Double splenic artery pseudoaneurysm associating splenic infarction in chronic pancreatitis.

Pseudoaneurysm represents a rare complication in chronic pancreatitis, caused by enzymatic digestion of peripancreatic arteries or the erosion of a visceral artery by pseudocysts. The presence of multiple pseudoaneurysms is rarely seen and their association with splenic infarction has been rarely reported. This case presentation reports the concomitant presence of two pseudoaneurysms with different mechanisms of formation, one of them diagnosed by EUS features and histology of pseudotumoral chronic pancreatitis; the second was diagnosed by contrast-enhanced transabdominal US and CT scan.

Added value of intravenous contrast-enhanced ultrasound for characterization of cystic pancreatic masses: a prospective study on 37 patients.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to evaluate the added value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the pancreatic cystic mass (PCM) diagnosis by using a qualitative and quantitative analysis in order to make a relevant characterization.

Patients And Method: Between December 2008 and November 2011, 37 patients with PCM discovered at ultrasound examination were prospectively followed. A qualitative and quantitative CEUS analysis was performed in order to differentiate etiologies of the PCM.

The safety of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections without fluoroscopic control: a single tertiary center experience.

Background: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is preferred for guiding drainage of pancreatic fluid collections, with a success rate exceeding 90% when fluoroscopy is used. When fluoroscopy cannot be used, drainage can still be performed, but no data regarding the safety of such a procedure have yet been published.

Aim: To establish the safety of EUS-guided drainage without fluoroscopic control and to identify criteria for the selection of suitable patients.

The added value of real-time harmonics contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasonography for the characterisation of pancreatic diseases in routine practice.

Endoscopic ultrasonography is an imaging method used in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases. The differentiation between inflammatory tumor-like masses and pancreatic adenocarcinoma still remains difficult. Contrast enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography (CEH-EUS) is a new technique, recently available in commercial use and less evaluated.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the pancreas--a method beyond its potential or a new diagnostic standard?

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a relatively new technique, currently used for liver tumors diagnosis. Newer contrast agents are composed of stabilized micro-bubbles capable of traversing the capillary circulation. Lately, the method has also been used in the assessment of pancreatic disorders.