Endoscopy 2022; 54(09): E500-E501
DOI: 10.1055/a-1625-3396
E-Videos

Application of a novel artificial intelligence system in guiding the targeted puncture of a pancreatic mass

Xiaoyu Yu
1   Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, China
,
Zinan Zhang
1   Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, China
,
Ningxin Zhu
1   Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, China
,
Anliu Tang
1   Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, China
,
Shan Hu
2   Wuhan EndoAngel Medical Technology Company, Wuhan, China
,
Xiaoyan Wang*
1   Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, China
,
Li Tian*
1   Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, China
› Author Affiliations
Supported by: the Hunan Provincial Science&Technology Department of China 2020SK2013
 

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a first choice for acquiring samples from a pancreatic lesion [1]. However, due to the heterogeneity of the tumor, inaccurate localization of the positive puncture site will lead to a missed diagnosis The combination of contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound and EUS-FNA can help to avoid puncture in necrotic areas, thus improving the diagnostic rate [2]. Unfortunately, the naked eye is not reliable for identifying and differentiating the targeted puncture sites suggested by contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS.

Therefore, we developed a novel system based on deep convolutional neural networks and random forest algorithms in order to identify and track the pancreatic masses dynamically in real time via describing time–intensity curve characteristics of each area of the pancreas, identifying points of interest, and guiding EUS-FNA.

A 55-year-old man was admitted to our department because of abdominal pain for 4 months. Computed tomography (CT) showed a lesion 8.3 × 6.3 cm in the pancreatic body and tail ([Fig. 1]). The patient decided to undergo EUS-FNA with the guidance of the novel system ([Video 1]).

Zoom Image
Fig. 1 Computed tomography showed a space-occupying lesion in the pancreatic body and tail.

Video 1 Application of a novel artificial intelligence system in targeted puncture of a pancreatic mass. Red areas represent the malignancy where puncture was made, the blue areas are inflammation, and the gray areas are necrosis.


Quality:

EUS confirmed a lesion 6.5 cm in diameter in the pancreatic body and tail ([Fig. 2]). The optimal insertion region was determined with the guidance of the system. A targeted puncture was performed in the malignant area based on diagnosis via artificial intelligence (AI) ([Fig. 3]). Adequate tissue specimens were acquired after one pass with a 22G needle. The cytological examination found tumor cells ([Fig. 4]).

Zoom Image
Fig. 2 Endoscopic ultrasound confirmed a lesion 6.5 cm in diameter in the pancreatic body and tail.
Zoom Image
Fig. 3 The optimal insertion region was determined with guidance from the system.
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Fig. 4 The pathological examination found tumor cells and confirmed an adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

No adverse event and complications were observed during or after the procedure. The patient underwent surgery, and postoperative pathology suggested pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Chemotherapy was then confirmed. The novel AI system is a valuable option for improving the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA that can distinguish the malignant, benign, and necrotic regions in a lesion and guide the puncture.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AS_2AD

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Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgement

We thank Jinzhu Liu, Wujun Wang and Long Zeng from Wuhan EndoAngel Medical Technology Co., Ltd. to build the AI system.

* These authors contributed equally.



Corresponding author

Li Tian, MD
Department of Gastroenterology
The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District
Changsha, Hunan
China, 410013   

Publication History

Article published online:
08 October 2021

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Zoom Image
Fig. 1 Computed tomography showed a space-occupying lesion in the pancreatic body and tail.
Zoom Image
Fig. 2 Endoscopic ultrasound confirmed a lesion 6.5 cm in diameter in the pancreatic body and tail.
Zoom Image
Fig. 3 The optimal insertion region was determined with guidance from the system.
Zoom Image
Fig. 4 The pathological examination found tumor cells and confirmed an adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.