Colorectal neoplasms: accuracy of US in demonstrating the depth of invasion.

Abstract

Six normal and 16 neoplastic colorectal specimens were examined with 8.5-MHz ultrasound (US). An articulated system facilitated precise spatial correlation between US and histologic sections. Images were blindly interpreted and then compared with histologic results. All six normal specimen showed five distinct echo layers and were distinguished from neoplastic specimens by all the observers. The central echogenic layer, corresponding to the submucosa, is useful in determining the depth of origin of a neoplasm and the presence of submucosal invasion. US had an accuracy of 92.5% in demonstrating invasion of the submucosa and 77% for invasion of the muscularis externa. For mucosal neoplasms with invasion through the muscularis externa and extension into the subserosal tissues, nearly 90% of US interpretations were correct. High-frequency US may be useful in determining the depth of invasion of mucosal tumors with respect to the submucosa and in differentiating mucosal from extramural masses.

Assessment of rectal tumor infiltration utilizing endorectal MR imaging and comparison with endoscopic rectal sonography

“…Obliteration of this band by adjacent tumor was the criterion for diagnosing tumor as stage T3 or greater. Criteria for this and other tumor staging decisions with endorectal MR imaging and endoscopic rectal sonography were based on previously described data [8,9,11,12].…”

“…Both endorectal MR imaging and endorectal sonography have been reported to be more accurate in assessing depth of tumor infiltration in patients with rectal carcinoma than have physical examination or other imaging techniques, including CT and standard body-coil MR imaging [1,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Our study was designed to evaluate further the effectiveness of endorectal MR imaging in determining depth of tumor infiltration in patients with rectal carcinoma and to compare the results with those obtained with endorectal sonography, a technique with proven usefulness for this application [10][11][12][13].…”

Transabdominal sonography of the gastrointestinal tract

“…Transabdominal sonography has a relatively low accuracy in the local staging of colonic cancer [95]; however, T4 tumours can be diagnosed as locally infiltrating irregular tumours. Breathing manoeuvres during realtime scanning can exclude local invasions of the abdominal wall or other retroperitoneal structures.…”

Ultrasonographic findings of amebic colitis

“…For instance, it has been shown ultrasonographically that the bowel wall, specifically the mucosal muscle and the submucosa, was thickened in some inflammatory conditions. [1][2][3] Although ultrasonographic findings of bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal tuberculosis, Escherichia coli O157 enterocolitis, Salmonella enterocolitis, Campylobacter enterocolitis, and ischemic colitis have been reported, those of amebic colitis have not been demonstrated so far. We describe here a case of amebic colitis that was observed ultrasonographically during the course of treatment.…”