Time-dependent image changes after ethanol injection into the pancreas: an experimental study using a porcine model

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Radiology
• Surgical Research

Background:

• Ethanol injection is a known method for ablating pancreatic lesions.
• Understanding ethanol's effects on normal pancreatic tissue is crucial for its clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of ethanol injection into the porcine pancreas.
• To observe time-dependent imaging changes in pancreatic parenchyma after ethanol administration.

Main Methods:

• Pure ethanol (1 mL and 2 mL) was injected into the porcine pancreatic tail under endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and blood amylase levels were monitored pre-procedure and post-procedure (PODs 1, 3, 5, 7).
• Histological analysis was performed after euthanasia on POD 7.

Main Results:

• Immediate post-injection MRI showed high signal areas in the pancreatic tail, with larger areas observed after 2 mL injection.
• Postoperative day 7 MRI revealed reduced, rounded high signal areas.
• Serum amylase levels elevated post-injection, with a more significant increase after 2 mL ethanol. Histology confirmed cystic and necrotic changes.

Conclusions:

• A 1 mL ethanol injection resulted in localized pancreatic changes.
• A 2 mL injection induced more widespread pancreatic changes, extending beyond the pancreas.
• Ethanol's effective area was initially widespread, diminishing over time with observed cystic and necrotic alterations.