Clinical Research Directory

Assessment of SMI (Superb Microvascular Imaging) for Characterising the Endocystic Material of Papillary Intraductal Mucinous Pancreatic Tumours (PIMPT)

There are many types of pancreatic cysts, and papillary intraductal mucinous pancreatic tumours (PIMPTs) are among the most common. PIMPTs carry a risk of progressing to a cancerous lesion. To assess this risk, the key examination involves performing an endoscopic ultrasound combined with an injection of a contrast agent called Sonovue. Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI) is a new ultrasound modality that enables the analysis of PIMPTs without the need for a Sonovue injection. The Mermoz Endoscopy Centre will be equipped with an ultrasound console enabling SMI to be performed during an endoscopic ultrasound examination. This technology is now available on the new EUS Aplio i800 console (Canon-Olympus), which bears the CE mark. To date, no data have been published on the potential of SMI for analysing a PIMPT. This is why this clinical investigation is being conducted