Ciliated foregut cyst of the pancreas: preoperative diagnosis using endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology--a case report with a review of the literature.

A 51-year-old male presented with a 4-month history of abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and postprandial bloating. A CT scan showed a solitary, 5.3 x 4.4 cm, cystic lesion in the body/tail of the pancreas. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography did not show communication between the pancreatic duct and the cystic lesion. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) examination revealed a 6.9 x 2.4 cm cystic lesion in the body/tail region of the pancreas without septae or solid components. The pancreatic parenchyma, pancreatic duct, and common bile duct were unremarkable. EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was performed using a 22-gauge EchotipTM needle. Only a few drops of viscous fluid could be aspirated. Papanicolaou-stained direct smears and SurePath (Autocyte) preparations were evaluated. The direct smears were hypocellular; however, the concentration method producing liquid-based cytology preparation showed detached ciliary tufts (degenerated debris with ciliated cellular fragments of cell tops without nuclei) and occasional intact ciliated cells consistent with a ciliated foregut cyst. Although benign, the cyst was resected to alleviate the symptoms. The surgical pathology confirmed the benign preoperative interpretation of the ciliated foregut cyst. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of pancreatic ciliated foregut cyst reported to be diagnosed preoperatively by EUS-FNA. For a proper preoperative cytologic diagnosis, the needle rinses should be processed adequately. Otherwise, these hypocellular specimens with mucin may be misinterpreted as mucinous cystic lesions.

Impact of Clostridium difficile on inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Clostridium difficile-associated disease has increased significantly in North American medical centers. The impact of C difficile on patients with IBD (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) at the present time is unknown. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study evaluating IBD patients followed in a referral center to evaluate the impact of C difficile was performed. Diagnosis was confirmed with stool toxin analysis. Demographic information, diagnosis, anatomic location, IBD therapy, antibiotic exposure, hospitalizations, and surgeries were recorded. Available endoscopic and histologic data were evaluated. RESULTS: Rate of C difficile infection increased from 1.8% of IBD patients in 2004 to 4.6% in 2005 (P < .01). Proportion of IBD patients within the total number of C difficile infections at our institution increased from 7% in 2004 to 16% in 2005 (P < .01). IBD colonic involvement was found in the majority of C difficile-infected patients in 2005 (91%), and the majority contracted infection as an outpatient (76%). Antibiotic exposure was identified in 61% of IBD patients with C difficile infection in 2005. Pseudomembranes and fibrinopurulent eruptions were not seen endoscopically or histologically. During 2004-2005 more than half of the infected IBD patients required hospitalization, and 20% required colectomy. Univariate and multivariate analysis identified maintenance immunomodulator use and colonic involvement as independent risk factors for C difficile infection in IBD. CONCLUSIONS: C difficile infection has increased significantly in IBD patients and negatively impacts clinical outcome. Increased vigilance regarding this infection in IBD patients with colitis activity is warranted.