Relative contribution of Ki-ras gene analysis and brush cytology during ERCP for the diagnosis of biliary and pancreatic diseases

Background: Ki-ras mutation analysis from material collected during ERCP has been claimed to improve the diagnosis of pancreatic and bile duct carcinomas as compared with conventional cytology. Our aim was to study the relative contribution of both Ki-ras analysis and brush cytology in patients with a significant stricture at ERCP. Methods: Brushings were collected in duplicate for both analyses in 142 patients in whom a definitive diagnosis was obtained by histology or a minimal follow-up of 6 months. Results: For pancreatic strictures, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of Ki-ras analysis vs. cytology in detecting malignancy were 81% vs. 66%, 72% vs. 100%, and 70% vs. 74%, respectively. For biliary strictures, they were 25% vs. 42%, 100% vs. 100%, and 35% vs. 43%, respectively. The combination of the two methods only marginally increased their sensitivity and accuracy in both types of strictures. Conclusion: Ki-ras analysis is a sensitive method for diagnosing pancreatic but not biliary carcinoma. However, its specificity is lowered by a high frequency of Ki-ras mutations in patients with chronic pancreatitis (25%) who did not manifest cancer development within a 6-month follow-up period. In pancreatic duct strictures, brush cytology appears to be more specific in detecting malignancy; specificity for Ki-ras and cytology are equivalent for the diagnosis of malignant bile duct strictures. Therefore, making a clinical decision on the sole basis of Ki-ras analysis is probably not justified in the majority of the cases. (Gastrointest Endosc 1998;47:479-85.)     

SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS OF BILIARY STRICTURES BY QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT USING A CHOLANGIOSCOPICALLY DERIVED HEMOGLOBIN INDEX

Background: We used percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy for detailed assessment of biliary tumors. Among the most important endoscopic findings is greater mucosal vascularity in malignant than in benign biliary strictures. Development of digital image processing now permits measurement of mucosal hemoglobin volume as a hemoglobin index. We studied the clinical usefulness of this hemoglobin index for differentiating malignant from benign biliary strictures. Methods: From 2000 to 2002 we determined the hemoglobin index in 22 patients with biliary stricture (8 with bile duct carcinoma; 1 with carcinoma of the duodenum; 5 with pancreatic carcinoma and 8 with benign stricture). Eight patients with malignant stricture were diagnosed by the histological examinations of resected specimens; six with malignant stricture and eight with benign stricture were diagnosed by examination of biopsy specimens. The ratio of hemoglobin indices in a given patient of lesional and uninvolved mucosa was determined from cholangioscopic imaging data. Results: The mean hemoglobin index ratio for bile duct carcinoma was 1.83; for carcinoma of the duodenum 1.98; and for pancreatic carcinoma, 1.35. For benign strictures, the ratio was only 1.09. The mean hemoglobin index ratio in patients with bile duct or pancreatic carcinoma was significantly higher than in patients with benign stricture (P < 0.05, paired t‐test). Conclusions: An image‐derived hemoglobin index is useful for diagnostic assessment of biliary stricture.     

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

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

Evaluation of indeterminate bile duct strictures by intraductal US

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

Value of MR cholangiography in the diagnosis of obstructive diseases of the biliary tree: a study of 58 cases

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in the diagnosis of biliary tree obstruction.
Methods: Fifty-eight consecutive patients underwent MRC (GYROSCAN ACS II 1.5 Tesla, TSE T2 axial/coronal-MIP sequences) for clinical and biochemical signs of main bile duct obstruction. MRC images were interpreted by two radiologists and consensus was established according to presence or absence of main bile duct dilation, choledocholithiasis, and malignant or benign stricture. MRC was compared to a final diagnosis established by ultrasound and CT in 19 cases, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 25, intraoperative cholangiography and exploration in 14, and clinical, biochemical, and histological presentation when relevant. Included were single or multiple choledocholithiasis (28, including 11 ≤ 3 mm), malignant (10) and benign (12) strictures, and intrahepatic cholestasis (9).
Results: Overall, MRC was sensitive (94%) and specific (92%) in detecting main bile duct dilation and choledocholithiasis (86% and 97%), but was less sensitive (64%) for small stones ≤ 3 mm. Sensitivity for stones > 3 mm was 100%. For benign and malignant strictures, MRC was less sensitive (67% and 80%) but remained specific (98% and 96%). In the detection of normal main bile duct, MRC was highly sensitive (100%) and specific (94%). Diagnostic accuracy ranged from 91% to 98%.
Conclusions: MRC appears to be specific for choledocholithiasis and sensitive except for small stones. Results for biliary stricture are less satisfactory, but remain specific. Our data confirm that MRC can be useful in the diagnostic workup of main bile duct obstruction.     

Ki-ras mutations in codon 12 and p53 mutations (biomarkers) and cytology in bile in patients with hepatobiliary-pancreatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The differentiation between benign and malignant jaundice is sometimes difficult even with modern diagnostic modalities. With recent advances in molecular biology, Ki-ras point mutation in codon 12 and p53 mutation have been reported as novel biomarkers of hepatobiliary and pancreatic carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to compare exfoliative bile cytology and biomarkers of the bile in patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases. METHODOLOGY: Cytologic examination and novel biomarkers, point mutations of codon 12 of Ki-ras and p53 mutations, were examined in the biliary tract bile aspirated through percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) tube in 30 Japanese patients with benign and malignant hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases. RESULTS: Sensitivity of the exfoliative bile cytology for malignant conditions was 31% and specificity 100%, while sensitivity of molecular markers of the bile was 25% and specificity 93%. When the cytologic examination and genetic study were in conjunction, sensitivity increased to 50% and specificity remained 93%. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that genetic examinations of the bile, when used in conjunction with cytology, may improve the diagnostic yield for suspected malignant tumors of the hepatobiliary and pancreatic system.     

Biliary guidewire facilitates bile duct biopsy and endoscopic drainage

BACKGROUND: The introduction of a guidewire through bile duct strictures may facilitate transpapillary bile duct biopsy and subsequent biliary drainage. METHODS: Endoscopic bile duct biopsy was attempted in 61 patients with bile duct strictures. After the introduction of a guidewire into the bile duct, biopsy forceps were inserted via the papilla. Both devices were inserted through the working channel (3.2 mm in diameter) of a conventional duodenoscope. After the procedure, an endoscopic naso-biliary drainage catheter was advanced along the guidewire. The success rate of inserting the biopsy forceps, the sensitivity of the biopsy, and the success rate of endoscopic biliary drainage after the biopsy were analyzed prospectively. RESULTS: The final diagnosis was malignant strictures in 50 patients and benign strictures in 11. The success rate of inserting biopsy forceps without performing endoscopic papillary balloon dilation was 85%. The sensitivity of the biopsy for primary bile duct cancer (83%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of pancreatic cancer (47%). All patients had successful endoscopic biliary drainage after the procedure. CONCLUSION: A previously placed guidewire facilitates insertion of biopsy forceps and endoscopic biliary drainage. The histological diagnosis of cancer is more likely with bile duct cancer than with pancreatic cancer.     

Prospective study of biliary strictures to determine the predictors of malignancy.

BACKGROUND: There have been few prospective studies regarding the investigation of biliary strictures, principally because of rapid technological change. The present study was designed to determine the sensitivity of various imaging studies for the detection of biliary strictures. Serum biochemistry and imaging studies were evaluated for their role in distinguishing benign from malignant strictures. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with suspected noncalculus biliary obstruction were enrolled consecutively in the study. A complete biochemical profile, ultrasound, Disida scan and cholangiogram (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP] or percutaneous cholangiogram) were obtained at study entry. Stricture etiology was determined based on cytology, biopsy and/or clinical follow-up at one year. RESULTS: Twenty-nine of 31 patients had biliary strictures, of which 15 were malignant. The mean age of the malignant cohort was 73.9 years versus 53.9 years in the benign cohort (P<0.001). Statistically significant differences between the malignant and benign groups, respectively, were as follows: alanine transaminase 235.2 versus 66.9 U/L (P=0.004), aspartate transaminase 189.8 versus 84.5 U/L (P=0.011), alkaline phosphatase 840.2 versus 361.1 U/L (P=0.002), bilirubin 317.8 versus 22.1 micromol/L (P<0. 001) and bile acids 242.5 versus 73.2 micromol/L (P=0.001). Threshold analysis using receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that a bilirubin level of 75 micromol/L was most predictive of malignant strictures. Intrahepatic duct dilation was present in 93% of malignant strictures versus 36% of benign strictures (P=0.002). Common hepatic duct dilation was less discriminatory (malignant 13.5 versus benign 9.6 mm; P=0.11). Ultrasound was highly sensitive (93%) in the detection of the primary tumour in the bile duct or pancreas, or in the visualization of nodal or liver metastases. In benign disease, ultrasound failed to detect evidence of intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary dilation in most cases. Disida scans were not able to distinguish between malignant or benign strictures and could not accurately localize the level of obstruction. The sensitivity of Disida scan for the diagnosis of obstruction was 50%. Cholangiographic characterization of strictures revealed an equal distribution of smooth (eight of 13) and irregular (five of 13) strictures in the malignant group. Ten of 13 benign strictures were characterized as smooth. Malignant strictures were significantly longer than benign ones - 30.3 versus 9.2 mm (P=0.001). Threshold analysis using ROC curves showed that strictures greater than or equal to 14 mm were predictive of malignancy (sensitivity 78%, specificity 75%, log odds ratio 11.23). CONCLUSIONS: A serum bilirubin level of 75 micromol/L or higher, or a stricture length of greater than 14 mm was highly predictive of malignancy in patients with a biliary stricture. Ultrasound was useful in predicting malignant strictures by detecting either intrahepatic duct dilation or by visualizing the tumour (primary or metastases). Strictures with a 'benign' cholangiographic appearance are frequently malignant. Disida scan did not add additional information. ERCP is necessary to diagnose benign strictures, which tend to be less extensive at presentation.     

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 US in evaluation of biliary strictures without a mass lesion on CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging: significance of focal wall thickening and extrinsic compression at the stricture site

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The clinical utility of intraductal US (IDUS) for evaluating biliary strictures has been limited because of a lack of easily recognized morphologic criteria to distinguish benign and malignant strictures. We studied the clinical value of 2 easily assessed IDUS findings: wall thickness and extrinsic compression at the stricture site. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective, single-center study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients without an identifiable mass on CT/magnetic resonance imaging, who underwent ERCP/IDUS for evaluation of biliary strictures were studied. IDUS pictures were reviewed specifically to measure wall thickness and to look for extrinsic compression at the stricture site. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 64.2+/-13.3 years. Thirty patients had jaundice at presentation, and in 15 patients a stricture was suspected on imaging. The mean length of biliary strictures was 15.1+/-7.8 mm. Strictures were distal (distal common bile duct) in 25 patients and proximal (mid/proximal common bile duct or common hepatic duct) in 20 patients. Fourteen strictures were finally diagnosed to be malignant. Strictures in 20 patients were caused by extrinsic compression, and tissue diagnosis was readily obtained by EUS-FNA in all these patients. Of 25 strictures without extrinsic compression, 6 were malignant (wall thickness 9-16 mm) and 19 were benign (wall thickness相似文献   

Use of a modified angioplasty balloon catheter in the dilatation of tight biliary strictures.

Nineteen biliary strictures were dilated using a modified angioplasty balloon catheter to allow insertion of a 10F prosthesis. In each instance biliary strictures were successfully dilated which had previously been too tight to widen with standard endoscopic biliary dilating catheters. Eleven patients had malignant hilar strictures, four malignant distal common bile duct strictures, and four benign strictures. There were no complications as a result of the procedure and satisfactory biliary drainage was established in all patients. We conclude that tight biliary strictures can be successfully dilated using a modified angioplasty balloon catheter.     

cFLIP和caspase-8在犬胆道良性损伤修复过程中的表达

目的:观察凋亡调控蛋白FLICE样抑制蛋白(FLICE-like inhibitory protein,c-FLIP)及其下游凋亡因子caspase-8在胆道损伤愈合良性狭窄形成过程中的表达和定位.方法:建立胆管损伤后良性狭窄犬模型,利用采用免疫组织化学SABC法分别对15例犬胆道损伤后2、3、4、5、6 mo及其配对的15例假手术组的吻合口组织中c-FLIPTLcaspase-8表达和定位进行分析,根据染色细胞的比例,计算每张切片的平均吸光度值,分别比较cFLIP及caspase-8在实验组及其配对的假手术组胆道吻合口组织表达的差异,及两组内不同时相之间c-FLIP及caspase-8在吻合口组织表达的差异.结果:c-FLIP蛋白于实验组内各时间点均呈阳性表达,定位于问质细胞,以成纤维细胞胞质最明显,各时间点内实验组与对照组比较有显著性差异(22.33±3.40 vs 3.41±0.69,21.01±5.43 vs 3.28±0.95,18.93±2.54 vs 3.11±1.01,18.88±3.40 vs 3.35±0.74,17.23±3.53vs 3.19±0.91,均P<0.05).而各时间点之间无显著性差异(P>0.05).caspase-8于实验组各时相均呈现弱表达,定位以腺上皮居多,间质组织表达相对较弱,与配对之对照组比较均差异显著(3.20±0.86 vs 11.66±2.80,3.42±1.17 vs10.16±3.08,3.65±0.90 vs 10.03±1.93,3.91±0.71 vs 10.90±4.02.4.01±0.88 vs 11.23±2.73,P<0.05),而各时间点之间亦无显著性差异(P>0.05).c-FLIP与caspase-8蛋白表达成负相关(r=-0.94,P<0.05).结论:cFLIP可能通过抑制caspase-8的激活在胆道良性狭窄形成过程中发挥了其抗凋亡的作用.     

Klatskin-mimicking lesions--a case series and literature review

Obstruction of the hepatic hilum in patients without prior surgery is generally due to hilar adenocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor). However, not all the hilar strictures are malignant. Although uncommon, benign strictures of the proximal bile duct should be taken into consideration in differential diagnosis of Klatskin tumors, since the incidence could reach up to 25% of patients with presumed Klatskin tumor diagnosis. This group of benign proximal bile duct strictures (Klatskin-mimicking lesions) is usually represented by segmental fibrosis and non-specific chronic inflammation. The clinical and imaging features can not differentiate between benign and malignant strictures. Herein, we present a case series of three patients with benign proximal bile duct strictures (representing 4.1% of 73 patients resected with presumptive preoperative diagnosis of Klatskin tumor) and literature review. There are presented the clinical and biochemical features, imaging preoperative workup, surgical treatment and histological analysis of the specimen, along with postoperative outcome. For benign strictures of the hilum limited resections are curative. However, despite new diagnosis tools developed in the last years, patients with hilar obstructions still require unnecessary extensive resections due to impossibility of excluding the malignancy. In all cases of proximal bile duct obstruction presumed malignant, they should be managed accordingly, even with the risk of over-treatment for some benign lesions.     

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

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

Use of microsatellite marker loss of heterozygosity in accurate diagnosis of pancreaticobiliary malignancy from brush cytology samples

BACKGROUND: Brush cytology of biliary strictures to diagnose pancreaticobiliary malignancy suffers from poor sensitivity. AIM: To improve the diagnostic yield of pancreaticobiliary brush cytology through analysis of tumour suppressor gene linked microsatellite marker loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and k-ras codon 12 mutation detection. METHODS: Twenty six patients with biliary strictures underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with brush cytology. A panel of 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers linked to six tumour suppressor genes was developed. Genomic DNA from cell clusters acquired from brush cytology specimens and microdissected surgical malignant and normal tissue underwent polymerase chain amplification reaction (PCR). PCR products were compared for LOH and k-ras codon 12 mutations. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were confirmed to have pancreaticobiliary adenocarcinoma. Nine patients had benign strictures (eight proven surgically, one by follow up). Cytomorphological interpretation was positive for malignancy (n = 8), indeterminate (n = 10), and negative for malignancy (n = 8). Selected malignant appearing cytological cell clusters and microdissected histological samples from cancer showed abundant LOH characteristic of malignancy while brushings from nine cases without cancer carried no LOH (p<0.001). LOH and k-ras mutations profile of the cytological specimens was almost always concordant with the tissue samples. Presence of k-ras mutation predicted malignancy of pancreatic origin (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: LOH and k-ras codon 12 mutation analysis of PCR amplified DNA from biliary brush cytology discriminates reactive from malignant cells, with 100% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Minor variations in LOH in brushings and in different sites within the same tumour likely reflect intratumoral mutational heterogeneity during clonal expansion of pre- and neoplastic lineages.     

管腔内超声对胰胆疾病诊断价值的初探

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

Endoscopic ultrasound guided therapy of benign and malignant biliary obstruction: a case series

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is an established method for treatment of common bile duct stones as well as for palliation of patients with malignant pancreaticobiliary strictures. It may be unsuccessful in the presence of a complex peripapillary diverticulum, prior surgery, obstructing tumor, papillary stenosis, or impacted stones. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and surgery are alternative methods with a higher morbidity and mortality in these cases. Recently, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided biliary stent placement has been described in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. We describe our experience with this method that was also used for the treatment of cholangiolithiasis for the first time. METHODS: The EUS guided transduodenal puncture of the common bile duct with stent placement was performed in 5 patients. In 2 of these patients, the stents were removed after several weeks and common bile duct stones were extracted. In another patient with gastrectomy, the left intrahepatic bile duct was punctured transjejunally and a metal stent was introduced transhepatically to bridge a distal common bile duct stenosis. RESULTS: Biliary decompression was successful in all 6 patients. No immediate complications occurred. One patient developed a subacute phlegmonous cholecystitis. CONCLUSIONS: Interventional EUS guided biliary drainage is a new technique that allows drainage of the biliary system in benign and malignant diseases when the bile duct is inaccessible by conventional ERCP.     

Diagnostic accuracy of simpson atherectomy catheter biopsy in detecting pancreaticobiliary malignancy

OBJECTIVE: Impressive advances have been made in imaging the biliary tree by various modalities in the last few decades. However, the histological diagnosis of stenosing lesions in the biliary ductal system has remained difficult and unreliable. Application of Simpson atherectomy catheter biopsy in obtaining accurate histological diagnosis of bile duct lesions appears promising. The purpose of our study was to determine the clinical accuracy of the Simpson atherectomy catheter biopsy in the evaluation of bile duct strictures. METHODS: A retrospective study of medical records of patients who underwent bile duct biopsy by atherectomy catheter was conducted between 1991 and 1999. During this period, 53 patients underwent 56 endoluminal bile duct biopsies with an atherectomy catheter as part of an obstructive jaundice workup. Histological diagnosis on biopsy was confirmed by subsequent surgical biopsy and/or clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Fifty-four (96%) bile duct biopsies were technically successful in terms of yielding a histological diagnosis. Thirty-one of the 56 (55%) biopsy specimens were positive for malignancy (27 adenocarcinoma, two islet cell-carcinoids, one small cell carcinoma, and one malignant lymphoma). Four (7%) were read by the pathologist as highly suspicious for malignancy, and 19 (34%) specimens were considered negative for malignancy. Sensitivity of atherectomy catheter endoluminal biliary biopsy in this study was 97% with a specificity of 100%. In addition, the positive predictive and negative predictive values of this modality were 100% and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Endoluminal bile duct biopsy by Simpson atherectomy catheter appears to be a highly sensitive and specific method for establishing histological diagnosis of stenosing lesions in the biliary ductal system.     

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.     

Biomarkers in bile-complementing advanced endoscopic imaging in the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures

Biliary strictures present a diagnostic challenge and a conundrum, particularly when an initial work up including abdominal imaging and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography based sampling are nondiagnostic. Advances in endoscopic imaging have helped us diagnose these strictures better. However, even with modern technology, some strictures remain a diagnostic challenge. The proximity of bile fluid to the bile duct epithelia makes it an attractive option to investigate for bio-markers, which might be representative of the functions/abnormal changes taking place in the biliary system. A number of biomarkers in bile have been discovered recently in approaching biliary strictures with their potential future diagnostic utility, further supported by the immunohistochemical analysis of the resected tissue specimens. Novel biliary biomarkers especially carcinoembryonic cell adhesion molecule 6 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin seem promising in differentiating malignant from benign biliary strictures. Recent developments in lipidomic profiling of bile are also very promising. Biliary biomarkers appear to complement endoscopic imaging in diagnosing malignant etiologies of biliary stricture. Future studies addressing these biomarkers need to be incorporated to the current endoscopic techniques to determine the best approach in determining the etiology of biliary strictures.