[Evaluation of body surface ultrasonography in the diagnosis of diseases of abdominal segment esophagus and early-stage carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the possibility of detecting esophageal carcinoma and other lesions by body surface ultrasound (BSUS).


METHODS
BSUS examinations of the abdominal segment of the esophagus in 797 subjects were undertaken. Wall thickness more than or equal to 6 mm, wall echo abnormality, and lumen morphologic changes were referred as the criteria of the disease.


RESULTS
A visualization rate of 92% (n = 729) was obtained. 716 subjects without any esophageal diseases had a wall thickness of 4 mm or less; Of other 13, one patient had a wall thickness of 5 mm, 11 had 6 mm or more, and one had luminal cystic dilatation without wall thickening. In the 13 cases, the final pathological examination showed 5 cases of esophageal carcinoma (intramucosal, mucosal muscle, submucosal, proper musculature, and serosal patterns, respectively), 2 of metastatic lesion, one of leimyoma, 2 of edematous benign ulcer, one of diverticulum with polyp, and 2 of normal result.


CONCLUSIONS
BSUS can not only detect the early-stage carcinoma, but also further demonstrate wall echo and pathologic changes inside and outside the wall. In the visualization of the submucosal tumor, it is advantage ous to barium examination and endoscopy. With its high sensitivity, simplicity, and non-intervention, BSUS can become a better screening method in everyday practice and in the area with high incidence of esophageal carcinoma.
Department of Ultrasonography, Beijing Medical University School of Oncology.
M
M
Chen
Q
Q
Zhu
K
K
Yan
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018284:Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography