High-frequency endoluminal ultrasonography of the esophagus in human autopsy specimens.
A 20 MHz ultrasound transducer housed in a 6.2 Fr catheter was used to image human esophageal autopsy specimens from six cadavers. Histologic sections taken from the areas imaged were correlated with cross-sectional sonographic images. Six echo layers were seen in the non-fluid-filled esophagus whereas seven echo layers were seen in the fluid-filled esophagus. These seven layers correspond to the following histologic structures: first hyperechoic layer--mucosa (including squamous epithelium and lamina propria); second thin hypoechoic layer--muscularis mucosae; third very bright hyperechoic layer--submucosa; fourth hypoechoic layer--circular smooth muscle; fifth thin hyperechoic layer--intermuscular connective tissue; sixth hypoechoic layer--longitudinal smooth muscle; seventh hyperechoic layer--adventitia.
Miller
L S
LS
Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Liu
J B
JB
Klenn
P J
PJ
Dhuria
M
M
Feld
R I
RI
Goldberg
B B
BB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014159:Transducers; D014463:Ultrasonography