Diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasound in common pancreatic cystic lesions

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) have been screened out more frequently due to the progress of imaging techniques. Of these PCLs, the most common lesions are pancreatic pseudocysts, serous cystadenomas, mucinous cystadenomas and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. Once these lesions are detected, further differentiation between neoplastic and non-neoplastic cysts, benign and malignant cysts should be made. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an important tool in the diagnostic process of PCLs. Fundamental B-mode endoscopic ultrasonography can delineate the cyst morphology and inner structure well; contrast enhanced EUS can demonstrate images of microcirculation of the cystic wall, and discriminate mural nodules from mucous clots; EUS-fne needle aspiration and biopsy can help achieve cystic fuid analysis and yield a higher diagnostic rate in histological pathology examinations. The aim of this paper is to review the role of EUS in discriminating the differences between common PCLs.