title: A prospective evaluation of catheter probe EUS for the detection of ascites in patients with gastric carcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gastric carcinoma is known for its propensity to spread to the peritoneum. This study assessed the value of EUS in the detection of ascites not visible on CT in patients with gastric carcinoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 402 consecutive patients with histopathologically confirmed gastric adenocarcinoma underwent catheter-probe EUS. The accuracy of catheter-probe EUS in the detection of ascites was compared with subsequent findings at laparoscopy or laparotomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a slight predominance of men in the study population (M:F=1.6:1). Mean patient age was 65.4+/-0.7 years. Ascites was noted by catheter-probe EUS in 36 patients (9.0%). There was no procedure-related morbidity or mortality. Ascites and peritoneal seeding subsequently were found in, respectively, 56 (13.9%) and 66 (16.4%) patients. The finding of ascites by EUS was significantly related to the presence of peritoneal seeding (p<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of EUS in the detection of ascites were, respectively, 60.7%, 99.4%, 94.4%, and 94.0%. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were, respectively, 105.0: 95% CI[26, 425] and 0.40: 95% CI[0.29, 0.55].
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EUS is useful for the detection of ascites in patients with gastric carcinoma.
authors.affiliation: Current affiliations: Division of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong Medical Center, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Kent-Man
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Ka-Fai
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Kwok
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Law
authors.forename: Kam-Ho
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology*; D001201:Ascites / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D019160:Endosonography; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging / Q000379:methods; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000556:secondary; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*