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Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are a common incidental finding in cross sectional imaging (up to 27% on CT scan and 41% on MRI) and pose a management challenge to physicians. According to society guidelines, PCLs with specific features should prompt additional workup with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for cyst characterization as well as cyst sampling. This can help determine if the cyst is mucinous or non-mucinous which has implications for its malignant potential. Cyst fluid has traditionally been sampled using EUS with fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and sent for fluid analysis and cytology. More recently, the adjunctive use of the through-the-scope micro forceps (Moray micro forceps, US Endoscopy, Mentor, OH) biopsy (EUS-MFB) has shown promise for diagnosis of PCLs. This technology utilizes a micro forceps through a 19-gauge needle to biopsy the cyst wall for histology, in addition to collecting cyst fluid for CEA level and cytology. More recently, the adjunctive use of the Moray® through the needle micro forceps biopsy (EUS-MFB) has shown promise for diagnosis of PCLs. This technology utilizes a micro forceps through a 19-gauge needle to biopsy the cyst wall for histology, in addition to collecting cyst fluid for CEA level and cytology. Only a few small retrospective reports have been published regarding the use of MFB. The results of this study will hopefully help increase diagnostic yield by obtaining a histopathologic diagnosis of these PCLs, and potentially affect practice patterns of gastroenterologists and the endoscopic community, specifically those physicians who perform EUS in these patients. Furthermore, the results will help determine whether there is reason to continue this line of research to obtain a definite histologic tissue diagnosis of PCLs.
The study schema is shown in Figure 4. (A) All patients referred to one of the participating academic centers for EUS evaluation of the PCL will be enrolled in the protocol if they satisfy inclusion criteria. Patient consent will be obtained during the clinic visit or prior to their EUS. EUS-guided nCLE imaging is first performed (B) followed by EUS-guided FNA and aspiration of cyst fluid. The cyst fluid is analyzed for CEA and cytology. As per institutional standard of care, the cyst fluid is also sent for molecular analysis. The results of the cyst fluid molecular analysis (B) will be utilized for the most likely diagnosis. Based on institutional multidisciplinary tumor board meetings, surgery is performed as indicated (C). Surgical histopathology serves as "gold standard" for diagnosis. It is anticipated that the majority of patients will undergo surgical resection after their EUS.
The purpose To determine the diagnostic potential of various biological markers in blood and cyst fluid aspirates from patients with Pancreatic Cystic Lesions (PCLs). Research design This is a 10-year prospective cohort and pancreatic cyst fluid repository study enrolling all patients diagnosed with pancreatic cyst and undergoing the cyst aspiration. Procedures to be used Blood Sample Cyst Fluid Sample Data Collection: Medical Record Number Demographics (age, sex, gender, race) Contact information History of alcohol use and IV and other recreational drugs and narcotics use/abuse Medication history Past hospitalizations, diagnoses, and treatment Physical examination findings Imaging data of abdominal and chest regions, including and not limited to ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) Future admissions, diagnoses, treatment including histopathological findings of resected specimens and blood reports End of study data: clinical progression of disease, cyst size, wall thickening, calcification, communication with pancreatic duct, string sign, cytology, immunohistochemical findings, assay levels of lipase, amylase CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), carbohydrate antigen19-9 (CA 19-9), and other biomarkers. Risks and potential benefits The risks associated with this study are slight discomfort or bruising from the blood sampling and the possible loss of confidentiality if the patient data or information is inadvertently disclosed outside of this study. The patient will not receive any additional benefit from the study aside from those received as part of routine standard of care. Importance of knowledge that may reasonably be expected to result The knowledge gained from this study may benefit other patients with Pancreatic Cyst Lesions in the future.
Pancreatic cysts are found incidentally on 15-50% of CT and MRIs for all indications and their prevalence is increasing. Many of these cysts may be precursors to pancreatic cancer, and thus pose a substantial risk, however, the vast majority are benign. Increased detection of pancreatic cysts provides an opportunity to diagnose pancreatic malignancy at an early, curable stage yet also increases the potential to over-treat clinically insignificant lesions. This presents a clinical challenge to prevent unnecessary resection of indolent disease, with associated risks of infections, bleeding, diabetes, and costly disability. Unfortunately, there is little information on the epidemiology and natural history of pancreatic cysts to help guide management.