ENDOSONOGRAPHY GUIDED INJECTION THERAPY

The ability to image the gastrointestinal wall in addition to mediastinal, abdominal, retroperitoneal and pelvic organs with endosonography has permitted substantive advances in our diagnostic capabilities. Requisite to this evolution was the development of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and trucut biopsy (TCB). These techniques permit pathologic confirmation of abnormalities heretofore only possible by surgical means. The next generation in this evolution is just emerging in the form of EUS‐guided fine needle injection (FNI) therapy. Standard EUS‐guided techniques for injection therapy include celiac plexus block/neurolysis, treatment of achalasia, and variceal sclerotherapy. However, this review will focus on the limited information available on EUS‐FNI of anti‐neoplastic agents for pancreatic cancer as well as EUS‐FNI of alcohol for cystic pancreatic tumors. We will also discuss potential technical hurdles that must be overcome to allow for the safe proliferation of these techniques.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus block for managing abdominal pain associated with chronic pancreatitis: a prospective single center experience

OBJECTIVE: In our previous randomized trial, we suggested a possible role for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided celiac plexus block in the treatment of abdominal pain associated with chronic pancreatitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our prospective experience with EUS-guided celiac plexus block for controlling pain attributed to chronic pancreatitis, including follow-up on response rates and complications. METHODS: All subjects enrolled had documented chronic pancreatitis by ERCP and EUS criteria and presented with chronic abdominal pain unresponsive to current treatment options. All were treated with EUS-guided celiac plexus block under the guidance of linear array endosonography using a 22-gauge FNA needle (GIP, Mediglobe Inc., Tempe, AZ) inserted on each side of the celiac area, followed by injection of 10 cc bupivacaine (0.25%) and 3 cc (40 mg) triamcinolone on each side of the celiac plexus. Individual pain scores, based on a visual analog scale (0-10), were determined preblock and postblock by a nurse at 2, 7, 14 days and monthly thereafter. Subjects also rated their overall comfort level during the EUS procedure. RESULTS: EUS-guided celiac plexus block was performed in 90 subjects (40 males, 50 females) having a mean age of 45 yr (range 17-76 yr) between July 1, 1995 and December 30, 1996. A significant improvement in overall pain scores occurred in 55% (50/90) of patients. The mean pain score decreased from 8 to 2 post EUS celiac block at both 4 and 8 wk follow-up (p < 0.05). In 26% of patients there was persistent benefit beyond 12 wk, and 10% still had persistent benefit at 24 wk, including three patients who were pain-free between 35 and 48 wk. Younger patients (<45 yr of age) and those having previous pancreatic surgery for chronic pancreatitis were unlikely to respond to the EUS-guided celiac block. Three patients experienced diarrhea post EUS celiac block, which resolved in 7-10 days; however, it is unclear whether this diarrhea was due to the block or to refractory disease. A cost comparison between the EUS ($1200) and CT ($1400) techniques shows the EUS celiac block to be less costly and perhaps more cost efficient in a subset of subjects. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided celiac plexus block appears to be safe, effective, and economical for controlling pain in some patients with chronic pancreatitis. Younger patients (<45 yr) and those having prior pancreatic surgery for chronic pancreatitis do not appear to benefit from this technique. Prophylactic antibiotics should be considered if acid suppressing agents are being taken.     

Spinal cord ischemia after endoscopic ultrasound guided celiac plexus neurolysis: case report and review of the literature

Introduction: Endosonography guided celiac plexus neurolysis is efficacious in the management of severe pain due to advanced pancreatic cancer. Although endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided celiac neurolysis (CN) is mostly a safer procedure than the percutaneous posterior approach, severe complications such as paraplegia have been reported.

Case report: We describe a patient with advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and severe pain who developed irreversible paraplegia after EUS guided CN.

Conclusions: Endosonography guided celiac plexus neurolysis also might be complicated with paraplegia as already observed with percutaneous approach. The underlying mechanism could not be explained clearly until now. We detected concomitant embolic occlusion of Adamkiewicz and anterior radicularis magna arteries in magnetic resonance angiography. So, this procedure must be considered only for malignancy patients.     

Initial evaluation of the forward-viewing echoendoscope prototype for performing fine-needle aspiration, Tru-cut biopsy, and celiac plexus neurolysis

Background and Aims: A forward‐viewing echoendoscope (FV‐CLA) has been recently developed for performing interventional endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The role of FV‐CLA in performing standard EUS‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA), Tru‐cut biopsy (TCB), and celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) is unknown. Our aims were to evaluate the feasibility of the FV‐CLA for performing EUS‐guided FNA/TCB and CPN. Methods: In this prospective study conducted over a 3‐month period, 30 patients were evaluated with the FV‐CLA. Procedures performed were FNA in 28 lesions, TCB in one, and CPN in five patients. Results: EUS‐guided FNA was undertaken at the following sites: mediastinum (n = 3), liver (n = 2), retroperitoneal mass (n = 2), pancreas head/uncinate (n = 9), pancreas body (n = 6), pancreas tail (n = 4), and perigastric lymph node (n = 2). The median size of the lesions was 37 × 34 mm. A median of two passes was performed (range: 1–7). Final cytopathology diagnosed malignancies in 21 patients, with adenocarcinoma suspected for one.TCB of a mediastinal lymph node revealed lymphoma. FNA was benign in six patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for a malignancy diagnosis was 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87–96%), 100% (95% CI, 70–100%), 100% (92–100), and 86% (60–86%), respectively. CPN was successful in all five patients. It was easier to deploy the needle from the echoendoscope at all locations, including the duodenum, and irrespective of the site of the lesion. Conclusions: The initial evaluation and safety profile of the FV‐CLA echoendoscope for performing standard FNA/TCB and CPN appear to be favorable. The narrow image does not preclude basic therapeutic maneuvers. A major advantage appears to be easy needle deployment at any site within reach of the echoendoscope.     

Therapeutic role of endoscopic ultrasound in pancreaticobiliary disease: A comprehensive review

With the development of technology and accessories,the role of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) has evolved from diagnostics to therapeutics. In order to characterise the therapeutic role of EUS,we searched Web of Knowledge database and reviewed articles associated with therapeutic EUS. There are two modalities for the therapeutic purpose: drainage and fine-needle injection. EUS-guided drainage is a promising procedure for the treatment of peripancreatic fluid collection and biliary obstruction; EUS-guided fine-needle injections such as celiac plexus neurolysis,for the purpose of pain relief for pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis,has emerged as a promising procedure. The aim of the study was to perform a comprehensive and conscientious review on the techniques,complications and clinical outcomes of those EUS-based procedures.     

Complications of endoscopic ultrasonography

Since its development in the 1980s, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has undergone a great deal of technological modifications. EUS has become an important tool in the evaluation of patients with various clinical disorders and is increasingly being utilized in many centers. EUS has been evolving over the years; EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) for cytological and/or histological diagnosis has become standard practice and a wide array of interventional and therapeutic procedures are performed under EUS guidance for diseases which otherwise would have needed surgery, with its associated morbidities. EUS shares the risks and complications of other endoscopic procedures. This article addresses the specific adverse effects and risks associated with EUS, EUS-FNA and interventional EUS, namely perforation, bleeding, pancreatitis and infection. Measures to help minimizing these risks will also be discussed.     

Diagnosis of Pseudomyxoma peritonei via endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration: a case report and review of literature

Introduction: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare condition caused by mucinous adenocarcinoma cancerous cells that produce abundance of mucin or gelatinous ascites. This cancer can cause tissue fibrosis and can impair normal organ function. Diagnosis can involve multiple imaging modalities including CT scan. There have been few cases of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) being used as a means for diagnosis of this condition. Here we report a second case of PMP with a previous history of appendectomy diagnosed with EUS guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy.

Case study: A 66-year-old male with a history of an appendectomy presented with intermittent abdominal pain for two years and weight loss of 40 pounds over two months. EGD and colonoscopy performed at an outside hospital was unremarkable. CT abdomen revealed perigastric ascities and lesions of the liver. ESR was elevated at 75. At our facility, EUS was performed revealing a peri-gastric and omental mass measuring 36.6?mm?×?25.5?mm. FNA performed of both mass and ascetic fluid revealed low grade mucinous adenocarcinoma with mucinous deposits in the peritoneum consistent with PMP.

Conclusions: Endoscopic ultrasound guided FNA, although very rarely used, can be a reliable and safe technique in diagnosis of PMP.     

An overview of endoscopic ultrasound equipment

Endoscopic ultrasound imaging technology has significantly improved over the last decade. Innovative design of equipment and devices has broadened the utility of EUS as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Lesions as small as 3 mm can be imaged and targeted for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). EUS imaging with the latest generation electronic radial and linear scopes is excellent and does not vary significantly between models. Miniprobes should not be used in place of routine EUS echoendoscopes when available and technically feasible. The drawbacks of ultrasound miniprobes are the inability to perform fine needle aspiration and the limited depth of imaging. Transpapillary intraductal ultrasound (IDUS) improves staging of biliary tumors and improves imaging of biliary and pancreatic duct strictures. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis or block (EUS-CPN/CPB) can be performed with the EUS-FNA needle or a specially designed celiac plexus block needle which distributes the neurolytic agent into the celiac plexus in a radial fashion. Use of the core biopsy needle is safe and should be used with a therapeutic linear scope through the gastric wall.     

The role of endoscopic ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer

EUS with FNA is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing pancreatic cancer. However, in certain situations, such as in patients with chronic pancreatitis, this high sensitivity and specificity can significantly diminish. The use of new technology, such as EUS elastography, CE-EUS, and gene mutations detection in FNA specimens, can help to differentiate chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer. EUS has evolved from a diagnostic procedure to a therapeutic intervention in pancreatic cancer. EUS-guided fiducial insertion and EUS-guided delivery of antitumor agents, in addition to celiac plexus neurolysis, are the main therapeutic applications of EUS in pancreatic cancer.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided (neurolytic) celiac plexus block

Celiac plexus neurolysis is an established technique for relieving pain in cancers of the upper abdomen. This article reviews the novel technique of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided neurolytic celiac plexus block. This recently described procedure is a therapeutic extension of curvilinear array endosonographic fine needle aspiration. The indications, patient preparation, and technical aspects of the procedure are described in detail. The potential complications are mentioned and the results of the published studies are reviewed. We believe that where the expertise is available, this procedure can be integrated into the diagnostic EUS of patients with inoperable upper abdominal malignancy. As such, this would be the safest and most cost-effective approach for celiac plexus neurolysis in these patients. The role of EUS-guided celiac plexus block in patients with chronic pancreatitis may be emerging and needs further study.     

以家猪作为超声内镜引导下腹腔神经节穿刺术模型的实验研究

【摘要】目的通过在健康家养猪进行超声内镜引导下腹腔神经节穿刺操作训练探讨其可行性和应用价值。方法选择6只健康家养猪用于研究。术前肌内注射盐酸氯胺酮10mg／kg镇静,动物安静后给予静脉缓慢注射3％戊巴比妥钠0．8mL／kg。麻醉稳定后进行穿刺操作并植入空粒子,术后行CT增强扫描以辅助判断穿刺是否成功。结果试验动物均无死亡,除1只家猪穿刺后CT扫描发现粒子在胃腔内,隔日再行穿刺种植粒子成功,其余均一次性穿刺成功。行CT增强扫描发现粒子定位准确,均匀分布于腹主动脉腹腔干起始部的两侧。结论家猪的解剖结构与人类相似,可作为初学者进行超声内镜引导下腹腔神经丛穿刺术培训的理想动物模型。     

Technology insight: Current status of endoscopic ultrasonography

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become the most accurate imaging modality for locoregional cancer staging of the gastrointestinal tract. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has added a new level of accuracy for EUS in nodal staging, with reported numbers in the 90% range for luminal and pancreaticobiliary disease. In addition, new non-gastrointestinal applications are being evaluated, such as the role of EUS-FNA for the staging of non-small-cell lung cancer and exploration of the posterior mediastinum. Furthermore, the same techniques that make safe tissue sampling possible are being explored for their use as interventional applications, such as EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis, fine-needle injection, EUS-guided pseudocyst drainage, and EUS-guided cholangiography and pancreatography. This review describes the current clinical status of EUS in gastrointestinal oncology, as well as future and novel indications and therapeutic strategies for this technology.     

Applications of endoscopic ultrasound in pancreatic cancer

Since the introduction of endoscopic ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration(EUS-FNA),EUS has assumed a growing role in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC).The objective of this review is to discuss the various applications of EUS and EUS-FNA in PDAC.Initially,its use for detection,diagnosis and staging will be described.EUS and EUS-FNA are highly accurate modalities for detection and diagnosis of PDAC,this high accuracy,however,is decreased in specific situations particularly in the presence of chronic pancreatitis.Novel techniques such as contrast-enhanced EUS,elastography and analysis of DNA markers such as k-ras mutation analysis in FNA samples are in progress and might improve the accuracy of EUS in the detection of PDAC in this setting and will be addressed.EUS and EUS-FNA have recently evolved from a diagnostic to a therapeutic technique in the management of PDAC.Significant developments in therapeutic EUS have occurred including advances in celiac plexus interventions with direct injection of ganglia and improved pain control,EUS-guided fiducial and brachytherapy seed placement,fine-needle injection of intra-tumoral agents and advances in EUS-guided biliary drainage.The future role of EUS and EUS in management of PDAC is still emerging.     

内镜超声引导细针穿刺对胰腺癌的诊断价值

目的了解内镜超声(EUS)引导细针穿刺(FNA)对胰腺癌的临床价值及安全性。方法选择临床诊断或临床及影像学疑诊胰腺癌患者共21例,男13例,女8例,平均年龄(59.8±15.3)岁。EUS发现病变后,在实时超声引导下用超声穿刺针行FNA,对3例无法手术的胰腺癌患者行FNA同时,以无水乙醇阻滞腹腔神经丛治疗癌痛。结果B超共检出胰腺占位16例(16/21),未检出的5例中3例经CT检出,CT共检出胰腺占位19例;EUS检出全部21例胰腺占位,5例位于胰体尾,16例位于胰头。18例患者EUS-FNA获满意标本,17例诊断为胰腺癌,1例诊断为慢性胰腺炎,胰腺癌诊断敏感性为85.0%、特异性为100.0%、准确度为85.7%。3例行无水乙醇阻滞后疼痛减轻。术后发生轻度胰腺炎1例、发热1例。结论EUS能有效检出胰腺占位,结合FNA可提高诊断的特异性及准确性。     

Role of pancreatic endoscopic ultrasonography in 2010

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) was introduced 25 years ago aiming at better visualization of the pancreas compared to transabdominal ultrasonography. This update discusses the current evidence in 2010 concerning the role of EUS in the clinical management of patients with pancreatic disease. Major indications of EUS are: (1) Detection of common bile duct stones (e.g. in acute pancreatitis); (2) Detection of small exo- and endocrine pancreatic tumours; and (3) Performance of fine needle aspiration in pancreatic masses depending on therapeutic consequences. EUS seems to be less useful in cases of chronic pancreatitis and cystic pancreatic lesions. Moreover the constant improvement of computed tomography has limited the role of EUS in pancreatic cancer staging. On the other hand, new therapeutic options are available due to EUS, such as pancreatic cyst drainage and celiac plexus neurolysis, offering a new field in which new techniques may arise. So the main goal of this review is to determine the exact role of EUS in a number of pancreatic and biliary diseases.     

Newly-developed, forward-viewing echoendoscope: a comparative pilot study to the standard echoendoscope in the imaging of abdominal organs and feasibility of endoscopic ultrasound-guided interventions

Background and Aim: Multiple diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures have been widely performed using a standard oblique‐viewing (OV) curvilinear array (CLA) echoendoscope. Recently, a new, forward‐viewing (FV) CLA was developed, with the advantages of improved endoscopic viewing and manipulation of devices. However, the FV–CLA echoendoscope has a narrower ultrasound scanning field, and lacks an elevator, which might represent obstacles for clinical use. The aim of this study was to compare the FV–CLA echoendoscope to the OV–CLA echoendoscope for EUS imaging of abdominal organs, and to assess the feasibility of EUS‐guided interventions using the FV–CLA echoendoscope. Methods: EUS examinations were first performed and recorded using the OV–CLA echoendoscope, followed immediately by the FV–CLA echoendoscope. Video recordings were then assessed by two independent endosonographers in a blinded fashion. The EUS visualization and image quality of specific abdominal organs/structures were scored. Any indicated fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) or intervention was performed using the FV–CLA echoendoscope, with the OV–CLA echoendoscope as salvage upon failure. Results: A total of 21 patients were examined in the study. Both echoendoscopes had similar visualization and image quality for all organs/structures, except the common hepatic duct (CHD), which was seen significantly better with the FV–CLA echoendoscope. EUS interventions were conducted in eight patients, including FNA of pancreatic mass (3), pancreatic cyst (3), and cystgastrostomy (2). The FV–CLA echoendoscope was successful in seven patients. One failed FNA of the pancreatic head cyst was salvaged using the OV–CLA echoendoscope. Conclusions: There were no differences between the FV–CLA echoendoscope and the OV–CLA echoendoscope in visualization or image quality on upper EUS, except for the superior image quality of CHD using the FV–CLA echoendoscope. Therefore, the disadvantages of the FV–CLA echoendoscope appear minimal in light of the potential advantages.     

Endoscopic ultrasound in the evaluation of pancreaticobiliary disorders

The close proximity of the endoscopic ultrasound probe to the pancreas coupled with the ability to perform fine needle aspiration has made endoscopic ultrasound an extremely important technique for the evaluation of both benign and malignant pancreaticobiliary disorders. In parallel to the widespread importance of diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound, the therapeutic and interventional applications of this procedure are expanding and may become a major breakthrough in the management of pancreaticobiliary diseases. This article focuses on the utility and recent advances of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnostic evaluation pancreaticobiliary disorders and analyses the data of well established interventional procedures such as celiac plexus neurolysis and pseudocyst drainage. Moreover, the more innovative procedures, such endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary and pancreatic ducts access and drainage and the experimental use of direct endoscopic ultrasound-guided therapy of both solid and cystic pancreatic lesions will also be reviewed.     

Endoscopic ultrasonography guided celiac plexus neurolysis and celiac plexus block in the management of pain due to pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis

Pain is a common symptom of pancreatic disease and is frequently difficult to manage. Pain relief provided by narcotics is often suboptimal and is associated with significant side effects. An alternative approach to pain management in pancreatic disease is the use of celiac plexus block （CPB） or neurolysis （CPN）. Originally performed by anesthesiologists and radiologists via a posterior approach, recent advances in endoscopic ultrasonography （EUS） have made this technique an attractive alternative. EUS guided celiac plexus block/ neurolysis is simple to perform and avoids serious complications such as paraplegia or pneumothorax that are associated with the posterior approach. EUS guided CPN should be considered first line therapy in patients with pain due to pancreatic cancer. It provides superior pain control compared to traditional management with narcotics. A trend for improved survival in pancreatic cancer patients treated with CPN has been reported, but larger studies are needed to confirm this finding. At this time, the use of EUS guided CPB cannot be recommended as routine therapy for pain in chronic pancreatitis since only one-half of the patients experience pain reduction and the beneficial effect tends to be short lived. EUS guided CPB and CPN should be used as part of a multidisciplinary team approach for pain management.     

Endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic disease

Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)is an important part of modern gastrointestinal endoscopy and now has an integral role in the diagnostic evaluation of pancreatic diseases.Furthermore,as EUS technology has advanced,it has increasingly become a therapeutic procedure,and the prospect of multiple applications of interventional EUS for the pancreas is truly on the near horizon.However,this review focuses on the established diagnostic and therapeutic roles of EUS that are used in current clinical practice.In particular,the diagnostic evaluation of acute pancreatitis,chronic pancreatitis,cystic pancreatic lesions and solid masses of the pancreas are discussed.The newer enhanced imaging modalities of elastography and contrast enhancement are evaluated in this context.The main therapeutic aspects of pancreatic EUS are then considered,namely celiac plexus block and celiac plexus neurolysis for pain control in chronic pancreatitis and pancreas cancer,and EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections.     

Role of endoscopic ultrasonography in pancreatic cystic neoplasms: Where do we stand and where will we go?

We increasingly encounter pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) in clinical practice and the differential diagnoses vary widely from benign to malignant. There is no ‘one and only’ diagnostic procedure for PCN. Multiple modalities including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are widely used, but EUS has the advantage of anatomical proximity to the pancreas and upper gastrointestinal tract. In addition, EUS‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) provides both cytological evaluation and cyst fluid analysis. Although the role of EUS‐FNA for PCN is established, the sensitivity of cytology is low and cyst fluid analysis is only useful for differentiation between mucinous and non‐mucinous cysts. Recently, novel through‐the‐needle imaging under EUS‐FNA, such as confocal laserendomicroscopy, is expected to attribute to a better diagnostic yield. Moreover, feasibility of cyst ablation has been reported and the role of EUS has expanded from diagnosis to treatment. However, clinical impact of cyst ablation in terms of safety, efficacy and cost‐effectiveness should be validated further. In summary, EUS and EUS‐guided intervention does and will play a central role in the management of PCN from surveillance to treatment, but many clinical questions remain unanswered, which warrants well‐designed prospective clinical trials.