Five years' experience of fine-needle aspiration biopsy: 454 consecutive cases

Four hundred and fifty-four unselected consecutive patients who underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy between 1978 and 1983 were reviewed restrospectively. The overall sensitivity of the technique in the diagnosis of malignancy was 77%. When pancreatic and biliary masses were excluded, the sensitivity was 84%. The predictive value of a positive was 100% and of a negative, 65%. Reasons for false negative biopsies are analysed. Ways of increasing the sensitivity of the procedure and improving biopsy techniques are discussed. No significant complications were encountered. We conclude that the technique is valuable, safe and can be performed in any hospital with basic ultrasonographic and radiological equipment, provided that there is a cytology service.     

Multiple bile duct biopsies using a sheath with a side port: usefulness of intraductal sonography

OBJECTIVE: We clarified the number of biopsies required to determine malignancy of the biliary tract on the basis of the type of bile duct tumor. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients with a biliary tract malignancy (n = 33) and a benign biliary stenosis (n = 3) underwent biopsy via the percutaneous transhepatic route. We performed intraductal sonography using a 20-MHz probe with a 2.0-mm diameter. The sonographic findings were prospectively classified as polypoid, circular, or semicircular. The tip of a long 9-French sheath with a side port was wedged into the stenosis, and six specimens were obtained with a 1.8-mm-diameter forceps with serrated cups. RESULTS: When cholangiography or intraductal sonography showed a polypoid lesion, the sensitivity of two biopsies was 100% (6/6). When cholangiography showed a stenotic lesion, the sensitivity of nine biopsies (96%, 26/27) was superior to that of two biopsies (74%, 20/27; p < 0.05). When intraductal sonography showed a circular lesion, the sensitivity of three biopsies (100%, 14/14) was superior to that of a single biopsy (64%, 9/14; p < 0.05). When it showed a semicircular lesion, the sensitivity of nine biopsies (92%, 12/13) was superior to that of two biopsies (54%, 7/13; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bile duct biopsy using a sheath with a side port has a high sensitivity. However, the number of biopsies required depends on the cholangioscopic and intraductal sonographic appearance of the tumor.     

Value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of carcinoma of Vater's ampulla. Apropos of 9 cases

In ten patients where ampullary carcinoma was proved, ultrasonography has been performed in 9 cases and failed in 1 case. The results reported, could be put into two different groups. In 7 cases out of 9, sonogram did not show any specific signs: In 3 of these cases, it mimicked a pancreatic carcinoma; in the other 4 cases, dilatation of biliary and/or pancreatic ducts has only been evaluated. In the 2 remaining cases (20% of the 10 patients of the series) the diagnosis of ampullary carcinoma could be suggested on sonographic features. It showed the "double duct sign" and a bulging mass filling the lumen of the distal common bile duct. In one of these 2 cases, the mass was also detectable in the second duodenum, previously filled with water. Endoscopy with biopsy is the most reliable procedure in the diagnosis of ampullary carcinoma but the interest of ultrasonography is: 1 degree to show suggestive findings when the tumor bulges in the common bile duct and the duodenum; 2 degrees to evaluate the tumor extension in the pancreatic parenchyma.     

磁共振胰胆管造影临床应用的价值评价

目的：探讨磁共振胰胆管造影（MRCP）在胆胰疾病中的应用价值。方法：采用重T2加权MR水成像技术对73例患者行MRCP检查。图像经三维最大信号强度投影（3D-MIP）及三维表面遮蔽显示技术（3D-SSD）后处理。结果：73例患者,4例为正常胰胆管,69例胆胰疾病中,梗阻性黄疸者58例,其中恶性胆道梗阻43例,良性胆道梗阻15例,非梗阻性病变11例,在梗阻性黄疸病例中,MRCP定位准确率为100%,并清楚显示扩张胆管程度及断端形态,对于恶性胆阻性病变11例,在梗阻性黄疸病例中,MRCP定位准确率为100%,并清楚显示扩张胆管程度及断端形态。对于恶性胆道梗阻。结合常规MRI可明显提高定性准确率83.7%,同时可显示肿块大小、范围及周围脏器侵犯情况。良性梗阻MR-CP检查的定性准确率为92.9%。在非梗阻性病例中,MRCP可清楚描绘胆囊结石、胆系术后改变及含液丰富的病变（胰腺假性囊肿、总胆管囊肿、十二指肠憩室等）与胰胆管之间的毗邻关系。结论：MRCP可准确揭示胆管梗阻部位,明确病变性质,MRCP对于非梗阻性胆胰疾病则有助于了解病变与周围脏器的毗邻关系。但MRCP作为一种影像检查技术。不能脱离常规CT、MRI,而是对常规影像检查的一种有效补充。     

Detection of small pancreatic tumors with multiphasic helical CT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of helical CT in the detection of adenocarcinomas of the pancreas measuring 2 cm or smaller at pathologic examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thin-section triple phase (20, 40, and 70 sec after the start of injection) contrast-enhanced helical CT scans of the abdomen in 18 patients with a pancreatic carcinoma that was 2 cm or smaller and 18 patients with a normal pancreas were retrospectively reviewed by two senior radiologists who specialized in oncologic abdominal imaging. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. The observers were unaware of the clinical information. CT scans were evaluated for the presence of a pancreatic mass, bile, and pancreatic duct stricture. The location and size of tumors as determined on CT were compared with pathologic findings. The CT results were also compared with the prospective CT interpretations derived from the radiology reports and with the endoscopic sonographic reports when available. RESULTS: The sensitivity of thin-section triple-phase helical CT in the detection of small pancreatic masses was 77%, and the specificity was 100% for the two experienced observers. The sensitivity and specificity were 72% and 100%, respectively, for the prospective interpretations done by 10 observers. There was no correlation between the tumor size at pathology and the CT measurements. CONCLUSION: Thin-section contrast-enhanced helical CT is sensitive and highly specific for the detection of pancreatic tumors measuring 2 cm or smaller. Improvement in the detection rate of this technique compared with previous techniques lies in the optimization of parenchymal enhancement during the pancreatic phase and the decrease in slice thickness.     

Local staging of pancreatic carcinoma with multi-detector row CT: use of curved planar reformations initial experience

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of curved planar reformations compared with standard transverse images in the assessment of pancreatic tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients suspected of having pancreatic tumors underwent contrast material-enhanced biphasic multi-detector row computed tomography (CT). Curved planar reformations were generated along the pancreatic duct, common bile duct, and major mesenteric vessels. Three blinded independent readers assessed the curved planar reformations and transverse images separately for the presence of tumor, resectability, and vascular involvement. The results were compared with those of a consensus panel who evaluated the curved planar reformations and transverse images together along with clinical data and surgical findings. RESULTS: Of 43 patients, 20 had pancreatic malignancies as judged by the consensus panel and proven at biopsy and/or clinical follow-up. For tumor detection, transverse images and curved planar reformations had an average sensitivity of 95.0% and 98.4% (P >.05), respectively, and an average specificity of 90.9% and 91.3% (P >.05), respectively. For tumor resectability, transverse images and curved planar reformations had an average sensitivity of 85.7% and 71.4% (P >.05), respectively, and an average specificity of 85.2% and 84.3% (P >.05), respectively. Average interpretation time was 6.4 minutes with transverse images and 4.1 minutes with curved planar reformations. CONCLUSION: Curved planar reformations are equivalent to transverse images in the detection of pancreatic tumors and determination of surgical resectability.     

The bile ducts after a fatty meal: further sonographic observations

The sonographic appearance of the response of the common hepatic duct to physiologic stimulation by a fatty meal was assessed in 131 patients referred because of right upper quadrant symptoms or abnormal liver chemical studies. In the determination of the presence or absence of biliary obstruction, the sensitivity of the examination was 84%, the accuracy of a positive test was 84%, and the accuracy of a negative test was 93%. This test proved helpful in several circumstances: equivocal duct caliber (6-10 mm); abnormal caliber (6-14 mm) with normal laboratory values; normal caliber duct with abnormal laboratory values; persistent question of cholelithiasis or asymptomatic pancreatic duct dilatation. Measurements of bile duct caliber alone may be insufficient to ascertain the presence of bile duct obstruction and fatty meal stimulation significantly improves diagnostic accuracy.     

MRCP 3D FRFSE系列对良恶性胰胆管梗阻的诊断价值

目的探讨三维快速恢复快速回波脉冲系列磁共振胰胆管水成像(MRCP 3D FRFSE)对良恶性胰胆管梗阻的临床应用价值。方法对106例临床疑有胰胆管梗阻患者行MRCP 3D FRFSE系列检查,2位高年资放射科医师前瞻性分析图像,结果与手术病理或临床随访结果比较。结果106例MRCP检查均一次性成功,肝内外胆管显示率为100%,主胰管显示率为93.4%,其中80例良性梗阻包括肝内外胆管结石66例,乳头炎6例,十二指肠降段憩室炎2例,十二指肠腺瘤样增生1例,慢性胰腺炎5例;26例恶性梗阻包括肝外胆管癌9例,壶腹癌5例,胆囊癌4例,胰头癌8例。MRCP对胰胆管梗阻的定位诊断准确率为100%,在区分良恶性梗阻中,敏感性92.3%,特异性96.3%,准确性95.3%。结论3D FRFSE系列的MRCP是区分良恶性胰胆道梗阻病变较为理想的技术,在临床上有较大的应用价值。     

胰腺原发性类癌的CT表现

目的探讨胰腺原发性类癌的CT表现。方法回顾性分析经病理证实的5例胰腺类癌的CT表现。结果本组病例肿块最大径2．0—11．0cm，平均6．4cm。CT平扫肿瘤实质较胰腺稍低，密度均匀者2例，不均匀者3例，肿块钙化者1例。动脉期肿块不均匀明显强化者3例，轻度强化者2例，肿瘤实质密度均低于胰腺，有不同程度的坏死，其中1例中央坏死明显，无强化，整个肿块呈囊状；静脉期肿块强化程度明显，与胰腺相似或稍低；1例延迟期肿块强化程度高于胰腺。肝转移1例，同时伴腹膜后淋巴结肿大及血管侵犯。未见胆管及胰管扩张。结论胰腺类癌CT表现主要有较少引起胆道及胰管扩张，对周围血管较少累及，钙化较常见；增强后肿瘤实质明显强化，静脉期强化程度与胰腺相似，延迟期强化程度高于胰腺。     

Bile duct: analysis of percutaneous transluminal forceps biopsy in 130 patients suspected of having malignant biliary obstruction

PURPOSE: To evaluate percutaneous transluminal forceps biopsy in patients suspected of having a malignant biliary obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty consecutive patients (82 men and 48 women; mean age, 59 years) with obstructive jaundice underwent transluminal forceps biopsy during or after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. The lesions involved the common bile duct (n = 58), common hepatic duct (n = 39), hilum (n = 14), ampullary segment of the common bile duct (n = 11), right or left intrahepatic bile duct (n = 5), or the entire extrahepatic bile duct (n = 3). In each patient, three to five specimens (mean, 4.1 specimens) were taken from the lesion with 5.4-F biopsy forceps. The final diagnosis for each patient was confirmed with pathologic findings at surgery, additional histocytologic data, or clinical and radiologic follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi(2) test; a P value < or =.05 was considered to indicate a significant difference. RESULTS: Ninety-eight of 130 biopsies resulted in correct diagnoses of malignancy. Five biopsy diagnoses proved to be true-negative. There were 27 false-negative diagnoses and no false-positive diagnoses. The diagnostic performance of transluminal forceps biopsy in malignant biliary obstructions was as follows: sensitivity, 78.4%; specificity, 100%; and accuracy, 79.2%. Sensitivity of biopsy in the 82 patients with cholangiocarcinoma was higher than in the 43 patients with malignant tumors other than cholangiocarcinoma (86.6% vs 62.8%, P <.005). Sensitivity was significantly lower in the ampullary segment of the common bile duct than in other sites (P <.01). No major complications related to the biopsy procedures occurred. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous transluminal forceps biopsy is a safe procedure that is easy to perform through a transhepatic biliary drainage tract. It provides relatively high accuracy in the diagnosis of malignant biliary obstructions.     

Ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy of the pancreas: smear cytology versus microhistology

Percutaneous fine needle biopsy (FNB), under sonographic guidance, of local pancreatic lesions was studied by comparing the results of smear cytology (SC) with microhistology (MH) in 34 patients in whom both sampling procedures were carried out. MH suffered from a higher number of inadequate samples (retrieval rate: 94.1% SC, 85.3% MH), but reached a superior sensitivity rate as regard to the diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy (91.7% MH, 80.8% SC). Both samples obtained an absolute specificity rate (100%. A 96.3% sensitivity rate was obtained by combination of the two techniques in the absence of complications. Thus, the combined use of SC and MH in pancreatic fine needle biopsy was proven to be a safe and reliable procedure.     

Breath-hold magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in the evaluation of malignant pancreaticobiliary obstruction

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) using a breath-hold single-shot fast spin echo (SSFSE) technique in imaging patients with malignant biliary and/or pancreatic duct obstruction. METHODS: One hundred thirty-one breath-hold MRCP studies in patients with malignant pancreatic and/or biliary obstruction were evaluated. Pathologic diagnoses included pancreatic cancer, biliary malignancy, gallbladder carcinoma, hepatic neoplasms, malignant lymphadenopathy, and ampullary carcinoma. Two observers independently reviewed the images in a blinded fashion to assess the level of obstruction and the site of underlying tumor. RESULTS: The level of obstruction was correctly identified in 104 of 131 cases (79%) by observer 1 and in 107 of 131 cases (82%) by observer 2. The site of underlying tumor was correctly identified in 113 of 131 cases (86%) by observer 1 and in 110 of 131 cases (84%) by observer 2. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography utilizing the SSFSE technique can accurately assess the level of obstruction and the site of underlying tumor in patients with malignant pancreaticobiliary obstruction, without the risks of cholangiography. This MRCP technique allows for visualization of intra- and extraductal anatomy and pathology.     

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic ascariasis—sonographic pictorial essay on four pediatric cases with acute biliary colic

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic ascariasis occur due to migration of the round worm ascaris lumbricoides through the bile duct orifice finally reaching the common bile duct, main pancreatic duct, intrahepatic ducts or gallbladder. These resulted in acute epigastric and right hypochondriac region colicky pain. Ultrasound is the investigation of choice in hepatobiliary ascariasis. We present here sonographic images on four pediatric patients with acute biliary colic.     

CT features of nonfunctioning islet cell carcinoma

To determine the computed tomographic (CT) characteristics of nonfunctioning islet cell carcinoma of the pancreas, the CT scans of 27 patients with that disease were reviewed. The pancreatic tumor was identified as a mass in 26 patients (96%). Demonstrated masses were 3-24 cm in diameter. Eight of the tumors (31%) were larger than 10 cm. Six tumors (22%) contained calcification. Of the 25 tumors evaluated with contrast enhancement, 20 became partially or diffusely hyperdense relative to nearby normal pancreatic tissue. Hepatic metastases were identified in 15 patients (56%), regional lymphadenopathy in 10 (37%), atrophy of the gland proximal to the tumor in six (22%), dilatation of the biliary ducts in five (19%), and dilatation of the pancreatic duct in four (15%). The CT appearances of the nonfunctioning islet cell tumors were compared with those of 100 ordinary (ductal) pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Although the two types of tumors were sometimes indistinguishable, features found to be more characteristic of islet cell carcinoma included a pancreatic mass of unusually large size, calcification within the tumor, and contrast enhancement of either the primary tumor or hepatic metastases. Involvement of the celiac axis or proximal superior mesenteric artery was limited to ductal carcinoma.     

Isoattenuating pancreatic adenocarcinoma at multi-detector row CT: secondary signs

PURPOSE: To assess the frequency of isoattenuating pancreatic adenocarcinoma with multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) and determine whether there are specific secondary signs that aid in detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma underwent contrast material-enhanced biphasic multi-detector row CT with curved planar reformation. Tumors were initially deemed isoattenuating or hypoattenuating to normal pancreatic parenchyma on the basis of visual inspection, and the degree of attenuation was confirmed by calculating the mean attenuation differences between normal pancreatic parenchyma and tumor (tumor-pancreas contrast) during the pancreatic phase. Indirect signs of pancreatic tumor were tabulated in patients with an isoattenuating tumor. RESULTS: Of the 53 patients, six (11%) had isoattenuating tumors with a mean tumor-pancreas contrast of 9.25 HU +/- 11.3 during the pancreatic phase and 4.15 HU +/- 8.5 during the portal venous phase. The secondary signs of pancreatic tumor in these six patients included an interrupted pancreatic duct (n = 5), dilated biliary and pancreatic ducts (n = 1), atrophic distal pancreatic parenchyma (n = 3), and mass effect and/or convex contour abnormality (n = 3). The mean tumor-pancreas contrast for the remaining 47 patients was 74.76 HU +/- 35.61 during the pancreatic phase. CONCLUSION: With no visible tumor-pancreas contrast for isoattenuating tumors, indirect signs such as mass effect, atrophic distal parenchyma, and an interrupted duct sign are important indicators for the presence of tumor.     

肝胆管及胰腺粘液性囊腺肿瘤的CT影像与病理对照研究

目的：研究肝胆管或胰腺粘液性囊腺肿瘤的CT表现。方法：选取本院1989年1月～2002年6月间经手术病理证实的肝胆管或胰腺粘液性囊腺肿瘤12例，对其CT图像进行回顾性研究。结果：肝胆管囊腺肿瘤5例，其中囊腺瘤3例，囊腺癌2例；胰腺囊腺肿瘤7例，其中囊腺瘤4例，囊腺癌3例。钙化2例，腹腔及／或腹膜后淋巴结肿大2例，伴有其他脏器转移1例。结论：肝胆管或胰腺粘液性囊性肿瘤的CT表现具有一定的特征性，并为临床治疗提供指导。     

Prospective evaluation of pancreatic tumors: accuracy of MR imaging with MR cholangiopancreatography and MR angiography

PURPOSE: To prospectively assess accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and MR angiography in patients suspected of having pancreatic tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients suspected of having pancreatic tumors underwent MR imaging (unenhanced and contrast material-enhanced MR, MRCP, and contrast-enhanced MR angiography). Two blinded readers prospectively analyzed the images by consensus, and results were correlated with surgery, biopsy, or follow-up findings. Results were tabulated in two-by-two tables. RESULTS: MR assessment of pancreatic lesion status (differentiation of benign vs malignant) resulted in 60 correct diagnoses (accuracy, 91%), and six (10%) false diagnoses. Among histologically proved malignant tumors, MR imaging yielded correct diagnoses in 42 of 44 patients (sensitivity, 95%; 95% CI: 85%, 99%), whereas 18 of 22 patients with benign findings were classified correctly. At MR imaging, findings in four patients with chronic pancreatitis were wrongly categorized as malignant tumors (specificity, 82%; 95% CI: 60%, 95%), and in one patient, a distal common bile duct carcinoma was not detected. In no patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma was this tumor misdiagnosed as benign. In patients with malignant tumors who underwent resection, local-regional tumor growth and vascular infiltration were accurately classified in 89% and 94%, respectively. MR imaging depicted histologically proved synchronous hepatic metastases in 82%. The positive and negative predictive values for cancer nonresectability were 90% and 83%, respectively, and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 85%, 69%, and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Unenhanced and contrast-enhanced MR imaging with MRCP and MR angiography offers potential as a noninvasive tool for assessment of patients suspected of having pancreatic tumors.     

胆管炎与肝外胆管癌的多层螺旋CT诊断

目的:评价多层螺旋CT(Multi-slice computed tomography,MSCT)诊断胆管炎和肝外胆管癌的价值。材料和方法:对30例表现为梗阻性黄疸患者,经临床随访、ERCP和手术病理证实为胆管炎(10例)和胆管癌(20例)。MSCT检查上腹部,观察常规和薄层三维重建(MPR、MIP、CPR)图像,判断有无胆管扩张、胆管内或肝门区肿块、胆管壁局限增厚、肝脏有无直接侵犯征象,做出胆管炎或胆管癌诊断。结果:MSCT诊断胆管炎和肝外胆管癌的平均符合率为89.9%。胆管壁局限增厚对鉴别胆管炎和胆管癌具有重要意义。胆管内或肝门区肿块、肝脏直接侵犯征象诊断胆管癌的灵敏度为100%,阳性预测值分别为20%和25%。结论:MSCT结合薄层三维重建可较准确诊断胆管炎和肝外胆管癌。胆管壁局限增厚是肝外胆管癌的较特征性CT征象。     

Percutaneous biopsy of thoracic lesions: value of sonography for needle guidance

Fluoroscopy and CT are widely used to guide percutaneous needle biopsy of thoracic lesions. However, some lesions are not sufficiently visible on fluoroscopy and others are dangerous to access on CT without real-time monitoring. When these are the circumstances, sonographic guidance may be helpful. Real-time sonography was used to guide percutaneous needle biopsy in 124 patients with thoracic lesions. The indications for sonographic guidance included pulmonary, pleural, or mediastinal lesions in contact with the chest wall, including lesions near the heart or great vessels (n = 12); lesions in the apical region (n = 5); lesions in a juxtadiaphragmatic location (n = 6); small lung nodules adjacent to the chest wall (n = 16); and peripheral tumors with adjacent pleural effusion (n = 4). A diagnosis was made in 74 (90%) of 82 malignant lesions and in 24 (67%) of 36 benign lesions. Complications included pneumothorax (n = 5), hemoptysis (n = 1), and hemothorax (n = 1). The advantages of sonographic guidance are that the sonographic equipment is mobile and real-time monitoring makes the procedure safer. Its limitations are that it cannot be used when aerated lung or free air (pneumothorax) lies between the chest wall and the lesion and that cavitary lesions are difficult to sample by biopsy. Our results show that the use of sonographic guidance considerably expands the number of thoracic lesions amenable to percutaneous biopsy.     

Percutaneous fine-needle biopsy of the adrenal glands

The percutaneous approach to the adrenal glands is impeded by their high paraaortal subphrenic location. Regarding the information conveyed in literature and referring to our experience, a summary of the technique, indication and findings of percutaneous biopsy of the adrenal gland is presented. Percutaneous needle biopsy of the right adrenal gland is most easily performed by lateral transhepatic approach under sonographic guidance, while in biopsy of the left adrenal gland protection of the spleen, kidney, pancreas and stomach can only be achieved by dorsal approach under CT control. At present, the main indication for biopsy of the adrenal gland still is differentiation between metastases and non-functioning adenomas in tumor patients. Adequate technique provided, the sensitivity of punctures of the adrenal gland varies from 80 to 90%. Clinical suspicion of pheochromocytoma is an absolute contraindication for fine needle biopsy.