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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jun 16, 2012; 4(6): 247-259
Published online Jun 16, 2012. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v4.i6.247
Published online Jun 16, 2012. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v4.i6.247
Pancreatic cystic lesions: How endoscopic ultrasound morphology and endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration help unlock the diagnostic puzzle
Luca Barresi, Ilaria Tarantino, Antonino Granata, Gabriele Curcio, Mario Traina, Unit of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies, 90146 Palermo, Italy
Author contributions: Barresi L wrote the paper; Granata A and Curcio G researched the literature; Tarantino I and Traina M revised the final version.
Correspondence to: Luca Barresi, PhD, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies, Via Tricomi n1, 90146 Palermo, Italy. lbarresi@ismett.edu
Telephone: +39-331-1718159 Fax: +39-0912192400
Received: October 14, 2011
Revised: May 8, 2012
Accepted: May 27, 2012
Published online: June 16, 2012
Revised: May 8, 2012
Accepted: May 27, 2012
Published online: June 16, 2012
Abstract
Cystic lesions of the pancreas are being diagnosed with increasing frequency, covering a vast spectrum from benign to malignant and invasive lesions. Numerous investigations can be done to discriminate between benign and non-evolutive lesions from those that require surgery. At the moment, there is no single test that will allow a correct diagnosis in all cases. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) morphology, cyst fluid analysis and cytohistology with EUS-guided fine needle aspiration can aid in this difficult diagnosis.
Keywords: Pancreatic cystic lesions; Endoscopic ultrasound; Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration