Endoscopic ultrasound-guided techniques for diagnosing pancreatic mass lesions: Can we do better?

Abstract

The diagnostic approach to a possible pancreatic mass lesion relies first upon various non-invasive imaging modalities, including computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Once a suspect lesion has been identified, tissue acquisition for characterization of the lesion is often paramount in developing an individualized therapeutic approach. Given the high prevalence and mortality associated with pancreatic cancer, an ideal approach to diagnosing pancreatic mass lesions would be safe, highly sensitive, and reproducible across various practice settings. Tools, in addition to radiologic imaging, currently employed in the initial evaluation of a patient with a pancreatic mass lesion include serum tumor markers, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). EUS-FNA has grown to become the gold standard in tissue diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.

Core tip: Evidence-based techniques to increase the diagnostic yield during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of pancreatic masses include: (1) use of general anesthesia; (2) use smaller (22 or 25G) needles for transduodenal FNA; (3) use If histology is desired, use 19G or core biopsy needles; (4) use suction; (5) use the “fanning technique”; and (6) use on-site cytopathologist or perform 7 needle passes.

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral blood tumor markers, among the least invasive diagnostic tests, are not yet useful in the initial evaluation of a patient with a pancreatic mass. Cancer antigen (CA) 19-9, the leading tumor marker used to monitor pancreatic adenocarcinoma, has sensitivity and specificity as low as 70% and 68% respectively in diagnosing pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which has led to recommendations that it not be used routinely for diagnosis of this condition[1,2]. The CA 19-9 marker is, however, useful for post-surgical cancer surveillance[3]. Because of this, a CA 19-9 level may be checked prior to any surgical intervention with curative intent and serum concentrations of the marker followed thereafter to detect disease recurrence.

Prior to the introduction of the EUS-FNA technique in the early 1990’s, pancreatic masses were diagnosed using ERCP and percutaneous biopsy techniques (Figure 1). ERCP is limited by a sensitivity of 49%-66% with pancreatic duct brushing, and a reported complication rate of pancreatitis up to 6%[4,5]. Use of CT or ultrasound guided biopsy carries a sensitivity of 62%-90% and specificity up to 100% with a randomized study demonstrating higher sensitivity (84%) for EUS-FNA compared to CT or ultrasound-guided biopsy (62%)[6-10]. In addition, the risk of tumor seeding into the peritoneum or along the percutaneous needle tract has led to avoidance of the percutaneous approach to tissue diagnosis, and studies have suggested a significantly lower risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis using EUS-FNA[11].

Figure 1.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of a mass in the pancreatic head. Arrows show the needle course to the tip of the needle within the hypoechoic mass (bottommost arrow).

STANDARD OF CARE: EUS-FNA

EUS-FNA is a safe, effective and efficient diagnostic tool in the evaluation of pancreatic mass lesions (Figure 2). Cytopathological specimens, and more recently core biopsies, may be obtained with high sensitivity (75%-98%), specificity (71%-100%), positive predictive value (96%-100%), negative predictive value (33%-85%) and accuracy (79%-98%) in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer as compared to other modalities (Table 1)[12-16]. The one caveat to the high diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA is in the presence of chronic pancreatitis where sensitivity decreases to 74% compared to 91% with normal surrounding pancreatic parenchyma[17]. Studies have shown that repeating EUS-FNA does improve diagnostic yield by enabling definitive diagnosis in about 63%-84% of patients[18-20]. Thus, EUS-FNA is the standard of care approach with repeat procedure recommended when the initial procedure is nondiagnostic.

Figure 2.

Algorithmic approach to a pancreatic mass.

Table 1.

Sensitivity and specificity of various diagnostic approaches to a pancreatic mass lesion

Modality	Sensitivity	Specificity
CA 19-9	70%-92%	68%-92%
CT	77%-97%	56%-89%
Transabdominal ultrasound	89%	99%
Percutaneous FNA	62%-90%	98%-100%
ERCP	49%-66%	96%
EUS-FNA	75%-98%	71%-100%
EUS-FNB	85%-95%	86%-100%

EUS-FNA: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration; EUS-FNB: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy; ERCP: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

EUS-FNA TECHNIQUE

Numerous studies have aimed at determining the ideal EUS-FNA equipment and techniques to obtain a diagnosis when evaluating a pancreatic mass. In basic principal, the target lesion is visualized by EUS, the most ideal lesion puncture approach is located, a chosen needle is advanced to puncture the lesion, the stylet is removed (if used), suction is applied (or not), the needle is advanced and withdrawn through the lesion to obtain cellular material, and finally the needle is removed and the tissue is collected for cytopathological examination.

Within this basic technique, more complex issues of scope positioning, selection of the puncture site, selection of the FNA needle, use of a stylet and suction, the technique of needle puncture, the number of needle punctures and use of an on-site cytopathologist have been studied (Table 2).

Table 2.

Techniques to increase diagnostic yield and decrease complications during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of a pancreatic mass

Pre-procedural considerations	General anesthesia may increase yield
	Goal platelet count greater than 50000 and INR less than 1.5 to reduce risk of bleeding
	Hold antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents except aspirin or NSAIDS
Procedural Considerations	Take caution when duodenal diverticulum is present to reduce risk of perforation
	Use Doppler to identify vasculature prior to needle advancement to avoid bleeding
	Use smaller (22 or 25) gauge needles for transduodenal FNA of the pancreatic head and uncinate
	If core histology samples needed, use 19G (in body or tail) or core biopsy needles
	Use suction
	Use the “fanning technique” during FNA
	Traverse the least amount of normal pancreatic tissue to reduce pancreatitis
Specimen Processing	Use on-site cytopathology or perform 7 needle passes

EUS-FNA: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration.

Scope positioning and puncture site

The first task in performing high quality EUS-FNA involves locating the target tissue and determining the ideal needle approach. Perhaps for this reason, use of general anesthesia has shown to be associated with increased diagnostic yield (83% with vs 73% without) during EUS-FNA of pancreatic mass lesions[21]. However this was a single center retrospective study and further study is required to confirm these results.

Limitations in approaching a pancreatic mass include difficult location, small size, necrosis and vascularity. Ideally the mass should be located in the six o’ clock position with the ultrasound transducer firmly applied to the luminal wall with suction. When possible, a transgastric approach is usually simplest as this avoids angulation of the scope permitting the needle to more easily pass through the biopsy channel. It may be difficult to advance the needle through the thicker gastric wall, which may be countered by suctioning the gastric wall, increasing the angle at which the needle passes through the gastric wall, and briskly advancing the needle. Acute angulation of the scope is often required when performing transduodenal FNA. Thus in these cases advancing the needle out of the biopsy channel may be more challenging, which makes smaller gauge needles (22 or 25 gauge) preferred with a transduodenal approach[22]. The needle should not be forced out of the echoendoscope, which may need to be withdrawn to reduce any loops in the instrument to advance the needle forward. A site with minimal intervening vasculature should be chosen through use of Doppler imaging to avoid bleeding complications, discussed later in this review.

Selection of FNA needle

There are a wide variety of EUS-FNA needles on the market, with the main differentiating factor being gauge (G) (Figure 3). These range from highly flexible and smaller 25G needles, to commonly used 22G and even larger 19G needles. Contrary to the mantra “bigger is better” studies have repeatedly shown that larger gauge needles may not provide more adequate diagnostic samples of target tissue within the pancreas[23-25]. In fact in one study, biopsy of lesions located within the pancreatic head and uncinate process showed a trend towards better diagnostic success with 25G needles over 22G needles[24]. Additionally, a meta-analysis comparing 22G and 25G needles for FNA of pancreatic masses found that sensitivity was significantly higher (93% vs 85%, P = 0.0003) with a 25G needle[25]. Numerous other studies have suggested that the diagnostic yield is not statistically different between 22G and 25G FNA needles[24,26-29]. One theme that rings true throughout the literature is that smaller gauge needles (22G and 25G) should be chosen when performing transduodenal FNA of the head and uncinate process of the pancreas given the significant bend and tension on the distal scope limiting movement of the needle. Larger needles, particularly 19G, carry higher technical failure rates in this situation, though without increase in rate of complications[23,30]. A prospective study evaluated the use of an algorithmic approach to choosing needle size in EUS-FNA, which recommended using 25G needles for transduodenal approach, 22G or 25G for transgastric approach and 19G or core needles when more tissue is required[31]. Following this algorithmic approach led to improved technical outcomes and cost savings without negatively impacting diagnostic accuracy. In general, for a transduodenal approach, a 22G or 25G FNA needle should be used while for a transgastric route, a 19G FNA needle may also be used especially if more tissue is desired. Core biopsies will be discussed further below, however, if the oncologists desire more tissue for molecular marker testing, the corresponding gauge core biopsy needle can be used.

Figure 3.

Representative endoscopic ultrasound biopsy and fine needle aspiration needles. A: 19G core biopsy needle; B: 22G core biopsy needle; C: 25G core biopsy needle; D: 19G FNA needle; E: 22G FNA needle; F: 25G FNA needle.

Different commercially available FNA needles have different echogenicity and appearance under EUS guidance. Readily visualizing the needle tip is critical to performing FNA. To improve visibility, needle tips are tailored by different techniques including laser etching, mechanical dimpling, or sandblasting. One large multicenter study involved multiple experienced endosonographers internationally who evaluated and ranked 10 different EUS needles in a bench top model based on their echogenicity and sharpness of distinction from the surrounding phantom. A prototype needle with polymeric coating had significantly higher overall ranking, which suggested that this coating to the needle tip and shaft may improve visualization[32].

Use of stylet and suction

A stylet is pre-loaded within all EUS-FNA needles with the intent of preventing sample contamination from the needle passing through other tissue prior to penetrating the target lesion. However, studies suggest that there is no difference in diagnostic success with or without use of the stylet[33-35]. Some EUS centers perform no-stylet FNA procedures, which means that the stylet is completely removed and not replaced during FNA. The stylet may be useful to the nurse assistant for advancing a tissue sample out of the needle after removal from the echoendoscope especially if air flushing fails. A randomized study found no difference in diagnostic samples or accuracy between air flushing or using the stylet to express the aspirate from the needle[36]. Other centers replace the stylet in between passes, withdraw it a little to sharpen the needle before puncture, and after entering the lesion, push the stylet in completely to expel any tissue collected at the tip of the needle.

Use of suction is also variable, though multiple studies agree that suction will increase the amount of target cellular material at the expense of a bloodier specimen[37,38]. If the cytology samples prove bloody, subsequent FNA passes should be performed with minimal or no suction. Also, the syringe vacuum suction must be turned off before withdrawing the needle from the lesion. One randomized study found that during EUS-FNA of solid lesions including pancreatic masses, sensitivity was significantly improved from 67% without suction to 86% with the use of 10 mL of suction[37]. Another prospective study of only pancreatic masses confirmed higher diagnostic samples with the use of suction during EUS-FNA[36]. Higher negative pressure suction (50 mL negative pressure) showed a trend toward increased diagnostic yield as compared to lower negative pressure (10 mL negative pressure) that did not reach significance[39]. A “wet suction” technique, where the stylet is removed, the FNA needle is preloaded with saline and then 10 mL of syringe vacuum applied during FNA has been proposed. In a prospective randomized trial of solid lesions with the majority being pancreatic masses, this wet suction technique significantly improved specimen adequacy compared with standard 10 mL syringe vacuum suction (86% vs 75%, P < 0.035)[40]. The “slow pull” technique, whereby the stylet is slowly withdrawn as the needle passes through the lesion to provide gentle capillary suction, has not proven superior when compared to standard syringe vacuum suction during FNA[41-43]. Suction does seem to improve diagnostic yield although whether different methods of suction application (simple syringe, “wet suction,” “slow pull”) makes a difference remains unclear.

Technique of needle puncture

The methods used during FNA are also hotly debated. Given that inner portions of a pancreatic tumor may be necrotic, targeting the peripheral areas of the mass may improve diagnostic yield. However, dense desmoplastic reaction at the periphery may also pose challenges to obtaining adequate tissue for diagnosis. Therefore, endosonographers advocate for the “fanning” technique, which involves adjusting the trajectory of the needle typically using the elevator and/or dials on the head of the echoendoscope (Figure 4), Thus, instead of advancing the needle back and forth through the same portion of the mass, it samples different areas. A randomized trial comparing fanning with standard tissue acquisition during EUS-FNA reported superiority of the fanning technique after a single pass (86% diagnostic yield) as compared to standard technique (58% diagnostic yield)[44]. Therefore, after puncturing the lesion, the needle should be advanced back and forth through as much of the lesion as possible about 12-15 times using the fanning technique, if possible. Other methods include the “door knocking method” where after puncturing the mass, the needle stopper is locked at a distance just short of the length from the tip of the needle to the most distal extent of the lesion, the needle quickly advanced through the mass until it hits the stopper, and slowly withdrawn to the opposite side of the mass. This sequence of rapid insertion and slow pullback is repeated until that needle pass is completed. A multicenter prospective assessment of the role of this technique in diagnostic yield found no difference in reaching a histologic diagnosis between the door knocking and conventional needle puncture methods[45].

Figure 4.

Schematization of the “fanning” technique for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration. Dashed lines represent the change in course of the aspiration needle during each needle pass.

Role of on-site cytopathology

The diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA is reported to be over 90% in most studies when rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) for cytopathology samples is employed[46-48]. With ROSE, the endosonographer typically makes one to two passes and then allows the pathologist to evaluate the sample smears for diagnostic yield. Further passes may be made as needed in order to achieve diagnostic success. If bloody aspirates are consistently seen by an onsite cytologist, switch to a smaller gauge needle without using suction. Older retrospective studies suggested decrease in nondiagnostic samples as well as need for repeat EUS with ROSE. Limitations of ROSE include increased cost due to cytopathologist time commitment, as well as limited access to cytopathologists and low reimbursements for ROSE[49].

In the absence of ROSE, several studies have concluded that 5-7 needle passes are ideal in order to achieve high diagnostic success[50-54]. In one large study, 5-6 passes achieved ROSE-level yields of 90%[50]. Another study using only 22G needles found that the sensitivity increased from 17% after the first pass to nearly 90% after the seventh pass, thus suggesting that 7 passes with a 22G needle may be required[51]. Yet another study using 25G needles suggested that four needle passes are sufficient[52]. Recently 2 randomized studies evaluated the diagnostic yield of performing 7 passes using a 22G or 25G FNA needle without ROSE to cytologist-guided FNA in pancreatic masses. Both studies found no significant difference in diagnostic yield. Therefore, if onsite cytology review is not available, 7 FNA passes into the pancreatic mass should be performed[53,54].

FINE NEEDLE BIOPSY

In theory a fine needle biopsy (FNB), or core needle biopsy, contains a superior tissue sample with preserved cellular architecture as compared to that from FNA. It has been hypothesized that this will yield increased diagnostic accuracy with tissue processing and testing more easily accomplished through routine histology specimen processing. Three randomized studies of 22G FNA and 22G core biopsy needle (EchoTip ProCore, Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) produced 3 different conclusions[55-57]. One study reported comparable diagnostic yield (89%-100%), number of passes needed for diagnosis, and complications while another suggested significantly worse diagnostic capability (94% FNA vs 28% core needle) and ease of use with the core biopsy needle. The most recent study found significantly higher diagnostic yield with the core biopsy needle (90%) compared to the FNA needle (67%)[57]. A metaanalysis of ProCore compared with FNA needles found no difference in diagnostic yield although the ProCore needle obtained diagnosis with fewer passes[58]. Another prospective randomized comparison of 22G fenestrated core biopsy needle to standard 22G FNA needle in solid pancreatic lesions showed similar accuracy between the two needle types, though the fenestrated needle required, on average, one less pass (two instead of three) to achieve a diagnosis[59].

A retrospective study of a newer FNB needle (SharkCore, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) compared with FNA needles reported higher yield of tissue sufficient for histology with the core needle (95% SharkCore vs 59% FNA needle) with fewer median passes to achieve this (2 passes FNA vs 4 passes for SharkCore)[60]. Comparison of 2 different 19G core biopsy needles (ProCore and Quick-Core, both Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) in a randomized study found the ProCore had significantly higher diagnostic histology (85% vs 57%)[61,62]. Another study compared 22G and 25G core biopsy needles and found no statistical difference between diagnostic accuracy of one needle size over another[63]. Given the increased use of molecular studies on tissue samples required for gene-specific oncologic therapy, obtaining histologic sized specimens, rather than cytopathology, will be of importance in the future. FNB may also play a critical role in rescue procedures when EUS-FNA is nondiagnostic. It may also change our practice if proven more efficacious than FNA needles whereby only FNB needles may be necessary without ROSE to obtain adequate specimens. Ongoing study of EUS-FNB regarding the clinical effectiveness as compared to FNA and cost analyses are required.

POTENTIAL ADVERSE EVENTS

Compared to other interventional procedures like ERCP, EUS-FNA procedures are very safe with reported overall complication rates ranging from 0.3% to 2.2%[64,65]. Smaller (≤ 20 mm) and pancreatic neuroendocrine lesions were associated with increased risk of complications including pancreatitis, abdominal pain, and bleeding in a retrospective single center study[66]. Several complications of EUS-FNA and best-practice tips to avoid them are discussed.

Pancreatitis

The most common serious complication of EUS-FNA of pancreatic mass lesions is pancreatitis, which can occur in anywhere from 0.29% to 2% of cases[66-68]. Needle gauge has no impact on the development of pancreatitis, which is thought to occur when the needle traverses normal pancreatic parenchyma and ducts to reach the target lesion. When discussing this risk with patients, it may be helpful to note that the risk of pancreatitis reported during percutaneous FNA is slightly higher at 3%[69]. To avoid pancreatitis after EUS-FNA, it is recommended to select a needle path that will traverse the least amount of normal pancreas as possible. Whether administration of rectal indomethacin in potentially higher risk EUS-FNA procedures reduces the risk of post-EUS-FNA pancreatitis requires further study[70].

Hemorrhage

Bleeding during and after EUS-FNA procedures has been reported to occur from 1.0%-4.4% of cases[62-71]. Bleeding may be intraluminal or extraluminal and in most cases is self-limited. Steps to avoid procedure-related hemorrhage include avoidance of antithrombotic medications when possible, though generally aspirin and NSAIDs may be continued. A minimum platelet count of 50000 and INR less than 1.5 is also recommended as with many endoscopic procedures[72]. Additionally, use of Doppler ultrasonography to avoid intervening bleed vessels during needle puncture is advised. If blood is seen filling the suction syringe during EUS-FNA, FNA should be stopped.

Perforation

Perforation of the esophagus is reported to occur in 0.009% to 0.15% of procedures[73,74]. This is likely related to the larger diameter (generally 12-14 mm) of the echoendoscope, oblique position of the endoscopic camera limiting visualization of esophageal intubation, and blunt tip of some echoendoscopes. Duodenal perforation is more common, occurring in 0.02% to 0.86% in different series, and is often attributed to the presence of duodenal diverticula[65,75]. Avoidance of perforation is achieved through scope lubrication, careful intubation, avoidance of undue pressure and awareness of any risky anatomic features including a diverticulum.

Infection

Infection is rare, though several studies have shown that there may be a small risk of bacteremia comparable to the risk associated with routine endoscopic procedures at about 2%[76-78]. Clinically significant infection is exceedingly rare, therefore, routine prophylactic antibiotics are not advised[79]. If the solid lesion has a significant cystic component, prophylactic antibiotics should be administered as recommended by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy[80].

Tumor seeding

Tumor seeding is perhaps the most feared complication, however there are only limited single case reports of EUS-FNA associated tumor seeding and thus the risk is thought to be extremely low[81]. To avoid this complication, it is important to ensure the echoendoscope is as close to the suspected malignancy as possible to limit the amount of tissue traversed. It is also important to perform EUS-FNA only when the results of the procedure will impact management of the patient, and to send patients straight to exploratory or curative surgery when appropriate. A retrospective study evaluating the impact of preoperative EUS-FNA found no difference in postoperative complications and overall or recurrence-free survival between patients who had and had not undergone preoperative EUS-FNA[82].

STAGING OF PANCREATIC MASSES

Staging pancreatic cancer is of paramount importance in determining the resectability of any given cancer. Only approximately 10%-15% of patients with a pancreatic cancer will be candidates for surgical resection; therefore, an evaluation for distant metastases, vascular invasion, and lymphatic spread are considered. While pancreatic protocol CT scan of the abdomen is generally recommended as first line for this purpose, other modalities have been evaluated and play a role in staging. In addition to providing diagnostic information about the pancreatic mass, EUS is also important in detecting metastatic disease not seen on ultrasound or CT imaging. An older study found that 12% of patients with pancreatic masses had metastatic disease involving lymph nodes, liver, ascites, and the retroperitoneum identified by EUS-FNA that were not visualized by abdominal ultrasound or CT[83]. Whether this would still hold true with improved abdominal imaging technology today is unclear.

With advancements in cross-sectional imaging, CT and MRI are now comparable to EUS for T-staging with accuracy ranging from 62% to 94%[84]. A systematic review of the literature suggested that nodal staging also has similar accuracy between EUS (62%) and CT scan (63%)[85]. Presence of malignant celiac lymph nodes may preclude resection, therefore, this area should be examined carefully by EUS. EUS also seems comparable to CT scan for detecting vascular invasion. For determination of vascular invasion, sensitivity of EUS varies depending on the vessels involved. EUS is superior to CT for assessing vascular invasion of the portal vein (60%-100% sensitive) while inferior for judging involvement of the SMV, SMA, and celiac artery (17%-83% sensitive)[86-89]. There is no consensus regarding the EUS criteria used to assess vascular invasion. Complete vascular obstruction, venous collaterals and visible tumor in the vessel have the highest specificity for vascular invasion and therefore, are the best criteria to use[90]. Regarding resectability, a systematic review inclusive of 678 patients demonstrated that EUS was 63%-93% accurate in identifying surgically curable cases, which was generally similar to or better than CT scan (60%-83% sensitive)[85]. Routine cross-sectional imaging is still recommended in order to evaluate for other intraperitoneal and hepatic metastases that may not be well evaluated with EUS.

ANCILLARY EUS TECHNIQUES

In an effort to further push the diagnostic accuracy of EUS to 100%, several complementary technologies have been developed including elastography, contrast-harmonic EUS and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Elastography during EUS may be used to calculate tissue stiffness, which may be of utility given that the properties of normal pancreatic vs cancerous tissue differ. Most cancerous lesions will be “harder” showing less elasticity, while benign lesions are generally “soft.” Meta-analyses of elastography have reported sensitivity in detecting pancreatic cancer of 95%, though use of the technology for this indication is not yet mainstream and only available on certain ultrasound processors[91-93].

Contrast harmonic ultrasonography involves use of intravenous microbubble contrast to enhance visualization of the microvasculature during EUS, theoretically improving the ability to detect malignancies. Lesions may be differentiated based on their enhancement with this microbubble contrast, whereby most carcinomas show hypoenhancement and normal tissue is non-enhancing. A systematic review of 82 reports using contrast harmonic EUS for solid pancreatic lesions found that the heterogeneous hypoenhancement pattern was 89%-96% sensitive and 69%-94% specific compared to a hyperenhancing pattern in diagnosing pancreatic adenocarcinoma[94]. The accuracy of this technique was comparable to EUS-FNA, and whether the concomitant use of contrast harmonic EUS with EUS-FNA significantly improves overall diagnostic sensitivity compared to using each technique alone requires further study. In addition, interobserver agreement ranges from fair to good, which may improve with the advent of quantitative contrast harmonic EUS[94].

Several tissue-based techniques may improve diagnosis of pancreatic masses. FISH uses pre-specified fluorescently labeled DNA probes and has been shown to improve the diagnostic yield of indeterminate cytology from EUS-FNA samples of pancreatic masses, but is not readily available[95,96]. For inconclusive EUS-FNA specimens from pancreatic solid masses, a metaanalysis of 931 patients found that the addition of K-ras mutation analysis significantly increased sensitivity from 81% to 89% and reduced the false-negative rate by 56%[97]. This was associated with a concomitant reduction in specificity from 97% to 92% and an 11% increase in false-positive rate. RNA sequencing of EUS-FNA samples has also been recently reported in a proof-of-principle study with 87% sensitivity and 75% specificity in diagnosing pancreatic adenocarcinoma[98]. A 5 microRNA panel was found to augment cytologic diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from 79% to 91% and out of 39 cytologically benign, indeterminate, or nondiagnostic samples, 22 were correctly diagnosed as malignant by the microRNA classifier[99]. This requires further study and is not yet available clinically.

OTHER TOOLS ON THE HORIZON

Probe based confocal laser endomicroscopy

As probe based confocal endomicroscopy has been further miniaturized, needle confocal endomicroscopy, or nCLE (AQ-Flex 19 miniprobe, Mauna Kea, Paris, France), has become available for clinical use (Figure 5). The nCLE miniprobe has 0.85 mm diameter and may be inserted through a 19G EUS-FNA needle to provide real-time cellular level imaging. The probe can be preloaded into the FNA needle before performing EUS-FNA or loaded after the mass has been punctured with the FNA needle and stylet removed. After administering 2.5-5 mL of 10% fluorescein sodium intravenously, the probe is advanced about 3-5 mm beyond the tip of the needle to image the mass. A pilot study of nCLE for diagnosis of pancreatic mass lesions has reported findings of dark clumps measuring greater than 40 µm associated with malignancy, no complications, and good interobserver agreement amongst three endosonographers blinded to all clinincal data. However, this technology will require further evaluation to determine its place in diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses[100].

Figure 5.

Confocal laser endomicroscopy miniprobe through a 19G FNA needle. Photo provided with permissions by Mauna Kea, Paris, France.

Through-the-needle biopsy forceps

A new miniaturized 0.75 mm biopsy forceps is available that can be advanced through a 19G EUS-FNA needle to obtain histology (Figure 6). The stylet is removed from the FNA needle and the biopsy forceps preloaded into the needle with the end positioned about 2-3 mm proximal to the needle tip. After puncturing the lesion with the FNA needle, the biopsy forceps is advanced out of the needle and 2-3 bites obtained before removing it. FNA can then be performed in the usual manner. The forceps can also be advanced through the needle after puncturing the mass. If difficulty is encountered in pushing out the forceps, it should be opened and closed by the assistant while the endoscopist continues advancing it forward. Using the mini-forceps through an FNA needle has been proven feasible and safe for pancreatic tissue acquisition[101]. While only a pilot study has been completed, this initial report suggested high diagnostic sensitivity with no device failures or complications. This may offer an attractive alternative for the future.

Figure 6.

Miniature biopsy forceps. A: In open position, passing through a 19G FNA needle; B: EUS view of open biopsy forceps through the FNA needle. Photo provided with permissions by US Endoscopy, Mentor, OH.

CONCLUSION

EUS-FNA has overtaken all other technologies in the diagnosis of unknown pancreatic mass lesions. While it is clearly the single best test for elucidation of a pancreatic mass, cross-sectional imaging plays an important role in the initial evaluation and staging of pancreatic cancer. EUS-FNA is minimally invasive, safe, and highly effective in tissue acquisition. Diagnostic accuracy is enhanced with attention to the ideal technique through the choice of needle, biopsy technique and number of passes. When EUS-FNA does fail to provide a diagnosis, there are several adjunctive technologies currently under study which may assist in obtaining necessary diagnostic information including novel core biopsy needles, elastography, contrast harmonic EUS, through the needle confocal imaging probes and biopsy forceps, and tissue-based technology including FISH, DNA and RNA analysis.