Endoscopic Ultrasound armamentarium for precise and early diagnosis of biliopancreatic lesions

Abstract

The diagnostic paradigm for biliopancreatic lesions has been revolutionized by continuous advancements in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) technologies and techniques. This review examines the expanding diagnostic toolkit available to clinicians, emphasizing innovations that have significantly enhanced precision and early detection capabilities.

One of the most transformative advancements is the development of fine-needle biopsy (FNB) needles. Modern designs, including Franseen, and fork-tip configurations, have optimized tissue sampling, achieving diagnostic accuracies exceeding 90 % while minimizing the number of needle passes required. These innovations facilitate the acquisition of high-quality histological specimens suitable for comprehensive molecular profiling, paving the way for personalized therapeutic approaches.

Concurrent advancements in sampling techniques have bolstered these needle design improvements. The fanning technique has been particularly effective, increasing diagnostic yields from 71 % to 88 %. Wet suction methods preserve tissue integrity better than traditional approaches, while standardized protocols for needle passes enhance procedural efficiency. For specimen evaluation, Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) offers 93 % sensitivity, while alternatives like Macroscopic On-Site Evaluation (MOSE) provide comparable accuracy while reducing dependency on specialized personnel and resources.

Image enhancement technologies have markedly improved the ability to characterize lesions. Contrast Harmonic EUS (CH-EUS) is particularly effective in differentiating pancreatic cancer from other solid lesions, with meta-analyses confirming sensitivity and specificity of 94 % and 89 %, respectively. Its ability to detect lesions as small as 15 mm makes it invaluable for early diagnosis. In cystic lesions, CH-EUS excels in identifying malignant mural nodules, with diagnostic accuracies reaching 96 %.

The integration of elastography and advanced digital imaging technologies has further expanded diagnostic capabilities. Strain elastography provides qualitative insights into tissue characteristics, while shear wave elastography offers quantitative measurements of stiffness, adding diagnostic precision. Similarly, technologies like detective flow imaging match the accuracy of contrast-enhanced techniques in pancreatic cancer detection and enhance vascular assessment.

For cystic lesions, diagnostics have progressed beyond traditional fluid analysis. Techniques such as through-the-needle biopsy (TTNB) have improved diagnostic yields to 74 %, albeit with a modest risk of complications. Incorporating molecular markers and next-generation sequencing allows differentiation between cystic lesion subtypes and more accurate assessment of malignant potential.

This array of diagnostic tools offers unprecedented potential for early and precise diagnosis of biliopancreatic lesions. Integrating these innovations into clinical practice requires careful consideration of their strengths and limitations. Future research should aim to standardize protocols and establish evidence-based algorithms for their combined use, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes through earlier detection and tailored management of biliopancreatic pathologies.