PBF-Guided Biopsy with a Novel Puncture Biopsy Forceps Needle—Feasibility Study

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with fine needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy (FNB) to diagnose lesions in the gastrointestinal tract is common. Demand for histology sampling to identify treatment-specific targets is increasing. Various core biopsy FNB needles to obtain tissue for histology are currently available, however, with variable (37–97%) histology yields. In this multicenter study, we evaluated performance, safety, and user experience of a novel device (the puncture biopsy forceps (PBF) needle). Twenty-four procedures with the PBF needle were performed in 24 patients with a suspected pancreatic lesion (n = 10), subepithelial lesion (n = 10), lymph node (n = 3), or pararectal mass (n = 1). In 20/24 (83%) procedures, the PBF needle yielded sufficient material for interpretation (sample adequacy). In 17/24 (71%), a correct diagnosis was made with the material from the PBF needle (diagnostic accuracy). All participating endoscopists experienced a learning curve. (Per)procedural technical issues occurred in four cases (17%), but there were no adverse events. The PBF needle is a safe and potentially useful device to obtain an EUS-guided biopsy specimen. As the design of the PBF needle is different to core biopsy FNB needles, specific training will likely further improve the performance of the PBF needle. Furthermore, the design of the needle needs further improvement to make it more robust in clinical practice.

Endoscopic Management of Symptomatic Duodenal Duplication Cysts: Two Case Reports

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Duodenal duplication cysts (DDCs) are rare congenital anomalies typically manifesting during childhood. Clinical manifestations are uncommon in adulthood. DDCs were classically treated surgically, but endoscopic treatment has been increasingly reported. Endoscopic cyst marsupialization establishes a communication between the cyst cavity and the duodenal lumen so that the cystic content can be drained continuously into the duodenum. We herein describe two cases of symptomatic DDCs diagnosed in adulthood and submitted to endoscopic marsupialization using different techniques and devices. <b><i>Case Summary:</i></b> Case 1: A 23-year-old female patient was admitted with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a 35-mm duodenal subepithelial lesion whose proximal limit was immediately distal to the ampulla of Vater and filled with fluid and calcifications. Using a duodenoscope, deroofing of the lesion was made with a diathermic snare. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of DDC. Case 2: A 41-year-old female, submitted to laparoscopic cholecystectomy 1 month earlier due to suspected lithiasic acute pancreatitis, was admitted due to suspicion of iatrogenic biliary fistula. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed and the bile leak was treated. Immediately distal to the papillary orifice, a 20-mm subepithelial lesion was also detected. A biopsy forceps was used to fenestrate its wall, allowing the exit of mucous fluid and stones, and a sphincterotome was used to expand the incision. No recurrence was documented in both cases. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> These cases highlight DDC as a potential cause for acute pancreatitis in adults and endoscopy as an easy treatment option.