Instant messenger smartphone application for endosonographer/cytopathologist real-time interaction at a distance in EUS-FNA for solid pancreatic lesions

Abstract

Background and study aims \u2002Telecytopathology (TCP) may allow proper and timely evaluation of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) specimens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of TC through a multiplatform instant messenger smartphone application to evaluate specimens of EUS-FNA of pancreatic solid lesions. Patients and methods \u2002Twenty-three patients (14 male/9 female; median age: 56 yr.; age range: 33\u200a–\u200a86) with a solid pancreatic lesion were included. Exclusion criteria were as follows: age <\u200a18 yr and predominantly cystic lesions. During each EUS-FNA, after each pass, the aspirated material was spread over a glass slide and was stained by the endoscopist. The glass slide was then reviewed on a microscope with a smartphone fitted in, and the most representative fields were captured and sent to the cytopathologist using WhatsApp Messenger. Results \u2002In initial evaluation using TCP rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE), adequate cellularity of the glass slide was detected in 16 of 23 patients (69.6\u200a%). An initial diagnosis of malignancy (positive or suspicious) was possible in 14 of 23 patients (60.8\u200a%). Conclusion \u2002The current study demonstrated the feasibility of a low-cost, Internet-based, telecytopathology system using WhatsApp Messenger to provide ROSE of EUS-FNA slides in patients with solid pancreatic lesions.