胆管腔内超声联合胆汁肿瘤标志物对胆管狭窄病因的诊断价值探讨

目的探讨胆管腔内超声（IDUS）联合胆汁肿瘤标志物测定对胆管狭窄良恶性的鉴别诊断价值。方法57例胆管狭窄患者（良性狭窄8例,恶性狭窄49例）行胆管腔内超声检查,同时行血清及胆汁肿瘤标志物[CA19-9、癌胚抗原（CEA）]测定,以手术病理结果为金标准,统计分析腹部超声、CT、磁共振胰胆管成像术（MRCP）、IDUS以及IDUS联合胆汁肿瘤标记物鉴别诊断胆管狭窄良恶性的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值及准确度。结果IDUS和IDUS联合胆汁肿瘤标记物（胆管良恶性鉴别诊断的分界值CA19-9值和CEA值分别为107kU／L和66．71斗∥L）鉴别诊断胆管狭窄良恶性的特异度分别为63．6％（7／11）和77．8％（7／9）（P〉0．05）,阳性预测值分别为91．8％（45／49）和95．9％（47／49）（P〉0．05）,准确度分别为91．2％（52／57）和94．7％（54／57）（P〉0．05）,均显著高于腹部超声、CT和MRCP,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。IDUS联合胆汁CEA（远端胆管狭窄良恶性鉴别诊断的分界值为71μg/L）鉴别诊断远端胆管狭窄良恶性的准确度为97．9％（46／47）,明显高于IDUS的87．2％（41／47）,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论IDUS联合胆汁肿瘤标记物测定对胆管良恶性狭窄性质的鉴别有较高的价值,联合胆汁CEA测定能够在IDUS基础上进一步提高远端胆管恶性狭窄诊断的准确度。     

Multidetector computed tomography cholangiography with multiplanar reformation for the assessment of patients with biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the diagnostic use of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) cholangiography with multiplanar reformation (MPR) for the assessment of patients with biliary obstruction. METHODS: MDCT cholangiography with the MPR technique was performed in 58 patients who were thought to have biliary obstruction. No cholangiographic contrast agent was administered. MRCP in 24 patients, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 46 patients and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) in 24 patients were performed. Eighteen patients underwent biopsy or surgery. The findings on MDCT cholangiography were compared with those of MRCP, ERCP, PTC, biopsy or surgery. RESULTS: The findings of MDCT cholangiography were as follows: choledocholithiasis (n = 34, 56.7%), malignant stricture (n = 14, 23.3%), benign stricture (n = 1, 1.7%), and cholelithiasis (n = 11, 18.3%). A small common bile duct (CBD) stone in one patient could not be detected on MDCT cholangiography. One patient with a small stone in distal CBD detected on MDCT cholangiography had no stone on ERCP. Two patients with initial diagnoses of CBD stones by MDCT cholangiography were disclosed to have malignant bile duct stricture by reference examination. The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT cholangiography for the diagnosis of bile duct stones were 96.9% and 96.2%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT cholangiography for the diagnosis of bile duct stricture were 85.7% and 100%, respectively. The overall accuracy of MDCT cholangiography for the diagnoses of the causes of biliary obstruction was 89.8%. CONCLUSION: MDCT cholangiography with the MPR technique is a fast and non-invasive technique with relatively high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnoses of the causes of biliary obstruction.     

肝门胆管狭窄的病因分析与影像学诊断的临床评价

目的:总结分析肝门胆管狭窄的病因并探讨各影像学诊断方法在肝门胆管狭窄疾病中的诊断符合率.方法:回顾分析我院及山西医科大学第二医院于1982-200482例资料完整的肝门胆管狭窄患者的主要病因以及超声(US)、磁共振胰胆管造影(MRCP)、逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)、经皮肝穿胆道造影(PTC)等影像诊断结果,分析各项影像技术在肝门胆管狭窄诊断中的适应症和诊断符合率.结果:恶性病变占肝门胆管狭窄病的87.80%,其中大部分由肝门胆管癌引起,占总例数的76.83%,其次胆囊癌占7.32%,结肠癌肝门转移1.22%,肝细胞癌并发癌栓2.44%等.良性病变占12.2%,主要为损伤性胆管、胆管囊肿、硬化性胆管炎以及胆管结石等.US,ERCP,PTC,MRCP对肝门胆管狭窄的诊断准确率分别为84.15%,92.86%,100%,100%.结论:恶性病变是肝门部胆管狭窄病的主要原因,良性病变相对比例较小.在肝门胆管狭窄的诊断中,影像学诊断技术扮演着关键辅助作用的角色,能协助临床迅速获得准确结论.     

Analysis of abnormal recovery pattern of liver function tests after surgical repair of bile duct strictures

BACKGROUND: Gradual normalization of conventional liver function tests occurs in a majority of patients with extrahepatic biliary obstruction following adequate biliary drainage. Abnormal recovery pattern of liver function has been reported in up to 70% of these patients and there is scarcity of relevant information about this. The purpose of the present paper was to identify variables predictive of abnormal recovery pattern of liver function tests after surgical repair of benign biliary stricture. METHODS: Patient data, disease-related characteristics and serial liver function tests were prospectively collected in 64 patients with post-cholecystectomy bile duct strictures undergoing hepaticojejunostomy. Hepatic histology (fibrosis, portal inflammation, ductular proliferation and cholestasis) was independently graded by two pathologists using a previously validated scale. A cut-off limit of longer than 2 weeks for normalization of liver function tests following definitive surgical repair was considered abnormal. The patients were accordingly dichotomized into groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (22%) each had abnormal recovery pattern of serum bilirubin and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels while 13 (20%) had abnormal recovery pattern of serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) levels. Multivariate analysis revealed basal serum bilirubin level was an independent predictor of abnormal recovery pattern of serum bilirubin level while basal ALT level as well as degree of hepatic fibrosis were independent predictors of abnormal recovery of serum ALT level. Similarly, basal SAP level and degree of hepatic fibrosis were independent predictors of abnormal recovery of SAP level. CONCLUSIONS: Basal values of liver function tests and degree of hepatic fibrosis are the most important predictors of abnormal recovery pattern of liver function following adequate biliary decompression in patients with post-cholecystectomy bile duct stricture.     

核磁共振胰胆管造影与内镜下逆行胰胆管造影在胰胆疾病诊断方面的对比研究

目的：探索核磁共振胰胆管造影（ＭＲＣＰ）检查在临床应用中的价值。方法：对１１０例胰胆管疾病患者选择性地行ＭＲＣＰ检查,并与内镜下逆行胰胆管造影（ＥＲＣＰ）检查作比较,结合内镜下治疗以及外科手术,以明确两者之间的相关性。ＥＲＣＰ和手术结果作为金标准。结果：１１０例患者ＭＲＣＰ图像质量均较高,对胆管扩张诊断的敏感性为８５．０６％（７８／８７）,对胆管下段狭窄伴扩张诊断的敏感性为９０％（１８／２０）。Ｍ     

The differential diagnosis of Crigler-Najjar disease, types 1 and 2, by bile pigment analysis

Phenobarbital response, bile pigment composition, and the fractional biliary excretion ratio of bilirubin were studied in nine children with Crigler-Najjar disease. In five children, serum bilirubin levels decreased during phenobarbital treatment by 26% or more and the pigment composition in bile changed with a decrease in the proportion of unconjugated bilirubin from 33% +/- 12% to 13% +/- 1% and an increase in monoconjugates and diconjugates from 57% +/- 14% and 10% +/- 2%, respectively, to 72% +/- 4% and 16% +/- 3%. In four children, serum bilirubin levels did not change significantly during phenobarbital treatment. In these patients, bile pigments comprised 91% +/- 10% unconjugated bilirubin, 9% +/- 11% monoconjugates, and 1% +/- 1% diconjugates. On the basis of these differences, the former group can be classified as having type 2 Crigler-Najjar disease and the latter, type 1. Bile pigment analysis in parents of patients with Crigler-Najjar disease showed an increased proportion of monoconjugates in at least one of the partners in three of four couples tested, despite normal serum bilirubin levels. Serum bilirubin levels were about the same in type 1 and 2 patients and amounted to 236 +/- 62 mumol/L and 214 +/- 82 mumol/L, respectively. In addition the fractional bilirubin excretion ratio, calculated as the ratio ([bilirubin in bile]/[bilirubin in serum])/([bile acid in bile]/[bile acid in serum]) could not differentiate between these two groups. However, there was a 10-fold and 100-fold difference of this ratio between patients with Crigler-Najjar disease and those with Gilbert's syndrome and between patients with Crigler-Najjar disease and controls. The fractional bilirubin excretion ratio proved an excellent tool to differentiate between Gilbert's syndrome and Crigler-Najjar disease, whereas Crigler-Najjar disease types 1 and 2 could be differentiated on the basis of bile pigment analysis.     

高胆红素血症对肿瘤标志物测定的影响探讨

目的探讨高胆红素血症对Ca19-9、Ca24-2和CEA检测的影响.方法对320例胆管、胆囊良恶性疾病病人,15例胆囊炎病人的胆汁和血清以及10例肝硬化、10例黄疸肝炎病人进行Ca19-9、Ca24-2和CEA检测.结果在良性胆管、胆囊疾病中,Ca19-9的假阳性最高;在胆红素增高的良性疾病中,Ca19-9假阳性率达46.7%;15例胆汁和血清以及10例肝硬化和10例黄疸肝炎病人中,Ca19-9的假阳性率分别为93%、20%、80%和80%.结论高胆红素血症对Ca19-9检测影响最明显,胆囊、胆管良恶性疾病鉴别时,以Ca24-2和CEA检测为佳.     

胆总管结石对血清CA19-9的影响

目的:探讨胆总管结石对血清CEA、CA19-9的影响.方法:回顾经ERCP或手术证实、治疗的胆总管结石患者68例,分析血清CEA,特别是血清CA19-9与胆总管结石患者总胆红素、直接胆红素的相关性:并对20例血清CA19-9值超过正常上限两倍以上的患者统一时间进行随访,分析治疗前后血清CA19-9变化值与总胆红素、直接胆红素变化值的相关性.结果:血清CA19-9与总胆红素、直接胆红素存在明显相关性(r=0.813,0.786,均P=0.000);血清CEA与总胆红素、直接胆红素不存在相关性;治疗前后血清CA19-9变化值与总胆红素、直接胆红素变化值存在明显相关性(r=0.787,0.806,均P=0.000).结论:胆总管结石合并阻塞性黄疸时,可导致血清CA19-9升高,此时血清CA19-9作为肿瘤标志物的特异性差.     

The decision-making value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in patients suspicious for pancreatobiliary diseases]

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an operator-dependent procedure and has significant procedure-related morbidity and mortality. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a safe noninvasive method for pancreatobiliary imaging. The aims of this study were to evaluate the potential impact of MRCP on performing ERCP and to evaluate the decision-making value of MRCP in patients suspicious for pancreatobiliary diseases. METHODS: Two hundreds twelve patients (M:F 108:104, mean age 59.3 +/- 13.7) who underwent MRCP due to clinical or sonographic suggesting pancreatobiliary disease were included. We divided patients into four groups according to their presumptive diagnosis: biliary stone (group 1), biliary tumor (group 2), gallstone pancreatitis (group 3) and other biliary diseases (group 4). RESULTS: Numbers of cases in group 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 145, 43, 17 and 7, respectively. In 144 cases (67.9%), ERCP was unnecessary and 76 cases (35.8%) required neither ERCP nor any other treatment. Thereafter, these cases were thought to be a patient group in whom the workload of performing ERCP could be reduced. CONCLUSIONS: MRCP can reduce the number and efforts doing ERCP and is helpful in decision-making for the treatment of pancreatobiliary disease. Therefore, MRCP could be the primary diagnostic tool before choosing ERCP.     

Gilbert syndrome combined with prolonged jaundice caused by contrast agent: Case report

This case highlights a patient with Gilbert syndrome who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) with removal of bile duct stones, who then experienced an unexplained increase in bilirubin, with total bilirubin(TBIL) levels increasing from 159.5 μmol/L to 396.2 μmol/L and to a maximum of 502.8 μmol/L after 9 d. Following the decrease in the TBIL level, enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP) was performed to exclude any possible remaining choledocholithiasis. Nevertheless, the serum bilirubin level increased again, with TBIL levels rising from 455.7 μmol/L to 594.8 μmol/L and a maximum level of 660.3 μmol/L with no remaining bile duct stones. A liver biopsy showed severe bile duct cholestasis with no inflammation. Based on the exclusion of other potential causes of hyperbilirubinemia and the fact that both instances of increased bilirubin occurred after ERCP and MRCP, the contrast agents iopromide and gadoterate meglumine were suspected to be the causes of the hyperbilirubinemia. As of the writing of this report, the patient's bilirubin levels have spontaneously returned to baseline levels. In summary,ERCP and MRCP utilizing the contrast agents iopromide and gadoterate meglumine may possibly induce prolonged hyperbilirubinemia.     

Clinical study of choledochocele: is it a risk factor for biliary malignancies?

Background We aimed to clarify the clinical characteristics of choledochocele and to evaluate the possibility of choledochocele as a risk factor for biliary malignancies.Methods The clinical feature, the configuration of the pancreatobiliary ductal system, coexistent pancreatobiliary lesions, and amylase level in bile in 21 patients with choledochocele were reviewed. The correlation between the configuration, comorbid diseases, and amylase level in the bile was investigated.Results There was a female predominance, and 57% of the patients showed abdominal pain. Quite a few patients showed elevation of the levels of hepatobiliary enzymes. The configuration of the pancreatobiliary ductal system and choledochocele was classified into two categories: type I, where the choledochocele and pancreatic duct were visualized independently or simultaneously (90.5%); and type II, where the pancreatic duct was visualized after filling of the choledochocele (9.5%). Among coexistent bilio-pancreatic diseases, biliary stone diseases were the most frequent. Biliary malignancy was seen in 3 patients (14.3%). The amylase level in the bile was high in 50% (4/8) of the patients examined. The rate of abnormal elevation of amylase level in the bile in the two types of pancreatobiliary ductal system and choledochocele was 3/7 and 1/1, respectively.Conclusions The prevalence of organic abnormal arrangement of the pancreatobiliary ductal system in which the choledochocele serves as a common channel is low. However, there are patients with suspected functional abnormal arrangement of the pancreatobiliary ductal system, who may possibly be a high-risk group for biliary malignancy.     

A prospective evaluation of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in patients with suspected bile duct obstruction

Background—The value of magnetic resonancecholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is under debate.
Aims—To assess the diagnostic accuracy of MRCPand endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and todetermine whether MRCP may help to prevent unnecessary interventional procedures.
Methods—Eighty six patients with suspected commonbile duct obstruction who presented between January and December 1996 were enrolled. Twenty six were excluded due to anatomical reasons or because MRCP or ERCP could not be performed successfully. Results ofMRCP were interpreted by two radiologists and a gastroenterologist unaware of clinical diagnosis. Final diagnosis was determined by ERCPand histopathological findings or a follow up of at least 12months.
Results—MRCP images of diagnostic quality wereobtained in all 60 patients. Thirteen patients had a clear bile duct.Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of any abnormality (n=47)were 89% and 92%, and for the detection of malignancy (n=27) 81% and 100%, respectively. These results were equivalent to the respective figures of ERCP (91% and 92% for any abnormality, and 93% and 94%for malignant diseases).
Conclusions—MRCP is as sensitive as ERCP in theevaluation of bilary tract diseases. As the specificity of thisnon-invasive technique is close to 100%, MRCP may preventinappropriate invasive explorations of the common bile duct andpancreatic duct.

     

Differentiation between benign and malignant hilar obstructions using laboratory and radiological investigations: a prospective study

Background: Preoperative determination of the aetiology of bile duct strictures at the hilum is difficult. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of laboratory parameters and imaging modalities in differentiating between benign and malignant causes of hilar biliary obstruction. Patients and methods: Fifty-eight patients (26 men) with a history of obstructive jaundice and liver function tests (LFTs) and ultrasound suggestive of biliary obstruction at the hilum were studied. They were evaluated by tumour marker assay (CA19–9), CT and MRI/MRCP. A single experienced radiologist, blinded to the results of other tests, evaluated the imaging. The final diagnosis was made either from histology of the resected specimen, operative findings or image-guided biopsy in inoperable patients. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed for each laboratory parameter to determine optimal diagnostic cut-off to predict malignant biliary stricture (MBS). Results: In all, 34 patients had a benign and 24 had malignant aetiology. The mean age of benign patients was 38 years compared with 54 years for MBS. Forty-seven patients were treated with surgery while 11 had ERCP/PTC and stenting. The ROC curve showed that preoperative bilirubin level >8.4 mg/dl (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 70%), alkaline phosphatase level >478 IU (sensitivity 63%, specificity 49%) and CA19–9 levels >100 U/L (sensitivity 45.8%, specificity 88.2%) for predicting MBS. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of MRI/MRCP (87.5%, 85.3%, 82.7%, respectively) was marginally superior to CT (79.2%, 79.4%, 79.3%, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with a bilirubin level of >8.4 mg% and CA19–9 level >100 U/L were more likely to have malignant aetiology. MRI/MRCP was a better imaging modality than CT.     

A case of benign bile duct stricture causing difficulty in differential diagnosis from bile duct carcinoma

We report a patient with benign bile duct stricture causing difficulty in differential diagnosis from bile duct carcinoma. A 66-year-old woman consulted a local physician because of general fatigue. Blood biochemical tests showed increased levels of biliary tract enzymes. Abdominal ultrasonography (US) revealed tapering and blockage of the midportion of the bile duct and dilation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) demonstrated obstruction of the midportion of the bile duct. Later, because a marked increase in biliary tract enzymes and jaundice appeared, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) was performed. Post-PTBD cytological examination of bile was negative for cancer. A third biopsy showed slight hyperplasia with no malignant findings. Recholangiography, performed through PTBD, suggested gradual improvement of bile duct stricture, but could not completely exclude the possibility of malignancy; thus, resection of the bile duct including the stricture site was performed, and the resected specimen was submitted for intraoperative frozen section examination. Histopathological diagnosis did not reveal malignant findings. After cholecystectomy and bile duct resection, hepaticojejunostomy (Roux-en-Y) was performed. Because only erosion and desquamation of the mucosal epithelium and mild submucosal inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis were observed, chronic cholangitis was diagnosed histopathologically. Surgical resection of the bile duct should be considered for potentially malignant stricture of the bile duct.     

胰胆管扩张的MRCP表现对胰腺癌和慢性胰腺炎的诊断意义

目的 研究胰胆管扩张对胰腺癌和慢性胰腺炎的诊断价值。方法 回顾性分析45例胰腺癌和41例慢性胰腺炎的MRCP资料。结果 胰腺癌组的MRCP主要特征包括：(1)胰管扩张多呈管腔光滑，明显扩张，并多在胰头肿块处截断(26例，占74．3％)；(2)扩张的胆总管多呈突然截断(26例，占89．7％)；(3)双管征(28例，占62．2％)。慢性胰腺炎组的MRCP主要特征：(1)胰管扩张多呈粗细不均的不规则型，并贯通病变(18例，占60．0％)，部分可见胰管结石(6例，占14．6％)；(2)扩张的胆总管由上至下逐渐变细(18例，占90．0％)。结论 胰胆管MRCP表现的形态特征对胰腺癌和慢性胰腺炎的诊断有鉴别意义。     

多种内镜检查方法联合应用对胆管狭窄性疾病的诊断价值

目的评估多种内镜检查方法联合应用对胆管狭窄性疾病的诊疗价值。方法回顾性分析36例胆管狭窄性疾病患者的诊断情况。36例患者均进行了超声内镜检查术（EUS）、经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术（ERCP）、胆管内超声检查术（IDUS）,胆道靶向刷检行细胞学涂片、液基薄层细胞学检查,并结合临床资料及组织学病理检查,综合诊断。结果最终诊断胆管恶性病变21例,其中胆管细胞癌9例、十二指肠乳头癌4例、胰腺癌侵犯胆总管4例、肝癌侵犯胆总管4例;胆管良性病变15例,其中胆总管结石9例、肝吸虫感染所致胆管狭窄4例、单纯胆管炎性狭窄1例、外部压迫所致胆管狭窄1例。EUS、ERCP、IDUS及ERCP＋IDUS对胆管狭窄性疾病鉴别诊断的准确率分别为77．8％、88．9％、91．7％、94．4％,ERCP、IDUS及ERCP＋IDUS均明显高于EUS（P均〈0．05）;ERCP＋IDUS对胆管狭窄性疾病鉴别诊断的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值与阴性预测值分别为95．2％、93．3％、95．2％、93．3％,均高于EUS、ERCP及IDUS单独检查。胆道刷检细胞学、液基薄层细胞学或组织病理学检查,19例诊断为恶性狭窄,17例诊断为良性狭窄,对鉴别胆管狭窄性质诊断的敏感度为90．5％、特异度为100．0％、准确率为94．4％。结论对于胆管狭窄性病变,ERCP＋IDUS可使诊断准确率得到明显提高;联合应用ERCP＋IDUS＋病变胆管的靶向刷检等多种内镜检查方法,诊断准确率更高。     

Role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

AIM: To determine the clinical value of diffusion-weight- ed imaging (DWI) for the diagnosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC) by comparing the diagnostic sensitivity of DWI and magnetic resonance cholan-giopancreatography (MRCP). METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging examination was performed in 56 patients with suspected EHCC. T1- weighted imaging, T2-weighted imaging, MRCP and DWI sequence, DWI using single-shot spin-echo echoplanar imaging sequence with different b values (100, 300, 500, 800 and 1...     

Assessment of occult pancreatobiliary reflux in patients with pancreaticobiliary disease by ERCP

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of occult pancreatobiliary reflux by measuring the biliary amylase levels in the common bile duct (CBDA) and gallbladder (GBA) at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).Methods Eligible patients included 86 consecutive cases of pancreaticobiliary disease with prospective implementation of bile collection during an ERCP procedure. Patients with pancreatobiliary maljunction (PBM) were excluded. Nineteen cases of eligible patients had simultaneous collection of gallbladder bile. Bile was further collected by cholecystectomy in 8 cases.Results Twenty-two cases (26%) revealed a CBDA level higher than serum amylase (high bile amylase level, HBA group) and 64 cases exhibited a CBDA level lower than serum (LBA group). The mean values of CBDA in the HBA and LBA groups were 5502IU/l and 29IU/l, respectively. The rate of HBA was significantly higher in patients who were elderly, had a dilated common bile duct, and those with choledocholithiasis (P < 0.05). Three cases (16%) showed a CBDA greater than twice the GBA. Eleven cases (58%) exhibited a GBA higher than the CBDA. The values of GBA obtained during ERCP and cholecystectomy were consistent.Conclusions These findings suggest that even non-PBM cases can exhibit occult pancreatobiliary reflux, which can thereby cause biliary disease.     

Endoscopic stenting for common bile duct stenoses in chronic pancreatitis: results and impact on long-term outcome.

OBJECTIVES: The overall incidence of common bile duct strictures due to chronic pancreatitis is reported to be approximately 10-30%. It remains a challenging problem for gastroenterologists and surgeons. The exact role of endoscopic stenting has not yet been clearly defined. DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with chronic pancreatitis and symptomatic common bile duct stenoses underwent endoscopic stenting and were studied retrospectively. We were particularly interested in how many patients would achieve resolution of the stricture and tolerate removal of the stents in the long term. RESULTS: Indications for endoscopic stenting were symptomatic cholestasis, jaundice or cholangitis. The initial serum bilirubin was 8.3 mg/dl and the diameter of the common bile duct was 14.2 mm before stenting. Within 3-7 days of stenting, all patients presented improvement of jaundice and cholestasis. After a median stenting time of 9 months (range 1-144 months), 46% of the patients demonstrated regression of the stricture and clinical improvement, 26% required further stenting, and 28% were referred to surgery. Five patients received a self-expandable metal Wallstent. Thirty-one per cent demonstrated complete clinical recovery of the stricture as well as 10.2% a complete, radiologically verified stricture regression in a median follow-up of 58 months. CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be a therapeutic benefit for short-term endoscopic treatment but medium-term and long-term outcome remains questionable. Endoscopic stenting should be applied as an initial therapy before surgery, but it can be the definitive approach for older and morbid patients or cases with complete stricture regression after stent removal. Overall, it should not be considered as a routine procedure for symptomatic cases.     

Diagnostic utility of interleukin-6 (IL-6) for primary bile duct cancer and changes in serum IL-6 levels following photodynamic therapy

OBJECTIVES: Difficult diagnoses and a lack of effective therapy complicate biliary tract malignancies. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a human bile duct epithelium growth factor correlated with tumor burden. We evaluated the usefulness of serum IL-6 in the diagnosis of primary BDC and measured changes in serum IL-6 levels following photodynamic therapy (PDT). METHODS: We prospectively measured serum IL-6 levels in patients with BDC (N = 26: 14 patients treated with PDT, 12 with biliary drainage alone), hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC, N = 26), and healthy adults (N = 23). Serum IL-6 levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients with clinical conditions known to increase IL-6 levels were excluded. RESULTS: IL-6 was detected in all patients with BDC and HCC, and in 6 of 23 healthy adults. Median and mean levels of IL-6 were higher in patients with BDC than in both other groups (P < 0.001). Using a 25.8 pg/mL cutoff, IL-6 provided a diagnostic sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 92%; positive and negative predictive values were 83% and 87%, respectively. Serum levels of IL-6 were correlated with tumor burden in BDC patients. One month after treatment of BDC with PDT, the mean IL-6 level decreased significantly from 282.1 +/- 121.8 to 38.2 +/- 9.9 pg/mL (P= 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Serum IL-6 concentration is a useful addition to the available tests for the differential diagnosis of BDC, and serves as a marker for monitoring the response to treatment of BDC with PDT.