Abstract
Abstract
Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are increasingly diagnosed worldwide due to the widespread availability of cross-sectional imaging. However, little is known about the epidemiology of PCLs and the characteristics observed with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This is a region-specific, multicenter retrospective study exploring the clinical features and diagnostic practices across several tertiary centers in the GCC. Notably, the study population was younger than those reported in global cohorts, raising important questions about regional epidemiological differences. EUS has proven to be a primary diagnostic and characterization tool, establishing superiority over cross-sectional imaging in identifying features such as mural nodules and ductal abnormalities. While most patients in our cohort were managed conservatively, a subset required surgical intervention based on high-risk features. These findings offer valuable insight into the regional presentation and management of PCLs and support the need for locally adapted clinical guidelines within the GCC.