[Transesophageal ultrasound for staging lung tumors].
OBJECTIVE
The usefulness of transesophageal sonography in staging lung cancer was examined.


METHODS
Transoesophageal sonography was performed in 15 patients as a staging examination using either biplane or multiplane technique. The results were compared with other radiological techniques such as computed tomography and, if performed, with the findings in the operation.


RESULTS
The neoplastic mass was correctly identified in 12 of the 15 patients. Transoesophageal sonography is a very useful examination, more so than computed tomography, for identification of a tumour infiltration into great vessels or cardiovascular structures. In 8 cases we found paraaortal tumour masses and in 4 cases infiltration of the pulmonary artery. In 2 cases we could show an infiltration of heart chambers. The sensitivity for detecting lymph nodes was 80% in the lower mediastinum and, because of method limitations, only 33% in the upper mediastinum.


CONCLUSIONS
Transoesophageal sonography is an excellent addition to the already well established staging methods in staging lung cancer. This examination clearly has advantages over the conventional methods (CT scan) for the diagnosis of vessel involvement, extrinsic compression of the heart, and for the recognition of lymph node metastases. The limitation of this examination is the restriction to the paraoesophageal area and reduced effectiveness in areas filled with air and other nonconductive structures.
Schlotterbeck
K
K
Abtl. Kardiologie, Kreiskrankenhaus Traunstein.
Schmid
J
J
Klein
F
F
Alber
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed