Cholangioscopy-based convoluted neuronal network vs. confocal laser endomicroscopy in identification of neoplastic biliary strictures.

Artificial intelligence (AI) models have demonstrated high diagnostic performance identifying neoplasia during digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC). To date, there are no studies directly comparing AI vs. DSOC-guided probe-base confocal laser endomicroscopy (DSOC-pCLE).

Short esophageal myotomy versus standard myotomy for treatment of sigmoid-type achalasia: results of an international multicenter study.

Background And Aims: Patients with sigmoid-type achalasia can be challenging to treat with peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). A short myotomy improves technical success; however, outcomes have not previously been evaluated.

Methods: This was a multicenter, international, retrospective study of patients who underwent POEM with short (≤4 cm) or standard esophageal myotomy.

Assessing EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation in unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a single-center historic cohort study.

Background And Aims: EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) has emerged as an alternative for the local treatment of unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We assessed the feasibility and safety of EUS-RFA in patients with unresectable PDAC.

Methods: This study followed an historic cohort compounded by locally advanced (LA-) and metastatic (m)PDAC-naïve patients who underwent EUS-RFA between October 2019 and March 2022.

Full-depth evaluation of the bile duct with a 7F cholangioscope and its possibility for guiding therapeutics.

Background And Aims: Digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) plays a critical role in directly visualizing and treating the bile duct system. Although various cholangioscopes with different external diameters are available for DSOC, certain challenging scenarios persist in which existing scopes fail to complete a thorough evaluation of the bile ducts. To overcome these limitations, we aimed to introduce and highlight the application of a novel 7F cholangioscope.

Use of an adapted bronchoscope for peroral endoscopic myotomy in a pediatric patient weighing less than 10 kg.

Video 1Customization of pediatric bronchoscope and peroral endoscopic myotomy settings.

Development of convolutional neural network models that recognize normal anatomic structures during real-time radial-array and linear-array EUS (with videos).

Background And Aims: EUS is a high-skill technique that requires numerous procedures to achieve competence. However, training facilities are limited worldwide. Convolutional neural network (CNN) models have been previously implemented for object detection.

Artificial intelligence for diagnosing neoplasia on digital cholangioscopy: development and multicenter validation of a convolutional neural network model.

Background: We aimed to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) model for detecting neoplastic lesions during real-time digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) and to clinically validate the model through comparisons with DSOC expert and nonexpert endoscopists.

Methods: In this two-stage study, we first developed and validated CNN1. Then, we performed a multicenter diagnostic trial to compare four DSOC experts and nonexperts against an improved model (CNN2).

Spanish translation and validation of a hybrid, health-related quality of life questionnaire for chronic esophageal conditions: NEQOL-S.

Background: Chronic esophageal conditions (CEC) are associated with significant disease-related burden, disability, and costs. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) constructs are intended to capture the physical, mental, social, and emotional aspects of a patient's life and how health status impacts these domains. The Northwestern Esophageal Quality of Life (NEQOL) can be used among esophageal diseases while maintaining sensitivity to specific conditions.

Prophylactic EUS-guided gallbladder drainage prevents acute cholecystitis in patients with malignant biliary obstruction and cystic duct orifice involvement: a randomized trial (with video).

Background And Aims: Patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) and cystic duct orifice tumoral involvement have an increased risk for the development of acute cholecystitis after self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement. We aimed to determine whether primary EUS-guided gallbladder drainage prevents acute cholecystitis in these patients.

Methods: This was a single-center, randomized control trial in patients with distal MBO enrolled from July 2018 to July 2020.

Endoscopic ultrasound elastography for malignant pancreatic masses and associated lymph nodes: Critical evaluation of strain ratio cutoff value.

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can detect small lesions throughout the digestive tract; however, it remains challenging to accurately identify malignancies with this approach. EUS elastography measures tissue hardness, by which malignant and nonmalignant pancreatic masses (PMs) and lymph nodes (LNs) can be differentiated. However, there is currently little information regarding the strain ratio (SR) cutoff in Hispanic populations.

Relation between serum uric acid levels with the degree of coronary artery disease: A prospective study from Ecuador.

Unlabelled: To analyze the relationship between serum levels of uric acid and the severity of coronary disease.

Methods: This observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study included 77 patients previously selected using inclusion criteria, from September 2014 to May 2015. It was conducted in a third level regional hospital from Guayaquil, Ecuador.