[Transesophageal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of malignant tumors of the mediastinum].

Aim: To assess transesophageal ultrasonography capabilities in diagnosis of mediastinal malignant tumors.

Materials And Methods: Technique of radial transesophageal ultrasonography was used to diagnose mediastinal malignancy in 157 patients. Method of amplitude hystography was employed to assess lymph nodes. In 84 cases diagnosis had histological confirmation.

Results: In 61 case out of 84 (73%) diagnosis was true. In of lymph nodes without primary tumor in the lung diagnosis was true in 72% (26 cases out of 36) and with primary tumor in 73% (35 cases out of 48). Assessment of lymph nodes sized 30 mm and more was correct in 92% (11 cases out of 12) and much higher than for lymph nodes sized less 30 mm in diameter (69%, 50 out of 72 [p < 0.001, chi2]). Correct diagnosis for lymph nodes less than 10 mm in diameter was achieved in 65% (13 out of 20) [p = 0.44, chi2], for diameter 10-20 mm accuracy was 71% (22 cases out of 31) [p = 0.96, chi2] and similar to the one for diameter 20-30 mm assessment. Location of lesion proved to be important. For lymph nodes of 3, 7, 8, 9 zones (ATS classification) precision was much higher than for other locations. There were no adverse events during the study.

Conclusion: Transesophageal ultrasonography with the use electronic radial detector is effective an safe method of mediastinal lymph nodes and primary tumors assessment.