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Pancreatology : Official Journal of the... Nov 2023Mucinous pancreatic cysts harbor the potential to progress to highly lethal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Since these precursor cysts require cancer... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Mucinous pancreatic cysts harbor the potential to progress to highly lethal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Since these precursor cysts require cancer surveillance or surgical resection, they need to be reliably distinguished from harmless pancreatic cysts. Current clinical and radiographic assessment is imperfect and the value of cyst fluid analysis for differential diagnosis is unclear. Therefore, we set out to investigate the value of cyst fluid biomarkers in distinguishing pancreatic cysts.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the current literature to identify articles that evaluated the diagnostic performance of clinically relevant and promising candidate cyst fluid biomarkers, with a particular emphasis on DNA-based biomarkers. Meta-analysis was performed for biomarkers targeted at identifying cyst type and presence of high-grade dysplasia or PDAC.
RESULTS
Data from a total of 42 studies was analyzed. Mutations in KRAS and/or GNAS allowed identification of mucinous cysts with a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 98%. This exceeded the performance of the traditional biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; sensitivity 58%, specificity 87%). Mutations in VHL were specific for serous cystadenomas (SCAs; sensitivity 56%, specificity 99%) and help to exclude mucinous cysts. Mutations in CDKN2A, PIK3CA, SMAD4, and TP53 each had high specificities of 97%, 97%, 98%, and 95%, respectively, to identify high-grade dysplasia or PDAC in mucinous cysts.
CONCLUSIONS
Cyst fluid analysis can be a valuable tool in the characterization of pancreatic cysts, with relevant clinical implications. Our results support the use of DNA-based cyst fluid biomarkers in the multidisciplinary diagnostic work-up of pancreatic cysts.
Topics: Humans; Cyst Fluid; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Pancreatic Cyst; DNA; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 37230894
DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2023.05.005 -
Annals of Gastroenterology 2023Extrapelvic manifestations of endometriosis can be identified in nearly every part of the female body, and the true prevalence of extrapelvic locations is unknown....
BACKGROUND
Extrapelvic manifestations of endometriosis can be identified in nearly every part of the female body, and the true prevalence of extrapelvic locations is unknown. Pancreatic endometriosis may manifest in several ways, ranging from emergency presentations to asymptomatic cysts.
METHOD
A systematic PubMed and Scopus search was conducted.
RESULTS
Eighteen patients from 17 case reports were included. The patients' mean age was 39.3 (range: 21-72) years. An emergency presentation was noted in 8 of the 18 (44.4%) patients. Menstrual irregularity was present in 3 (16.7%) patients, while in 3 (16.7%) cases there was simultaneous presence of endometriosis elsewhere. The most frequent symptoms at presentation of pancreatic endometrial cysts were epigastric pain, acute left upper quadrant pain, back pain, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, which occurred in 12 (66.7%), 11 (61.1%), 4 (22.2%), and 6 (33.3%) patients, respectively. Only one case presented as an asymptomatic pancreatic cyst. The maximum diameter of the endometrial cysts ranged from 1-16 cm. In the majority of cases, surgical treatment was offered (16/18, 88.9%). Recurrence of pancreatic endometrial cyst occurred in one case only, following needle aspiration of the endometrial cyst. No fatality was reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Review of the available published literature suggests that pancreatic endometriosis is a rare condition that should be included in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic masses. Further clinical and experimental studies are necessary to investigate the pathogenesis of extrapelvic and pancreatic endometriosis.
PubMed: 36593814
DOI: 10.20524/aog.2023.0760 -
Cancers May 2023Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL) represent an increasingly diagnosed condition with significant burden to patients' lives and medical resources. Endoscopic ultrasound... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL) represent an increasingly diagnosed condition with significant burden to patients' lives and medical resources. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) ablation techniques have been utilized to treat focal pancreatic lesions. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy of EUS ablation on PCL in terms of complete or partial response and safety.
METHODS
A systematic search in Medline, Cochrane and Scopus databases was performed in April 2023 for studies assessing the performance of the various EUS ablation techniques. The primary outcome was complete cyst resolution, defined as cyst disappearance in follow-up imaging. Secondary outcomes included partial resolution (reduction in PCL size), and adverse events rate. A subgroup analysis was planned to evaluate the impact of the available ablation techniques (ethanol, ethanol/paclitaxel, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and lauromacrogol) on the results. Meta-analyses using a random effects model were conducted and the results were reported as percentages with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).
RESULTS
Fifteen studies (840 patients) were eligible for analysis. Complete cyst resolution after EUS ablation was achieved in 44% of cases (95%CI: 31-57; 352/767; I = 93.7%), and the respective partial response rate was 30% (95%CI: 20-39; 206/767; I = 86.1%). Adverse events were recorded in 14% (95%CI: 8-20; 164/840; I = 87.2%) of cases, rated as mild in 10% (95%CI: 5-15; 128/840; I = 86.7%), and severe in 4% (95%CI: 3-5; 36/840; I = 0%). The subgroup analysis for the primary outcome revealed rates of 70% (95%CI: 64-76; I = 42.3%) for ethanol/paclitaxel, 44% (95%CI: 33-54; I= 0%) for lauromacrogol, 32% (95%CI: 27-36; I = 88.4%) for ethanol, and 13% (95%CI: 4-22; I = 95.8%) for RFA. Considering adverse events, the ethanol-based subgroup rated the highest percentage (16%; 95%CI: 13-20; I = 91.0%).
CONCLUSION
EUS ablation of pancreatic cysts provides acceptable rates of complete resolution and a low incidence of severe adverse events, with chemoablative agents yielding higher performance rates.
PubMed: 37174092
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092627 -
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Oct 2021Recently, low levels of intracystic glucose acquired with EUS-guided pancreatic cyst fluid sampling have been shown to help to differentiate mucinous from nonmucinous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Recently, low levels of intracystic glucose acquired with EUS-guided pancreatic cyst fluid sampling have been shown to help to differentiate mucinous from nonmucinous cystic neoplasms. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic characteristics of pancreatic cyst fluid glucose compared with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for pancreatic cystic lesions.
METHODS
Individualized searches were developed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines and meta-analysis analyzed according to Cochrane Diagnostic Test Accuracy working group methodology. A bivariate model was used to compute pooled sensitivity and specificity, likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and summary receiver operating characteristics curve for intracystic glucose or CEA alone or combination testing.
RESULTS
Eight studies (609 lesions; mean patient age, 63.56 ± 2.75 years; 60.36% women) were included. The pooled sensitivity for pancreatic cyst fluid glucose was significantly higher compared with CEA alone (91% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 88-94; I = .00] vs 56% [95% CI, 46-66; I = 537.14]; P < .001) with no difference in specificity (86% [95% CI, 81-90; I = 24.16] vs 96% [95% CI, 90-99; I = 38.06]; P > .05). Diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher for pancreatic cyst fluid glucose versus CEA alone (94% [95% CI, 91-96] vs 85% [95% CI, 82-88]; P < .001). Combination testing with pancreatic cyst fluid glucose and CEA did not improve the diagnostic accuracy compared with glucose alone (97% [95% CI, 95-98] vs 94% [95% CI, 91-96]; P > .05).
CONCLUSIONS
Low pancreatic cyst fluid glucose was associated with a high sensitivity and specificity with significantly improved diagnostic accuracy compared with CEA alone for the diagnosis of mucinous versus nonmucinous pancreatic cystic lesions.
Topics: Aged; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Cyst Fluid; Female; Glucose; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pancreatic Cyst; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 33964311
DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2021.04.025 -
Pancreatology : Official Journal of the... Nov 2023Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are a cystic precursor to pancreatic cancer. IPMNs deemed clinically to be at high-risk for malignant progression are...
BACKGROUND
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are a cystic precursor to pancreatic cancer. IPMNs deemed clinically to be at high-risk for malignant progression are frequently treated with surgical resection, and pathological examination of the pancreatectomy specimen is a key component of the clinical care of IPMN patients.
METHODS
Systematic literature reviews were conducted around eight topics of clinical relevance in the examination of pathological specimens in patients undergoing resection of IPMN.
RESULTS
This review provides updated perspectives on morphological subtyping of IPMNs, classification of intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasms, nomenclature for high-grade dysplasia, assessment of T stage, distinction of carcinoma associated or concomitant with IPMN, role of molecular assessment of IPMN tissue, role of intraoperative assessment by frozen section, and preoperative evaluation of cyst fluid cytology.
CONCLUSIONS
This analysis provides the foundation for data-driven approaches to several challenging issues in the pathology of IPMNs.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Pancreatic Intraductal Neoplasms; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous; Retrospective Studies; Pancreatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 37604731
DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2023.08.002 -
World Journal of Radiology Feb 2023Paraduodenal pancreatitis (PP) represents a diagnostic challenge, especially in non-referral centers, given its potential imaging overlap with pancreatic cancer. There...
BACKGROUND
Paraduodenal pancreatitis (PP) represents a diagnostic challenge, especially in non-referral centers, given its potential imaging overlap with pancreatic cancer. There are two main histological variants of PP, the cystic and the solid, with slightly different imaging appearances. Moreover, imaging findings in PP may change over time because of disease progression and/or as an effect of its risk factors exposition, namely alcohol intake and smoking.
AIM
To describe multimodality imaging findings in patients affected by PP to help clinicians in the differential diagnosis with pancreatic cancer.
METHODS
The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses 2009 guidelines. A Literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library using (groove pancreatitis [Title/Abstract]) OR (PP [Title/Abstract]) as key words. A total of 593 articles were considered for inclusion. After eliminating duplicates, and title and abstract screening, 53 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Eligibility criteria were: Original studies including 8 or more patients, fully written in English, describing imaging findings in PP, with pathological confirmation or clinical-radiological follow-up as the gold standard. Finally, 14 studies were included in our systematic review.
RESULTS
Computed tomography (CT) findings were described in 292 patients, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in 231 and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) findings in 115. Duodenal wall thickening was observed in 88.8% of the cases: Detection rate was 96.5% at EUS, 91.0% at MRI and 84.1% at CT. Second duodenal portion increased enhancement was recognizable in 76.3% of the cases: Detection rate was 84.4% at MRI and 72.1% at CT. Cysts within the duodenal wall were detected in 82.6% of the cases: Detection rate was 94.4% at EUS, 81.9% at MRI and 75.7% at CT. A solid mass in the groove region was described in 40.9% of the cases; in 78.3% of the cases, it showed patchy enhancement in the portal venous phase, and in 100% appeared iso/hyperintense during delayed phase imaging. Only 3.6% of the lesions showed restricted diffusion. The prevalence of radiological signs of chronic obstructive pancreatitis, namely main pancreatic duct dilatation, pancreatic calcifications, and pancreatic cysts, was extremely variable in the different articles.
CONCLUSION
PP has peculiar imaging findings. MRI is the best radiological imaging modality for diagnosing PP, but EUS is more accurate than MRI in depicting duodenal wall alterations.
PubMed: 36874260
DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v15.i2.42 -
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging :... Dec 2023Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are frequent on MRI and are thought to be associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) necessitating long-term surveillance based on...
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are frequent on MRI and are thought to be associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) necessitating long-term surveillance based on older studies suffering from selection bias.
PURPOSE
To establish the percentage of patients with PCLs on MRI with a present or future PDAC.
STUDY TYPE
Systematic review, meta-analysis.
POPULATION
Adults with PCLs on MRI and a present or future diagnosis of PDAC were eligible. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus were searched to April 2022 (PROSPERO:CRD42022320502). Studies limited to PCLs not requiring surveillance, <100 patients, or those with a history/genetic risk of PDAC were excluded.
FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE
≥1.5 T with ≥1 T2-weighted sequence.
ASSESSMENT
Two investigators extracted data, with discrepancies resolved by a third. QUADAS-2 assessed bias. PDAC was diagnosed using a composite reference standard.
STATISTICAL TESTS
A meta-analysis of proportions was performed at the patient-level with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).
RESULTS
Eight studies with 1289 patients contributed to the percentage of patients with a present diagnosis of PDAC, and 10 studies with 3422 patients to the percentage with a future diagnosis. Of patients with PCLs on MRI, 14.8% (95% CI 2.4-34.9) had a PDAC at initial MRI, which decreased to 6.0% (2.2-11.3) for studies at low risk of bias. For patients without PDAC on initial MRI, 2.0% (1.1-3.2) developed PDAC during surveillance, similar for low risk of bias studies at 1.9% (0.7-3.6), with no clear trend of increased PDAC for longer surveillance durations. For patients without worrisome features or high-risk stigmata, 0.9% (0.1-2.2) developed PDAC during surveillance. Of 10, eight studies had a median surveillance ≥3 years (range 3-157 months). Sources of bias included retrospectively limiting PCLs to those with histopathology and inconsistent surveillance protocols.
DATA CONCLUSION
A low percentage of patients with PCLs on MRI develop PDAC while on surveillance. The first MRI revealing a PCL should be scrutinized for PDAC.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
PubMed: 38053468
DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29168 -
Clinical Gastroenterology and... Jun 2023Low-risk branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) lacking worrisome features (WF) and high-risk stigmata (HRS) warrant surveillance. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Low-risk branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) lacking worrisome features (WF) and high-risk stigmata (HRS) warrant surveillance. However, their optimal duration, especially among cysts with initial 5 years of size stability, warrants further investigation. We systematically reviewed the surveillance of low-risk BD-IPMNs and investigated the incidence of WF/HRS and advanced neoplasia, high-grade dysplasia, and pancreatic cancer during the initial (<5 years) and extended surveillance period (>5-years).
METHODS
A systematic search (CRD42020117120) identified studies investigating long-term IPMN surveillance outcomes of low-risk IPMN among the Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception until July 9, 2021. The outcomes included the incidence of WF/HRS and advanced neoplasia, disease-specific mortality, and surveillance-related harm (expressed as percentage per patient-years). The meta-analysis relied on time-to-event plots and used a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Forty-one eligible studies underwent systematic review, and 18 studies were meta-analyzed. The pooled incidence of WF/HRS among low-risk BD-IPMNs during initial and extended surveillance was 2.2% (95% CI, 1.0%-3.7%) and 2.9% (95% CI, 1.0%-5.7%) patient-years, respectively, whereas the incidence of advanced neoplasia was 0.6% (95% CI, 0.2%-1.00%) and 1.0% (95% CI, 0.6%-1.5%) patient-years, respectively. The pooled incidence of disease-specific mortality during initial and extended surveillance was 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.6%) and 0.6% (95% CI, 0.0%-1.6%) patient-years, respectively. Among BD-IPMNs with initial size stability, extended surveillance had a WF/HRS and advanced neoplasia incidence of 1.9% (95% CI, 1.2%-2.8%) and 0.2% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.5%) patient-years, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
A lower incidence of advanced neoplasia during extended surveillance among low-risk, stable-sized BD-IPMNs was a key finding of this study. However, the survival benefit of surveillance among this population warrants further exploration through high-quality studies before recommending surveillance cessation with certainty.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Pancreatic Intraductal Neoplasms; Pancreatic Ducts; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreatic Cyst; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35568304
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.04.025 -
Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery :... Nov 2023Pancreatic benign, cystic, and neuroendocrine neoplasms are increasingly detected and recommended for surgical treatment. In multiorgan resection pancreatoduodenectomy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic benign, cystic, and neuroendocrine neoplasms are increasingly detected and recommended for surgical treatment. In multiorgan resection pancreatoduodenectomy or parenchyma-sparing, local extirpation is a challenge for decision-making regarding surgery-related early and late postoperative morbidity.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Libraries were searched for studies reporting early surgery-related complications following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and duodenum-preserving total (DPPHRt) or partial (DPPHRp) pancreatic head resection for benign tumors. Thirty-four cohort studies comprising data from 1099 patients were analyzed. In total, 654 patients underwent DPPHR and 445 patients PD for benign tumors. This review and meta-analysis does not need ethical approval.
RESULTS
Comparing DPPHRt and PD, the need for blood transfusion (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.10-0.41, p<0.01), re-intervention for serious surgery-related complications (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.31-0.73, p<0.001), and re-operation for severe complications (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.26-0.95, p=0.04) were significantly less frequent following DPPHRt. Pancreatic fistula B+C (19.0 to 15.3%, p=0.99) and biliary fistula (6.3 to 4.3%; p=0.33) were in the same range following PD and DPPHRt. In-hospital mortality after DPPHRt was one of 350 patients (0.28%) and after PD eight of 445 patients (1.79%) (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.10-1.09, p=0.07). Following DPPHRp, there was no mortality among the 192 patients.
CONCLUSION
DPPHR for benign pancreatic tumors is associated with significantly fewer surgery-related, serious, and severe postoperative complications and lower in-hospital mortality compared to PD. Tailored use of DPPHRt or DPPHRp contributes to a reduction of surgery-related complications. DPPHR has the potential to replace PD for benign tumors and premalignant cystic and neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreatic head.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatectomy; Pancreas; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Duodenum; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Pancreatic Cyst
PubMed: 37670106
DOI: 10.1007/s11605-023-05789-4 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Jul 2019Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytology in pancreatic cystic fluid are suboptimal for evaluation of pancreatic cystic neoplasms. Genetic testing and microforceps... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytology in pancreatic cystic fluid are suboptimal for evaluation of pancreatic cystic neoplasms. Genetic testing and microforceps biopsy are promising tools for pre-operative diagnostic improvement but comparative performance of both methods is unknown.
AIM
To compare the accuracy of genetic testing and microforceps biopsy in pancreatic cysts referred for surgery.
METHODS
We performed a literature search in Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies evaluating genetic testing of cystic fluid and microforceps biopsy of pancreatic cysts, with endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) prior to surgery and surgical pathology as reference standard for diagnosis. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy for: 1- benign cysts; 2- mucinous low-risk cysts; 3- high-risk cysts, and the diagnostic yield and rate of correctly identified cysts with microforceps biopsy and molecular analysis. We also assessed publication bias, heterogeneity, and study quality.
RESULTS
Eight studies, including 1206 patients, of which 203 (17%) referred for surgery who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed in the systematic review, and seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Genetic testing and microforceps biopsies were identical for diagnosis of benign cysts. Molecular analysis was superior for diagnosis of both low and high-risk mucinous cysts, with sensitivities of 0.89 (95%CI: 0.79-0.95) and 0.57 (95%CI: 0.42-0.71), specificities of 0.88 (95%CI: 0.75-0.95) and 0.88 (95%CI: 0.80-0.93) and AUC of 0.9555 and 0.92, respectively. The diagnostic yield was higher in microforceps biopsies than in genetic analysis (0.73 0.54, respectively) but the rates of correctly identified cysts were identical (0.73 with 95%CI: 0.62-0.82 0.71 with 95%CI: 0.49-0.86, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Genetic testing and microforceps biopsies are useful second tests, with identical results in benign pancreatic cysts. Genetic analysis performs better for low- and high-risk cysts but has lower diagnostic yield.
Topics: Cyst Fluid; Diagnosis, Differential; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration; Genetic Testing; Humans; Pancreas; Pancreatic Cyst; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Preoperative Period; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 31341368
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i26.3450