Introduction

Pancreatitis remains a leading cause of hospitalization in gastroenterology. Although approximately 80% of patients exhibit a mild course, severe acute pancreatitis is associated with a mortality rate of up to 35%. The significance of thromboembolic events has come to attention lately. Incidences of splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) vary between 7% and 27%, while data on other events, (i.e. deep vein thrombosis (DVT)), are sparse¹. Moreover, outcome and management strategies for these complications are not established². This study emphasizes the need for further investigation into thromboembolic risks in pancreatitis to enhance prognostic and therapeutic approaches.

Aims & Methods

Prophylactic anticoagulation is frequently withheld in patients with pancreatitis, particularly for endoscopic interventions, and robust data guiding the management of established thrombosis remain scarce. This study aimed to identify risk and modulation factors associated with thromboembolic events in pancreatitis, with the goal of establishing hypothesis-driven strategies for prevention and management. We performed a retrospective cohort study at the LMU Klinikum Munich, a referral center for pancreatic diseases, including patients with acute and acute-on-chronic pancreatitis. Data collection spanned from 01/2018 to 07/2023 and comprised detailed laboratory values, vital signs, imaging and interventional procedures. This comprehensive dataset enabled an in-depth analysis of the factors influencing thromboembolic complications.

Results

A total of 647 patients were analyzed, with 14.2% (n = 92) experiencing thromboembolic events. The incidence was comparable between individuals with acute pancreatitis (15.2%) and those with acute-on-chronic pancreatitis (13.9%). Among thromboembolic complications, DVT was most prevalent (6.9%), followed by pulmonary embolism (4.8%), portal vein thrombosis (4.4%), and SVT (4.2%). Patients developing thrombosis had significantly longer hospital stays (12.5 days vs. 6 days on average), higher severity of disease (severe pancreatitis 19.6% vs. 5.7%) and more frequent as well as advanced analgesic requirements.
Baseline clinical evaluation revealed lower diastolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation, along with impaired mental status (as indicated by reduced Glasgow Coma Scale scores) in the thrombosis group. Additionally, symptoms such as fever, cough, hematemesis, and dyspnea were more commonly reported. The presence of thromboembolic events was associated with an increased incidence of local complications, including walled-off pancreatic necrosis, acute kidney injury, pleural effusion, infection, septic shock, and bleeding. Consequently, these patients more often required medications such as proton pump inhibitors and diuretics. Mortality was significantly elevated in the thrombosis group (10.9% compared to 2.0%). Among those diagnosed with thrombosis, complete resolution was observed in 51.2% of patients with acute pancreatitis and 58.3% with chronic pancreatitis, with no significant difference between the two groups. Detailed analyses of complete laboratory parameters and vital sign trends during hospitalization are presently pending, with results to be presented at UEG Week.

Conclusion

Thromboembolic events are frequently observed in patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis, potentially underdiagnosed and drivers of elevated mortality and morbidity. Although no single symptom reliably indicated the presence of thrombosis, patients with more severe disease at baseline exhibit a higher risk for these events and should undergo comprehensive evaluation.

References

1. Chung, W.-S. & Lin, C.-L. Comorbid risks of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary
thromboembolism in patients with chronic pancreatitis: a nationwide cohort study. J. Thromb.
Haemost. JTH 14, 98–104 (2016)
2. Sissingh, N. J. et al. Therapeutic anticoagulation for splanchnic vein thrombosis in
acute pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pancreatol. Off. J. Int. Assoc.
Pancreatol. IAP Al 22, 235–243 (2022).

Introduction

Diabetes is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer (PC), potentially mediated by mechanisms such as hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and hyperglycemia. Prediabetes shared many of these pathophysiological features; however, its association with PC remains inconclusive.

Aims & Methods

We aimed to evaluate the association between prediabetes and risk of PC and to determine whether changes in glycemic status modify the subsequent PC risk. This retrospective cohort study used data from a territory-wide electronic healthcare database. Adults (≥18 years) with at least one hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) or fasting glucose (FG) measurement between January 2007 and December 2022 were included. Baseline glycemic status was classified as: (1) normoglycemia (HbA1c <5.7% or FG <5.6 mmol/L), (2) prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7-6.4% or FG 5.6-6.9 mmol/L), or (3) diabetes (HbA1c ≥6.5% or FG ≥7 mmol/L). The index date was the date of first recorded HbA1c or FG. Patients were followed until PC, pancreatectomy, death, or study end date (December 31, 2022). Exclusion criteria included prior PC, immunoglobulin G4-related disease, and type 1 diabetes. To minimize reverse causality between diabetes and PC, individuals with PC diagnosed within two years of the index date or with less than two years of follow-up were excluded. The primary outcome was incident PC. Covariates included demographic factors, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol use disease, metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities, diabetes-related complications, and concomitant medications (including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] statins, and antidiabetic agents). Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were estimated using multivariable Cox regression. Among individuals with normoglycemia or prediabetes at baseline, glycemic trajectories over the first 2 years were categorized as: (1) persistent normoglycemia, (2) reversion from prediabetes to normoglycemia, (3) persistent prediabetes, and (4) progression from prediabetes to diabetes, with PC risk evaluated accordingly.

Results

A total of 1,977,149 individuals were included (median age:55.3 [IQR:45.0-65.0] years; 44.5% male), with 1,295,290 (65.5%) classified as normoglycemia, 469,236 (23.7%) as prediabetes, and 212,623 (10.8%) as diabetes at baseline. Over a median follow-up of 8.8 (IQR:5.4-11.6) years, PC developed in 1,419 (1.26/10,000 person-years) normoglycemic, 859 (2.19/10,000 person-years) prediabetic, and 551 (2.92/10,000 person-years) diabetic individuals. The 14-year cumulative PC incidence among three groups was shown in Figure 1 (log-rank P <0.001). Compared with normoglycemia, prediabetes and diabetes were associated with 27% (aHR:1.27; 95%CI:1.17-1.39) and 56% (aHR:1.56; 95%CI:1.40-1.75) higher PC risk, respectively. Each 1% increase in HbA1c was associated with an 11% increased risk (aHR:1.11; 95%CI:1.07–1.15). At year 2, of those with prediabetes at baseline, 68,268 (14.5%) progressed to diabetes, 81,122 (17.3%) reverted to normoglycemia, and 319,846 (68.2%) remained prediabetic. Among normoglycemics, 81,122 (6.3%) remained persistently normoglycemic. Compared with persistent normoglycemia, PC risk was higher in persistent prediabetes (aHR:1.37; 95%CI:1.22-1.53) and prediabetes progressing to diabetes (aHR:2.22; 95%CI:1.91-2.59), but not in those reverting to normoglycemia (aHR:1.17; 95%CI:0.96-1.42).

Conclusion

Prediabetes was independently associated with an increased risk of PC compared with normoglycemia. Early intervention to revert prediabetes to normoglycemia may be a modifiable oncopreventive strategy to reduce PC risk.

Clinical Case Summary

A female patient (born 1974) presented with chronic diarrhea (up to 16 times/day, including nocturnal episodes), bloating, periumbilical pain, fatigue, general weakness, and 10 kg weight loss. Since childhood, the patient had been under observation for chronic iron-deficiency anemia of unknown origin without prior gastrointestinal evaluation. Symptoms progressively worsened over two years due to the lack of therapeutic effect at the outpatient stage, leading to hospitalization in July 2022. Histology revealed total duodenal villous atrophy (celiac disease: Marsh 3C, Corazza-Villanacci B2; 30-40 IELs/100 epithelial cells) and lymphocytic microscopic colitis (MC) of the colon (60-70 IELs/100 epithelial cells). Other examinations (abdominal CT, enterography, stool analysis) were normal; labs showed mild iron-deficiency anemia, with protein markers within normal ranges. She was diagnosed with celiac disease combined with lymphocytic MC. A gluten-free diet, iron supplementation, and budesonide (9 mg/day for 3 months) were initiated, leading to clinical improvement. However, diarrhea recurred (up to 10 times/day) one month after stopping budesonide, despite adherence to the gluten-free diet. Duodenal histology improved (Marsh I, IELs ≤20/100 cells), confirming dietary effectiveness for celiac disease. Colonic histology showed ongoing lymphocytic MC activity (25-30 IELs/100 cells). The relapse was attributed to persistent MC. A prolonged regimen of budesonide (9 mg/day for 3 months, tapering to 6 mg/day for 6 months) was prescribed. This clinical case of celiac disease combined with lymphocytic MC demonstrates that significant improvement in small intestine structure can be achieved with a gluten-free diet and prolonged budesonide therapy. However, the recurrent diarrheal syndrome in this case was associated with the persistent course of MC. Literature emphasizes increased MC prevalence in celiac patients, reinforcing the need for timely recognition and combined therapy.

References

1. Miehlke S., Guagnozzi D., Zabana Y., Tontini G.E., Kanstrup Fiehn A.M., Wildt S., Bohr J., Bonderup O., Bouma G., D’Amato M., Heiberg Engel P.J., Fernandez-Banares F., Macaigne G., Hjortswang H., Hultgren-Hörnquist E., Koulaouzidis A., Kupcinskas J., Landolfi S., Latella G., Lucendo A., Lyutakov I., Madisch A., Magro F., Marlicz W., Mihaly E., Munck L.K., Ostvik A.E., Patai Á.V., Penchev P., Skonieczna-Żydecka K., Verhaegh B., Münch A. European guidelines on microscopic colitis: United European Gastroenterology and European Microscopic Colitis Group statements and recommendations. United European Gastroenterol J. 2021 Feb 22;9(1):13–37. doi: 10.1177/2050640620951905. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33619914; PMCID: PMC8259259.

2. Calabrese C., Gionchetti P., Liguori G., Areni A., Fornarini G.S., Campieri M., Rizzello F. Clinical course of microscopic colitis in a single-center cohort study. J Crohns Colitis. 2011 Jun;5(3):218-21. doi: 10.1016/j.crohns.2011.01.004. Epub 2011 Feb 18. PMID: 21575884.

3. Microscopic Colitis: A Concise Review for Clinicians. June Tome MD, Amrit K. Kamboj MD, Darrell S. Pardi MD MS. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.03.022.

4. Tome M.D., Kamboj A.K., Pardi D.S. Microscopic Colitis: A Concise Review for Clinicians. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2021;96(5):1212-1222. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.03.022.

Introduction

In recent years, both the incidence and early-stage diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) have increased, likely due to advancements in cross-sectional imaging techniques (1). Management strategies are size-dependent, with observation generally preferred for lesions <10 mm and surgical resection for those >20 mm. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal approach for tumors between 10 and 20 mm, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary decision-making (2). In this setting, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or fine-needle biopsy (FNB) plays a crucial role not only in diagnosis but also in tumor grading (3). However, samples obtained through EUS-FNA or FNB may not provide sufficient histological material to determine tumor grade in pNETs smaller than 20 mm. This study aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the adequacy of histological samples obtained via EUS-FNA/FNB for tumor grading.

Aims & Methods

This study followed the PRISMA guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were searched up to December 2024 for studies reporting on the sample adequacy of EUS-FNA or FNB for grading pNETs ≤ 20 mm. Sample adequacy was defined as the proportion of samples in which the Ki-67 index was successfully obtained for tumor grading among all samples collected. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on needle type (FNA vs. FNB).

Results

17 studies were included, analyzing a total of 1414 patients. The pooled adequacy rate was 71.6% (95% CI: 0.592–0.841), with substantial heterogeneity across studies (I² = 98.69%). The risk of publication bias was considered low based on Egger’s test (p = 0.162). When considering only studies that used FNA, adequacy rates were lower, with a pooled estimate of 52.5% (95% CI: 0.302–0.748; I² = 97.99%). In contrast, studies employing FNB showed higher adequacy rates, with a pooled estimate of 79.8% (95% CI: 0.605–0.991), although heterogeneity remained high (I² = 87.32%). In this subgroup, there was also evidence of publication bias, as suggested by Egger’s test (p = 0.017) and visual asymmetry in the funnel plot.

Conclusion

Our study found that EUS-FNA/FNB provides adequate histological specimens for tumor grading in pNETs < 20 mm, although significant heterogeneity was observed. As expected, FNB demonstrated considerably better performance than FNA in establishing tumor grade, suggesting it should be preferred for pNET sampling. However, even with FNB, tumor grade could not be determined in up to 20% of cases, indicating that it remains a suboptimal tool for grading and may offer limited additional value beyond diagnostic confirmation in some patients. Notably, our study did not distinguish between first-, second-, and third-generation FNB needles; therefore, results from newer-generation FNBs may show improved sample adequacy rates. Furthermore, the observed heterogeneity highlights the need for studies specifically evaluating the ability of EUS-FNB to obtain high-quality tissue for grading, thereby supporting the role of EUS in clinical decision-making for these small tumors.

References

1. Souche R, Hobeika C, Hain E, et al. Surgical Management of Neuroendocrine Tumours of the Pancreas. J Clin Med 2020;9.
2. Mansour JC, Chavin K, Morris-Stiff G, et al. Management of asymptomatic, well-differentiated PNETs: results of the Delphi consensus process of the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association. HPB (Oxford) 2019;21:515-523.
3. Franchellucci G, Andreozzi M, Carrara S, et al. Contrast Enhanced EUS for Predicting Solid Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Grade and Aggressiveness. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023;13.

Introduction

Pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC) is a well defined local complication of pancreatitis. It has been reported in 8-41% of patients with history of pancreatitis in children¹. In past, surgical technique was treatment of choice for PPC drainage², however with advancements in endoscopic interventions, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided PPC drainage is preferred in present era. Limited literature is available for EUS guided PPC drainage in pediatrics, owing to structure of echo-endoscope due to its rigid tip³, need of anesthesia and endoscopic skills. This study is one of the largest retrospective data⁴ in which we have shared experience of last 10 years for EUS guided PPC drainage from a tertiary care center of Pakistan.

Aims & Methods

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of EUS-guided PPC drainage in a large paediatric cohort (≤18 years) in Karachi, Pakistan, and assess technical and clinical success.
We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients ≤18 years who underwent EUS-guided PPC drainage from 2015 to 2024 at the Sindh Institute of Advanced Gastroenterology, a tertiary care centre in Karachi, Pakistan. Data collected include patient demographics, aetiology of pancreatitis, PPC characteristics, procedural details, and outcomes. Technical success was defined as successful stent placement across the cyst gastrostomy. Clinical success included PPC resolution and symptom improvement.

Results

28 patients were referred for EUS-guided PPC drainage, 7 patients had no symptoms when presented, so 21 patients underwent EUS-guided PPC drainage. All patients were given general anesthesia by a pediatric anesthetist, and the airway was secured by endotracheal intubation to avoid the risk of aspiration. out of 21 patients,11 were male, with ages ranging from 6 to 18 years (Mean age 14.00± 3.25 years). 11 patients underwent EUS-guided complete aspiration of pseudocyst, with average pseudocyst size of 4.27 X3.93 cm, ranged from 2X1.2cm to 6.7 x5.6 cm. 10 patients underwent EUS-guided pseudocyst drainage via stent placement. The average size of PPC in this group was 8.39 X 8.02 cm, ranged from 6 X5 cm to 14X10cm. 8 pseudocysts were located along the pancreatic body region, 8 were located along the head and neck, and 5 were located near the tail region. Two Double pig tail plastic stents (DPPS) of 7fr 4cm were placed in 9 patients and 7fr 6cm in one patient transmurally into the cyst-gastrostomy tract, whereas LAMS hot axios 10x20 mm was placed in one patient only. One of the patients had a recurrence of pseudocyst with symptoms after 3 months, hence needing repeat pseudocyst drainage. One patient had displacement of DPPS. None of the patients developed major complications.

Conclusion

Endoscopy guided pancreatic pseudocyst drainage is safe and effective in pediatric population, however this procedure should be done by trained and experienced endoscopists under general anesthesia by pediatric anesthetist and EUS guided technique should be preferred over conventional technique of PPC drainage.

References

1.Park, A., Latif, S.U., Shah, A.U., Tian, J., Werlin, S., Hsiao, A., Pashankar, D., Bhandari, V., Nagar, A. and Husain, S.Z. (2009), Changing Referral Trends of Acute Pancreatitis in Children: A 12-year Single-center Analysis. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 49: 316-322. https://doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0b013e31818d7db3
2.Szakó L, Mátrai P, Hegyi P, Pécsi D, Gyöngyi Z, Csupor D, Bajor J, Erőss B, Mikó A, Szakács Z, Dobszai D. Endoscopic and surgical drainage for pancreatic fluid collections are better than percutaneous drainage: Meta-analysis. Pancreatology. 2020 Jan 1;20(1):132-41
3.Thomson M, Tringali A, Dumonceau JM, Tavares M, Tabbers MM, Furlano R, Spaander M, Hassan C, Tzvinikos C, Ijsselstijn H, Viala J. Paediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy: European society for paediatric gastroenterology hepatology and nutrition and European society of gastrointestinal endoscopy guidelines. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. 2017 Jan 1;64(1):133-53
4.Nabi Z, Talukdar R, Lakhtakia S, Reddy DN. Outcomes of Endoscopic Drainage in Children with Pancreatic Fluid Collections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2022 May;25(3):251-262. doi: 10.5223/pghn.2022.25.3.251. Epub 2022 May 9. PMID: 35611379; PMCID: PMC9110851.

Introduction

Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) have significantly advanced endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided treatment of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). However, their impact on clinical outcomes in real-world settings remains incompletely understood.

Aims & Methods

Using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database—a nationwide inpatient database in Japan where LAMSs were approved in 2018—we identified 5,885 patients who underwent EUS-guided treatment for PFCs at 550 hospitals between 2010 and 2023. We examined the association between treatment period (before vs. after LAMS implementation at each hospital) and clinical outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for in-hospital mortality, bleeding, length of stay, and total healthcare costs, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Compared with patients treated in the pre-LAMS period, those treated in the post-LAMS period had a significantly higher risk of bleeding (adjusted OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.35–1.81). Additionally, the post-LAMS period was associated with an increase of approximately $3,300 (USD) in total healthcare costs, with an adjusted OR for being in the highest quartile of total costs of 1.55 (95% CI, 1.34–1.79). There was no significant difference in the risk of in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.95–1.55) or prolonged hospitalisation (adjusted OR for top quartile, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.86–1.12).

Conclusion

The introduction of LAMSs was associated with an increased risk of bleeding and higher healthcare costs, without significant improvements in mortality or hospital stay duration. These findings suggest that routine use of LAMSs for EUS-guided PFC treatment should be reconsidered.

Disclosure

HI declares research funding from Boston Scientific Japan, Fujifilm, and Piolax Medical Devices; honoraria from Boston Scientific Japan, Century Medical, Create Medic, Fujifilm, Gadelius Medical, Hitachi Medical, Japan Lifeline, Kaneka, Kawasumi Laboratories, Olympus Medical, Piolax Medical Devices, Sumitomo Bakelite, UMIDAS, and Zeon Medical; and contributions from Boston Scientific Japan, Gadelius Medical, Japan Lifeline, and Zeon Medical. YN declares research funding from Boston Scientific Japan, Century Medical, Fujifilm, Gadelius Medical, HOYA Pentax Medical, Hitachi Medical, Kaneka, and Medico’s Hirata; and honoraria from Boston Scientific Japan, Fujifilm, Gadelius Medical, Hitachi Medical, J-MIT, Medico’s Hirata, and Olympus Medical. This work was not supported by any of those companies. No other conflicts of interest exist. The other authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Introduction

Pain is the hallmark and most disabling symptom of chronic calcific pancreatitis (CCP), often severe and significantly impairing patients' quality of life. Its pathophysiology involves increased intraductal pressure, chronic inflammation, and neuropathic changes.

Aims & Methods

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of pain in CCP and to identify factors associated with its occurrence and severity.
This was a retrospective analytical study including patients followed for CCP. We collected data on disease duration, etiology, clinical manifestations, complications, analgesic treatments (AT), and symptom evolution under treatment. Pain intensity and impact on quality of life were assessed using the Izbicki Score (IS), which categorizes pain as mild (0–20), moderate (21–40), severe (41–60), or very severe (>60). Incomplete records that prevented IS calculation were excluded. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

We included 22 patients (14 men and 8 women), with a mean age of 55.6 years [27–80 years]. The most common symptoms were epigastric pain (n=18), weight loss (n=13), and chronic diarrhea (n=6). The mean delay between symptom onset and diagnosis was 25 months [1–120 months]. Etiologies included hyperparathyroidism (n=6), alcohol use (n=2), pancreas divisum (n=2), autoimmune causes (n=2), and were undetermined in 10 cases. The IS ranged from 0 to 93.75, with a mean of 40.22. Eight patients had an IS >40. Morphine was required in four cases; paracetamol was prescribed for 12 patients, and tramadol for two. Endoscopic treatment was indicated in three cases, while one patient underwent a Wirsungojejunostomy.
In univariate analysis, alcohol consumption was significantly associated with the occurrence of epigastric pain (p=0.01). Smoking and alcohol use were both linked to a higher IS (>50) (p=0.04). Smoking cessation was associated with a better analgesic response (p=0.04). Morphine use was significantly more frequent among alcoholic patients (p=0.01), and their treatment response was often unfavorable (p=0.02).

Conclusion

In our cohort, 80% of patients with CCP experienced pain, which was severe to very severe in nearly half the cases. Pain intensity was significantly associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption, while cessation improved treatment response. These findings underscore the importance of therapeutic education focused on smoking and alcohol cessation, in addition to analgesic management, to slow disease progression and improve pain control.