithelium. Among Group II aspiration specimens, only 1 contained serous epithelial cells. Approximately 52% of the EUS-guided aspirates demonstrated gastrointestinal contamination. This glandular epithelium was categorized as atypical in 2 cases. Hemosiderin-laden macrophages were identified in 43% of the SCAs. Conversely, only 2% of neoplastic mucinous cysts and 9% of pseudocysts produced hemosiderin-laden macrophages in aspirate fluid. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, serous epithelial cells were identified in <20% of cases. Gastrointestinal-contaminating epithelium, often observed in EUS-guided aspirates, further contributes to difficulties in interpretation. The presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages as a surrogate marker for SCA requires further study. A preoperative diagnosis of SCA remains a challenge, and an EUS-guided FNAB is unlikely to provide the high level of diagnostic accuracy necessary to permit a nonoperative approach.     

Cytologic features and diagnostic pitfalls of primary ampullary tumors by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-guided FNAB) is highly sensitive and specific in cytologic diagnosis and clinical staging of malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, and lymph nodes. However, no study has been performed to evaluate its accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and the cytomorphologic features of suspected primary ampullary tumors. METHODS: All EUS-guided FNABs of suspected primary ampullary lesions at the University of California Irvine Medical Center (Orange, CA) from January 1998 to September 2004 were retrospectively retrieved. The number of passes necessary to arrive at a preliminary diagnosis during adequacy assessment was documented. The cytologic features were analyzed with endosonographic correlation. Follow-up information was also collected. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were found, 17 men and 18 women. The mean age of the patients was 68.9 years (range, 34-87 yrs). Adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in 13 patients. Atypical cells were found in six patients, four of which were suspicious for adenocarcinoma and two of which were consistent with reactive atypia. Adenoma was diagnosed in two patients and carcinoid tumor in one. Thirteen patients had a diagnosis that was negative for malignant cells. The average number of aspiration passes was 2.4 (range, 1-6 passes). Follow-up information was available in 27 patients. There were three false-negative results and no false-positive results. The sensitivity, specificity, and the positive and the negative predictive values were 82.4%, 100%, 100%, and 76.9%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was 88.8%. The consistent cytologic features in specimens that were positive or suspicious for adenocarcinoma included high cellularity, single cells, 3-dimensional cell balls, high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, prominent nucleoli, coarse/uneven distribution of chromatin, and necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided FNAB was accurate, sensitive, and specific in the assessment of suspected primary ampullary masses. Adenoma presented a diagnostic challenge and endosonographic correlation was instrumental to increase the diagnostic accuracy.     

薄层细胞涂片在术中诊断胰腺癌的应用价值

目的 探讨薄层细胞涂片(TLC)在胰腺癌手术中针吸穿刺细胞学诊断中的应用价值.方法 对临床和影像学诊断为胰腺癌并行剖腹探查术的221例患者,进行术中细胞学诊断,其中仅行传统涂片(CS)20例,仅行TLC 151例,同时行CS和TLC两种涂片50例,同时行FNA和穿刺冰冻20例.结果 271例次中,行CS共70例患者,不满意标本5例(7.1%);行TLC共201例患者,不满意标本9例(4.5%).两种涂片方法不满意标本所占比例,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).行CS的70例患者,诊断阳性42例,阳性率为60.0%;行TLC的201例患者,诊断阳性164例,阳性率为81.6%,高于CS组(P<0.01).行CS的70例患者中,19例有术后病理诊断,45例有CT、MR、术中探查及细胞学4项结果,均诊断为癌,敏感性为68.9%.行TLC的201例患者中,80例有术后病理诊断,111例有CT、MR、术中探查及细胞学4项结果,均诊断为癌,敏感性为87.7%,高于CS组(P<0.01).术中同时行FNA和粗针穿刺的20例患者,FNA和活检冰冻的阳性率均为90.0%,敏感性均为90.0%,两者联合的敏感性为95.0%.9例患者送检细胞学2次,术后病理诊断均为恶性,其中7例第2次送检查到腺癌细胞.结论 TLC涂片阳性率和敏感性高,是术中诊断胰腺癌最好的方法之一,若能与冰冻活检联合应用于临床,可望进一步提高诊断的敏感性.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy: a study of 103 cases

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) provides detailed imaging of both intramural and extramural structures within the abdomen and mediastinum. However, EUS is limited in its ability to differentiate an inflammatory/reactive process from a malignancy. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), coupled with EUS, allows for the sampling of the target lesion under ultrasound guidance in real time. To better evaluate the clinical utility and efficiency of EUS-FNAB, a retrospective analysis of the first 103 EUS-FNABs performed at our institute was undertaken. METHODS: EUS-FNABs was performed in 80 patients with 103 lesions. Both air-dried and alcohol-fixed smears were prepared and stained with Diff-Quik (American Scientific Products, McGraw Park, IL) and Papanicolaou stains, respectively. In addition, ThinPrep slides (Cytyc, Boxborough, MA) and cell blocks, when additional material was available, were also prepared. Immunohistochemical stains were performed on cell blocks wherever required. Cytologic diagnoses were then correlated with the final diagnoses. The latter was based on histologic examination of biopsies/resected pathology materials (n = 54) and clinical follow up (n = 48). Follow-up information was not available for one lesion. RESULTS: Of 103 EUS-FNABs, 42 FNABs were from the pancreas, 38 from the lymph nodes (10 mediastinal and 28 intraabdominal), 10 from the gastrointestinal tract, 7 from the liver, 4 from the adrenal gland, 1 from the biliary tract, and 1 from a retroperitoneal mass. The mean number of passes to obtain diagnostic materials was 3.3. Of 103 EUS-FNABs, 45, 9, 6, and 37 were reported as malignant, suspicious, atypical, and benign, respectively. Six FNABs were nondiagnostic. The authors did not encounter any false-positive cases. There were three false-negative cases (two pancreatic carcinomas and one gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach). No complications were encountered. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 71%, 100%, and 81%, respectively. If the FNABs that were classified as suspicious were considered as malignant, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 86%, 100%, and 91%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNAB is a safe and accurate diagnostic procedure for the evaluation of intramural and extramural lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. In the majority of cases, it obviates the need for more invasive diagnostic procedures to obtain a tissue diagnosis.     

胰腺癌术中组织活检及细胞学诊断的临床意义

目的 探讨胰腺癌术中组织活检和细胞学诊断的临床应用价值.方法 回顾性分析术中行组织活检和穿刺细胞学检查的142例胰腺癌患者的临床资料.142例患者均获得组织病理学诊断,其中80例患者术中行快速冰冻切片病理检查,87例患者术中行穿刺细胞学检查.结果 术中组织活检诊断准确率为83.8%,穿刺细胞学检查诊断准确率为93.1%,差异有统计学意义(P=0.027).术中组织活检和穿刺细胞学检查均无相关并发症发生.结论 胰腺癌组织学诊断困难,术中行组织活检或穿刺细胞学检查安全性和诊断准确率均较高,是提高胰腺癌诊断的有效方法.     

Analysis of cytological specimens from mediastinal lesions obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) seems to be a powerful tool to obtain cytologic specimens from mediastinal and celiac lymph nodes, enlarged left adrenal glands, and intrapulmonary tumors with mediastinal extension. The diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA and the accuracy of cytologic specimens was evaluated. METHODS: Cytologic assessment of EUS-FNA specimens was performed and specimens were classified as positive, negative, suspicious for malignancy, or unsatisfactory for diagnosis. Cytology was compared with histologic and clinical (> or = 6 months) follow-up. RESULTS: Cytologic specimens were collected from 155 lymph nodes, 10 left adrenal glands, and 9 intrapulmonary tumor masses. For lymph nodes, the diagnostic yield was 0.65. After exclusion of unsatisfactory specimens, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of cytologic specimens were 0.92, 1.00, 0.93, 1.00, and 0.63, respectively. Subgroup analysis of lymph nodes with a dimension of > or = 10 mm showed similar results. With EUS imaging only, lymph node diameter and a round or irregular shape were significant predictors of malignancy at multiple logistic regression analysis, but their clinical usefulness is very limited (PPV = 0.78 and NPV = 0.45). For left adrenal gland specimens, sensitivity and specificity were 0.89 and 1.00, respectively. From intrapulmonary masses, 8 true-positive and 1 true-negative specimens were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Cytologic specimens from mediastinal or celiac lymph nodes obtained with EUS-FNA were reliable and accurate. Specimens from left adrenal glands and intrapulmonary tumor masses showed promising results.     

A preliminary result of three-dimensional microarray technology to gene analysis with endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration specimens and pancreatic juices

Background

Analysis of gene expression and gene mutation may add information to be different from ordinary pathological tissue diagnosis. Since samples obtained endoscopically are very small, it is desired that more sensitive technology is developed for gene analysis. We investigated whether gene expression and gene mutation analysis by newly developed ultra-sensitive three-dimensional (3D) microarray is possible using small amount samples from endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) specimens and pancreatic juices.

Methods

Small amount samples from 17 EUS-FNA specimens and 16 pancreatic juices were obtained. After nucleic acid extraction, the samples were amplified with labeling and analyzed by the 3D microarray.

Results

The analyzable rate with the microarray was 46% (6/13) in EUS-FNA specimens of RNAlater^® storage, and RNA degradations were observed in all the samples of frozen storage. In pancreatic juices, the analyzable rate was 67% (4/6) in frozen storage samples and 20% (2/10) in RNAlater^® storage. EUS-FNA specimens were classified into cancer and non-cancer by gene expression analysis and K-ras codon 12 mutations were also detected using the 3D microarray.

Conclusions

Gene analysis from small amount samples obtained endoscopically was possible by newly developed 3D microarray technology. High quality RNA from EUS-FNA samples were obtained and remained in good condition only using RNA stabilizer. In contrast, high quality RNA from pancreatic juice samples were obtained only in frozen storage without RNA stabilizer.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the adrenal glands: analysis of 24 patients

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) biopsy allows the detailed imaging and FNA not only of both intramural and extramural structures and lesions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but also of various intraabdominal organs. Thus, EUS-FNA biopsy offers a novel opportunity to evaluate and obtain cytology samples from adrenal gland lesions. The objective of the current study was to determine the utility of EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of adrenal lesions. METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective evaluation of 24 consecutive EUS-FNA biopsy specimens obtained from patients with adrenal lesions. An attending cytopathologist was present on site to assess specimen adequacy and to provide rapid interpretation of air-dried material that had been stained with Diff-Quik (Baxter Scientific Products, McGraw Park, IL). Additional samples were obtained for ThinPrep (Cytyc Corporation, Boxborough, MA) preparation, and cell blocks subsequently were prepared. Appropriate immunohistochemical staining was performed as indicated. The cytologic diagnosis was then analyzed for correlations with the final diagnosis, which was based on relevant correlative cytologic or histologic examination of biopsied/resected pathology materials and/or final clinical follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 24 EUS-FNA biopsy specimens (from 18 males and 6 females) were obtained from adrenal glands. The mean patient age was 62.2 years (range, 48-81 years). Adequate cellularity was noted in all 24 samples. Seven of 24 samples (29%) were reported to be positive for carcinoma. All samples that were diagnosed as metastatic carcinoma were confirmed on subsequent follow-up. EUS-FNA performed simultaneously with adrenal gland aspiration either from the primary site (n = 1) or from metastases to lymph nodes (n = 3) supported diagnoses of metastatic carcinoma. Six of seven samples were metastatic from the lung, and one specimen was a direct extension of a transitional renal cell carcinoma. EUS-FNA biopsy of the right adrenal gland in one patient revealed myelolipoma. In 16 patients, benign adrenal gland cells were noted on EUS-FNA biopsy specimens from enlarged adrenal glands. In 5 samples (31%), signs of adenoma were evident. Morphology alone could not distinguish between adrenal adenoma and adrenal hyperplasia. No significant complications were reported after EUS-FNA biopsy of adrenal glands. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNA biopsy is a highly specific and safe technique for confirming the diagnosis of carcinoma metastatic to the adrenal glands. Along with cytologic evaluation, EUS imaging is needed to support the diagnosis of adrenal adenoma.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy: a powerful tool to obtain samples from small lesions

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a powerful imaging modality to identify and determine the extent of a lesion. In addition, EUS is superior to a computed tomography scan in detecting lesions < 3 cm. The objective of the current study was to determine whether small lesions (< or = 25 mm) affected the specimen adequacy and the diagnostic accuracy for lesions aspirated under EUS guidance. METHODS: In the current study, 209 consecutive EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) samples < or = 25 mm (100 samples) or > 25 mm (109 samples) as determined by EUS were obtained from 151 patients with a mean age of 62 years (range, 39-94 years). A cytopathologist present in the endoscopy suite determined specimen adequacy. Yield of adequate samples for diagnosis, number of passes, and operating characteristics of EUS-FNAB for small (< or = 25 mm) and large lesions (>25 mm) were compared. RESULTS: The overall yield of obtaining adequate samples for diagnosis was 96% (201 of 209). There was no difference noted with regard to the yield of obtaining samples (96% vs. 96%) from small or large lesions. A mean of 2.5 passes (range, 1-9 passes) was needed to obtain adequate samples from lesions < or = 25 mm, whereas a mean of 4.5 passes (range, 1-11 passes) was needed to obtain adequate samples from lesions > 25 mm. The sensitivity (96% vs. 96%), specificity (100% vs. 100%), and diagnostic accuracy (98% vs. 97%) for EUS-FNAB were comparable whether the lesion was < or = 25 mm or > 25 mm. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNAB was a highly effective technique to obtain samples from small (< or = 25 mm) and large (> 25 mm) lesions without affecting the sensitivity, specificity, or diagnostic accuracy.     

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of hepatic lesions: computerized tomographic-guided versus endoscopic ultrasound-guided FNA

BACKGROUND: Computerized tomographic (CT)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is a well-established tool in the diagnosis of hepatic lesions. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided FNA (EUS-FNA), developed recently and used predominantly in evaluating mediastinal and pancreatic lesions, provides access to a significant portion of the liver and to perihepatic structures not readily accessible by a percutaneous approach. METHODS: A recent experience (1997-2002) with CT-guided FNA of liver lesions at the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) was compared with the first 2.5 years of EUS-FNA experience (2000-2002). Cases were identified using a SNOMED search and all reports and cytologic slides were retrieved for review. RESULTS: In 6 years, 34 percutaneous CT-FNA liver biopsies were performed at UAB; in approximately 2.5 years, 16 EUS-FNA liver biopsies were done. In both groups the primary clinical indication was suspected metastatic carcinoma (CT, 41% of cases vs. EUS, 56%). The 2 techniques yielded a similar range of benign, atypical, and malignant diagnoses (CT: 26%, 18%, and 56% vs. EUS: 19%, 25%, and 56%). Because of the clinical setting in which EUS-FNA is usually performed, a much narrower range of neoplasms was sampled by EUS-FNA. Benign gastrointestinal epithelial cells were identified in 60% of the EUS-FNA specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Early experience suggests EUS-FNA is comparable to CT-FNA in terms of diagnostic utility for hepatic lesions. Anatomy limits EUS-FNA to only a fraction of the hepatic parenchyma, but that fraction includes the hilum and left lobe of the liver and the proximal biliary tract. The gallbladder, extrahepatic biliary system, and perihilar lymph nodes are readily accessible. Proximate high-resolution ultrasound imaging and cytopathologist involvement in the EUS-FNA process are further advantages. Awareness of artifacts inherent in EUS-FNA sampling (i.e., gut epithelial cells) can minimize a potential diagnostic pitfall.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a study of 48 cases

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the pancreas are relatively uncommon tumors. The objective of this report was to describe the cytopathologic and immunocytochemical features of NETs obtained by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA). METHODS: Forty-eight patients who were diagnosed with pancreatic NETs based on EUS-guided FNA were studied retrospectively (from 2002 to 2007). Clinical data, EUS findings, cytopathologic features, and immunocytochemical stains were reviewed for this study. The final histopathologic diagnosis from each patient also was available for comparison. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients (28 men and 20 women) who ranged in age from 16 years to 86 years were selected and had the following clinical findings: solid or multiple pancreatic masses diagnosed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging studies; simultaneous, suspicious, metastatic masses in the liver, mediastinum, and/or lung; hypoglycemia; multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome; von Hippel-Lindau syndrome; and primary NET of the small bowel. EUS findings revealed solid or multiple masses in the pancreatic head/uncinate, or in the pancreatic body/tail, or simultaneously in the pancreatic head/uncinate and body/tail. Cytologically, 40 patients were diagnosed with NETs (histopathogically confirmed), and 8 patients had findings that were suspicious of NETs (2 patients had false-positive results, and 6 patients had histopathologically confirmed NETs). The most helpful cytologic findings for the diagnosis of NET were a richly cellular sample with a monotonous, poorly cohesive population of small or medium-sized cells with granular chromatin (salt and pepper) and plasmacytoid morphology. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the neuroendocrine origin of tumors in 40 patients (material for immunocytochemistry was inadequate in 8 patients). CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that EUS-guided FNA is a useful method for the diagnosis of pancreatic NETs. Cytopathologic examination in coordination with immunocytochemistry can provide an accurate diagnosis in most patients.     

胰腺癌术中细针抽吸细胞学的临床应用

目的探讨胰腺癌术中采用细针抽吸细胞学（IFNAC）检查的应用价值。方法对70例胰腺癌患者的IFNAC检查进行回顾性总结。结果总的阳性率为84．3％。常规IFNAC的阳性率为66．7％,改用25G皮试针头（0．5mm）进行旋转抽吸,多点穿刺后,由于切削作用,阳性率提高到95．3％。二者相比较,后者阳性率显著增加（P=0．002）。未发生与穿刺有关的并发症。结论胰腺癌术中IFNAC采用25C（0．5mm）的皮试针头可进行旋转抽吸、多点穿刺,敏感性高,并发症少,安全可靠。     

Transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for the mediastinal staging of extrathoracic tumors: a new perspective

BackgroundSeveral extrathoracic tumors metastasize to the mediastinum. Mediastinoscopy is the standard method to obtain tissue proof of mediastinal spread, but drawbacks are its invasiveness, requirement for general anesthesia and costs. Transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is indicated in lung cancer staging guidelines as a minimally invasive alternative for surgical staging. The diagnostic values in patients with suspected mediastinal metastases and various (previous) extrathoracic malignancies were assessed.Patients and methodsConsecutive patients with suspected mediastinal metastases (on computed tomography or positron emission tomography) and an (previous) extrathoracic malignancy underwent EUS-FNA.ResultsSeventy-five patients with current (n = 14) or previously diagnosed (n = 61) extrathoracic malignancies were evaluated. EUS-FNA detected mediastinal malignancies in 43 patients (57%) [metastases of extrathoracic tumors, n = 36 (48%); second malignancy (lung cancer), n = 7 (9%)]. Mediastinal metastases were found at subsequent surgical staging in seven patients or during follow-up (one patient). In seven patients, an alternative diagnosis was established. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and negative predictive value of EUS-FNA for mediastinal staging were 86%, 100%, 91% and 72%, respectively.ConclusionEUS-FNA is a minimally invasive mediastinal staging method for patients with extrathoracic malignancies to confirm nodal metastatic spread and therefore may qualify as an alternative for surgical staging.     

Role of axillary ultrasound,magnetic resonance imaging,and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the preoperative triage of breast cancer patients

Purpose

Roughly two-thirds of early breast cancer cases are associated with negative axillary nodes and do not benefit from axillary surgery at all. Accordingly, there is an ongoing search for non-surgical staging procedures to avoid lymph-node dissection or sentinel node biopsy (SNB). Non-invasive imaging techniques with very high sensitivity (Se) and negative predictive value (NPV) could eventually replace SNB. We aimed to establish the role of axillary US and MRI, alone or in combination, associated with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) in the prediction of axillary node involvement.

Methods/patients

Between January 2003 and September 2015, we included 1505 of the 1538 breast cancer patients attending our centres. All patients had been referred from a single geographical area. Axillary US, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) were performed if required.

Results

1533 axillary US examinations and 1351 axillary MRI studies were analyzed. For axillary US, Se, Specificity (Sp), Positive Predictive Value (PPV), and NPV were 47.5, 93.6, 82.5, and 73.8%, respectively. For axillary MRI, corresponding values were 29.8, 96.6, 84.9, and 68.4%. When both tests were combined, Sp and PPV slightly improved over individual tests alone. US-FNAB showed a 100% Sp and PPV, with a Se of 80%.

Conclusion

We may confidently state that axillary US and US-FNAB have to be included in the preoperative work-up of breast cancer patients.