Transendoscopic ultrasonography during conventional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy - Clinical evaluation of a linear 20-MHz probe system

Background: Endoluminal ultrasonography provides detailed images of the gastrointestinal wall and surrounding tissue. Miniature ultrasound probes can be applied during conventional endoscopy. Methods. The supplementary diagnostic information obtained during endoscopy with a linear 20-MHz ultrasound probe system was independently assessed by two observers applying a general rating system on 188 consecutive examinations in 173 patients. Results: On average, 70% of the examinations were found to contribute conclusive or important supplementary information that could potentially influence treatment or further patient evaluation (substantial diagnostic yield). Substantial diagnostic yield was most often obtained in patients with known malignancy (92%), stenoses (81%), or subepithelial masses (80%) and more often in patients with malignant (85%) than in those with benign (61%) conditions (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Transendoscopic ultrasonography using a 20-MHz linear miniature ultrasound probe may provide substantial supplementary diagnostic information during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, especially in patients with malignant disease and with stenotic or subepithelial lesions.