Background and Objectives: The Rosemont classification (RC) was developed as a consensus-based standard for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), however, it is more complicated than the conventional scoring system. We have noticed that in the early stages of CP, it is not unusual to observe pancreas with abnormal appearance coexisting with the areas of normal parenchyma. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of a “normal” pancreas appearance and to evaluate the usefulness of modified diagnostic criteria in comparison to the traditional EUS criteria and the RC. Patients and Methods: One hundred and seventy-seven patients who had undergone both EUS and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) within 2 months were enrolled in the study, and patients with pancreatic cancer were excluded from the study. ERP findings were used as the gold standard for the diagnosis of CP. The EUS images obtained were classified according to both the RC and our new modified criteria. The latter includes an additional criterion to the modified traditional criteria: fine-reticular pattern (F-RP) was defined as a normal pancreatic parenchyma. We compared the accuracy between the new modified EUS criteria and the RC. Results: (1) Normal or equivocal findings on ERP were obtained for 132 patients; 113 patients had F-RP on EUS. In contrast, F-RP was found in only 6 out of 45 CP cases on ERP (P < 0.0001). (2) We investigated the diagnostic capability of our new criteria for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography normal/equivocal pancreas compared to the traditional criteria. In cases where fewer than two points were defined as normal, the incidence of normal pancreas was significantly higher based on the new criteria than on the traditional criteria (P = 0.002). (3) No significant differences were found between the new criteria and the RC across all ERP grades. Conclusion: Our new proposed “normal-added EUS criteria” for diagnosing CP was equivalent to the RC.

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Background and Objectives: Isolated pancreatic tuberculosis (PTB) is extremely rare worldwide. The purpose of this multicenter retrospective study is to analyze imaging features of histologically confirmed isolated PTB in order to determine the diagnostic features of the new methods contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), ultrasound elastography and contrast enhanced endoscopic ultrasound (CE-EUS). Patients and Methods: We report on a retrospective data collection of 12 cases of PTB confirmed by histology or cytology. All examinations were interpreted by two independent readers in consensus. CEUS, CE-EUS and ultrasound elastography were performed according to the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology guidelines. Results: In PTB patients the common bile duct was never dilated. Multiple retroperitoneal lymph nodes are the second important B-mode ultrasound feature detected in 75% of PTB patients. CE-EUS was performed in three PTB patients demonstrating hyperenhancement. On elastography, all PTB lesions were markedly stiffer than surrounding pancreatic parenchyma. Conclusions: Here we report the first time on CEUS and elastography features of PTB. PTB had some typical imaging features with iso- or hyperenhancement on CE(E) US. PTB is markedly stiffer on elastography. If clinicians are aware of clinical features of PTB and conduct appropriate investigations with multiple modalities including B-mode ultrasound, CEUS, and EUS guided fine needle aspiration, diagnosis of PTB without laparotomy is possible and the disease can be effectively treated with anti-tuberculous drugs.

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EUS-FNA is often performed in the evaluation of Cystic Pancreatic Lesions (CPL) for a better preoperative characterization. The objective is to identify premalignant lesions as Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms, and/or a malignant transformation of them (adenocarcinoma). The role of cytological evaluation in this setting is discouraging and intracystic markers analysis, mainly CEA, lacks of a good specificity for the detection of mucinous neoplasms. New devices and approaches have emerged to overcome these problems as the cytology brush (Echobrush), the small mini-biopsy foceps, the cystoscopy and the needle Confocal LASER Endomicroscopy (nCLE), showing in some studies good rates of accuracy for distinguishing among mucinosus and non-mucinous neoplasms. However, intracystic molecular marker analysis, by identifying mutations in DNA of particular genes as KRAS,GNAS,VHL, CDKN2A and others constitute the most relevant advancement of last years and will contribute in the next future to a better management of CPL. The role of EUS-FNA according to international guidelines is still controversial. While 2012 Fukuoka guidelines are restrictive in their indications AGA 2015 guidelines support it when high risk features are present, enhancing the role of the cytological evaluation in taking decisions.

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