Diagnostic Endoscopic Ultrasound in Pancreatology: Focus on Normal Variants and Pancreatic Masses
Vitali F, Zundler S, Jesper D, Wildner D, Strobel D, Frulloni L, Neurath M (2023)
Publication Type: Journal article, Review article
Publication year: 2023
Journal
Book Volume: 39
Pages Range: 121-130
Journal Issue: 5
DOI: 10.1159/000533432
Abstract
Background: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a main tool in gastroenterology for both diagnosis and exclusion of pancreatic pathology. It allows minimally invasive assessment of various diseases or anatomic variations affecting the pancreas also with the help of new Doppler technologies, elastography, contrast-enhanced imaging including post hoc image processing with quantification analyses, three-dimensional reconstruction, and artificial intelligence. EUS also allows interventional direct access to the pancreatic parenchyma and the retroperitoneal space, to the pancreatic duct, pancreatic masses, cysts, and vascular structures. Summary: This review aimed to summarize new developments of EUS in the field of pancreatology. We highlight the role of EUS in evaluating pancreatic pathology by describing normal anatomic variants like pancreas divisum, pancreatic lipomatosis, pancreatic fibrosis in the elderly and characterizing pancreatic masses, both in the context of chronic pancreatitis and within healthy pancreatic parenchyma. EUS is considered the optimal imaging modality for pancreatic masses of uncertain dignity and allows both cytological diagnosis and histology, which is essential not only for neoplastic conditions but also for tailoring therapy for benign inflammatory conditions. Key Messages: EUS plays an indispensable role in pancreatology and the development of new diagnostic and interventional approaches to the retroperitoneal space and the pancreas exponentially increased over the last years. The development of computer-aided diagnosis and artificial intelligence algorithms hold the potential to overcome the obstacles associated with interobserver variability and will most likely support decision-making in the management of pancreatic disease.
Authors with CRIS profile
Francesco Vitali
Department of Medicine 1 – Gastroenterology, Pneumology and Endocrinology
Sebastian Zundler
Department of Medicine 1 – Gastroenterology, Pneumology and Endocrinology
Dane Wildner
Medizinische Fakultät
Deike Strobel
Medizinische Fakultät
Markus Neurath
Lehrstuhl für Innere Medizin I
Involved external institutions
Italy (IT)How to cite
APA:
Vitali, F., Zundler, S., Jesper, D., Wildner, D., Strobel, D., Frulloni, L., & Neurath, M. (2023). Diagnostic Endoscopic Ultrasound in Pancreatology: Focus on Normal Variants and Pancreatic Masses. Visceral Medicine, 39(5), 121-130. https://doi.org/10.1159/000533432
MLA:
Vitali, Francesco, et al. "Diagnostic Endoscopic Ultrasound in Pancreatology: Focus on Normal Variants and Pancreatic Masses." Visceral Medicine 39.5 (2023): 121-130.
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