Methylation changes at the GNAS imprinted locus in pancreatic cystic neoplasms are important for the diagnosis of malignant cysts

Table 4 Frequencies of distinct clinical features and pancreatic cystic fluid analysis in the two groups, with or without GNAS locus methylation changes

Cyst fluid samples	GNAS locus methylation changes	No GNAS locus methylation changes	P value
Female	63%	75%	0.486
Age > 65 yr	50%	40%	0.216
Symptoms	63%	17%	0.008
CEA > 192 ng/mL	63%	25%	0.133
KRAS/GNAS mutation	63%	11%	0.008
Cytology, malignant/atypical	63%	7%	0.003

GNAS locus methylation changes: DMR hypermethylation or GNAS intragenic hypomethylation. CEA: Carcinoembryonic antigen; GNAS: Guanine nucleotide-binding protein, alpha stimulating.