A MODEL TO PREDICT DIAGNOSIS OF PANCREATIC NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS BASED ON EUS IMAGING FEATURES.

Background: This study aimed to determine predictive clinical and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) features for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) diagnosis, utilizing EUS-guided tissue acquisition. Methods: A prospective study from 2018-2022 included patients with pancreatic masses undergoing EUS with elastography. Univariate binomial logistic regression followed by multiple logistic regression with significant predictors was employed. A forward selection algorithm identified optimal models based on predictor numbers. Variables encompassed EUS tumor characteristics (e.g., location, size, margins, echogenicity, vascularity on Doppler, main pancreatic duct dilation, elastography appearance, vascular invasion, and hypoechoic rim), alongside demographic and risk factors (smoking, alcohol, diabetes). Results: We evaluated 165 patients (24 PNETs). EUS features significantly linked with PNET diagnosis were well-defined margins (79% vs. 26%, p < 0.001), blue elastography appearance (46% vs. 9.9%, p < 0.001), vascularization (67% vs. 25%, p < 0.001), hypoechoic rim (46% vs. 10%, p < 0.001). The top-performing model, with 89.1% accuracy, included two predictors: a homogeneous lesion (OR, 95% CI) and a hypoechoic rim (OR, 95% CI). Conclusions: EUS appearance can differentiate PNETs from non-PNETs, with the hypoechoic rim being an independent predictor of PNET diagnosis. The most effective predictive model for PNETs combined the homogeneous lesion and presence of the hypoechoic rim.

Noninvasive clinical model for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in overweight and morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy, an invasive method, is the gold standard for differentiate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from other stages of fatty liver disease. A noninvasive test to diagnose NASH and disease severity before surgery and also for monitoring disease status after bariatric surgery (BS) will be an important medical challenge. AIM: To create a noninvasive biomarkers model for the diagnosis of NASH in overweight, obese and morbidly obese patients (MOP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients (mean BMI= 47.81kg/m2) were admitted after exclusion of other causes of liver disease. Liver biopsies were obtained at the time of the bariatric surgery or by percutaneous liver biopsy and graded using Kleiner score. Continuous variables were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum test and for prediction of NASH we used logistic regression. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed that BMI, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), HOMA-R, hs-CRP, M30, M65, leptine and adiponectine levels remained independent predictors for NASH (p less than 0.02). Using AUC analysis, we established the following cutoff levels being indicative of NASH: BMI e 47 kg/m2, ALT e 32 IU/mL, AST e 25 IU/mL, ALP e 85 IU/mL, HOMA-IR e 4, M65 e 389 U/L. Adiponectine less than 13.5 mg/L. A NASH-score, calculated as the sum of these 7 parameters, at a cutoff level of 4 points, can accurately predict NASH (sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 93.94% and AUC of 0.9576). CONCLUSIONS: We propose a noninvasive model for NASH diagnosis in MOP that should be validated prospectively. Using this noninvasive score, NASH would be predicted without the risks of liver biopsy.

Inflammatory myoglandular colorectal polyps: a series of seven cases and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory myoglandular polyp is an unusual but distinct, non-neoplastic type of colorectal polyp, commonly with a distal localization at the recto-sigmoidian level. It was first described in 1992 by Nakamura and his colleagues and it is considered to have few particular histological features. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report a series of seven cases (two male and five female patients) of myoglandular polyps with different localization from 15 to 40 cm from anus. Only four out of seven cases presented with rectal bleeding, the others polyps we incidentally discovered. RESULTS: The polyps varied between 4 and 30 mm in the maximum diameter. Grossly, they had firm consistency and smooth reddish surface. Histological examination of the specimens revealed hyperplastic glands with occasional cystic dilatation, proliferation of smooth muscle with no regular distribution, a variable amount of granulation tissue (usually minimal) and no evidence of epithelial dysplasia. All the lesions were removed endoscopically without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory myoglandular polyps are distinct histopathological entities, with insufficiently investigated pathogenesis that can include local trauma, mucosal prolapse or ischemia. Being benign they can be removed endoscopically, surgical treatment being reserved in selected cases.