EUS in submucosal tumors

Penile Prosthetic Pump Reservoir Mimicking a Cecal Subepithelial Mass

Intestinal subepithelial lesions are often encountered during endoscopy. Etiologies can include lesions intrinsic or extrinsic to the gastrointestinal wall. They can present a diagnostic dilemma as simple mucosal biopsies are often nondiagnostic. The combination of characteristic radiographic, endoscopic, and endosonographic features can aid in a definitive diagnosis precluding the need for unnecessary tissue sampling of extrinsic compressive etiologies. The location of the space of Retzius which is the traditional site of penile prosthetic pump reservoir insertion can predispose to cecal compression. We present a rare case of a penile prosthetic pump reservoir presenting as a cecal subepithelial mass on endoscopy.

Clinicopathologic and Endosonographic Characteristics of Colon Subepithelial Tumors Discovered Incidentally

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Colonoscopy is commonly used for colorectal cancer screening; therefore, the detection of colon subepithelial tumors (SETs) has also increased. Several research studies have been undertaken to diagnose and treat stomach and rectal SETs. The purpose of this study was to determine a diagnostic point for colon SETs by comparing histological findings with the endoscopic characteristics of colon SETs discovered by chance.

METHODS

A total 194 patients underwent an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for suspicious colon SETs during a colonoscopy from May 2014 to December 2021. A total of 105 colon SETs, which were histologically diagnosed, were finally included. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the factors associated with malignant SETs.

RESULTS

Colon SETs were predominantly present in the right colon (n = 73, 69.5%), particularly in the transverse colon (n = 32, 30.5%). The majority were smaller than 10 mm (n = 88, 83.8%), and they had hard consistencies (n = 84, 80%) and exhibited no surface changes (n = 96, 91.4%). Most of them were found in the submucosal layers (n = 54, 51.4%) and had a hypoechoic pattern (n = 56, 53.3%) in the EUS. Of the histologically confirmed cases, only three (3/105, 2.9%) were malignant. Most benign lesions were lipomas, suspected parasitic infections, or lesions caused by various inflammatory reactions, including fibrous/fibrocalcific lesions and necrotic nodules. All soft lesions were benign. Two of the three malignant lesions were adenocarcinomas, and the other was lymphoma. For the malignant SETs, there was a statistically significant alteration in the surface of the tumors (p < 0.001), and they were located where the muscularis mucosa layer was included (p = 0.008). The potential malignant SETs, granular cell tumors, and neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) had similar features, such as yellowish hypoechoic masses. Colon NETs were only found in the rectosigmoid junction. Parasitic infections and lesions, resulting in various inflammatory reactions, were observed as pale and hard SETs and mostly revealed as mixed echogenic masses located in the muscularis mucosa, submucosa, or multi-layers in the EUS.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that small colon SETs were mostly benign lesions. Despite its rarity, pathological confirmation is crucial in cases where the SET has surface changes and has been located in a position where the muscularis mucosa layer was included on the EUS, due to the risk of malignancy.

A deep learning-based system to identify originating mural layer of upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors under EUS

Background and Objective

EUS is the most accurate procedure to determine the originating mural layer and subsequently select the treatment of submucosal tumors (SMTs). However, it requires superb technical and cognitive skills. In this study, we propose a system named SMT Master to determine the originating mural layer of SMTs under EUS.

Materials and Methods

We developed 3 models: deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) 1 for lesion segmentation, DCNN2 for mural layer segmentation, and DCNN3 for the originating mural layer classification. A total of 2721 EUS images from 201 patients were used to train the 3 models. We validated our model internally and externally using 283 images from 26 patients and 172 images from 26 patients, respectively. We applied 368 images from 30 patients for the man-machine contest and used 30 video clips to test the originating mural layer classification.

Results

In the originating mural layer classification task, DCNN3 achieved a classification accuracy of 84.43% and 80.68% at internal and external validations, respectively. In the video test, the accuracy was 80.00%. DCNN1 achieved Dice coefficients of 0.956 and 0.776 for lesion segmentation at internal and external validations, respectively, whereas DCNN2 achieved Dice coefficients of 0.820 and 0.740 at internal and external validations, respectively. The system achieved 90.00% accuracy in classification, which is comparable with that of EUS experts.

Conclusions

Our proposed system has the potential to solve difficulties in determining the originating mural layer of SMTs in EUS procedures, which relieves the EUS learning pressure of physicians.

The effect of endoscopic ultrasound on the precise selection of endoscopic treatment for submucosal tumors in the upper gastrointestinal tract

OBJECTIVE

To summarize and discuss the guiding role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in selecting endoscopic treatments for submucosal tumors (SMTs) in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

METHODS

A retrospective investigation was conducted on 156 SMT patients who received endoscopic resection guided by EUS in the endoscopy center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from May 2019 to September 2021. Next, the size, pathological type, and distribution of lesions were analyzed; the correlation of the tumor origin with distribution of lesions and selection of treatments was explored; and the consistency of preoperative EUS diagnosis and postoperative pathological diagnosis was summarized and analyzed.

RESULTS

The tumor diameters of the included SMT patients ranged from 0.3 to 4 cm, with a mean diameter of 0.95 cm; the lesions were mostly located in the esophagus, gastric fundus or fundic cardia and gastric body. As for the pathological types, liomyoma was the most common tumor in the esophagus, liomyoma and mesenchymoma were mainly located in the fundic cardia and gastric body, and heterotopic pancreas was mostly discovered in the gastric sinus. Among 38 esophageal SMT patients, some with lesions originating from muscularis mucosa and submucosa under EUS mainly underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscope band ligation (EBL); while others with lesions originated from muscularis propria mainly received submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER). Of 115 gastric SMT patients under EUS, some with lesion origins from the muscularis mucosa and submucosa mainly underwent endoscopic submucosal excavation (ESE), while others from muscularis propria mainly underwent ESE, ESD, and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR). Besides, 3 duodenal SMT patients with lesion origins from submucosa and muscularis propria under EUS were given ESD and ESE, respectively. Additionally, 121 cases showed a consistency between the EUS diagnosis and the postoperative pathological nature, and the consistency rate was 84.6%.

CONCLUSION

Clarifying the origin layer, size, growth pattern, and pathological nature of the lesion through preoperative EUS can guide the precise selection of endoscopic treatments, thereby ensuring a safe, effective, and complete surgical outcomes and reducing complications.

Leiomyoma of the esophagus: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Benign tumors represent less than 1% of esophageal neoplasms. Esophageal leiomyoma is a very rare tumor that arises from mesenchymal tissue. We present here a case of leiomyoma of the esophagus which was revealed by dysphagia and vomiting that was treated by surgical enucleation.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

This report illustrates the case of a female who presented with dysphagia and vomiting. Imageology demonstrated an esophageal mass which was treated with surgical enucleation. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyoma.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Benign esophageal tumors are rare. Leiomyoma commonly presents as a single lesion in the middle or lower third of the esophagus. Leiomyomas located in the proximal and middle third of the esophagus can be operated on by right thoracotomy. Surgical treatment varies from enucleation to esophageal resection depending on the size and location of the mass. In our case, the tumor was enucleated by a right posterolateral thoracotomy.

CONCLUSION

Esophageal leiomyoma is a benign and generally asymptomatic tumor. Surgery is the pillar of treatment. Enucleation should be performed whenever possible to avoid esophagectomy and thus decrease morbidity and mortality.

Convolutional neural network-based object detection model to identify gastrointestinal stromal tumors in endoscopic ultrasound images

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We aimed to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based object detection model for the discrimination of gastric subepithelial tumors, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and leiomyomas, in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) images.

METHODS

We used 376 images from 114 patients with histologically confirmed gastric GIST or leiomyoma to train the EUS-CNN. We constructed the EUS-CNN using an EfficientNet CNN model for feature extraction and a weighted bi-directional feature pyramid network for object detection. We assessed the performance of our EUS-CNN by calculating its accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) using a validation set of 170 images from 54 patients. Four EUS experts and 15 EUS trainees were asked to judge the same validation dataset, and the diagnostic yields were compared between the EUS-CNN and human assessments.

RESULTS

In the per-image analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC of our EUS-CNN were 95.6%, 82.1%, 91.2%, and 0.9234, respectively. In the per-patient analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC for our object detection model were 100.0%, 85.7%, 96.3%, and 0.9929, respectively. The EUS-CNN outperformed human assessment in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and negative predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed the EUS-CNN system, which demonstrated high diagnostic ability for gastric GIST prediction. This EUS-CNN system can be helpful not only for less-experienced endoscopists but also for experienced ones. Additional EUS image accumulation and prospective studies are required alongside validation in a large multicenter trial.

Outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions: a single-center retrospective cohort study

Background

Endoscopic resection (ER) is an emerging therapeutic alternative for subepithelial gastrointestinal lesions (SELs). We aimed to determine whether size, layer of origin, and histology based on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and EUS-guided sampling (EUS-GS) influenced the outcomes and selection of patients for ER.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent EUS, EUS-GS and resection of SELs from 2012-2019. Two pathologists reviewed the histology and layer of origin of all resected specimens, serving as the criterion for EUS accuracy.

Results

Seventy-three patients were included, of whom 59 (81%) were gastric SELs. Per EUS, median lesion size was 21 mm (interquartile range 15-32), and 63 (86%) originated from the 4th layer. The overall accuracy of EUS and EUS-GS in predicting the layer of origin and histology was 88% (95% confidence interval [CI] 77-94%) and 96% (95%CI 87-98%), respectively. Based on EUS, 18 (25%) patients were referred for ER, 5 (7%) to laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery, and 50 (68%) to surgery. Size >20 mm was associated with the type of resection approach (P=0.005), while layer of origin and histology were not (P=0.06 and P=0.09, respectively). When SELs were inaccurately classified (n=4) there were no adverse events or revision of the resection approach.

Conclusions

EUS plays an important role in the outcome of resection approach for SELs, with size significantly influencing the selection for ER. In patients undergoing ER, no revised resections were needed when EUS was inaccurate.

Submucosal Tunnel Endoscopic Resection of Gastric Lesion Before Obesity Surgery: a Case Series

BACKGROUND

Submucosal tumors (SMTs) of the gastrointestinal tract are a rare pathological entity comprising a wide variety of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. Even if most SMTs are benign tumors (e.g., leiomyomas), a smaller portion may have a malignant potential (e.g., gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)). Preoperative diagnosis of SMT in bariatric patients may arise challenging clinical dilemmas. Long-term surveillance may be difficult after bariatric surgery. Moreover, according to SMT location, its presence may interfere with planned surgery. Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) has emerged as an effective approach for minimally invasive en bloc excision of SMTs. This is the first case series of STER for SMTs before bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Seven female patients underwent STER for removal of SMTs before bariatric surgery. All lesions were incidentally diagnosed at preoperative endoscopy. STER procedural steps comprised mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling, lesion enucleation, and closure of mucosal defect.

RESULTS

En bloc removal of SMT was achieved in all cases. Mean procedural time was of 45 min (SD 18.6). No adverse event occurred. Mean size of the lesions was 20.6 mm (SD 5.8). Histological diagnoses were 5 leyomiomas, 1 lipoma, and 1 low grade GIST. Bariatric procedure was performed after a mean period of 4.1 months (SD 1.6) from endoscopic resection.

CONCLUSION

STER is a safe and effective treatment for the management of SMT even in bariatric patients awaiting surgery. Preoperative endoscopic resection of SMTs has the advantages of reducing the need for surveillance and removing lesions that could interfere with planned surgery. STER did not altered accomplishment of bariatric procedures.

Reliability of Endoscopic Ultrasound Using Miniprobes and Grayscale Histogram Analysis in Diagnosing Upper Gastrointestinal Subepithelial Lesions

Background

To assess the role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal subepithelial lesions (SELs) and to investigate EUS combined with a grayscale histogram analysis for the differentiation of leiomyomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

Methods

A retrospective study of 709 patients with upper gastrointestinal SELs was conducted by EUS before endoscopic resection. The EUS findings of SELs and pathological results after endoscopic resection were compared. The EUS images of SELs, particularly, leiomyoma and GIST, were further analyzed via a grayscale histogram to differentiate between the two tumors.

Results

Of the 709 patients, 47 cases were pathologically undetermined. The diagnostic consistency of EUS with endoscopic resection was 88.2% (584/662), including 185 muscularis mucosa, 61 submucosa, and 338 muscularis propria, respectively. The diagnostic consistency of EUS with pathology was 80.1% (530/662). The gray value of GISTs was significantly higher than that of leiomyomas (58.9 ± 8.3 vs. 39.5 ± 5.9, t = 57.0, P < 0.0001). The standard deviation of leiomyomas was significantly lower than that of GISTs (20.6 ± 7.0 vs. 39.8 ± 9.3, t = 23.7, P < 0.0001). The grayscale histogram analysis of GISTs showed higher echo ultrasound, and the echo of leiomyoma was more uniform.

Conclusion

EUS is the preferred procedure for the evaluation of upper gastrointestinal SELs. EUS combined with a grayscale histogram analysis is an effective method for the differentiation of leiomyomas and GISTs.

Clinical course of suspected small gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the stomach

BACKGROUND

Gastric subepithelial lesions are frequently encountered during endoscopic examinations, and the majority of them are small and asymptomatic. Among these lesions, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the major concern for patients and clinicians owing to their malignant potentials. Although previous guidelines suggested periodic surveillance for such small (≤ 20 mm) lesions, several patients and clinicians have still requested or prescribed repeated examinations or radical resection, posing extra medical burdens and risks.

AIM

To describe the clinical course of suspected small gastric GISTs and provide further evidence for surveillance strategy for tumor therapy.

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective study was conducted at West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Consecutive patients with suspected small gastric GISTs were reviewed from November 2004 to November 2018. GIST was suspected according to endoscopic ultrasonography features: hypoechoic lesions from muscularis propria or muscularis mucosa. Eligible patients with suspected small (≤ 20 mm) GISTs were included for analysis. Patients’ demographic data, lesions’ characteristics, and follow-up medical records were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 383 patients (male/female, 121/262; mean age, 54 years) with 410 suspected small gastric GISTs (1 lesion in 362 patients, 2 lesions in 16, 3 lesions in 4, and 4 lesions in 1) were included for analysis. The most common location was gastric fundus (56.6%), followed by body (29.0%), cardia (12.2%), and antrum (2.2%). After a median follow-up of 28 mo (interquartile range, 16-48; range, 3-156), 402 lesions (98.0%) showed no changes in size, and size of 8 lesions (2.0%) was increased (mean increment, 10 mm). Of the 8 lesions with size increment, endoscopic or surgical resection was performed in 6 patients (5 GISTs and 1 leiomyoma). For other 2 remaining patients, unroofing biopsy or endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was carried out (2 GISTs), while no further change in size was noted over a period of 62-64 mo.

CONCLUSION

The majority of suspected small (≤ 20 mm) gastric GISTs had no size increment during follow-up. Regular endoscopic follow-up without pathological diagnosis may be highly helpful for such small gastric subepithelial lesions.

Clinical outcomes of per-oral endoscopic tumor resection for submucosal tumors in the esophagus and gastric cardia

OBJECTIVES

The clinical success of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has led to the development of a new field of 'submucosal endoscopy'. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and limitations of per-oral endoscopic tumor resection (POET) in the management of submucosal tumors (SMTs) in the esophagus and the gastric cardia.

METHODS

POET was performed in 47 patients from January 2011 to December 2017. The indication for POET was SMTs ≤ 30 mm in minor axis diameter. Patient and tumor characteristics (age, gender, tumor location, size, and histology), operative and clinical results of POET (procedure time and completion rate, en bloc resection rate, length of hospitalization, adverse events and tumor recurrence) were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

POET was successfully completed in 43 patients (91.5%) without any major adverse events (Clavien-Dindo IIIb-IV). Four patients required conversion to an open surgical procedure due to suboptimal visualization during POET. Four patients underwent piecemeal resection of their SMTs including GISTs. Median follow-up was 44 months (10-96 months), during that time, there were no incidences of tumor recurrence. Tumors that had a minor axis diameter > 30 mm or a tumor mass index (TMI) [major axis diameter (mm) × minor axis diameter (mm)] >1000 had a high likelihood of being converted to surgical resection.

CONCLUSIONS

POET is a safe and effective treatment for SMTs. However, in patients where the minor axis diameter is > 30 mm or the TMI > 1000, surgical excision should be considered. Furthermore, application of POET for SMTs with malignant potential should be carefully considered to ensure optimal oncologic outcomes.

The malignancy among gastric submucosal tumor

The origin and characteristics of most submucosal tumors (SMTs) cannot easily be confirmed by gastrointestinal endoscopy or other radiological examinations. Excluding GISTs, for those other gastric SMTs, most of which are deemed benign, the necessity and timing of intervention has been ignored. Thus, the malignancy of gastric SMTs still remains unknown. In order to summarize the malignancy of these gastric SMTs, we reviewed literatures and analyzed cases of gastric SMTs including heterotopic pancreas, leiomyoma, schwannoma, glomus tumor, hemangioendothelioma, granular cell tumor (GCT), lipoma, hemangiopericytoma, lymphangioma and neurofibroma. In these literatures, there are cases of malignancy among heterotopic pancreas, leiomyoma, schwannoma, glomus tumor, hemangioendothelioma and GCT. As a result, it suggests that although most of gastric SMTs are considered benign, there are still possibilities of malignancy, which requires our attention, even active intervention and long-term follow-up.

Comparison of the Diagnostic Ability of Endoscopic Ultrasonography and Abdominopelvic Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Gastric Subepithelial Tumors

Background/Aims

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is the most efficient imaging modality for gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs). However, abdominopelvic computed tomography (APCT) has other advantages in evaluating the characteristics, local extension, or invasion of SETs to adjacent organs. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic ability of EUS and APCT based on surgical histopathology results.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from 53 patients who underwent both EUS and APCT before laparoscopic wedge resection for gastric SETs from January 2010 to December 2017 at a single institution. On the basis of histopathology results, we assessed the diagnostic ability of the 2 tests.

Results

The overall accuracy of EUS and APCT was 64.2% and 50.9%, respectively. In particular, the accuracy of EUS vs. APCT for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), leiomyomas, and ectopic pancreas was 83.9% vs. 74.2%, 37.5% vs. 0.0%, and 57.1% vs. 14.3%, respectively. Most of the incorrect diagnoses with EUS involved hypoechoic lesions originating in the fourth echolayer, with the most common misdiagnosed lesions being GISTs mistaken for leiomyomas and vice versa.

Conclusions

APCT showed a lower overall accuracy than EUS; however, APCT remains a useful modality for malignant/potentially malignant gastric SETs.

Examine the Availability and Safety of Mucosal Cutting Biopsy Technique for Diagnosis of Gastric Submucosal Tumor

Objectives

Differentiating gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) from other submucosal tumors (SMTs) is important in diagnosing SMT. GIST is an immunohistological diagnosis that cannot be made from images alone. Tissue sampling of tumor sites is thus becoming increasingly important. In this study, the utility and associated complications of mucosal cutting biopsy (MCB) for gastric SMTs were investigated.

Methods

This was a case series study. The subjects were patients aged ≥20 years old in whom an SMT was seen on esophagogastroduodenography and who underwent MCB between January 2012 and December 2016. Patient information, endoscopy findings, gastric SMT size, pathological diagnosis, and other information were gathered from medical records. The SMT size was the maximum diameter that could be visualized on EUS. The pathological diagnosis was made with hematoxylin-eosin staining, with immunostaining added to diagnose GIST. The endpoint was the histopathological diagnostic yield. Risk assessment using the Miettinen classification and modified Fletcher classification was also done for GISTs treated with surgery.

Results

The mean tumor diameter was 15.4 mm. The tumor diameter was ≥20 mm in seven patients and <20 mm in 23 patients. The tissue-acquiring rate was 93.3%. A histological diagnosis could not be made in two patients. The only complication was that bleeding required endoscopic hemostasis during the procedure in one patient, but no subsequent bleeding or no postoperative bleeding was seen.

Conclusions

MCB is an appropriate and safe procedure in the diagnosis of gastric SMTs. Many hospitals will be able to perform MCB if they have the environment, including skills and equipment, to perform endoscopic submucosal dissection.

The roles of CT and EUS in the preoperative evaluation of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors larger than 2 cm

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and computed tomography (CT) features of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) for assessing potential malignancy and prognosis.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients with primary gastric GISTs larger than 2 cm were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The association of CT and EUS features with malignancy was analyzed using univariate and stepwise logistic regression method. The agreement between EUS/CT lesion size and pathologic tumor size was analyzed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) value, and the association of imaging features with mitotic counts was further analyzed using univariate analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the value of imaging features for predicting the prognosis of GIST patients.

RESULTS

Tumor size > 5 cm and an exophytic/mixed growth pattern on CT as well as tumor size > 5 cm and the presence of cystic spaces on EUS were independent predictors of highly malignant GISTs (all p < 0.05). The ICC values of CT/EUS lesion size relative to pathologic tumor size showed very good reliability (0.853 for EUS and 0.831 for CT). Only tumor shape and growth pattern on CT were significant for predicting mitotic index (both p < 0.05). Direct organ invasion on CT (p = 0.036; hazard ratio [HR] = 11.891) and serosal invasion on EUS (p = 0.015; HR = 8.223) were independent adverse prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

CT features may be more useful than EUS features for predicting tumor mitotic index. In addition, preoperative imaging features can help predict the prognosis of gastric GISTs.

KEY POINTS

• Both CT and EUS features can be used for risk stratification of gastric GISTs larger than 2 cm. • CT features performed better than EUS features for predicting tumor mitotic index. • Preoperative imaging features can help predict the prognosis of gastric GISTs.

Characterization of subepithelial lesions of the stomach and esophagus by contrast-enhanced EUS: A retrospective study

Background and Objectives:

Subepithelial lesions (SELs) of the upper part of the digestive tract are rare, and it can be difficult to characterize them. Recently, contrast-enhanced endosonography (EUS) and elastometry have been reported as useful adjuncts to EUS and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in cases of pancreatic mass and lymph node involvement. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate whether contrast-enhanced EUS can discriminate benign submucosal lesions from malignant ones. We describe our retrospective experience using the contrast agent SonoVue^® (Bracco Imaging, Milan, Italy) in an attempt to increase the diagnostic yield.

Patients and Methods:

Between May 2011 and September 2014, 14 patients (5 men, 9 women; median age 64 years, range 31–80 years) with SELs of the stomach or esophagus underwent EUS with SonoVue^® (low mechanical index). There were 3 esophageal lesions and 11 gastric lesions. Mean size of the lesions was 30 mm (range 11–50 mm). They were discovered after anemia (n = 5), dysphagia (n = 1), and pain (n = 4) and during follow-up for resected gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) (n = 1) and a standard upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (n = 3). On endoscopic sonograms, 10 of these lesions were hypoechoic and located in the fourth layer (muscularis), and 4 were in the second or third layer (mucosa and submucosa). Contrast enhancement was assessed in the early phase (after several seconds) and late phase (>30 seconds); a final diagnosis was made based on the findings of EUS-FNA using a 19-gauge ProCore (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) (n = 9) or 22-gauge FNA system (Cook Medical) (n = 1), the resected specimen (n = 3), or deep biopsy (n = 1). Different immunostaining was used in the pathologic studies (RNA was analyzed later using the C-kit, CD-117, CD-34, desmin, DOG-1, α-smooth actin, caldesmon, PS-100, and Ki-67 antibodies).

Results:

Final diagnoses were leiomyoma (n = 4), GIST (n = 5), schwannoma (n = 1), inflammatory tumor of Helvig (n = 1), pancreas rest (n = 2), and fibrosis (n = 1). No complications occurred. All 5 GISTs showed enhancement in the early and late phases, whereas the 8 remaining lesions did not show any enhancement. Only 1 leiomyoma showed heterogeneous enhancement.

Limitations:

The monocentric and retrospective study design and small number of patients.

Conclusions:

In cases of SELs of the stomach or esophagus, SonoVue^® could be a complementary tool to endosonography to differentiate GISTs (early and clear enhancement) from other SELs (few or no enhancement), such as leiomyomas or pancreatic rest. These results are similar to those of the few, small studies published on this topic, but more studies with a larger number of patients are needed to confirm these findings.

Stomach wall structure and vessels imaging by acoustic resolution photoacoustic microscopy

AIM

To image stomach wall blood vessels and tissue, layer-by-layer.

METHODS

We built up the acoustic resolution photoacoustic microscopy (AR-PAM) system for imaging layered tissues, such as the stomach wall. A tunable dye laser system was coupled to a fiber bundle. The fibers of the bundle were placed in nine directions with an incident angle of 45° around a high-frequency ultrasound transducer attached to the acoustic lens. This structure formed a dark field on the tissue surface under the acoustic lens and the nine light beams from the fibers to be combined near the focal point of the acoustic lens. The sample piece was cut from a part of the porcine stomach into a petri dish. In order to realize photoacoustic depth imaging of tumor, we designed a tumor model based on indocyanine green (ICG) dye. The ICG solution (concentration of 129 μM/mL) was mixed into molten gel, and then a gel mixture of ICG (concentration of 12.9 μM/mL) was injected into the stomach submucosa. The injection quantity was controlled by 0.1 mL to make a small tumor model.

RESULTS

An acoustic resolution photoacoustic microscopy based on fiber illumination was established and an axial resolution of 25 μm and a lateral resolution of 50 μm in its focal zone range of 500 μm has been accomplished. We tuned the laser wavelength to 600 nm. The photoacoustic probe was driven to do B-scan imaging in tissue thickness of 200 μm. The photoacoustic micro-image of mucosa and submucosa of the tissue have been obtained and compared with a pathological photograph of the tissue stained by hematoxylin-eosin staining. We have observed more detailed internal structure of the tissue. We also utilized this photoacoustic microscopy to image blood vessels inside the submucosa. High contrast imaging of the submucosa tumor model was obtained using ICG dye.

CONCLUSION

This AR-PAM is able to image layer-by-layer construction and some blood vessels under mucosa in the stomach wall without any contrast agents.

High clinical impact and diagnostic accuracy of EUS-guided biopsy sampling of subepithelial lesions: a prospective, comparative study

Background

In a tertiary center setting we aimed to study the diagnostic accuracy and clinical impact of EUS-guided biopsy sampling (EUS-FNB) with a reverse bevel needle compared with that of fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in the work-up of subepithelial lesions (SEL).

Methods

All patients presenting with SELs referred for EUS-guided sampling were prospectively included in 2012–2015. After randomization of the first pass modality, dual sampling with both EUS-FNB and EUS-FNA was performed in each lesion. Outcome measures in an intention-to-diagnose analysis were the diagnostic accuracy, technical failures, and adverse events. The clinical impact was measured as the performance of additional diagnostic procedures post-EUS and the rate of unwarranted resections compared with a reference cohort of SELs sampled in the same institution 2006–2011.

Results

In 70 dual sampling procedures of unique lesions (size: 6–220 mm) the diagnostic sensitivity for malignancy and the overall accuracy of EUS-FNB was superior to EUS-FNA compared head-to-head (90 vs 52%, and 83 vs 49%, both p < 0.001). The adverse event rate of EUS-FNB was low (1.2%). EUS-FNB in 2012–2015 had a positive clinical impact in comparison with the reference cohort demonstrated by less cases referred for an additional diagnostic procedure, 12/83 (14%) vs 39/73 (53%), p < 0.001, and fewer unwarranted resections in cases subjected to surgery, 3/48 (6%) vs 12/35 (34%), p = 0.001.

Conclusions

EUS-FNB with a reverse bevel needle is safe and superior to EUS-FNA in providing a conclusive diagnosis of subepithelial lesions. This biopsy sampling approach facilitates a rational clinical management and accurate treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00464-017-5808-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Hyperechoic demarcation line between a tumor and the muscularis propria layer as a marker for deciding the endoscopic treatment of gastric submucosal tumor

Minimally invasive endoscopic resection has been rapidly adopted as a new technique for treating patients with gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) originating in the muscularis propria (MP) layer. This study was conducted to evaluate the information obtained from endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) to determine the appropriate endoscopic dissection method for treating SMTs originating in the MP layer. Between February 2014 and May 2016, a total of 50 patients with gastric SMTs originating in the MP layer were enrolled in this study. The clinical features of the patients and their endoscopic, EUS, and histopathologic findings, as well as their postoperative follow-up data, were analyzed in this retrospective study. The mean age of the patients was (55.0±10.2) years, and the male/female ratio was 17:33. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed on 43 patients and an endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR) was performed on seven patients. The most frequent location for an SMT was in the upper body region of the stomach (n=16), and the most common pathological diagnosis was a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) (n=32). The overall rates for complete resection were 95.3% (41/43) and 100.0% (7/7) when the SMTs were treated by ESD and EFR, respectively. The presence of a complete tumor capsule was significantly associated with a complete resection (P=0.001). Of the cases treated by ESD, nine patients developed perforation, one of whom required laparoscopic surgery. The remaining patients were closed with clips or purse-string sutures. The presence of an MP2-type tumor (P=0.018) and a wide connection with the MP layer (P=0.044) were significantly associated with perforation. A preoperative evaluation of the integrity and the location of a tumor capsule and the length of the tumor connection with the MP layer by EUS can improve the complete resection rate and reduce the occurrence of intraoperative complications. Tumors with a complete capsule originating from the superficial MP layer or with a narrow connection with the MP layer are appropriate candidates for treatment by ESD.

Acoustic Sensing and Ultrasonic Drug Delivery in Multimodal Theranostic Capsule Endoscopy

Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is now a clinically accepted diagnostic modality in which miniaturized technology, an on-board power supply and wireless telemetry stand as technological foundations for other capsule endoscopy (CE) devices. However, VCE does not provide therapeutic functionality, and research towards therapeutic CE (TCE) has been limited. In this paper, a route towards viable TCE is proposed, based on multiple CE devices including important acoustic sensing and drug delivery components. In this approach, an initial multimodal diagnostic device with high-frequency quantitative microultrasound that complements video imaging allows surface and subsurface visualization and computer-assisted diagnosis. Using focused ultrasound (US) to mark sites of pathology with exogenous fluorescent agents permits follow-up with another device to provide therapy. This is based on an US-mediated targeted drug delivery system with fluorescence imaging guidance. An additional device may then be utilized for treatment verification and monitoring, exploiting the minimally invasive nature of CE. While such a theranostic patient pathway for gastrointestinal treatment is presently incomplete, the description in this paper of previous research and work under way to realize further components for the proposed pathway suggests it is feasible and provides a framework around which to structure further work.

Giant Leiomyoma of the Oesophagus

Leiomyomas are rare benign tumours of the oesophagus that remain silent in more than 50% of the cases. Giant leiomyomas measuring more than 5 cm are very rare. A 47-year-old female presented with chest pain, cough and dysphagia for two months. Imaging studies were indicative of a 12.1x11.9 cm mass lesion in the distal oesophagus, CT guided biopsy confirmed leiomyoma. The patient being taken up for surgery was found to have a 20x19x17 cm irregular lobulated and encapsulated mass lesion arising from distal oesophagus encapsulating submucosally. En bloc resection of the tumour along with distal oesophagus with a clearance of 4 cm above and below the oesophagogastric junction was done followed by gastro-oesophageal anastomosis. Histopathologically, leiomyoma was confirmed. The patient had a smooth postoperative recovery.

Endoscopic submucosal resection of gastric subepithelial lesions smaller than 20 mm: a comparison of saline solution-assisted snare and cap band mucosectomy techniques

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Application of endoscopic submucosal resection (ESMR) in the management of gastric subepithelial lesions (GSLs) less than 20 mm is gradually increasing because it allows diagnosis and treatment at the same operative session. In this study, we compare and evaluate the benefits of ESMR with an endoscopic cap band mucosectomy technique or saline solution-assisted snare technique in GSLs smaller than 20 mm.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database used at 2 academic tertiary care centers. A total of 63 patients (34 females, mean age 52 years) with endoscopically resected GSLs were included in this study.

RESULTS

The mean tumor size determined by EUS was 12.3 mm (range, 5-20 mm). Sixty-seven percent of the GSLs were localized in the antrum in all groups. The endoscopic cap band mucosectomy technique was used to resect 32 (50.8%) GSLs, whereas 31 (49.2%) were resected with the saline solution-assisted snare technique. The en bloc resection rates were 97% for the saline solution-assisted snare technique and 100% for the endoscopic cap band mucosectomy. Intraoperative bleeding occurred in 1 of 31 patients (3.2%) when ESMR was performed with the saline solution-assisted snare technique. Postoperative bleeding was seen in 1 of 32 patients (3.1%) who underwent the endoscopic cap band mucosectomy technique.

CONCLUSIONS

In GSLs smaller than 20 mm, ESMR with saline solution-assisted snare or endoscopic cap band mucosectomy techniques is safe, the adverse event rate is low, accurate diagnosis is achieved, and treatment with en bloc resection is provided in a single session. Given similar success and adverse event rates, saline solution-assisted ESMR may be the preferred technique because of its lower cost advantages.

Diagnostic performance of stomach CT compared with endoscopic ultrasonography in diagnosing gastric subepithelial tumors

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic ability of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) compared to endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) as a standard reference, and investigate the factors influencing the detection of small gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs) (<5 cm) on MDCT with stomach protocol.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated 70 patients who were suspected with gastric SETs on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and underwent both EUS and computed tomographic (CT) scanning. EUS was performed by two gastroenterologists, and location, size, echotexture, echogenicity, and layer of origin were described when gastric SETs were detected on EUS. MDCTs were reviewed based on consensus of two radiologists blinded to the EUS result. Size, location, enhancement pattern, and contour of the lesion detected on CT were described. We calculated the diagnostic ability of CT compared to EUS with respect to detection of gastric SETs, and investigated the factors influencing detection of SETs on CT. We also used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to obtain optimal cut-off size for predicting CT visibility of small SETs.

RESULTS

Of the 70 patients, who underwent both CT and EUS due to suspicious presence of SET on EGD, EUS detected 56 probable cases of SET and 14 cases of external compression. CT led to detection of 39 cases of SET out of the 56 cases. Sensitivity and specificity of CT was 69.6% and 100.0%, respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of CT were 100.0% and 45.2%, respectively. There was a significant difference in mean size of CT-detected lesions compared to CT-invisible lesions (14.36 mm vs. 8.52 mm, p < 0.001), but no significant differences in terms of layer of origin and location between these two groups (p > 0.5) were observed. The ROC analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off value, also referred to prediction of CT visibility, was 10 mm. Out of 70 cases, 26 cases (37.14%) were identified as external compression or insignificant lesions such as lipoma, hemangioma, lymphangioma, or gastritis cystica on CT, and do not require regular follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Stomach CT shows good feasibility with respect to depiction of small SETs, especially in cases where size is larger than 10 mm. Henceforth, it is proposed that stomach CT would be a complimentary or problem-solving tool for SET in evaluating the presence of external compression and characterization of tumors.

The role of EUS and EUS-guided FNA in the management of subepithelial lesions of the esophagus: A large, single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Referral for endosonographic evaluation of subepithelial lesions seen in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is fairly common. Although rarely studied separately in details, esophageal lesions have some unique differences from other GI sites and might deserve some special considerations regarding follow-up and management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All cases referred for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) evaluation of subepithelial esophageal lesions at Bezmialem University Hospital, a tertiary center in Istanbul, Turkey were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected for patient and lesion characteristics as well as for pathology results and follow-up if available. Lesions were subcategorized according to their size, location, and final diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 164 EUS examinations were identified. In 22.5% of cases, the lesion could not be identified by EUS. Of the remaining cases, 57.6% had a lesion larger than 1 cm in size. Extramural compression was the diagnosis in 12% and leiomyoma in around 60%. Thirteen patients had follow-up examinations with only two showing an increase in size after 12 months. Sixty-five EUS-guided fine needle aspirations (EUS-guided FNAs) were performed, with around 50% having nondiagnostic samples and 94% of the remaining samples confirming the presumptive diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of subepithelial lesions in the esophagus are benign with extremely low malignancy potential. EUS examinations performed for lesions smaller than 2 cm as well as FNAs taken from lesions smaller than 3 cm might have minimal impact on their ultimate management and outcome. More than one FNA pass should be attempted in order to improve the yield.

Role of ultrasound in colorectal diseases

Ultrasound is an undervalued non-invasive examination in the diagnosis of colonic diseases. It has been replaced by the considerably more expensive magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, despite the fact that, as first examination, it can usefully supplement the diagnostic process. Transabdominal ultrasound can provide quick information about bowel status and help in the choice of adequate further examinations and treatment. Ultrasonography, as a screening imaging modality in asymptomatic patients can identify several colonic diseases such as diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. In addition, it is widely available, cheap, non-invasive technique without the use of ionizing radiation, therefore it is safe to use in childhood or during pregnancy, and can be repeated at any time. New ultrasound techniques such as elastography, contrast enhanced and Doppler ultrasound, mini-probes rectal and transperineal ultrasonography have broadened the indication. It gives an overview of the methodology of various ultrasound examinations, presents the morphology of normal bowel wall and the typical changes in different colonic diseases. We will pay particular attention to rectal and transperineal ultrasound because of their outstanding significance in the diagnosis of rectal and perineal disorders. This article seeks to overview the diagnostic impact and correct indications of bowel ultrasound.

Incidental gastric glomus tumor after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Gastric glomus tumors (GGTs) are unusual benign, subepithelial, mesenchymal neoplasms of modified smooth muscle cells representing a neoplastic counterpart of glomus bodies. A 38-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic presenting morbid obesity. Routine preoperative evaluations, such as laboratory analysis, abdominal ultrasonography, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, were performed. She underwent a classical laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged for outpatient control. Her histopathology report revealed a GGT 0.8 cm in diameter. No further treatment was done and she had lost 28 kg at the postoperative sixth month. Here, we present the case of GGT, which was diagnosed incidentally after LSG.

Compliance with surveillance recommendations for foregut subepithelial tumors is poor: results of a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

American Gastroenterological Association guidelines recommend performing EUS to characterize subepithelial lesions (SELs) discovered on upper endoscopy (EGD), followed by surveillance if no high-risk features are identified. However, limited data are available on the impact of and compliance with surveillance recommendations.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the natural history of SELs<30 mm in size evaluated by EUS and to determine the degree of patient compliance with surveillance recommendations.

DESIGN

Prospective registry.

SETTING

Two tertiary centers.

PATIENTS

We studied 187 consecutive adult patients referred for EUS evaluation of foregut SELs.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Proportion of patients in whom SELs change in size or echo-features and compliance with follow-up recommendations.

RESULTS

Surveillance was recommended in 65 patients with hypoechoic SELs (44.6% women, age 59.5±13.2 years); of these, 29 (44.6%) underwent surveillance EUS as recommended and were followed for a median of 30 months (range, 12-105). During follow-up, 16 SELs (25%) increased in size, with a mean increase of 3.4±3.9 mm (range, 1-15). No changes in echo-texture of the SELs were observed. One patient was referred to surgery during follow-up (because of SEL growth>30 mm).

LIMITATIONS

Short follow-up duration; compliance was a secondary aim.

CONCLUSIONS

During a median follow-up of 30 months, growth in size was observed in 25% of small foregut SELs. However, change in size was minimal, and only 1 patient was referred for surgery based on surveillance EUS findings. Compliance with surveillance recommendations is poor, with fewer than 50% of patients undergoing surveillance EUS as recommended.

Feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors treatment and value of endoscopic ultrasonography in pre-operation assess and post-operation follow-up: a prospective study of 224 cases in a single medical center

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diagram, diagnosis, and treatment with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors (SMTs) remain controversial, although endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and ESD have been established in diagnosis and treatment of SMTs in decades, respectively. In this study, we have investigated prospectively the profile of upper gastrointestinal SMTs, assessed the effect and feasibility of ESD in upper gastrointestinal SMTs treatment, as well as value of EUS in pre-ESD diagnosis and post-ESD follow-up for gastrointestinal SMTs.

METHODS

The upper gastrointestinal SMTs patients detected with endoscopy were further checked by EUS, then received series ESD treatment, and fulfilled 3- and 12-month follow-up EUS detection between July 2011 and March 2015. The parameters of SMTs with EUS examination (size, original layer) and treatment with ESD (en bloc resection rate, procedure time, procedure-related complications) were investigated and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total number of 224 patients with upper gastrointestinal SMTs were enrolled, and 108 (48.2 %) were men. The mean age was 50.4 ± 12.0 years (range 19-77 years). In total, 92 (41.1 %), 14 (6.3 %), 61 (27.2 %), 22 (9.8 %), 25 (11.2 %), and 10 (4.5 %) SMTs were located in esophagus, cardiac, fundus, body and antrum of stomach, duodenum, respectively. Two hundred and eight (92.9 %) patients were successfully treated with an en bloc ESD, while other 16 patients (7.1 %) suffered ESD failure (5.3 %, 12 case) or severe complications (1.8 %, 4 cases). The mean procedure time of ESD was 47.4 ± 27.3 min (range 10-180 min). The mean size of the SMTs measured with ESD samples was 13.6 ± 9.5 mm (range 4-113 mm). In total, 87 (38.8 %), 23 (10.3 %), and 114 (50.9 %) tumors originated from muscularis mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis propria, respectively. The majority of SMTs were leiomyoma (109, 48.7 %) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) (77, 34.4 %), while other SMTs were confirmed as ectopic pancreas (21, 9.4 %), adenoid tumor (8, 3.6 %), lipoma (5, 2.2 %), neuroendocrine tumor (3, 1.3 %), and granulosa cell tumor (1, 0.4 %). The accuracy rate of EUS in pathological diagnosis or original layer was 82.6 % (185/224) or 74.6 % (167/224). Residual tumors were detected with EUS in 3 patients (1.3 %) in 3-month follow-up and no recurrence during 12-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

The predominant SMTs in upper gastrointestinal tract were leiomyoma in esophageal tumors which originated from muscularis mucosae and GIST in stomach which originated from muscularis propria detected satisfactorily with EUS. This study showed that ESD was a safe and effective treatment for upper gastrointestinal SMTs.

Ectopic pancreas in the stomach successfully resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection

A 32-year-old Japanese man presented with a gastric submucosal tumor. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a sessile submucosal tumor measuring approximately 10 mm in diameter on the greater curvature of the gastric antrum. Endoscopic ultrasonography examination revealed a solid tumor with a diameter of 11.8 mm, which was located in the deep mucosal and submucosal layers. The internal echogenicity was homogenous and hypoechoic. Biopsy examinations were performed twice but were not diagnostic since only the intact mucosal layer was obtained. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with ectopic pancreas in the stomach by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). This case underscores the usefulness of the ESD technique for the pathological diagnosis of gastric submucosal tumors.

Retrospective analysis of thoracoscopic surgery for esophageal submucosal tumors

Background

Surgical enucleation is the treatment of choice for esophageal submucosal tumors (SMTs) with symptomatic, larger, or ill-defined lesions. The enucleation of SMTs has traditionally been performed via thoracotomy. However, minimally invasive approaches have recently been introduced and successfully applied. In this study, we present our experiences with the thoracotomic and thoracoscopic approaches to treating SMTs.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 53 patients with SMTs who underwent surgical enucleation between August 1996 and July 2013. Demographic and clinical features, tumor-related factors, the surgical approach, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

There were 36 males (67.9%) and 17 females (32.1%); the mean age was 49.2±11.8 years (range, 16 to 79 years). Histology revealed leiomyoma in 51 patients, a gastrointestinal stromal tumor in one patient, and schwannoma in one patient. Eighteen patients (34.0%) were symptomatic. Fourteen patients underwent a planned thoracotomic enucleation. Of the 39 patients for whom a thoracoscopic approach was planned, six patients required conversion to thoracotomy because of overly small tumors or poor visualization in five patients and accidental mucosal injury in one patient. No mortality or major postoperative complications occurred. Compared to thoracotomy, the thoracoscopic approach had a slightly shorter operation time, but this difference was not statistically significant (120.0±45.6 minutes vs. 161.5±71.1 minutes, p=0.08). A significant difference was found in the length of the hospital stay (9.0±3.2 days vs. 16.5±5.4 days, p<0.001).

Conclusion

The thoracoscopic enucleation of submucosal esophageal tumors is safe and is associated with a shorter length of hospital stay compared to thoracotomic approaches.

Gastric glomus tumor

Glomus tumors (GTs) are benign tumors originating from the glomus body which are usually solitary and small lesions. The vast majority are found in the distal extremities, particularly in the hand, wrist, foot and under the fingernails rarely involving visceral organs. Here we report a rare case of gastric GT presented to us with exsanguinating hematemesis and severe anemia. All the initial diagnostic tests were inconclusive. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen revealed a soft tissue density lesion within the first part of duodenum. Diagnostic laparotomy was planned and a mass of 3 × 2.5 × 2 cm was found at pylorus along greater curvature, without any evidence of lymphadenopathy or metastasis. Distal gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy was done. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a GT. Immunohistochemistry of tumor cells demonstrated smooth muscle actin and CD34 (very focal).

Endolumenal endoscopic full-thickness resection of muscularis propria-originating gastric submucosal tumors

BACKGROUND

This study retrospectively reviewed 48 cases of gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) treated by endolumenal endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR) microsurgery in our gastrointestinal endoscopy center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From November 2009 to October 2012, 48 cases underwent endolumenal EFR for resection of muscularis propria-originating gastric SMTs. Characteristics of the 48 patients, clinical efficacy, safety of EFR, and post-EFR pathological diagnoses were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

EFR was successfully performed in 48 cases with 52 lesions. The median operation time was 59.72 minutes (range, 30-270 minutes; standard deviation, 39.72 minutes). The mean tumor size was 1.59 cm (range, 0.50-4.80 cm; standard deviation, 1.01 cm). During the EFR process, dual-channel gastroscopy was applied in 20 cases of SMTs, and paracentesis during the EFR process was applied in 9 cases. EFR for larger SMTs and gastric corpus-originating SMTs had longer operative times. Pathological diagnosis included 43 gastrointestinal stromal tumors, 4 leiomyomas, and 1 schwannoma. A larger tumor size was associated with higher risk of malignancy. No severe postoperative complications were observed. No tumor recurrences were confirmed in follow-up gastroscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

The endolumenal EFR technique proved to be feasible and minimally invasive, even for the resection of large gastric tumors originating from the muscularis propria. However, more data on EFR must be obtained and analyzed.

Rectal extranodal Rosai-Dorfman disease diagnosed by EUS-FNA: a case report and review of the literature

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), also known as "sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy," only rarely involves the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Therefore, this unusual site of presentation can be challenging for the pathologist. We present a case of RDD manifesting as a rectal submucosal mass associated with rectal bleeding in a 54 year old woman. The diagnosis was made on cytologic preparations obtained through endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and subsequently confirmed by biopsy. To our knowledge, this is the first time extranodal RDD of the GI tract has been diagnosed by EUS-FNA. A review of previously published cases of GI RDD is presented to increase awareness of this exceptional presentation.

Giant leiomyoma of the oesophagus with eosinophilic infiltration

The most common benign tumour of the oesophagus is leiomyoma. Haemopoietic elements rarely infiltrate oesophageal leiomyoma. We report the case of a 24-year-old man with a long history of intermittent dysphagia. Endoscopy revealed external compression with normal oesophageal mucosa. A barium swallow study showed a defect in the oesophageal wall and a narrow oesophageal lumen. A CT scan of the chest confirmed a mass in the mid-oesophagus. A tumour was excised and the histology report revealed leiomyoma infiltrated with eosinophils, which is a rare variant.

Submucosal tumors: comprehensive guide for the diagnosis and therapy of gastrointestinal submucosal tumors

Small submucosal tumors (SMT) without symptoms are frequently found by endoscopic and radiological examinations. To find proper diagnostic measures and therapeutic indications for histologically undiagnosed SMT, we reviewed published articles in PubMed between 1990 and March 2013 using the key words 'submucosal tumor' and the name of a specific disease. SMT is observed in a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and conditions, including compression by extra-GI organs and lesions, congenital tumors, inflammation, and benign as well as malignant neoplastic lesions. In the diagnosis of diseases and decision-making for therapy, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) may play a key role. Symptomatic SMT and SMT histologically diagnosed as malignant or potentially malignant tumors such as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) should be treated by surgery. SMT >5 cm, SMT increasing in size and those with'high-risk features' including irregular border, heterogeneous internal echo such as anechoic area, and heterogeneous enhancement by contrast media may also be removed by surgery. Laparoscopic approach is feasible for gastric GIST <5 cm and this is considered less invasive than the open approach. Emerging techniques using flexible endoscopes appear less invasive, but require further evidence and are still under clinical study. Correct diagnosis of SMT is challenging; however, EUS and EUS-FNA are useful in the histological diagnosis and clinical decision-making. In the future, minimally invasive approaches may be a mainstream of surgical treatment for small SMT.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection as a treatment for gastric subepithelial tumors that originate from the muscularis propria layer: a preliminary analysis of appropriate indications

Background

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a well-established method for the treatment of gastrointestinal epithelial tumors. However, the treatment of gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs) that originate from the muscularis propria layer still depends primarily on surgical techniques. We evaluated the appropriate indications for ESD in the treatment of SETs that originate from the muscularis propria layer.

Methods

Thirty-five patients with gastric SETs that originate from the muscularis propria layer who underwent ESD were enrolled, and the charts were retrospectively reviewed to investigate the parameters predictive complete resection and complications.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 54.15 ± 9.3 years, and the male/female ratio was 2:3. Twenty-eight of the 35 SETs (85.7 %) were movable, and 15 (45.7 %) had a positive rolling sign. The most frequent location of the SETs was high body (n = 14). The most common pathological diagnoses were leiomyoma (60 %) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (28.6 %). The complete resection rate was 74.3 %. A positive rolling sign (p = 0.022) and small tumor size (≤20 mm; p = 0.038) were significantly associated with complete resection. Two patients (6.1 %) developed perforations that required surgical treatment; their SMTs were neurogenic tumors with fixed lesion. Tumor mobility was significantly associated with perforation (p = 0.017).

Conclusions

The ESD method appears to be relatively safe for use in the complete resection of SETs that originate from the muscularis propria layer. Small tumor size (≤20 mm) and a positive rolling sign are appropriate indications for ESD.

[Clinicopathologic feature of esophageal submucosal tumors treated by surgical approach]

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Submucosal tumors of the esophagus are rare lesions among all esophageal neoplasms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic features of esophageal submucosal tumors treated by surgical approach.

METHODS

We analyzed the clinicopathologic and endoscopic ultrasonographic features of 18 esophageal submucosal tumors which were treated by surgical approach at Boramae Medical Center and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from January 2005 to June 2012.

RESULTS

The mean age was 48.9 years old and male to female ratio was 2.6 : 1. Asymptomatic patients were most common (77.8%). In endoscopic ultrasonographic finding, the majority tumor arouse in the middle (55.6%) and lower (44.4%) esophagus, and appeared as hypoechoic lesion (72.2%) in the 4th layer (83.3%). The most common indication for surgical approach was unclear biological behavior of the tumor. Minimally-invasive technique using thoracoscopy was applied for the enucleation (83.3%). The mean diameter of the tumor was 5.4 cm, and the final diagnosis was leiomyoma (89.9%) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (11.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Leiomyoma was the most common submucosal tumor in esophagus. However, endoscopic ultrasonography was not able to differentiate between leiomyoma and gastrointesinal stromal tumor. For more accurate diagnosis and treatment, minimally-invasive approaches may be suitable for the surgical enucleation of indicated esophageal submucosal tumor.

Gastric subepithelial masses: evaluation of multidetector CT (multiplanar reconstruction and virtual gastroscopy) versus endoscopic ultrasonography

OBJECTIVES

To assess the role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and virtual gastroscopy (VG) for detection and differentiation of gastric subepithelial masses (SEMs) by comparison with endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS).

METHODS

Forty-one patients with a suspected SEM were evaluated using EUS and MDCT. MDCT findings were analyzed based on the consensus of two radiologists who were blinded to the EUS findings. The analysis of the CT features included the location, size, and contours of the tumor, the presence of central dimpling, as well as the growth pattern, enhancement pattern, and enhancement degree. The long diameter (LD) and the short diameter (SD) of each lesion were measured and the LD/SD ratios were calculated. EUS and MDCT results were compared with histopathology for the pathologically proven lesions. For the non-pathologically proven lesions, MDCT results were compared with EUS.

RESULTS

Among the 41 patients, 34 SEMs were detected using EUS. For the detection of SEMs with MDCT, a sensitivity of 85.3%, a specificity of 85.7%, a positive predictive value of 96.7%, and a negative predictive value of 54.5% were calculated. The overall accuracy of MDCT for detecting and classifying the SEMs was 85.3 and 78.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MDCT with MPR and VG is a valuable method for the evaluation of SEMs. Specific MDCT criteria for various SEMs may be helpful in making an accurate diagnosis.

Surgical treatment of esophageal leiomyoma larger than 5 cm in diameter: A case report and review of the literature

Although leiomyoma is the most common benign esophageal neoplasm, it is a rare condition. Resection of the tumor is recommended in symptomatic patients, and observation is recommended in asymptomatic patients with small lesions. We discussed here a patient admitted to our hospital for dyspepsia in whom a calcified mediastinal neoplasm was diagnosised preoperatively and esophageal leiomyoma was diagnosised postoperatively. Enucleation of a leiomyoma of the esophagus is recommended and the optimal approaches should be tailored based on the location and size of the tumor.

Endoscopic resection of subepithelial tumors

Subepithelial tumors (SETs) are often incidentally found during endoscopic examinations. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a good method for differential diagnosis of SETs, but a definite diagnosis cannot be made based on EUS features alone in some cases. Periodic follow-up examinations by endoscopy and EUS remains the recommended management strategy, which involves issues related to patient compliance, cost-effectiveness, and the risk associated with repeated endoscopic procedures and delayed diagnosis of malignancy. Endoscopic resection of the SETs is another technique to treat them as well as to obtain tissue specimens for accurate histologic diagnosis. Herein, a various endoscopic techniques ranging from simple snare resection to endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection for the management of SETs will be reviewed.

Preoperative predictors of malignant gastric submucosal tumor

Purpose

The preoperative prediction of malignant potential in patients with gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) plays an important role in decisions regarding their surgical management.

Methods

We evaluated the predictors of malignant gastric SMTs in 314 patients with gastric SMTs who underwent surgery in Chonnam National University Hospital.

Results

The malignant SMTs were significantly associated with age (odds ratio [OR], 1.067; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.042 to 1.091; P < 0.0001), presence of central ulceration (OR, 2.690; 95% CI, 1.224 to 5.909; P = 0.014), and tumor size (OR, 1.791; 95% CI, 1.483 to 2.164; P < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that tumor size was a good predictor of malignant potential. The most relevant predictor of malignant gastric SMT was tumor size with cut-offs of 4.05 and 6.40 cm.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that age, central ulceration, and tumor size were significant preoperative predictors of malignant SMTs. We suggest that 4 cm be selected as a threshold value for malignant gastric SMTs. In patients with a gastric SMT larger than 4 cm with ulceration, wide resection of the full thickness of the gastric wall or gastrectomy with adequate margins should be performed because of its malignant potential.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided diagnosis of subepithelial tumors

Subepithelial lesions are frequently discovered during routine endoscopic examinations. These lesions represent a wide spectrum of heterogeneous benign to malignant conditions. Most of these lesions are asymptomatic. There is no consensus regarding how to manage these lesions. Over the last 2 decades, the approach to these lesions has significantly improved owing to the introduction of endoscopic ultrasonography, fine-needle aspiration, immunohistochemical staining methods, and different treatment options. This article discusses the nature of subepithelial lesions, focusing on the most recent developments that use endoscopic ultrasonography to diagnose and manage these lesions.

Internal hypoechoic feature by EUS as a possible predictive marker for the enlargement potential of gastric GI stromal tumors

BACKGROUND

There is no clinical predictor for the enlargement potential of gastric GI stromal tumors (GISTs) during the follow-up observation period.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to identify predictive markers for the enlargement potential of gastric GISTs on the basis of various endosonographic features determined at the initial examination.

DESIGN

Single-center retrospective analysis.

SETTING

Academic university hospital in Japan.

PATIENTS

All patients (n = 74) with histologically diagnosed GISTs in the stomach underwent EUS.

INTERVENTION

EUS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

We analyzed the following endoscopic and EUS features: mucosal ulceration, irregular shape, irregular border, heterogeneity, internal hyperechoic spot, hypoechoic area, and anechoic area of gastric GISTs in 3 groups according to tumor size. Furthermore, we compared the characteristics between increased growth and unchanged growth of GISTs, that were defined on the basis of the novel tumor growth index: changes in tumor volume/follow-up interval (days between initial EUS and second EUS) (mm(3)/day).

RESULTS

The presence of heterogeneity (P = .016) and anechoic area (P = .003) was significantly highest in the group with the largest tumor size. The increased growth group had a higher presence of hypoechoic area than did the unchanged growth group (84.2% vs 51.9%, P = .023). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of a hypoechoic area was an enlargement-associated factor (odds ratio 5.38; 95% confidence interval 1.19-24.39; P = .029).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective design of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The internal hypoechoic area determined by EUS may be a predictor for the enlargement potential of gastric GISTs.

Suggested cutoff tumor size for management of small EUS-suspected gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Although the incidence of asymptomatic small gastric submucosal tumors increased gradually with routine medical health examination, there was little clinical evidence for management consensus in these small gastric submucosal tumors including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-suspected gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). We investigated the clinical course of small EUS-suspected gastric GISTs and propose a cutoff value of tumor size for treatment policy.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 50 patients with EUS-suspected gastric GISTs of sizes less than 3 cm were enrolled and were followed up by EUS at least twice over a period of more than 24 months (range 24-101 months). An at least 20% increase of the maximal diameter of the tumors was set as a significant change.

RESULTS

Significant changes in tumor size were found during the follow-up in 14 patients (28.0%). The one-dimensional 20% change corresponded well to 50% change in two-dimensional area measurement (correlation coefficient = 0.929). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the best cutoff size, associated with tumor progression, was 1.4 cm having an 85.7% sensitivity, 86.1% specificity, and 86.0% accuracy. A larger tumor size (35.7% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.005) and irregular tumor margin on the EUS (71.4% vs. 0, p = 0.004) were two significant factors associated with the progression of tumor growth of small suspected gastric GISTs.

CONCLUSION

Small EUS-suspected GISTs, larger than 1.4 cm, with irregular margin were associated with significant progression. This subgroup is suggested to be monitored by more intensive follow-up.

Glomus tumor of the stomach: a clinicopathologic analysis of 10 cases and review of the literature

Background/Aims

Gastric glomus tumors are extremely rare, and presurgical confirmation is often impossible. The identification of clinical and radiologic characteristics of this tumor type is important for preoperative diagnosis and treatment planning.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed 10 cases of gastric glomus tumors resected at a single institute over 9 years.

Results

Eight of the patients were men and 2 were women, with a mean age of 49 years. Five patients presented with abdominal discomfort or pain, 1 presented with anemia, and the remaining 4 cases were found incidentally during endoscopic examinations. The most common location of the tumor was the antrum (n=7), followed by the low (n=2) and high body (n=1). Although the endoscopic ultrasonography findings were variable, contrast-enhanced computed tomography generally showed a strong homogeneous enhancement. The resected tumors were well-demarcated solid masses with sizes ranging from 1.0 to 3.6 cm. Microscopically, the masses were composed of abundant vascular channels with clusters of uniform and round glomus cells. There was no evidence of recurrence after complete surgical resection.

Conclusions

Gastric glomus tumors are unusual, distinct lesions that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a gastric submucosal mass. Unlike their deep soft tissue counterparts, most glomus tumors in the stomach are benign.

Review of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of type I gastric carcinoid tumor

Gastric carcinoid tumors comprise 7% of all gastrointestinal carcinoids and have significantly increased in incidence over the past few decades. Seventy to 80% of gastric carcinoids are type I, which usually are clinically asymptomatic and found incidentally at endoscopic evaluation for abdominal pain or anemia. In this review, advances in understanding the pathophysiology of type I gastric carcinoid are highlighted. In addition, various current diagnostic and treatment options are discussed. Although type I carcinoids generally hold a benign course, rigorous investigation is needed to ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment. This includes appropriate diagnostic procedures and imaging and accurate staging of tumor. Tumor size, depth of invasion, presence of metastasis, and the tumor's gastrin dependency dictate treatment options. Appropriate treatments can consist of endoscopic resection, antrectomy, medical management, or frequent follow-up. This article provides a systematic method of evaluating and treating type I gastric carcinoid.