Diagnosis of intra-abdominal and mediastinal sarcoidosis with EUS-guided FNA.

Background: In the presence of a compatible clinical picture, the diagnosis of sarcoidosis requires pathologic confirmation of noncaseating epithelioid granuloma in affected tissues. The standard procedure of choice for most patients is a bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy (TBB), which has a diagnostic yield of 40% to 90%. The lowest yield with TBB is in cases that present with predominant mediastinal or intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy (LN) and minimal parenchymal lung involvement.

Radiology-Pathology Conference: Colonic schwannoma.

We report the radiology and pathology findings on a patient with colonic schwannoma, and review the literature on this very rare tumor.

Where have all the dreiling tubes gone?

The direct measurement of pancreatic function remains the best tool for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis, especially if imaging tests are normal or inconclusive. The most effective means of measuring pancreatic function is the standard hormone stimulation test using secretin. Traditionally, direct pancreatic function testing involves the fluoroscopic placement of an oroduodenal tube and collection of duodenal fluid containing pancreatic secretions after administration of a standardized dose of secretin and/or CCK.

A single-center experience of endoscopic ultrasonography for enlarged pancreas on computed tomography.

Background & Aims: The clinical significance of "fullness" or enlargement of the pancreas (FP/EP) is not well established. The objective of this study was to report our experience with endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in evaluating patients referred for FP/EP found on computed tomography (CT).

Methods: Patients referred to our center for EUS evaluation of FP/EP between January 1998 and December 2003 were studied.