Long-term Outcomes of Endoscopic Intraductal Radiofrequency Ablation for Ampullary Adenoma with Intraductal Extension after Endoscopic Snare Papillectomy

Background/Aims@#There are limitations in treating ampullary adenomas with intraductal extension using conventional endoscopic modalities. Endoscopic intraductal radiofrequency ablation (ID-RFA) may be useful for treating intraductal (common bile duct [CBD] and/or pancreatic duct [PD]) extensions of ampullary adenomas, but long-term data are lacking. We thus evaluated the long-term outcomes of endoscopic ID-RFA for managing ampullary adenomas with intraductal extension. @*Methods@#Prospectively collected endoscopic ID-RFA database at Asan Medical Center was reviewed to identify consecutive patients with ampullary adenoma who underwent ID-RFA for intraductal extension between January 2018 and August 2021. Technical success, short-term and long-term clinical success, and adverse events were evaluated. @*Results@#A total of 29 patients (14 CBD, 1 PD, and 14 CBD and PD) were analyzed. All patients had undergone endoscopic snare papillectomy prior to ID-RFA. A median of one session of IDRFA (range, 1 to 3) for residual or relapsed intraductal extension of ampullary adenoma were successfully performed (technical success=100%). Both biliary and pancreatic stenting were routinely performed after ID-RFA to prevent ductal stricture. After a median follow-up of 776 days (interquartile range, 470 to 984 days), the short-term and long-term clinical success rates were 93% and 76%, respectively. Seven patients experienced procedural adverse events and three patients developed ductal strictures. @*Conclusions@#Endoscopic ID-RFA showed good long-term outcomes in treating residual or relapsed ampullary adenomas with intraductal extension. Repeated ID-RFA may be considered as an option for managing recurrence. Further studies are needed to standardize the procedure.

Survival Benefit of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Who Underwent Surgery Following Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#The benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy following curative-intent surgery in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients who had received neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX is unclear. This study aimed to assess the survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in this patient population. @*Materials and Methods@#This retrospective study included 218 patients with localized non-metastatic PDAC who received neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX and underwent curative-intent surgery (R0 or R1) between January 2017 and December 2020. The association of adjuvant chemotherapy with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated in overall patients and in the propensity score matched (PSM) cohort. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to the pathology-proven lymph node status. @*Results@#Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 149 patients (68.3%). In the overall cohort, the adjuvant chemotherapy group had significantly improved DFS and OS compared to the observation group (DFS: median, 13.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 11.0 to 19.1] vs. 8.2 months [95% CI, 6.5 to 12.0]; p < 0.001; and OS: median, 38.0 months [95% CI, 32.2 to not assessable] vs. 25.7 months [95% CI, 18.3 to not assessable]; p=0.005). In the PSM cohort of 57 matched pairs of patients, DFS and OS were better in the adjuvant chemotherapy group than in the observation group (p < 0.001 and p=0.038, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, adjuvant chemotherapy was a significant favorable prognostic factor (vs. observation; DFS: hazard ratio [HR], 0.51 [95% CI, 0.36 to 0.71; p < 0.001]; OS: HR, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.29 to 0.71; p < 0.001]). @*Conclusion@#Among PDAC patients who underwent surgery following neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX, adjuvant chemotherapy may be associated with improved survival. Randomized studies should be conducted to validate this finding.

Prognosis and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Diagnosed by Endoscopic Ultrasonography but Indeterminate on Computed Tomography

Background/Aims@#Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) provides high-resolution images and is superior to computed tomography (CT) scan in diagnosing small pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). As a result, the use of EUS for early detection of PDAC has attracted attention. This study aimed to identify the clinical and radiological characteristics of patients with PDAC diagnosed by EUS but not found on CT scan. @*Methods@#The medical records of patients diagnosed with PDAC at 12 tertiary referral centers in Korea from January 2003 to April 2019 were reviewed. This study included patients with pancreatic masses not clearly observed on CT scan but identified on EUS. The clinical characteristics and radiological features of the patients were analyzed, and survival analysis was performed. @*Results@#A total of 83 patients were enrolled. The most common abnormal CT findings other than a definite mass was pancreatic duct dilatation, which was identified in 61 patients (73.5%). All but four patients underwent surgery. The final pathologic stages were as follows: IA (n=31, 39.2%), IB (n=8, 10.1%), IIA (n=20, 25.3%), IIB (n=17, 21.5%), III (n=2, 2.5%), and IV (n=1, 1.4%). The 5-year survival rate of these patients was 50.6% (95% confidence interval, 38.8% to 66.7%). Elevated liver function testing and R1 resection emerged as significant predictors of mortality in the multivariable Cox regression analysis. @*Conclusions@#This multicenter study demonstrated favorable long-term prognosis in patients with PDAC diagnosed by EUS but indeterminate on CT scan. EUS should be considered for patients with suspected PDAC but indeterminate on CT scan.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Resected Ampulla of Vater Carcinoma: Retrospective Analysis of 646 Patients / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#This study evaluated the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in patients with resected ampulla of Vater (AoV) carcinoma. @*Materials and Methods@#Data from 646 patients who underwent surgical resection at Asan Medical Center between 2000 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. @*Results@#The median age of the patients was 62 years, and 54.2% were male. Patients were classified into AC group (n=165, 25.5%) and no AC group (n=481, 74.5%). With a median follow-up duration of 88 months, in patients with stage I, II, III, median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was not reached, 44 months, and 15 months, respectively, and the median overall survival (OS) were not reached, 88 months and 35 months, respectively. Despite no statistical significance, RFS and OS were better in stage II patients with AC than in those without AC (median RFS, 151 months vs. 38 months; p=0.156 and median OS, 153 months vs. 74 months; p=0.299). In multivariate analysis for RFS and OS, TNM stage, R1 resection status, presence of lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion remained significant factors, whereas AC (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54 to 1.00; p=0.052) was marginally related with RFS. After propensity score matching in only stage II/III patients, RFS and OS with AC were numerically longer than those without AC (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.06; p=0.116 and HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.06; p=0.111). @*Conclusion@#AC with fluoropyrimidine did not improve survival of patients with resected AoV carcinoma. However, multivariate analysis with prognostic factors showed a marginally significant survival benefit with AC.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Resected Ampulla of Vater Carcinoma: Retrospective Analysis of 646 Patients / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#This study evaluated the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in patients with resected ampulla of Vater (AoV) carcinoma. @*Materials and Methods@#Data from 646 patients who underwent surgical resection at Asan Medical Center between 2000 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. @*Results@#The median age of the patients was 62 years, and 54.2% were male. Patients were classified into AC group (n=165, 25.5%) and no AC group (n=481, 74.5%). With a median follow-up duration of 88 months, in patients with stage I, II, III, median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was not reached, 44 months, and 15 months, respectively, and the median overall survival (OS) were not reached, 88 months and 35 months, respectively. Despite no statistical significance, RFS and OS were better in stage II patients with AC than in those without AC (median RFS, 151 months vs. 38 months; p=0.156 and median OS, 153 months vs. 74 months; p=0.299). In multivariate analysis for RFS and OS, TNM stage, R1 resection status, presence of lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion remained significant factors, whereas AC (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54 to 1.00; p=0.052) was marginally related with RFS. After propensity score matching in only stage II/III patients, RFS and OS with AC were numerically longer than those without AC (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.06; p=0.116 and HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.06; p=0.111). @*Conclusion@#AC with fluoropyrimidine did not improve survival of patients with resected AoV carcinoma. However, multivariate analysis with prognostic factors showed a marginally significant survival benefit with AC.

Utility of Contrast-Enhanced Harmonic Endoscopic Ultrasound for the Guidance and Monitoring of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation

Background/Aims@#Interventional endoscopists may utilize contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound (CEHEUS) for image guidance during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) because of its capability to delineate real-time tumor perfusion dynamics. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of CEH-EUS for the guidance and monitoring of en-doscopic RFA. @*Methods@#Nineteen consecutive patients with solid abdominal tumors who underwent CEH-EUS and endo-scopic RFA were included. The extent of the ablation was as-sessed by CEH-EUS at 5 to 7 days after RFA. Additional RFAs were performed under CEH-EUS guidance. @*Results@#The diag-noses were as follows: nonfunctioning neuroendocrine tumor (n=13), solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) (n=2), insu-linoma (n=1), left adrenal adenoma (n=2), and left adrenal oligometastasis (n=1). Pre-CEH-EUS findings revealed that 17 cases showed hyperenhanced patterns and two cases of SPN showed isoenhanced patterns. CEH-EUS-assisted RFA was technically feasible in all 19 patients. After the first RFA session, seven patients of the treated tumors showed the disappearance of intratumoral enhancement on CEH-EUS, whereas 12 showed residual contrast enhancement. Twelve patients with incomplete ablation were further treated with additional RFA under real-time CEH-EUS guidance. Radiolog-ic complete response was observed in 13 patients (68.4%). Among the 35 ablation procedures, the only adverse events were two episodes of pancreatitis (5.7%; 1 moderate and 1mild). During the median follow-up of 28 months, the local recurrence rate was 7.7%. @*Conclusions@#The application of CEH-EUS for RFA could be helpful in assessing early treat-ment response after ablation and targeting residual viable tumors during additional ablation sessions.

Timing and Clinical Features of Spontaneous Decrease in Size of Small Pancreatic Cystic Lesions without High-Risk Stigmata

Background/Aims@#The natural history of spontaneous decrease in the size of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) without high-risk stigmata is under investigation. This study aimed to investigate the timing of spontaneous decrease in the size of PCLs without high-risk stigmata and to identify the characteristics associated with their complete resolution. @*Methods@#From 2000 to 2016, patients with spontaneous decreases in PCL size on computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) who had at least 1 year of follow-up were evaluated retrospectively. @*Results@#A total of 78 patients underwent follow-up for an average of 55.7 months. Most patients were asymptomatic, and 35 (37.2%) showed complete resolution. The initial mean PCL size was 1.6±0.9 cm (range, 0.5 to 5.6 cm). The average time to initial decrease in size and complete resolution of PCLs were 32.1 and 41.5 months, respectively. Compared with PCLs that completely resolved, presence of underlying malignancy was associated with partial resolution of PCLs in multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.32 to 0.81; p=0.005). Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) identified detailed findings, especially the presence of septum (p<0.001), calcification (p=0.015) and lobulation (p=0.001) that were not found on CT/MRI. @*Conclusions@#Asymptomatic small PCLs without high-risk stigmata can naturally decrease in size at approximately 3 years, and complete resolution can be expected in the absence of underlying malignancy.Regular follow-up of approximately 3 years with EUS may be a reasonable and safe alternative when planning the initial treatment of small PCLs without high-risk stigmata.

Erratum: Type 2 Autoimmune Pancreatitis (Idiopathic Duct-Centric Pancreatitis) Highlighting Patients Presenting as Clinical Acute Pancreatitis: A Single-Center Experience

In the version of this article initially published, the fifth author's name was stated as “Joo Nam Lee.

Type 2 Autoimmune Pancreatitis (Idiopathic Duct-Centric Pancreatitis) Highlighting Patients Presenting as Clinical Acute Pancreatitis: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) has been considered extremely rare in East Asia. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence, clinical characteristics and radiological findings of type 2 AIP highlighting patients presenting as acute pancreatitis in a single center. METHODS: Type 2 AIP patients were classified according to International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria. Radiological findings were compared between type 2 AIP presenting as acute pancreatitis and gallstone pancreatitis. RESULTS: Among 244 patients with AIP, 27 (11.1%) had type 2 AIP (definite, 15 [55.5%] and probable 12 [44.5%]). The median age of patients with type 2 AIP was 29 years (interquartile range, 20 to 39 years). Acute pancreatitis was the most common initial presentation (n=17, 63%) while obstructive jaundice was present in only one patient. Ulcerative colitis (UC) was associated with type 2 AIP in 44.4% (12/27) of patients. Radiological pancreatic imaging such as delayed enhancement of diffusely enlarged pancreas, homogeneous enhancement of focal enlargement/mass, absent/minimal peripancreatic fat infiltration or fluid collection, and multifocal main pancreatic duct narrowings were helpful for differentiating type 2 AIP from gallstone pancreatitis. During follow-up (median, 32.3 months), two patients (2/25, 8%) experienced relapse. CONCLUSIONS: In South Korea, type 2 AIP is not as rare as previously thought. Overall, the clinical profile of type 2 AIP was similar to that of Western countries. Type 2 AIP should be considered in young UC patients with acute pancreatitis of uncertain etiology.

Prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer Patients with Synchronous or Metachronous Malignancies from Other Organs Is Better than Those with Pancreatic Cancer Only / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Pancreatic cancer associated double primary tumors are rare and their clinicopathologic characteristics are not well elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinicopathologic factors of 1,352 primary pancreatic cancers with or without associated double primary tumors were evaluated. RESULTS: Of resected primary pancreatic cancers, 113 (8.4%) had associated double primary tumors, including 26 stomach, 25 colorectal, 18 lung, and 13 thyroid cancers. The median interval between the diagnoses of pancreatic cancer and associated double primary tumors was 0.5 months. Overall survival (OS) of pancreatic cancer patients with associated double primary tumors was longer than those with pancreatic cancer only (median, 23.1 months vs. 17.0 months; p=0.002). Patients whose pancreatic cancers were resected before the diagnosis of metachronous tumors had a better OS than patients whose pancreatic cancer resected after the diagnosis of metachronous tumors (48.9 months and 13.5 months, p=0.001) or those whose pancreatic cancers were resected synchronously with non-pancreas tumors (19.1 months, p=0.043). The OS of pancreatic cancer patients with stomach (33.9 months, p=0.032) and thyroid (117.8 months, p=0.049) cancers was significantly better than those with pancreas cancer only (17.0 months). CONCLUSION: About 8% of resected pancreatic cancers had associated double primary tumors, and those from the colorectum, stomach, lung, and thyroid were common. Patients whose pancreatic cancer was resected before the diagnosis of metachronous tumors had better OS than those resected after the diagnosis of metachronous tumors or those resected synchronously.

Contrast-Enhanced Endoscopic Ultrasound for Differentially Diagnosing Autoimmune Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Differentially diagnosing focal-type autoimmune pancreatitis (f-AIP) and pancreatic cancer (PC) is challenging. Contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound (CEH-EUS) may provide information for differentiating pancreatic masses. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of CEH-EUS in differentiating f-AIP from PC. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively and analyzed on patients who underwent CEH-EUS between May 2014 and May 2015. Eighty consecutive patients were diagnosed with f-AIP or PC. PC and f-AIP were compared for enhancement intensity, contrast agent distribution, and internal vasculature. RESULTS: The study group comprised 53 PC patients and 27 f-AIP patients (17 with type-1 AIP [15 definite and two probable], two with probable type-2 AIP, and eight with AIP, not otherwise specified). Hyper- to iso-enhancement in the arterial phase (f-AIP, 89% vs PC, 13%; p < 0.05), homogeneous contrast agent distribution (f-AIP, 81% vs PC, 17%; p < 0.05), and absent irregular internal vessels (f-AIP, 85% vs PC, 30%; p < 0.05) were observed more frequently in the f-AIP group. The combination of CEH-EUS and enhancement intensity, absent irregular internal vessels improved the specificity (94%) in differentiating f-AIP from PC. CONCLUSIONS: CEH-EUS may be a useful noninvasive modality for differentially diagnosing f-AIP and PC. Combined CEH-EUS findings could improve the specificity of CEH-EUS in differentiating f-AIP from PC.

Development of the Asian EUS Group consensus in pancreatic pseudocyst drainage

Drainage of pseudocyst and walled-off pancreatic necrosis has traditionally been achieved by surgical means. Recently, there has been a progressive shift in paradigm to performing endoscopic drainage for these conditions. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage is the preferred approach for drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst. However, many controversies still exist on the optimal management and wide variations in techniques exist. There is a pressing need for establishment of a consensus for safe practices in EUS-guided pseudocyst drainage.

Sensitization to and Challenge with Gliadin Induce Pancreatitis and Extrapancreatic Inflammation in HLA-DQ8 Mice: An Animal Model of Type 1 Autoimmune Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to establish a pathogenetic mechanism of pancreatitis in celiac disease and IgG4-related disease using gluten-sensitive human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ8 transgenic mice. METHODS: Transgenic mice expressing HLA-DQ8 genes were utilized. Control mice were not sensitized but were fed gliadin-free rice cereal. Experimental groups consisted of gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice; nonsensitized mice with cerulein hyperstimulation; and gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice with cerulein hyperstimulation. RESULTS: Gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice with cerulein hyperstimulation showed significant inflammatory cell infiltrates, fibrosis and acinar atrophy compared with the control mice and the other experimental groups. The immunohistochemical analysis showed greater IgG1-positive plasma cells in the inflammatory infiltrates of gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice with cerulein hyperstimulation compared with the control mice and the other experimental groups. Gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice with cerulein hyperstimulation or gliadin-sensitized and gliadin-challenged mice showed IgG1-stained inflammatory cell infiltrates in the extrapancreatic organs, including the bile ducts, salivary glands, kidneys, and lungs. CONCLUSIONS: Gliadin-sensitization and cerulein hyperstimulation of gluten-sensitive HLA-DQ8 transgenic mice resulted in pancreatitis and extrapancreatic inflammation. This animal model suggests that chronic gliadin ingestion in a susceptible individual with the HLA-DQ8 molecule may be associated with pancreatitis and extrapancreatic inflammation.

Clinical Significances of Chronic Cholecystitis according to Gallbladder Contraction / 대한췌담도학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic cholecystitis and contraction of gallbladder (GB) have been regarded as precancerous lesions. The aim of study is to clarify whether chronic cholecystitis and GB contraction have clinical significance. METHODS: This study included 409 patients underwent cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis between January 2006 and June 2011 at a single center. Data regarding radiologic findings and blood tests were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: About 384 patients (94%) had GB stones. Among 409 patients, 104 (25.4%) patients had contracted GB and 305 (74.6%) patients did not. Biliary pain was more common in the contracted GB group (42.3% vs. 31.1%). The contracted GB group had a higher proportion of diffuse wall thickening type and a higher conversion rate to open cholecystectomy. Only seven patients (1.7%) were finally diagnosed with GB cancers. All patients were over 60 years of age and complained of biliary pain; however, only one patient had contraction of GB. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary pain, diffuse wall thickening, and conversion to open cholecystectomy were more frequent in the contracted GB group. Although incidental GB cancers were rarely diagnosed, all were older and had biliary pain. These will be used as significant evidences when making a treatment plan in chronic cholecystitis and contracted GB.

Clinical Significances of Chronic Cholecystitis according to Gallbladder Contraction / 대한췌담도학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic cholecystitis and contraction of gallbladder (GB) have been regarded as precancerous lesions. The aim of study is to clarify whether chronic cholecystitis and GB contraction have clinical significance. METHODS: This study included 409 patients underwent cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis between January 2006 and June 2011 at a single center. Data regarding radiologic findings and blood tests were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: About 384 patients (94%) had GB stones. Among 409 patients, 104 (25.4%) patients had contracted GB and 305 (74.6%) patients did not. Biliary pain was more common in the contracted GB group (42.3% vs. 31.1%). The contracted GB group had a higher proportion of diffuse wall thickening type and a higher conversion rate to open cholecystectomy. Only seven patients (1.7%) were finally diagnosed with GB cancers. All patients were over 60 years of age and complained of biliary pain; however, only one patient had contraction of GB. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary pain, diffuse wall thickening, and conversion to open cholecystectomy were more frequent in the contracted GB group. Although incidental GB cancers were rarely diagnosed, all were older and had biliary pain. These will be used as significant evidences when making a treatment plan in chronic cholecystitis and contracted GB.

Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis Caused by Iatrogenic Hypercalcemia / 대한췌담도학회지

Gallstones and alcohol consumption are well-known causes of acute pancreatitis, which usually follows a mild and self-limited course. Although extremely rare, hypercalcemia is a possible cause of acute pancreatitis. There are only few reported cases, all of which were mild and self-limited. Here we report a patient with iatrogenic hypercalcemia-induced necrotizing pancreatitis that progressed to serious adverse events such as biliary obstruction, peripancreatic fluid collection with walled-off necrosis, and acute cholecystitis. The patient was successfully treated with appropriate endoscopic and radiologic interventions, and recovered well.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Local Therapy of Pancreatic Tumors / 대한소화기학회지

The development of curvilinear EUS has enabled EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration of intra-abdominal mass lesions. With the introduction of interventional EUS, this technology has undergone several modifications in order to be applied to clinical medicine. One of the potential uses of interventional EUS is the EUS-guided local therapy of pancreatic tumors. Various treatment modalities such as fine-needle injection, radiofrequency ablation, photodynamic therapy, laser ablation, and brachytherapy have been tried under EUS guidance. Some of these modalities are being applied clinically. These methods for EUS-guided local therapy of pancreatic tumors will be reviewed in this article.

Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Ethanol Ablation for Small Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Results of a Pilot Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided ethanol ablation is gaining popularity for the treatment of focal pancreatic lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and treatment response after EUS-guided ethanol injection for small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (p-NETs). METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database including 11 consecutive patients with p-NETs who underwent EUS-guided ethanol injection. RESULTS: EUS-guided ethanol injection was successfully performed in 11 patients with 14 tumors. The final diagnosis was based on histology and clinical signs as follows: 10 non-functioning neuroendocrine tumors and four insulinomas. During follow-up (median, 370 days; range, 152 to 730 days), 10 patients underwent clinical follow-up after treatment, and one patient was excluded because of loss to follow-up. A single treatment session with an injection of 0.5 to 3.8 mL of ethanol resulted in complete responses (CRs) at the 3-month radiologic imaging for seven of 13 tumors (response rate, 53.8%). Multiple treatment sessions performed in three tumors with residual viable enhancing tissue increased the number of tumors with CRs to eight of 13 (response rate, 61.5%). Mild pancreatitis occurred in three of 11 patients. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided ethanol injection appears to be a safe, feasible, and potentially effective method for treating small p-NETs in patients who are poor surgical candidates.

Evaluation of the Feasibility and Efficacy of Forward-Viewing Endoscopic Ultrasound

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a forward-viewing linear endoscopic ultrasound (FV-EUS) in diagnostic EUS procedures compared to standard oblique-viewing EUS (OV-EUS). METHODS: This study was a prospective, randomized study that permitted crossover. Fifty-one patients with subepithelial pancreatobiliary and upper gastrointestinal lesions underwent FV-EUS and OV-EUS sequentially, in random order. The EUS visualization was performed by a novice endosonographer, and the image quality of specific lesions was scored by an expert endosonographer. If fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was indicated, it was performed using both echoendoscopes by an expert endosonographer. RESULTS: Both of the EUS procedures had similar visualization times and image quality. In general, the visualization time was inversely related to the diameter of the specific lesions. In subepithelial lesions of the stomach and duodenum, the visualization time (98.8+/-62.2 seconds vs 139.0+/-66.6 seconds, p=0.008) and image quality (4.1+/-1.3 vs 3.3+/-1.7, p=0.02) of FV-EUS were significantly superior to OV-EUS. FV-EUS-guided FNA of pancreatic masses was successful in seven patients (87.5%). CONCLUSIONS: FV-EUS may increase the ease of access to gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions compared to conventional OV-EUS. The performance of FV-EUS for evaluating pancreatobiliary diseases and performing interventions was comparable to conventional OV-EUS.

The Clinical Usefulness of Simultaneous Placement of Double Endoscopic Nasobiliary Biliary Drainage

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical efficacy of double endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) as a new method of draining multiple bile duct obstructions. METHODS: A total of 38 patients who underwent double ENBD between January 2004 and February 2010 at the Asan Medical Center were retrospectively analyzed. We evaluated indications, laboratory results, and the clinical course. RESULTS: Of the 38 patients who underwent double ENBD, 20 (52.6%) had Klatskin tumors, 12 (31.6%) had hepatocellular carcinoma, 3 (7.9%) had strictures at the anastomotic site following liver transplantation, and 3 (7.9%) had acute cholecystitis combined with cholangitis. Double ENBD was performed to relieve multiple biliary obstruction in 21 patients (55.1%), drain contrast agent filled during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in 4 (10.5%), obtain cholangiography in 4 (10.5%), drain hemobilia in 3 (7.9%), relieve Mirizzi syndrome with cholangitis in 3 (7.9%), and relieve jaundice in 3 (7.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Double ENBD may be useful in patients with multiple biliary obstructions.