Endosonographic Characteristics of Subepithelial Lesions of the Upper Digestive Tract: Experience of a Referral Center in Colombia

Introduction: Subepithelial lesions (SELs), described as bulges or masses covered by healthy-looking mucosa, are usually found incidentally during endoscopic studies. They are typically asymptomatic and are estimated to be identified in 1% of esophagogastroduodenoscopies performed. Materials and methods: A descriptive study was conducted with retrospective data collection. We included all patients treated at the Unión de Cirujanos, a referral gastroenterology unit of the Coffee Region in Manizales, between January 2020 and January 2022, who underwent endoscopic ultrasonography to study subepithelial-looking lesions located in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Results: 152 endoscopic ultrasounds were performed, finding 108 SELs; 66.6% of the patients were women, and the average age was 58. Most SELs were located in the stomach (78.7%), the antrum being the most frequent location. The average diameter of the gastric SELs was 14.6 mm, and 47% of the lesions depended on the fourth echolayer; the most frequent presumptive diagnoses were gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST; 65.8%) and lipoma (11.7%). Conclusions: SELs of the GI tract originate in the muscularis mucosae, submucosa, or muscularis propria. They are most frequently located in the stomach, and their characterization usually requires endoscopic ultrasonography and histopathology. Treatment of these lesions remains controversial due to their low frequency, histological variety, and low malignant potential.

Introducción: las lesiones subepiteliales (LSE), descritas como abultamientos o masas cubiertas por mucosa de aspecto sano, se encuentran usualmente de manera incidental durante estudios endoscópicos; suelen ser asintomáticas y se estima que se identifican en el 1% de las esofagogastroduodenoscopias realizadas. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo con recolección retrospectiva de la información. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes atendidos en Unión de Cirujanos, unidad de gastroenterología de referencia del Eje Cafetero ubicada en la ciudad de Manizales, entre enero de 2020 y enero de 2022, a quienes se les realizó ultrasonografía endoscópica como parte del estudio de lesiones de aspecto subepitelial localizadas en el esófago, estómago y duodeno. Resultados: se realizaron 152 endosonografías y se encontraron 108 lesiones subepiteliales, 66,6% de los pacientes eran mujeres y el promedio de edad fue 58 años. La mayoría de las LSE se localizaron en el estómago (78,7%) y, de estas, la localización más frecuente fue el antro; el diámetro promedio de las LSE gástricas fue de 14,6 mm y el 47% de las lesiones eran dependientes de la cuarta ecocapa; los diagnósticos presuntivos más frecuentes fueron el tumor del estroma gastrointestinal (GIST; 65,8%) y lipoma (11,7%). Conclusiones: las LSE del tracto gastrointestinal se originan en la muscular de la mucosa, submucosa o muscular propia, de manera más frecuente se localizan en el estómago y su caracterización suele requerir la realización de ultrasonografía endoscópica y estudio histopatológico. El tratamiento de estas lesiones sigue siendo controversial debido a su baja frecuencia, variedad histológica y bajo potencial maligno.

Utilidad del índice de fibrosis hepática (IFH) medido durante la ultrasonografía endoscópica en la evaluación del parénquima pancreático / Usefulness of the Liver Fibrosis Index (LFI) Measured during Endoscopic Ultrasonography in Evaluating the Pancreatic Parenchyma

El ultrasonido endoscópico ha cambiado la evaluación de las enfermedades pancreáticas y ha logrado un diagnóstico histopatológico (cuando se asocia con la punción); sin embargo, este procedimiento requiere de entrenamiento, no está libre de complicaciones y alrededor de 25% de los pacientes puede tener falsos negativos. Por esto se ha implementado el uso de la elastografía cuantitativa con el strain ratio, el cual permite diferenciar las masas benignas de las malignas. Existe evidencia creciente, pero aún no conclusiva, dada la heterogeneidad de los resultados (sin consenso para su realización), por lo que es necesario desarrollar otros métodos, que permitan una mayor certeza diagnóstica, como el índice de fibrosis hepática (IFH) medido por ultrasonografía endoscópica, el cual tienen como base la inteligencia artificial, validado para el diagnóstico y el seguimiento de la fibrosis hepática. Nuestro grupo considera que se podría usar de la misma forma para valorar el parénquima pancreático. Objetivo: evaluar si el IFH puede diferenciar tres tipos diferentes de tejidos pancreáticos: páncreas normal, páncreas graso y cáncer de páncreas. Metodología: estudio prospectivo de corte transversal en un solo centro. Se incluyeron 66 pacientes mayores de 18 años, con indicación de ultrasonografía endoscópica. El grupo 1 fue de pacientes con indicación diferente a la enfermedad biliopancreática (55 pacientes). En este grupo se aplicó la escala de clasificación de páncreas graso por ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE), utilizando como referencia la ecogenicidad del bazo (previamente validada); este grupo se subdividió en uno con parénquima pancreático normal y en otro con páncreas graso. En el grupo 2 (11 pacientes) se incluyeron los pacientes llevados para el estudio de lesión sólida pancreática, con diagnóstico citológico positivo para carcinoma de páncreas. Como herramienta de recolección de datos se utilizó un formulario virtual de Google Drive, disponible con dirección acortada: shorturl.at/pIMWX, diligenciado antes y después del procedimiento por fellows de Gastroenterología, previamente entrenados para este fin. El IFH se tomó en el páncreas en tiempo real mediante un software suministrado por el fabricante (Hitachi-Noblus), en un período comprendido entre enero de 2019 y enero 2020. A todos los pacientes se les realizó una ecoendoscopia biliopancreática completa, con un ecoendoscopio Pentax lineal y procesador Hitachi-Noblus; luego se efectuó una elastografía cualitativa y una cuantitativa, la cual incluyó la medición del IFH. Resultados: en total se incluyeron 66 pacientes: 11 pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado por citología de cáncer de páncreas y 55 pacientes que se enviaron para ecoendoscopia por evaluación de otras patologías diferentes a la biliopancreática. El rango de edad fue de 23-89, media de 56,75 años. El antecedente más frecuente fue la esteatosis o esteatohepatitis (n = 14) (25,45%). La indicación para la realización del procedimiento más frecuente fue la lesión subepitelial (n = 29) (52,73 %). Los porcentajes de pacientes según los grados de ecogenicidad del páncreas fueron de grado I (n = 29) (52,73 %); grado II (n = 5) (9,09 %); grado III (n = 18) (32,73 %); grado IV (n = 3) (5,45 %). Se tomaron los grados I y II como páncreas normal, y los grado III y IV como páncreas graso. Estos se dividieron en n = 34 pacientes (61,82 %) para páncreas normal y n = 21 (38 %) para páncreas graso; es decir, que de acuerdo con la escala utilizada hay una prevalencia para páncreas graso de 38,18 %. Se realizó el IFH en los tres subgrupos diferentes: los considerados como ecoendoscópicamente normales, los clasificados como páncreas graso y los pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de páncreas confirmado por citología, tomado en el páncreas. El IFH para los tres diferentes grupos fueron, respectivamente, normal: IFH 2,60, rango 0,97-3,47 (IC 95 % 2,17-3,02); páncreas graso: IFH 3,87, rango 2-5,5 (IC 95 % 3,44-4,29); cáncer de páncreas: IFH 6,35, rango 5,8-7,8 (IC 95 % 5,92-6,77). Conclusiones: este es el primer estudio piloto que usa el IFH aplicado al parénquima pancreático, y se sugiere su utilidad para diferenciar, de manera no invasiva, el páncreas normal, el graso y el carcinoma de páncreas. Este hallazgo se debe confirmar en poblaciones más amplias y heterogéneas, con el fin de ser validado.

Abstract Endoscopic ultrasound has changed the evaluation of pancreatic diseases and has achieved a histopathological diagnosis (when associated with a puncture); however, this procedure requires training, is not free of complications, and around 25 % of patients may have false negatives. Therefore, quantitative elastography with the strain ratio has been implemented to differentiate benign masses from malignant ones. There is growing but not yet conclusive evidence, given the heterogeneity of the results (without consensus on its performance). It is necessary to develop other methods that allow for greater diagnostic certainty, such as the liver fibrosis index (LFI) measured by endoscopic ultrasonography. This method is based on artificial intelligence and validated for diagnosing and monitoring liver fibrosis. Our group considers that it could also be used to assess the pancreatic parenchyma. Aim: To evaluate whether the LFI can differentiate three types of pancreatic tissues: normal pancreas, fatty pancreas, and pancreatic cancer. Materials and methods: Prospective cross-sectional single-center study. We included sixty-six patients over 18 years of age with an indication for endoscopic ultrasonography. Group 1 consisted of patients with an indication other than the biliopancreatic disease (55 patients). The endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) fatty pancreas classification scale was applied to this group, taking the echogenicity of the spleen (previously validated) as a reference; this group was subdivided into normal pancreatic parenchyma and fatty pancreas. Group 2 (11 patients) included those examined for solid pancreatic lesions with a positive cytological diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma. We used a Google Form as a data collection tool, available with a shortened address (shorturl.at/pIMWX). It was filled out before and after the procedure by Gastroenterology fellows, previously trained for this purpose. The LFI was measured in the pancreas in real-time using software supplied by the manufacturer (Hitachi Noblus) between January 2019 and January 2020. All patients underwent a complete biliopancreatic echoendoscopy, with a linear Pentax echoendoscope and Hitachi Noblus processor. Then, qualitative and quantitative elastography was performed, including LFI measurement. Results: We included a total of 66 patients: 11 with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer confirmed by cytology and 55 sent for ultrasound endoscopy due to pathologies other than the biliopancreatic disease. The age range was 23-89, with a mean of 56.75 years. The most frequent history was steatosis or steatohepatitis (n = 14) (25.45 %). The most frequent indication for performing the procedure was subepithelial lesion (n = 29) (52.73 %). The percentages of patients according to pancreatic echogenicity were Grade I (n = 29) (52.73 %); Grade II (n = 5) (9.09 %); Grade III (n = 18) (32.73 %); Grade IV (n = 3) (5.45 %). Grades I and II were taken as a normal pancreas and Grades III and IV as a fatty pancreas, divided into n = 34 patients (61.82 %) for a normal pancreas and n = 21 (38 %) for a fatty pancreas. According to the scale used, there is a fatty pancreas prevalence of 38.18 %. The LFI was measured in three subgroups: those considered endoscopically normal, those classified as fatty pancreas, and patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer confirmed by cytology taken from the pancreas. The LFI for these groups were, respectively, normal pancreas: LFI 2.60, range 0.97-3.47 (95 % CI 2.17-3.02); fatty pancreas: LFI 3.87, range 2-5.5 (95 % CI 3.44-4.29); pancreatic cancer: LFI 6.35, range 5.8-7.8 (95 % CI 5.92-6.77). Conclusions: This is the first pilot study that applies the LFI to the pancreatic parenchyma. It is useful in differentiating a normal pancreas, a fatty pancreas, and pancreatic carcinoma non-invasively. This finding must be validated in larger and more heterogeneous populations.

Hemorragia digestiva alta por linfadenitis mesentérica tuberculosa que fistuliza a la pared gástrica / Upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to tuberculous mesenteric lymphadenitis that fistulizes the gastric wall

RESUMEN La linfadenitis tuberculosa es la entidad más frecuente de la tuberculosis abdominal, que ocurre por reactivación de un foco latente. Su diagnóstico requiere un alto grado de sospecha, para lo cual requiere estudios endoscópicos, radiológicos e histopatológicos. En la evaluación de las linfadenopatías, la punción y aspiración guiada por ultrasonido endoscópico cumple un rol importante. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 22 años, quien ingresa a Emergencia del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza por hemorragia digestiva alta secundaría a linfadenitis mesentérica tuberculosa que comprometió la pared gástrica. (AU)

ABSTRACT Tuberculous lymphadenitis is the most common entity of abdominal tuberculosis, which occurs due to reactivation of a latent focus. Its diagnosis requires a high degree of suspicion, for which it requires endoscopic, radiological, and histopathological studies. In the evaluation of lymphadenopathies, endoscopic ultrasound-guided aspiration puncture plays an important role. We present the case of a 22-year-old male patient who was admitted to the Emergency Department of the Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to tuberculous mesenteric lymphadenitis that compromised the gastric wall. (AU)

Clinical outcomes of cap-assisted endoscopic resection for small rectal subepithelial tumors / Resultados clínicos de la resección endoscópica asistida por capuchón para pequeños tumores subepiteliales rectales

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of cap-assisted endoscopic resection and the usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for managing small rectal subepithelial tumors (SETs). Patients and methods: Patients with small rectal SETs≤10mm in diameter were enrolled in this study at our hospital from October 2014 to December 2017. First, EUS was performed to evaluate the lesions. Then, cap-assisted endoscopic resection was performed by suctioning the SET into a transparent cap, ligating with a metal snare and then resecting the tumor. The wound was closed using endoclips if necessary. Results: Forty patients were enrolled in the study. EUS showed lesions originating from muscularis mucosa or submucosa with an average diameter of 5.4×3.1mm. The en bloc resection rate was 85.0% obtained by cap-assisted endoscopic resection, with a mean total procedure time of 17.6min. No immediate perforation happened. Immediate bleeding occurred in five patients; all cases were managed successfully by endoscopy. No delayed bleeding was observed. Pathology examination showed that 70.0% of the lesions were neuroendocrine tumors (G1). One case of recurrence was seen in follow-up; it was managed successfully by endoscopic submucosal dissection. There was no tumor recurrence in a median follow-up period of 41 months in the remaining 39 patients. Conclusions: Most small rectal SETs arising from the muscularis mucosa or submucosa are neuroendocrine tumors and require proper treatment. Cap-assisted endoscopic resection is simple, effective and safe for resecting such lesions, and EUS is useful for case screening.(AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de la resección endoscópica asistida por capuchón y la utilidad de la ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE) para el tratamiento de pequeños tumores subepiteliales (TSE) rectales. Pacientes y métodos: Los pacientes con TSE rectales pequeños ≤10 mm de diámetro se enrolaron en este estudio en nuestro hospital desde octubre de 2014 hasta diciembre de 2017. Primero, se realizó una USE para evaluar las lesiones. Luego, se realizó una resección endoscópica asistida por capuchón aspirando el TSE en un capuchón transparente, ligándolo con una asa metálica de polipectomía y luego resecando el tumor. La herida se cerró usando endoclips, si ello era necesario. Resultados: Cuarenta pacientes fueron enrolados en el estudio. La USE mostró lesiones originadas en la muscularis mucosae o submucosa con un diámetro promedio de 5,4 × 3,1 mm. La tasa de resección en bloque fue del 85,0% obtenida mediante resección endoscópica asistida por capuchón, con un tiempo total medio de procedimiento de 17,6 min. No se produjo ninguna perforación en el momento. Se produjo una hemorragia inmediata en cinco pacientes; todos los casos se trataron con éxito mediante una endoscopia. No se observó ningún retraso en el sangrado. El examen patológico mostró que el 70% de las lesiones eran tumores neuroendocrinos (G1). En el seguimiento se observó un caso de recurrencia, el cual se trató con éxito mediante una disección endoscópica de la submucosa. No hubo recurrencia de tumores en un período de seguimiento medio de 41 meses en los 39 pacientes restantes. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los TES rectales pequeños que surgen de la muscularis mucosae o submucosa son tumores neuroendocrinos y requieren de un tratamiento adecuado. La resección endoscópica asistida por capuchón es simple, eficaz y segura para resecar tales lesiones y la USE es útil para la detección de casos.(AU)

Derivación biliodigestiva guiada por ultrasonografía endoscópica en el paciente con adenocarcinoma de páncreas y obstrucción de la vía biliar estadio IV: reporte de caso / Biliodigestive shunt guided by endoscopic ultrasonography in patient with stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma and obstruction of the bile duct. A case report

Resumen La endosonografía endoscópica es una alternativa que sirve como guía para la realización de derivaciones biliodigestivas en los casos en los que la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) ha fallado. Se han descrito técnicas como la coledocoduodenostomía o coledocoantrostomía guiadas por ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE). Se describe el caso de una paciente de 72 años con adenocarcinoma de páncreas, compromiso portal y de paredes duodenales, en quien se usó la CPRE para intentar una derivación paliativa y fue fallida, por lo cual se realizó la colocación de un stent metálico guiado por endosonografía endoscópica, con adecuada respuesta clínica al tratamiento. En conclusión, el procedimiento es seguro y la endosonografía es una vía alterna efectiva en los casos de CPRE fallidas para lograr derivaciones biliares en casos de obstrucción de la vía biliar de origen maligno.

Abstract Endoscopic endosonography is an alternative to guide biliodigestive shunting in cases where endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has failed. Techniques such as choledoduodenostomy or choledochoantrostomy guided by endoscopic ultrasonography have been described. This is the case of a 72-year-old patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, portal vein and duodenal wall involvement, in whom ERCP to try a palliative shunt failed. Therefore, a metal stent was placed using endoscopic endosonography, with adequate clinical response to the procedure and treatment. It is concluded that the procedure is safe and that endosonography is an effective alternative in cases of ERCP failure to achieve biliary bypass in cases of malignant biliary obstruction.

Clinical outcomes of cap-assisted endoscopic resection for small rectal subepithelial tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of cap-assisted endoscopic resection and the usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for managing small rectal subepithelial tumors (SETs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with small rectal SETs≤10mm in diameter were enrolled in this study at our hospital from October 2014 to December 2017. First, EUS was performed to evaluate the lesions. Then, cap-assisted endoscopic resection was performed by suctioning the SET into a transparent cap, ligating with a metal snare and then resecting the tumor. The wound was closed using endoclips if necessary. RESULTS: Forty patients were enrolled in the study. EUS showed lesions originating from muscularis mucosa or submucosa with an average diameter of 5.4×3.1mm. The en bloc resection rate was 85.0% obtained by cap-assisted endoscopic resection, with a mean total procedure time of 17.6min. No immediate perforation happened. Immediate bleeding occurred in five patients; all cases were managed successfully by endoscopy. No delayed bleeding was observed. Pathology examination showed that 70.0% of the lesions were neuroendocrine tumors (G1). One case of recurrence was seen in follow-up; it was managed successfully by endoscopic submucosal dissection. There was no tumor recurrence in a median follow-up period of 41 months in the remaining 39 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Most small rectal SETs arising from the muscularis mucosa or submucosa are neuroendocrine tumors and require proper treatment. Cap-assisted endoscopic resection is simple, effective and safe for resecting such lesions, and EUS is useful for case screening.

Colecistogastrostomía guiada por ultrasonografía endoscópica en un paciente con cáncer pancreático: primer caso en Colombia (con video) / Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided cholecystogastrostomy in a patient with pancreatic cancer: the first case in Colombia (with video)

Resumen El tratamiento actual para la obstrucción biliar maligna es la derivación biliar no quirúrgica con propósito paliativo. La cirugía tiene indicaciones específicas en pacientes con patología maligna con propósito curativo. Sin embargo, la obstrucción duodenal y del conducto biliar intra o extrahepático no dilatado hace que esta cirugía y el procedimiento endoscópico guiado por ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE) sean difíciles de realizar. Presentamos nuestra experiencia con el primer caso en Colombia, un país latinoamericano del tercer mundo. Consistió en una colecistogastrostomía guiada por USE, a partir de la utilización de una endoprótesis luminal (Lumen-apposing metal stents, LAMS) (HOT AXIOS stent, Xlumena Inc.; Mountain View, CA, Estados Unidos) de 15 mm × 10 mm, en un paciente masculino con cáncer pancreático inoperable e invasión duodenal con conducto colédoco dilatado. La colecistogastrostomía guiada por USE podría ser considerada como una opción de más importancia para la descompresión biliar que el drenaje percutáneo, ya que es superior en términos de viabilidad técnica, seguridad y eficacia en casos específicos de estenosis ampular e invasión duodenal. Además, puede ser realizada en países del tercer mundo, cuando se cuenta con el entrenamiento y los instrumentos adecuados. La endoprótesis metálica totalmente recubierta, aplicada a luz (HOT AXIOS stent, Xlumena Inc.; Mountain View, CA, Estados Unidos), es ideal para la colecistogastrostomía guiada por USE, a fin de minimizar complicaciones como fugas biliares. Se necesitan estudios comparativos adicionales para validar los beneficios de esta técnica.

Abstract The current treatment of malignant biliary obstruction is non-surgical biliary diversion with palliative intent. The surgery having specific indications in patients with malignant pathology with curative intent. However, duodenal obstruction and non-dilated intra- or extrahepatic bile duct make these surgical and endoscopic procedures guided by EUS difficult. We present our experience with the first case in Colombia, a third-world country in Latin America, of a cholecystogastrostomy guided by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in a patient with unresectable pancreatic cancer and duodenal invasion with dilated common bile duct using a luminal stent (LAMS) (HOT AXIOS stent, Xlumena Inc.; Mountain View, CA, USA) 15 mm × 10 mm. EUS-guided cholecystogastrostomy should be considered as an option for biliary decompression of greater importance than percutaneous drainage since it is superior in terms of technical feasibility, safety and efficacy in specific cases of ampullary stenosis and duodenal invasion. In addition, it can be done in third world countries when it has the appropriate training and implements. The fully covered metal stent applied to light (HOT AXIOS stent, Xlumena Inc.; Mountain View, CA, USA) is ideal for EUS guided cholecystogastrostomy to minimize complications such as bile leakage. Additional comparative studies are needed to validate the benefits of this technique.

Hepático-gastrostomía guiada por eco endoscopia en obstrucción biliar maligna y gastrectomía subtotal con reconstrucción en Y de Roux / Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy for treatment of malignant biliary obstruction in patient with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy

RESUMEN La colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) representa el tratamiento de primera línea para el drenaje biliar en pacientes con obstrucción biliar maligna avanzada. Sin embargo, este procedimiento representa un desafío en pacientes con anatomía alterada quirúrgicamente. El ultrasonido endoscópico (USE) permite la toma de muestras de tejido mediante punción aspiración con aguja fina y también representa una alternativa de drenaje biliar al abordaje percutáneo o quirúrgico. Nuestro objetivo es comunicar un caso en el que la ecoendoscopia permitió el diagnóstico definitivo de la recurrencia de la enfermedad oncológica de base y el alivio de la obstrucción biliar en un paciente con anatomía alterada quirúrgicamente.

ABSTRACT Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with biliary stenting is the generally recognized optimal treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. This procedure, though, is challenging in patients with surgically altered anatomy. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) enables tissue sampling by means of fine-needle aspiration and also represents an alternative recourse for biliary drainage in preference to a percutaneous approach. We aimed to report a case in which EUS enabled a definitive diagnosis of the recurrence of oncologic disease and the relief of biliary obstruction in a patient with a surgically altered anatomy.

Diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration in pancreatic cystic lesions. / Rendimiento diagnóstico de la punción mediante ultrasonografía endoscópica de las lesiones quísticas del páncreas.

INTRODUCTION: Despite advances in imaging techniques, in many cases they are insufficient to establish the diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL). There are few publications in our setting that evaluate the combination of several methods obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). The aim of the study was to evaluate the overall utility of EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of PCL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study based on a database updated prospectively of a cohort of patients referred for EUS-FNA due to PCL detected in an imaging test. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic yield of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytology and viscosity were studied to detect mucinous lesions. RESULTS: From November 2013 to April 2018, 122 EUS were performed for PCL. EUS-FNA was performed in 94/122 (77%) and 21/122 (17.2%) patients were operated on. We included 33/122 patients who had diagnostic confirmation by histology, imaging (serous cyst with typical pattern) or clinical evolution. The study of the ROC curve determined the cutoff point ≥419 ng/ml to differentiate mucinous/non-mucinous cystic lesions. The diagnostic yield of CEA was 87.5% (21/24), cytology 81.8% (27/33) and viscosity 84.4% (27/32). The three parameters in combination obtained the best result (30/33, 90.9%). CONCLUSION: The combination of CEA analysis, cytology and viscosity of pancreatic fluid obtained by EUS-FNA increases the performance in the diagnosis of mucinous pancreatic cystic lesions, with it being greater than 90%.

Prevalencia, características endoscópicas y manejo de las lesiones subepiteliales del tracto gastrointestinal superior / Prevalence, endoscopic characteristics and management of subepitelial lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract / Prevalência, características endoscópicas e manejo das lesões subepiteliais do trato gastrointestinal superior

Introducción: Las lesiones subepiteliales (LSE) son hallazgos incidentales en las endoscopias. Algunas tienen potencial maligno. Objetivos: Valorar la prevalencia, características endoscópicas y manejo diagnóstico/terapéutico de LSE en video-gastroscopias (VGC). Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron todas las VGC del periodo enero 2011-junio 2018. Los casos con datos faltantes fueron excluidos. Donde se identificó una LSE se consignó: indicación, edad, sexo, tamaño, ubicación e histología, hallazgos de la ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE), punción-aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) y resección quirúrgica. Resultados: Se evidenciaron 54 LSE en 7.983 pacientes (0,7 %). 72 % eran mujeres y la indicación más común fue dispepsia (26 %). La localización más frecuente fue en el estómago (74 %). El tamaño medio fue de 16 mm (5-50 mm) y la mitad fueron menores a 10 mm. Siete presentaban mucosa ulcerada, 4 se ubicaban en el cuerpo gástrico y 86 % eran referidos por hemorragia digestiva/anemia. En 26 casos de 54 (48 %) se realizaron biopsias estándar y en 6 de los 54 (11 %) biopsias sobre biopsias, con rendimiento diagnóstico nulo. En un 11 % de ellos se realizó USE, todas mayores de 10 mm: 2 páncreas ectópicos, una lesión compatible con leiomioma, 2 lesiones de la muscular propia (leiomioma/GIST) y 1 compresión extrínseca. No se realizó ninguna PAAF. Todas las LSE fueron manejadas de forma conservadora. Conclusiones: Este es el primer estudio nacional sobre prevalencia de LSE del tracto gastrointestinal superior y resultó comparable al de otras series. El rendimiento diagnóstico de la biopsia fue nulo. En la mayoría de los casos las lesiones se manejaron según las recomendaciones de las guías internacionales.

Introduction: Subepithelial lesions (SELs) are incidental findings in endoscopy procedures. Most are benign, but some have malignant potential. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence, endoscopic characteristics and diagnostic / therapeutic management of SELs in upper GI endoscopy. Materials and methods: All upper GI endoscopy from January 2011 to June 2018 were included. Cases with missing data were excluded. Indication, age, sex, size, location and histology, findings of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), fine needle aspiration (FNA) and surgical resection were recorded in patients with SELs. Results: There were 54 SELs in 7983 patients (0.7 %). 72 % were women, and the most frequent indication was dyspepsia (26 %). The most frequent location was stomach (74 %). The average size was 16 mm (5-50 mm), half were less than 10 mm. Seven had ulcerated mucosa, 4 were located in the gastric body and 86 % were referred for digestive hemorrhage/anemia. In 26 of 54 (48 %) standard biopsies and in 6 of 54 (11 %) bite-on-bite biopsy were performed, with no diagnostic yield. In 11 % of the cases EUS was performed, all of them larger than 10 mm: 2 ectopic pancreas, one lesion compatible with leiomyoma, 2 lesions of the muscularis propria (leiomyoma/GIST) and 1 extrinsic compression. No FNA was performed. All SELs were managed conservatively. Conclusions: This is the first national study of the prevalence of SELs in the upper gastrointestinal tract and was comparable to that of other series. Biopsy diagnostic yield was zero. In most cases, lesions were managed according to international guidelines.

Introdução: lesões subepiteliais (LSE) são achadas incidentais em endoscopias. A maioria são benignas, mas algumas têm potencial maligno. Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência, características endoscópicas e manejo diagnóstico/terapêutico das LSE em vídeo-gastroscopias (VGC). Materiais e métodos: Foram incluídos todas VGC do período de janeiro de 2011 a junho de 2018. Foram excluídos os casos com dados ausentes. Quando uma LSE foi identificada, foram indagados: indicação, idade, sexo, tamanho, localização e histologia, achados da ultrassonografia endoscópica (USE), aspiração por agulha fina (PAAF) e ressecção cirúrgica. Resultados: 54 LSE foram evidenciadas em 7.983 pacientes (0,7 %). 72 % eram mulheres e a indicação mais freqüente foi dispepsia (26 %). A localização mais freqüente foi estômago (74 %). O tamanho médio era de 16 mm (5-50 mm), a metade era menor que 10 mm. Sete tinham mucosa ulcerada, quatro estavam localizadas no corpo gástrico e 86% foram referidos por sangramento/anemia gastrointestinal. Em 26 de 54 (48 %) foram realizadas biópsias padrão e em 6 de 54 (11 %) biópsias sobre biópsias, com um desempenho diagnóstico nulo. Em 11 %, foi realizado uma USE, todas maiores que 10 mm: 2 pâncreas ectópico , uma lesão compatível com leiomioma, 2 lesões musculares (leiomioma/GIST) e 1 compressão extrínseca. Não foi realizada nenhuma PAAF. Todas as LSE foram manejadas de forma conservadora. Conclusões: Este é o primeiro estudo nacional de prevalência de LSE no trato gastrointestinal superior e foi comparável ao de outras séries. O rendimento diagnóstico da biópsia foi nulo. Na maioria dos casos, as lesões foram tratadas de acordo com as recomendações das diretrizes internacionais.

Técnica híbrida (TH) versus estándar (TS) en la punción con aguja fina guiada por ecoendoscopia para lesiones sólidas del páncreas / Hybrid technique versus standard technique for endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration of solid pancreatic lesions

Resumen La ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE) se usa ampliamente para evaluar enfermedades pancreatobiliares, especialmente masas pancreáticas. La USE tiene una buena capacidad para detectar masas pancreáticas, pero no es suficiente para el diagnóstico diferencial de varios tipos de lesiones. La aspiración endoscópica con aguja fina guiada por ultrasonido (USE-PAF) es el método de diagnóstico de elección para masas pancreáticas y su precisión se afecta por diversos métodos de punción. Materiales y métodos: nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el rendimiento diagnóstico de la técnica de succión estándar (TS) versus la técnica húmeda híbrida (TH) en el estudio de lesiones sólidas en páncreas, utilizando un diseño prospectivo, con ocultación única, aleatorizado y controlado, que incluye a pacientes con diagnóstico de lesión sólida en páncreas a los que se realizó USE-PAF desde mayo de 2014 a junio de 2016. Resultados: en total incluimos 65 pacientes, 34 (52,3%) se asignaron a USE-PAF con TH y 31 (47,7%) pacientes a USE-PAF con TS. Se encontró que la frecuencia relativa porcentual respecto a la técnica de punción en la USE-PAF en lesiones sólidas de páncreas, que permite obtener la cantidad de tejido adecuado para el diagnóstico citológico, fue de 85,2% para la TH y 71% para la TS, con un OR de 2,35 (IC 95%; 1,2-4,7) a favor de la TH. Conclusión: este estudio sugiere que la TH es superior a la TS en el diagnóstico de las lesiones sólidas del páncreas, por lo cual, dado que la implementación de esta técnica no aumenta costos y es muy sencilla, sugerimos que sea la técnica de elección cuando se necesita puncionar una lesión sólida.

Abstract Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is widely used to evaluate pancreatobiliary diseases, especially pancreatic masses. EUS has a good ability to detect pancreatic masses, but it is not sufficient for differential diagnoses of various types of lesions. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the diagnostic method of choice for pancreatic masses, but its accuracy is affected by various puncture methods. Materials and methods: Our objective was to compare the diagnostic yield of examinations of solid lesions in the pancreas by the standard suction technique (ST) with the yield of the hybrid technique (HT) using a prospective, single blind, randomized, controlled design. Patients diagnosed with solid pancreatic lesions who underwent EUS-FNA from May 2014 to June 2016 were included. Results: We included 65 patients, 34 of whom (52.3%) were assigned to EUS-FNA with HT, and 31 of whom (47.7%) were assigned to EUS-FNA with TS. We found that the relative frequency that HT successfully obtained an adequate amount of tissue for the cytological diagnosis was 85.2% while ST's relative frequency of success was 71%. The odds ratio was 2.35 (95% CI; 1.2-4.7) in favor of HT. Conclusion: This study suggests that the TH is superior to ST for diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions. Since implementation of this technique does not increase costs and is very simple, we suggest that it become the technique of choice for EUS-FNA.

Utilidad de la elastografía guiada por ultrasonografía endoscópica en la evaluación de lesiones sólidas pancreáticas / Usefulness of endoscopic ultrasound guided elastography in the assessment of solid pancreatic lesions

Introducción: La elastografía guiada por ultrasonografía endoscópica es considerada una herramienta útil en la evaluación de las lesiones solidas pancreáticas (LSP). Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el rendimiento diagnóstico de la elastografia en pacientes con LSP. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal prospectivo en el hospital Rebagliati durante julio 2017 a junio 2018. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de LSP y estudio ecoendoscópico, elastografía y toma de PAAF. Se realizó elastografia cualitativa y elastografia cuantitativa (SR e histograma) y se analizó con resultados histopatológicos para determinar la sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo (VPP), valor predictivo negativo (VPN) y exactitud diagnostica en la detección de malignidad. Resultados: De 846 ecoendoscopías, se estudiaron 46 pacientes con LSP con una edad promedio de 64,6 años, 29 (63%) sexo femenino. El adenocarcinoma pancreático fue diagnosticado en 36 casos (78,3%). En elastografía cualitativa predominó el score 3 (n=39, 84,8%) con una sensibilidad, especificidad y exactitud de 88.9%, 30% y 76,1% respectivamente para predecir adenocarcinoma. Elastografía cuantitativa de SR≥ 15 (sensibilidad 100%, especificidad 66,7% y exactitud 97,8%) y un valor de histograma menor de 49 (sensibilidad 66,7%, especificidad 97,6% y exactitud 95,6%) predice malignidad en una LSP con área bajo de la curva ROC de 0,941 (IC 95%, 0,82 - 1,0). Conclusiones: La elastografía brinda información para predecir la naturaleza maligna de la lesión. En nuestro estudio la detección elastográfica de un score 3, SR≥ 15 o un histograma < 49 predice la presencia de malignidad en la LSP estudiada.

Introduction: endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) elastography is considered a useful tool for the evaluation of solid pancreatic lesions (SPL). Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of elastography in patients with SPL. Material and methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was performed at the Rebagliati Hospital between July 2017 and June 2018. Patients with a diagnosis of SPL and echoendoscopic study, elastography and FNA were included. Qualitative and quantitative elastography: strain ratio (SR) and strain histogram, were performed and analyzed with histopathological results. The diagnostic accuracy of EUS elastography in detecting malignancy was calculated using receiver operating curve analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy for the detection of malignancy were calculated. Results: Out of 832 EUS examinations performed, 46 patients with SPL (mean age, 64.6 years; 29 women) were included in the study. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in 36 cases. In qualitative elastography, score 3 was most frequent (n = 39, 84.8%) with sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 88.9%, 30% and 76.1%, respectively, for predict adenocarcinoma. A strain ratio of 15 or higher (100% sensitivity, 66.7% specificity and 97.8% accuracy) and a histogram of less than 49 (66.7% sensitivity, 97.6% specificity and 95.6% accuracy) predicts malignancy in SPL, with area under a ROC curve of 0.941 (95% CI, 0.82 - 1.0). Conclusions: EUS elastography provides information to predict the malignant nature of the pancreatic lesion. In our study, the elastographic detection of a score 3, SR≥15 or a histogram <49 predicts the presence of malignancy in LSP.

Detection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: 23 years of experience. / Detección de tumores neuroendocrinos pancreáticos: 23 años de experiencia.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Neuroendocrine tumors are of great scientific interest, given that they are difficult to diagnose and treat. Despite being relatively rare (< 1/100,000 individuals, 1-2% of the gastrointestinal neoplasias) and indolent, their potential malignancy must not be forgotten. An increase in the number of diagnosed tumors has been observed in recent years. The aim of the present study was to update a published case series of 19 patients suspected of presenting with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with 51 current cases, to study and compare the new results with those of the previous case series, as well as with other recent publications from Spain, the United States, China, and India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter case series was conducted on 70 patients (19 cases published in 2011), whose data has been collected over a period of 23 years. The variables analyzed were: age, sex, symptomatology, tumor size, location, metastasis, final diagnosis, and surgery, among others. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 55 years and 60% of the patients were men. Disease location was the pancreatic head in 28.5% of the patients and the tail in 27.1%, mean tumor size was 3.9cm (0.2-10cm), 71.4% of the patients had non-functioning tumors, 32.8% had metastases (100% to the liver), 74.2% of the patients were operated on, and actuarial survival was 75%. CONCLUSIONS: Differences were observed between the previously published case series and the current results. There was an increase in incidentalomas and non-functioning tumors, but no variation in the overall survival rate. The differences with other case series (age, sex, and tumor location) were dependent on the country where the cases were compiled. The increase in tumors could be related to a higher number of diagnoses made through imaging studies and to the greater sensitivity of the devices employed.

State of endoscopic ultrasonography in Spain in 2017. / Estado de la ecoendoscopia en España en 2017.

AIM: To understand the current state of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in Spain. METHODS: Descriptive analysis from a national survey with 11 questions: 10 related to technique and 1 to the training and experience of the endoscopists. RESULTS: Sixty endoscopists from 48 of the 97 (49.5%) hospitals that perform EUS in Spain responded to the survey. A total of 28,678 procedures (20,311 diagnostic, 7,446 with puncture and 921 therapeutic) were recorded over the course of one year. Approximately 64% of the hospitals perform between 300 and 999 tests per year. All have radial and sectorial echoendoscopes, with a median of 2 (2-8) scopes. For cytological diagnosis, the 22-gauge needle is the most commonly used (98%) and, for histological diagnosis, the Procore (72%). The study of the pancreas and bile duct is the most common indication for diagnostic EUS (60%), followed by the staging of digestive tract neoplasms (20%). Approximately 72% of the hospitals perform on-site cytopathology evaluations and sedation is administered in equal parts by both endoscopists and anaesthetists. In terms of experience, 45% of echoendoscopists perform fewer than 300 annual exams and the median training duration is 6months (0.5-36). CONCLUSIONS: EUS is adequately implemented in Spain and good equipment is available. However, it is necessary to establish a standardised EUS training program since the one undertaken by many echoendoscopists could prove insufficient according to the standards established by Scientific Societies.

Fluoroscopy-assisted vs fluoroless endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage of pancreatic fluid collections: A comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: The need for fluoroscopy guidance in patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage (EUS-TMD) of peripancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) remains unclear. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare general outcomes of EUS-TMD of PFCs under fluoroscopy (F) vs fluoroless (FL). METHODS: This is a comparative study with a retrospective analysis of a prospective and consecutive inclusion database at a tertiary centre, from 2009 to 2015. All patients were symptomatic pseudocyst (PSC) and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON). Two groups were assigned depending on availability of fluoroscopy. The groups were heterogeneous in terms of their demographic characteristics, PFCs and procedure. The main outcome measures included technical and clinical success, incidences, adverse events (AEs), and follow-up. RESULTS: Fifty EUS-TMD of PFCs from 86 EUS-guided drainages were included during the study period. Group F included 26 procedures, PSC 69.2%, WON 30.8%, metal stents 61.5% (46.1% lumen-apposing stent) and plastic stents 38.5%. Group FL included 24 procedures, PSC 37.5%, WON 62.5%, and metal stents 95.8% (lumen-apposing stents). Technical success was 100% in both groups, and clinical success was similar (F 88.5%, FL 87.5%). Technical incidences and intra-procedure AEs were only described in group F (7.6% and 11.5%, respectively) and none in group FL. Procedure time was less in group FL (8min, p=0.0341). CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroless in the EUS-TMD of PFCs does not involve more technical incidences or intra-procedure AEs. Technical and clinical success was similar in the two groups.

Eficacia de la ultrasonografía endoscópica en la estadificación de tumores del recto / Endoscopic ultrasound efficacy in the staging of rectal cancer

Introducción: el cáncer rectal representa un problema de salud en el mundo y la estadificación clínica constituye la llave para definir la conducta a seguir. Objetivo: determinar la eficacia de la ecoendoscopia en el estadiaje T y N del cáncer rectal. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, desde enero del 2014 hasta marzo del 2016, se seleccionaron un total de 33 pacientes que se habían realizado ecoendoscopia y que luego fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente. Se comparó la estadificación mediante ecoendoscopia con el informe anatomopatológico de la pieza quirúrgica obtenida. Se calculó concordancia global y eficacia diagnóstica en los diferentes estadios del cáncer rectal. Resultados: la concordancia global para la etapa T fue 57,6 por ciento y 87,9 por ciento para N. La precisión diagnóstica en pacientes que recibieron adyuvancia resultó del 47,1 por ciento y 82,4 por ciento para las etapas T y N respectivamente. La eficacia diagnóstica por subetapas T resultó en valores respectivos de sensibilidad y especificidad de 71,43 por ciento (95 por ciento CI 64 por ciento-79 por ciento) y 84,6 por ciento (95 por ciento CI 82 por ciento-86 por ciento) en T1; 76,9 por ciento (95 por ciento CI 73 por ciento-81 por ciento) y 70,0 por ciento (95 por ciento CI 67 por ciento-73 por ciento) en T2; y 42,8 por ciento (95 por ciento CI 35,5 por ciento-50,2 por ciento) y 96,2 por ciento (95 por ciento CI 94,2 por ciento-98,1 por ciento) en T3. Conclusiones: la concordancia global en T resultó inferior a lo reportado en la literatura consultada así como la eficacia diagnóstica de la técnica, debido a que 17 pacientes tuvieron tratamiento adyuvante previo. No hubo resultados significativos en la evaluación de la etapa N(AU)

Introduction: Rectal cancer represents a health problem nowadays worldwide, for that reason an accurate clinical staging of the disease is fundamental to define the proper behavior to follow. Objective: To determine the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound for staging rectal cancer. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out, from January 2014 to March 2016 in Cuban National Center of Minimal Access Surgery in 33 patients (17 men and 16 women) who had undergone endoscopic ultrasound and who underwent surgery too. Their endoscopic ultrasound staging were compared with their anatomopathological reports of the surgical pieces obtained. Global concordance and diagnostic efficacy were calculated. Results: The overall concordance for stage T was 57.6 percent and 87.9 percent for N. The diagnostic accuracy in the patients that received adjuvant treatment previously was lower than the group of patients that not received it. The diagnostic efficacy by sub-steps T resulted in respective values of sensitivity and specificity of 71.43 percent and 84.6 percent in T1; 76.9 percent and 70.0 percent in T2; and 42.8 percent and 96.2 percent in T3. Conclusions: The overall concordance in T was lower than that reported in the literature consulted as well as the diagnostic efficacy of the technique, because 17 patients had previous adjuvant treatment. There were no significant results in the evaluation of stage N(AU)

Pancreatitis aguda y elevación de aminotransferasas:¿en qué pensar?: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Acute Pancreatitis and Elevated Aminotransferases: What to Think?: A Case Report and Literature Review

La litiasis biliar está asociada desarrollo de pancreatitis aguda en el 40% de los casos, sin embargo la sensibilidad diagnóstica de la ecografía abdominal y la tomografía es limitada para hallar esta etiología. En el presente caso se ejemplifica el uso de las enzimas hepáticas aminotransferasas para la predicción del origen biliar en paciente con colecistectomía y ecografía abdominal negativa para colelitiasis y coledocolitiasis. Se presenta un paciente de 55 años, con un cuadro característico de pancreatitis aguda de origen biliar, a quien se hizo el diagnóstico y el tratamiento endoscópico recomendado.

Gallstones are associated with development of acute pancreatitis in 40% of cases, however the diagnostic sensitivities of abdominal ultrasound and CT scans for finding this etiology are limited. The case presented here exemplifies the predictive use of aminotransferase liver enzymes in patients with biliary cholecystectomy but abdominal ultrasound that is negative for cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis. The case is a 55 year old patient whose clinical picture was consistent with acute biliary pancreatitis. The diagnosis was made and endoscopic treatment was recommended.

[Latest advances in pancreatic tumours]. / Últimos avances en tumores pancreáticos.

Pancreatic cancer continues to have an extremely poor prognosis. There have been hardly any therapeutic advances in the last few years and consequently attention is focussed on early diagnosis. In this regard, endoscopic ultrasonography and several associated techniques, such as electrography or the use of intravenous contrast agents, continue to be the cornerstone of differential diagnosis. In the latest Digestive Diseases Week, numerous presentations were made on cystic pancreatic tumours, especially intraductal papillary mucinous tumours, with their well-known potential for malignant transformation. In addition to the problems of the preoperative characterization of these entities, by both endoscopic ultrasound cytological evaluation--even with the presence of an on-site pathologist--and by intracystic markers, the role of other techniques was also mentioned, such as confocal laser endomicroscopy or the use of intravenous contrast agents to characterize the wall nodule. There were numerous studies on the natural history of intraductal papillary mucinous tumours, which mainly supported the increasingly conservative approach adopted by the recent Fukuoka international guidelines. Certain aspects were highlighted, such as comorbidities, when considering surgery, or the growth rate of the tumour. In treatment, endoscopic ultrasound-guided injection of gemcitabine and paclitaxel, without the need for alcohol as an ablative treatment of mucinous cystic tumours, is gaining ground in specific cases.

Initial experience with real-time elastography using an ultrasound bronchoscope for the evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes.

Real-time elastography performed during endoscopic ultrasonography is a relatively new method for characterizing tissue stiffness, and has been used successfully as a predictor of malignancy in mediastinal lymph nodes. This case report describes our practical experience with this technique using an ultrasound bronchoscope to examine mediastinal lymph nodes. We present a case of sectorial endobronchial ultrasound and the first published case of endoscopic ultrasound elastography using ultrasound bronchoscope in two patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma. Qualitative tissue color pattern was obtained in both cases and correlated with pathological evaluation. The initial feasibility results are promising and suggest that ultrasound bronchoscopy techniques, such as guided nodal staging, merit additional studies. It may be important to categorize the risk of malignancy to facilitate sampling decisions.