Abstract
Background Pancreatic cystic lesions represent a diagnostic dilemma as some may harbor malignancy
or have potential for malignant transformation. The aim of this study was to present
our experience with a novel endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided microbiopsy procedure
enabling procurement of tissue from the wall of the cystic lesion.
Methods We collected data from 31 consecutive patients with pancreatic cystic lesions who
underwent an EUS-guided microbiopsy procedure at our institution. Records were retrospectively
reviewed from a prospectively maintained database.
Results The technical success was 87.1 %. Diagnostic yield of microbiopsies was 71.0 %. Microbiopsies
offered sufficient tissue for morphological and immunohistochemical characterization
of the lesions, as well as determination of grade of dysplasia. Furthermore, evaluation
of microbiopsies changed the clinical management in six patients (19.4 %). Three nonsevere
adverse events were observed (9.7 %): two cases of mild infection and one case of
mild pancreatitis. All three patients recovered completely.
Conclusions EUS-guided microbiopsy procedure was technically feasible, with a high diagnostic
yield. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these promising results.