胆管腔内超声对胆管良恶性狭窄的鉴别诊断

目的: 探讨胆管腔内超声对良恶性胆道狭窄的鉴别诊断价值.方法: 2006-01/2007-01所有在我院行ERCP及IDUS检查的胆道梗阻患者67例(所有患者随访12-36 mo), 对比影像学诊断差异, 计算IDUS的敏感性, 特异性, 阳性预测值, 阴性预测值及准确性.结果: 手术病理或者细胞学刷检证实为恶性胆管狭窄者共37例, 病理阴性且长期随访证实良性胆管狭窄者共30例, IDUS对胆管恶性狭窄判断的敏感性为89.2%(33/37), 特异性为77.4%(24/31), 阳性预测值为82.5%(33/40), 阴性预测值为88.9%(24/27), 准确性为85.1%(57/67).结论: 胆管腔内超声是一项安全可靠的技术,对胆管良恶性狭窄性质的鉴别有较高的价值.     

ERCP胆管刷检联合血清、胆汁中CA19-9、CEA对胆管良、恶性狭窄鉴别诊断的价值

目的探讨ERCP胆管刷检联合血清、胆汁中CA19-9、CEA在胆管良、恶性狭窄定性诊断中的价值。方法77例胆管狭窄患者ERCP术中行胆管细胞刷检并留取血清、胆汁标本,测定CA199、CEA水平,比较在胆管良恶性狭窄中的变化规律。结果胆管良、恶性狭窄中血清、胆汁CA19-9,CEA水平均有差异性,恶性组明显高于良性组(P0.05)。根据ROC曲线,AUC_((胆汁CA19-9))AUC_((胆汁CEA))AUC_((血清CA19-9))AUC_((血清CEA))。两两联合后诊断的敏感性较单独检测明显提高,其中胆汁CA19-9、CEA联合检测时,诊断敏感性为92.6%,特异性为78.3%。54例胆管癌组患者行胆管刷检阳性率为40.7%,特异性为100%。胆管刷检及胆汁CA19-9、CEA联合检测,诊断胆管恶性狭窄的敏感性为96.2%,特异性为82.6%。结论在胆管恶性狭窄的诊断中,ERCP下刷检及胆汁CA19-9、CEA联合检测大大提高诊断率。     

胆管腔内超声联合胆汁肿瘤标志物对胆管狭窄病因的诊断价值探讨

目的探讨胆管腔内超声（IDUS）联合胆汁肿瘤标志物测定对胆管狭窄良恶性的鉴别诊断价值。方法57例胆管狭窄患者（良性狭窄8例,恶性狭窄49例）行胆管腔内超声检查,同时行血清及胆汁肿瘤标志物[CA19-9、癌胚抗原（CEA）]测定,以手术病理结果为金标准,统计分析腹部超声、CT、磁共振胰胆管成像术（MRCP）、IDUS以及IDUS联合胆汁肿瘤标记物鉴别诊断胆管狭窄良恶性的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值及准确度。结果IDUS和IDUS联合胆汁肿瘤标记物（胆管良恶性鉴别诊断的分界值CA19-9值和CEA值分别为107kU／L和66．71斗∥L）鉴别诊断胆管狭窄良恶性的特异度分别为63．6％（7／11）和77．8％（7／9）（P〉0．05）,阳性预测值分别为91．8％（45／49）和95．9％（47／49）（P〉0．05）,准确度分别为91．2％（52／57）和94．7％（54／57）（P〉0．05）,均显著高于腹部超声、CT和MRCP,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。IDUS联合胆汁CEA（远端胆管狭窄良恶性鉴别诊断的分界值为71μg/L）鉴别诊断远端胆管狭窄良恶性的准确度为97．9％（46／47）,明显高于IDUS的87．2％（41／47）,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论IDUS联合胆汁肿瘤标记物测定对胆管良恶性狭窄性质的鉴别有较高的价值,联合胆汁CEA测定能够在IDUS基础上进一步提高远端胆管恶性狭窄诊断的准确度。     

胆汁肿瘤标志物检测对于胆管远端良恶性狭窄鉴别诊断的价值

目的 探讨ERCP中胆汁肿瘤标志物的检测对于胆管远端良恶性狭窄鉴别诊断的价值.方法 对经手术或病理学确诊的20例胆管远端恶性狭窄,30例胆管远端良性狭窄患者及13例非胆胰疾病志愿者在ERCP或PTC时提取胆汁,采用免疫放射分析法(IRMA)检测胆汁和血清的CA19-9,CEA,AFP含量,评价其诊断价值.结果 当界定值...     

胆管癌和良性胆管狭窄的胆管内超声声像学特征比较

目的：通过比较胆管癌和良性胆管狭窄的IDUS声像学特点,总结胆管癌IDUS声像学特征,提高内镜下诊断胆管癌的能力。方法：单中心回顾性病例对照研究,纳入近5年于我院消化内镜中心行ERCP+IDUS检查并明确诊断原发性胆管癌的患者52例,同期行ERCP+IDUS并明确诊断良性胆管狭窄的59例患者作为对照组。收集临床资料、实验室检查、IDUS表现(狭窄长度、回声高低、胆管壁厚度、对称性、胆管壁外膜破坏),比较两组间临床表现、实验室检查结果和IDUS特点。结果：胆管癌和良性胆管狭窄的临床表现和实验室检查结果无明显差异。胆管癌行胆管刷检涂片找到恶性肿瘤细胞占28.9%,胆管内活检确诊胆管癌占40.0%。IDUS显示,胆管癌患者病变胆管壁较良性狭窄者厚(6.8±4.0 VS 4.1±2.3mm,p<0.01)。胆管癌病变胆管壁呈低回声改变、不对称性增厚的比例明显高于良性胆管狭窄组(分别为78.8% VS 44.1%,92.3% VS 50.8%,p<0.01)。此外,胆管癌组有8例(15.4%)IDUS显示胆管壁破坏,良性胆管狭窄组未看到此现象。结论：胆管IDUS声像学改变呈低回声不对称性增厚提示胆管癌,出现胆管壁完整性破坏时应高度怀疑胆管癌。     

胆管腔内超声对胆管狭窄的病因诊断价值探讨

目的探讨胆管腔内超声(IDUS)对胆道狭窄病因诊断的价值。方法应用微型超声探头通过ERCP、经皮经肝胆管造影及手术中直接插管3种途径对32例胆管狭窄病变进行IDUS检查。结果32例胆管狭窄患者中IDUS诊断胆总管癌16例,左肝管癌2例,壶腹癌3例,高位胆管癌1例,慢性胆总管炎6例,胆总管结石2例,胆总管囊肿2例。胆总管癌诊断准确率93.8%,慢性胆总管炎、壶腹癌、肝管癌、胆总管囊肿和胆管癌准确率为100%。结论IDUS对胆管狭窄病因诊断有特殊的价值,通过胆管狭窄不同病变声像图的特征,可以鉴别胆管良、恶性病变,并可判断胆管癌、乳头癌的浸润程度以指导治疗。     

腔内超声联合ERCP、CA19—9对胆管良恶性狭窄的诊断

胆管狭窄多因胆管的良恶性疾病或毗邻脏器的压迫所致,由于难于取到病理活检,临床上对胆管良恶性狭窄诊断较困难。近年来随着医学影像技术的发展和应用,MRCP、ERCP、腔内超声检查（IDUS）等技术在临床逐步推广应用,胆管狭窄的诊断及良恶性鉴别水平有了极大的提高。本文对近年来在我中心就诊的胆管狭窄病例资料进行总结,分析IDUS联合ERCP、CA19—9对胆管良恶性狭窄的诊断情况。     

超声内镜诊断胆管恶性狭窄13例

目的:比较超声内镜(EUS)、内镜下逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP)及磁共振胰胆管成像(MRCP)在诊断胆管恶性狭窄中的临床价值.方法:回顾性分析2008-01/2010-05天津市南开医院76例胆管恶性狭窄患者的EUS、ERCP、MRCP检查结果,比较敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值及准确率.结果:EUS诊断胆管恶性狭窄敏感性(94.2%vs78.5%)、特异性(84.6%vs57.1%)、阳性预测值(89.1%vs64.5%)、阴性预测值(73.3%vs41.3%)、准确率(91.6%vs71.6%)均明显高于MRCP.EUS诊断胆管恶性狭窄敏感性(94.2%vs80.5%)、特异性(84.6%vs68.4%)、准确性(91.6%vs71.6%)明显优于ERCP.结论:EUS诊断胆管恶性狭窄,具有敏感性、特异性及准确性高的优势.     

胆管腔内超声对鉴别胆管狭窄性质的临床价值研究

目的 探讨胆管腔内超声(IDUS)对于判断胆管狭窄性质的临床应用价值.方法 收集2006年至2010年因胆管狭窄行胆管腔内超声检查后手术患者,将IDUS结果与手术结果进行对照.结果 49例患者中良性狭窄6例,恶性狭窄43例;IDUS判断胆管狭窄性质的敏感度为97.7％( 42/43),特异度为83.3％ (5/6),阳性预测值为97.7％(42/43),阴性预测值为83.3％(5/6),准确性为95.9％(47/49);显著高于传统的影像学检查(B超、CT及MRCP).32例患者曾行胆道刷片检查,其中21例诊断为恶性狭窄,准确率为65.6％.所有胆道刷片诊断为恶性狭窄病例均已经被IDUS所诊断.结论 胆管腔内超声可以有效判断胆管狭窄的性质,指导临床治疗.ERCP术中IDUS基础上行胆道刷片对于胆管恶性狭窄诊断价值有限,但是对于明确病理诊断有一定的帮助.     

胆管内超声对胆管结石诊断价值的研究

目的 通过对磁共振胰胆管成像（MRCP）、内镜下逆行胆管造影（ERC）和十二指肠镜下胆管腔内超声（IDUS）对肝外胆管结石诊断作用的比较,评价IDUS对胆管结石的诊断价值.方法 对30例临床怀疑肝外胆管结石的患者,先行MRCP,然后行ERC,同时用经导丝的腔内超声探头行胆管内扫查.IDUS检查完成后,行内镜下取石,证实诊断.结果 30例中,MRCP准确诊断结石22例,将胆管絮状物诊断为结石2例,漏诊2例,其诊断结石的准确性、敏感性、特异性分别为86.7%（26/30）、91.7%（22/24）、66.7%（4/6）;ERC准确诊断结石23例,将胆管积气诊断为结石2例,漏诊1例,其诊断结石的准确性、敏感性、特异性分别为90%（27/30）、92%（23/25）、66.7%（4/6）;IDUS准确诊断结石24例,絮状物4例,气泡2例,无漏诊及误诊,其诊断结石的准确率、敏感性、特异性均为100%.结论 IDUS是一项安全可靠的技术,在确定胆管结石方面优于ERCP和MRCP.     

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。     

Endoscopic transpapillary biopsies and intraductal ultrasonography in the diagnostics of bile duct strictures: a prospective study

BACKGROUND: In bile duct strictures, examination of wall layers by intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) performed during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be diagnostically useful. METHODS: In the present study 60 patients with bile duct strictures of unknown aetiology were examined preoperatively by ERCP, including transpapillary biopsies and IDUS. Histopathological correlation was available for all patients undergoing these procedures. RESULTS: Postoperative diagnosis revealed 30 pancreatic carcinomas, 17 bile duct cancers, three gall bladder cancers, and 10 benign bile duct strictures. Using endoscopic transpapillary forceps biopsies (ETP), a correct preoperative diagnosis was achieved in 36 of 60 patients (60% of cases). Among the 50 malignant tumours, preoperative diagnosis by ETP revealed a sensitivity of 52% and a specificity of 100%. ERCP supplemented by IDUS allowed for correct preoperative diagnosis in 83% of cases (50 of 60 patients), which was significantly higher than the accuracy of ETP (p=0.008). By combining ETP with IDUS, a correct preoperative diagnosis was made in 59 of 60 patients resulting in an accuracy rate of 98%. CONCLUSIONS: Because of its low accuracy, exclusive use of ETP is not a reliable diagnostic tool for a definitive preoperative diagnosis of bile duct strictures. By combining IDUS and ETP with ERCP however, preoperative diagnostic accuracy can be improved substantially.     

Over-the-wire US catheter probe as an adjunct to ERCP in the detection of choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND: Intraductal ultrasound (IDUS) as an adjunct to ERCP for detection of extrahepatic bile duct stones is technically easy, accurate, and safe. This prospective study evaluated IDUS with an "over-the-wire" catheter US probe as an adjunct to ERCP. METHODS: Sixty-five patients, highly suspected to have choledocholithiasis, underwent IDUS during ERCP. The IDUS probe was inserted by means of the duodenoscope into the bile duct without performing a sphincterotomy. All stones identified by IDUS or retrograde cholangiography were removed with either a basket or retrieval balloon after endoscopic sphincterotomy. RESULTS: The final diagnosis was choledocholithiasis in 59 patients. Bile duct diameter ranged from 0.6 to 2.3 cm and stone size from 2 mm to 2 cm. IDUS successfully identified all stones in these patients. IDUS resulted in 2 false-positive diagnoses in the remaining 6 patients without stones (overall accuracy 97%, sensitivity 100%, specificity 67%). Cholangiography detected stones in 55 of the patients with stones (accuracy 94%, sensitivity 93%, specificity 100%). CONCLUSION: IDUS, a safe, technically easy procedure, is highly accurate in the detection of extrahepatic bile duct stones regardless of the diameter of the bile ducts. The "over-the-wire" technique preserves access to the cannulated duct. IDUS is an excellent adjunct to ERCP for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. IDUS differentiates stones from air bubbles and prevents unnecessary sphincterotomy.     

Preoperative diagnosis of bile duct strictures--comparison of intraductal ultrasonography with conventional endosonography

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) were compared in diagnosing biliary obstruction and in predicting surgical resectability. METHODS: Fifty-six patients with biliary obstruction were investigated preoperatively with both conventional EUS and IDUS. The ultrasonographic miniprobe was inserted into the bile duct system through the working channel of the duodenoscope during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Conventional endosonography was performed with echoendoscopes in a standard technique. Images of endoluminal ultrasonography were prospectively reviewed and compared with intraoperative findings and resection specimen analyses. RESULTS: IDUS exceeded EUS in terms of accuracy (IDUS, 89.1%; EUS, 75.6%; P < 0.002), sensitivity (IDUS, 91.1%; EUS, 75.7%; P < 0.002), specificity (IDUS, 80%; EUS, 75%; NS), and T-staging (IDUS, 77.7%; EUS, 54.1%; P < 0.001). In bile duct carcinomas the accuracy rate for lymph node staging using IDUS (60%) is comparable with that using EUS (62.5%). In pancreatic carcinomas, however, lymph node staging using IDUS (13.3%) is significantly (P < 0.002) inferior to EUS (69.2%). Endoluminal ultrasonography may predict the potential resectability of bile duct tumors (IDUS, 81.8%; EUS, 75.6%; P < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: IDUS proved to be accurate in preoperative diagnosing and T-staging of malignant biliary strictures, whereas it is not suitable for lymph node staging. IDUS using miniprobes during ERCP exceeds conventional EUS in terms of depiction of bile duct obstruction, diagnostic accuracy, and sensitivity and in the prediction of surgical tumor resectability. Additionally, different to EUS, IDUS can conveniently be performed during ERCP in one and the same session.     

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, intraductal ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in bile duct strictures: a prospective comparison of imaging diagnostics with histopathological correlation

OBJECTIVES: A variety of imaging techniques are available to diagnose bile duct strictures; the most effective imaging technique, however, has not been established yet. In the present study, we compared the impact of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS), and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with regard to diagnosing bile duct strictures. METHODS: We prospectively examined 33 patients with jaundice due to bile duct strictures by ERCP plus IDUS and MRCP. The objectives were to assess diagnostic quality of imaging, complete presentation of the bile duct, and differentiation of malignant from benign lesions. Surgical and histopathological correlations, which were used as the gold standard, were available in all cases since all included patients underwent laparotomy. RESULTS: Diagnostic image quality for ERCP was 88% and 76% for MRCP (p > 0.05). Comparing ERCP and MRCP, complete presentation of the biliary tract was achieved in 94% and 82%, respectively (p > 0.05). ERCP and MRCP allowed correct differentiation of malignant from benign lesions in 76% and 58% (p= 0.057), respectively. By supplementing ERCP with IDUS, the accuracy of correct differentiation of malignant from benign lesions increased significantly to 88% (p= 0.0047). CONCLUSIONS: Comparing ERCP with MRCP, we found adequate presentation of bile duct strictures in high imaging quality for both techniques. ERCP supplemented by IDUS gives more reliable and precise information about differentiation of malignant and benign lesions than MRCP alone without additional imaging sequences.     

Intraductal ultrasound substantiates diagnostics of bile duct strictures of uncertain etiology

AIM:To report the largest patient cohort study investigating the diagnostic yield of intraductal ultrasound (IDUS) in indeterminate strictures of the common bile duct.METHODS:A patient cohort with bile duct strictures of unknown etiology was examined by IDUS.Sensitivity,specificity and accuracy rates of IDUS were calculated relating to the definite diagnoses proved by histopathology or long-term follow-up in those patients who did not undergo surgery.Analysis of the endosonographic report allowed drawing conclusions with respect to the T and N staging in 147 patients.IDUS staging was compared to the postoperative histopathological staging data allowing calculation of sensitivity,specificity and accuracy rates for T and N stages.The endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography and IDUS procedures were performed under fluoroscopic guidance using a side-viewing duodenoscope (Olympus TJF 160,Olympus,Ltd.,Tokyo,Japan).All procedures were performed under conscious sedation (propofol combined with pethidine) according to the German guidelines.For IDUS,a 6 F or 8 F ultrasound miniprobe was employed with a radial scanner of 15-20 MHz at the tip of the probe (Aloka Co.,Tokyo,Japan).RESULTS:A total of 397 patients (210 males,187 females,mean age 61.43 ± 13 years) with indeterminate bile duct strictures were included.Two hundred and sixty-four patients were referred to the department of surgery for operative exploration,thus surgical histopathological correlation was available for those patients.Out of 264 patients,174 had malignant disease proven by surgery,in 90 patients benign disease was found.In these patients decision for surgical exploration was made due to suspicion for malignant disease in multimodal diagnostics (computed tomography scan,endoscopic ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging).Twenty benign bile duct strictures were misclassified by IDUS as malignant while 14 patients with malignant strictures were initially misdiagnosed by IDUS as benign resulting in sensitivity,specificity and accuracy ratesof 93     

Comparative analysis of ERCP,IDUS,EUS and CT in predicting malignant bile duct strictures

AIM:To compare endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography(ERCP),intraductal ultrasound(IDUS),endosonography(EUS),endoscopic transpapillary forceps biopsies(ETP)and computed tomography(CT)with respect to diagnosing malignant bile duct strictures.METHODS:A patient cohort with bile duct strictures of unknown etiology was examined by ERCP and IDUS,ETP,EUS,and CT.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy rates of the diagnostic procedures were calculated based on the definite diagnoses proved by histopathology or long-term follow-up in those patients who did not undergo surgery.For each of the diagnostic measures,the sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy rates were calculated.In all cases,the gold standard was the histopathologic staging of specimens or long-term follow-up of at least 12 mo.A comparison of the accuracy rates between the localization of strictures was performed by using the Mann-Whitney U-test and theχ2test as appropriate.A comparison of the accuracy rates between the diagnostic procedures was performed by using the McNemar’s test.Differences were considered statistically significant if P<0.05.RESULTS:A total of 234 patients(127 males,107 females,median age 64,range 20-90 years)with indeterminate bile duct strictures were included.A total of 161patients underwent operative exploration;thus,a surgical histopathological correlation was available for those patients.A total of 113 patients had malignant disease proven by surgery;in 48 patients,benign disease was surgically found.In these patients,the decision for surgical exploration was made due to the suspicion of malignant disease in multimodal diagnostics(ERCP,CT,or EUS).Fifty patients had a benign diagnosis and were followed by a surveillance protocol with a followup of at least 12 mo;the median follow-up was 34 mo.Twenty-three patients had extended malignant disease,and thus were considered palliative.A comparison of the different diagnostic tools for detecting bile duct malignancy resulted in accuracy rates of 91%(ERCP/IDUS),59%(ETP),92%(IDUS+ETP),74%(EUS),and 73%(CT),respectively.In the subgroup analysis,the accuracy rates(%,ERCP+IDUS/ETP/IDUS+ETP;EUS;CT)for each tumor entity were as follows:cholangiocellular carcinoma:92%/74%/92%/70%/79%;pancreatic carcinoma:90%/68%/90%/81%/76%;and ampullary carcinoma:88%/90%/90%/76%/76%.The detection rate of malignancy by ERCP/IDUS was superior to ETP(91%vs 59%,P<0.0001),EUS(91%vs74%,P<0.0001)and CT(91%vs 73%,P<0.0001);EUS was comparable to CT(74%vs 73%,P=0.649).When analyzing accuracy rates with regard to localization of the bile duct stenosis,the accuracy rate of EUS for proximal vs distal stenosis was significantly higher for distal stenosis(79%vs 57%,P<0.0001).CONCLUSION:ERCP/IDUS is superior to EUS and CT in providing accurate diagnoses of bile duct strictures of uncertain etiology.Multimodal diagnostics is recommended.     

Endoscopic transpapillary bile duct biopsy with the combination of intraductal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of biliary strictures

BACKGROUND: When endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) guided bile duct biopsy fails to demonstrate malignancy, it remains unclear how to manage patients with presumably malignant strictures. AIMS: To evaluate the value of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) when bile duct biopsy is negative. METHODS: Sixty two patients with strictures of the bile duct were studied prospectively. During ERCP, IDUS was performed using an ultrasonic probe (diameter 2.0 mm; frequency 20 MHz). Following IDUS, a bile duct biopsy was performed using forceps (diameter 1.8 mm). The IDUS images of the tumour were classified as polypoid lesions, localised wall thickening, intraductal sessile tumours, sessile tumour outside of the bile duct, or absence of apparent lesion. The bile duct wall structures at the site of the tumour as well as the maximum diameter of the tumour were also analysed. The IDUS findings were compared with the histological findings or clinical course. RESULTS: When the IDUS images showed a polypoid lesion (n=19), localised wall thickening (n=8), intraductal sessile tumour (n=13), and sessile tumour outside of the bile duct (n = 20), the sensitivities of the biopsy were 80%, 50%, 92%, and 53%, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that the presence of sessile tumour (intraductal or outside of the bile duct: p<0.05), tumour size greater than 10.0 mm (p<0.001), and interrupted wall structure (p<0.05) were independent variables that predicted malignancy. CONCLUSION: When biopsy fails to demonstrate evidence of malignancy, the presence of sessile tumour (intraductal or outside of the bile duct), tumour size greater than 10.0 mm, and interrupted wall structure on IDUS images are factors that can predict malignancy.     

Preoperative Diagnosis of Bile Duct Strictures-Comparison of Intraductal Ultrasonography with Conventional Endosonography

Background: The accuracy of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) were compared in diagnosing biliary obstruction and in predicting surgical resectability. Methods: Fifty-six patients with biliary obstruction were investigated preoperatively with both conventional EUS and IDUS. The ultrasonographic miniprobe was inserted into the bile duct system through the working channel of the duodenoscope during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Conventional endosonography was performed with echoendoscopes in a standard technique. Images of endoluminal ultrasonography were prospectively reviewed and compared with intraoperative findings and resection specimen analyses. Results: IDUS exceeded EUS in terms of accuracy (IDUS, 89.1%; EUS, 75.6%; P &lt; 0.002), sensitivity (IDUS, 91.1%; EUS, 75.7%; P &lt; 0.002), specificity (IDUS, 80%; EUS, 75%; NS), and T-staging (IDUS, 77.7%; EUS, 54.1%; P &lt; 0.001). In bile duct carcinomas the accuracy rate for lymph node staging using IDUS (60%) is comparable with that using EUS (62.5%). In pancreatic carcinomas, however, lymph node staging using IDUS (13.3%) is significantly (P &lt; 0.002) inferior to EUS (69.2%). Endoluminal ultrasonography may predict the potential resectability of bile duct tumors (IDUS, 81.8%; EUS, 75.6%; P &lt; 0.002). Conclusions: IDUS proved to be accurate in preoperative diagnosing and T-staging of malignant biliary strictures, whereas it is not suitable for lymph node staging. IDUS using miniprobes during ERCP exceeds conventional EUS in terms of depiction of bile duct obstruction, diagnostic accuracy, and sensitivity and in the prediction of surgical tumor resectability. Additionally, different to EUS, IDUS can conveniently be performed during ERCP in one and the same session.