Journal of Medical Ultrasonics最新文献

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) provides high spatial resolution and more detailed images than other diagnostic modalities. Furthermore, EUS-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA), such as EUS-guided fine needle aspiration or biopsy (EUS-FNA/FNB), is an indispensable tool in pancreaticobiliary disease diagnostics, supporting a conclusive pathological diagnosis. In this review, we evaluate the current status and the usefulness of EUS-TA for the diagnostics of the following biliary tract diseases: (A) biliary stricture diagnostics, (B) biliary tract cancer (BTC) itself, and (C) staging of advanced BTC. Previous reports have shown that EUS-FNA for biliary lesions is a safe procedure that is useful in differentiating biliary cancer from benign lesions and in the staging of BTC. On the other hand, the diagnostic performance of EUS-TA for bile duct lesions is reported to be similar to that of transpapillary biopsy. Overall, EUS-TA for biliary lesions may be a safe and effective method, but it should be performed with an understanding of the risk of serious adverse events such as bile leakage and peritoneal dissemination of cancer. It is recommended for distal biliary stricture lesions for which endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography cannot confirm the diagnosis or gallbladder lesions if they do not require the needle to pass through the biliary lumen.

Now that tissue cores can be obtained using fine-needle biopsy (FNB) needles, the ways tissues are handled for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) are changing. Direct smear, touch smear of core tissues, and centrifugation have been used for cytological examinations, and liquid-based cytology (LBC), which allows immunostaining and genetic tests that use residual samples, is emerging as an alternative. We emphasize that liquid cytology (Cytospin™ cytology and LBC) is still important, because it enables the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) when cancerous cells are scarce in specimens. Cell blocks are being replaced by core tissues obtained via FNB needles. Recent reports indicate that rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) is not necessary when FNB needles are used, and macroscopic on-site evaluation is used to evaluate specimen adequacy. Macroscopic findings of specimens are helpful in the diagnostic workup and for clarifying specimen-handling methods. In addition to the red strings and white cores observed in PDAC, mixed red and white strings, gray tissues, and gelatinous tissues are observed. Gray (necrotic) tissues and gelatinous (mucus) tissues are more suitable than histology for cell block or cytological processing. Tumor cells in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are numerous in red strings but cannot be observed macroscopically. ROSE might thus be necessary for lesions that may be NETs. Core tissues can be used for genetic tests, such as those used for KRAS mutations and comprehensive genomic profiling. Cytological materials, including slides and LBC specimens, can also be genetic test materials.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has emerged as a revolutionary diagnostic tool for lung diseases, including lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and lymphoproliferative diseases. This minimally invasive procedure offers a superior diagnostic yield while ensuring maximum patient safety when compared to traditional invasive techniques such as mediastinoscopy and thoracoscopy. By enabling real-time imaging and sampling of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes and masses directly from the bronchoscope, EBUS-TBNA has redefined the precision of diagnostic bronchoscopy. This comprehensive review explores the origins, development, and current status of EBUS-TBNA, highlighting its successes and identifying potential areas for improvement. Technological advancements have continuously enhanced the reliability and efficacy of EBUS-TBNA over time. The mechanisms underlying the superior diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA are thoroughly discussed, further solidifying its position as the gold standard for lung cancer staging and diagnosis. Furthermore, this review delves into the crucial role of EBUS-TBNA in lung cancer diagnosis, supported by studies comparing its accuracy, safety, and cost-effectiveness to other diagnostic tools. Looking ahead, ongoing research aims to expand the applications of EBUS-TBNA and improve its diagnostic performance. Notable advancements in needle design and sampling techniques hold promise for further enhancing its efficacy. Maximizing its potential through comprehensive training and continuous technological developments will enable broader clinical applications, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. As EBUS-TBNA continues to evolve, its diagnostic impact is expected to increase, solidifying its position as an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and management of lung diseases.

Purpose: No studies of the relationship between grayscale sonographic findings and pancreatic fat content have been reported to date. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between echogenicity and fat content of resected specimens using quantitative analysis.

Methods: Forty-two consecutive patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic tumors were enrolled in this study. Ultrasonographic images were compared with quantitative pathological analysis. Subjective evaluation of echogenicity was classified as hypoechoic, isoechoic, hyperechoic, and super hyperechoic. The total and intralobular fat areas were measured.

Results: The mean, median, modal, minimum, and maximum ultrasound gray values correlated with the proportion of total fat area (r = 0.349; 0.357, 0.486, 0.466, and 0.347; p = 0.024, 0.020, 0.014, 0.019, and 0.089, respectively), but did not correlate with the proportion of intralobular fat area. Subjective classification was correlated with median gray value (p < 0.001), intralobular fat area (p = 0.118), and total fat area (p = 0.011). Cases were classified as hypoechoic (n = 3), isoechoic (n = 7), hyperechoic (n = 30), and super hyperechoic (n = 2). The subjective classification was correlated with the median gray value (p < 0.001) and total fat area (p = 0.005), and not correlated with the intralobular fat area (p = 0.118). Hyperechoic or super hyperechoic pancreatic parenchyma contains over 19.7% fat. Computed tomography values correlated with the proportion of intralobular fat area (r = - 0.479, p = 0.004) and total fat area (r = - 0.541, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Echogenicity classified based on subjective evaluation and image analysis were correlated with the proportion of fat in the pancreas.

Advances in next-generation sequencing have made comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) using tumor tissue specimens and liquid biopsy using blood samples feasible in routine clinical practice. In the context of pancreaticobiliary cancer, it is necessary to consider CGP in formulating individualized treatment strategies. Performing CGP with tumor tissue specimens requires a sufficient number of high-quality samples. EUS-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) is expected to play a significant role in this regard, and endosonographers need to address this role. Here, we review the current status of EUS-TA for CGP focusing on pancreatic cancer and biliary tract cancer.

Purpose: Risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who achieve sustained virological response (SVR) after direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. This study investigated the usefulness of the VFMAP scoring system for predicting the development of HCC in these patients.

Methods: This study included 358 patients with HCV who achieved SVR after DAA treatment. The VFMAP system defines and scores cutoff values for virtual touch quantification (VTQ), fasting plasma glucose, sex, age, and alpha-fetoprotein values. All patients were grouped according to their VFMAP scores as follows: 0 or 1 point, low-score group; 2 or 3 points, intermediate-score group; and 4 or 5 points, high-score group.

Results: Nineteen patients developed HCC. The median follow-up duration was 3.2 (1.5-4.0) years. The respective cumulative incidence rates of HCC at 12, 24, and 36 months were as follows in different subgroups: all study patients, 3.0%, 4.8%, and 6.6%; low-score group, 0.96%, 0.96%, and 0.96%; intermediate-score group, 2.6%, 4.5%, and 6.8%; and high-score group, 10.0%, 15.3%, and 18.5%. The cumulative incidence rates of HCC in the high-score group were significantly higher than those in the low- and intermediate-score groups (p < 0.001 and < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion: VFMAP accurately predicted the development of HCC in HCV patients who achieved SVR following treatment with DAAs.