Impact of miniprobes compared to conventional endosonography in the staging of low-grade gastric XXXX .

@entity1 @entity706 @entity6595 @entity5 @entity1074 @entity1066 @entity5932
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: In @entity1 with low-grade @entity6595 , conventional endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is considered to be the most accurate modality for locoregional staging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic role of ultrasonic miniprobes as part of routine clinical staging. @entity1 AND METHODS: A total of 39 @entity1 who were histologically diagnosed with low-grade @entity1074 were reviewed retrospectively before treatment (n = 15) and during follow-up (n = 24). Assessment of @entity5 penetration into the gastric wall was based on the TNM system. Pathological lymph-node involvement was suggested by the presence of inhomogeneous hypoechoic echo patterns, with clearly demarcated borders. All examinations were carried out using a mechanical miniprobe (Olympus; diameter 2.4 mm, 12 MHz) introduced through the working channel of the endoscope. Ultrasonic miniprobe findings were compared with conventional EUS data and histology. RESULTS: Using pretreatment endoscopic ultrasonography, @entity6595 presented endoscopically with an @entity1066 (in five of 15 @entity1 ) or a diffuse infiltrative pattern (ten of 15 @entity1 ). The ultrasonic miniprobe identified a T1 lesion in 53 % (T2, 33 %) and EUS in 60 % (T2, 20 %) of cases. Pathological lymph-node involvement in T1-T2 lesions was diagnosed with the ultrasonic miniprobe in 53 % of cases and with EUS in 60 %. Using endoscopic ultrasonography during the follow-up period, in @entity1 with normal miniprobe ultrasonography (n = 15), the histological examination confirmed a complete remission in all @entity1 . @entity5932 , or both, was seen in nine @entity1 . Endoscopic biopsies in four of these nine @entity1 revealed @entity706 . CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasonic miniprobe can be recommended as part of routine care in @entity1 with @entity6595 , both initially and during the follow-up period. The clinical significance of ultrasonic miniprobe examinations is that they can be performed as a single-step procedure during diagnostic endoscopy.
