Prospective observational study of the incidental findings on endoscopic ultrasonography: should a complete exploration always be performed?

What should be known prior to performing EUS exams? (Part II)

In “What should be known prior to performing EUS exams, Part I,” the authors discussed the need for clinical information and whether other imaging modalities are required before embarking EUS examinations. Herewith, we present part II which addresses some (technical) controversies how EUS is performed and discuss from different points of view providing the relevant evidence as available. (1) Does equipment design influence the complication rate? (2) Should we have a standardized screen orientation? (3) Radial EUS versus longitudinal (linear) EUS. (4) Should we search for incidental findings using EUS?

Importance of mediastinal screening-based observation during endoscopic ultrasound to examine gastrointestinal pathologies

In all endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) examinations performed at our hospital, the heart, vasculature, and mediastinal lymph nodes from the esophagus are observed after checking for gastrointestinal pathologies. Since the introduction of EUS using a convex linear-array echoendoscope at our hospital in April 2015, EUS examinations have been performed in 371 cases for examining pancreaticobiliary diseases, submucosal tumors, and other pathologies during the 3-year period, till March 2018. We diagnosed 2 patients with asymptomatic cardiovascular disease while observing the mediastinum during EUS examination to examine identified pancreaticobiliary disease. No subjective symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease were observed and the respective conditions had not been identified previously in either case. One case involved a left atrial myxoma while the other involved a saccular aortic aneurysm in the thoracic aorta. A left atrial tumor resection and aortic replacement surgery were performed in each case. Their postoperative courses have been favorable. As cardiovascular diseases are often life-threatening, as in the present 2 cases, observational screening of the cardiovascular system from the esophagus should also be performed during EUS examinations just as the pharyngeal region is examined during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Right adrenal gland prospective evaluation through transgastric endoscopic ultrasound: an alternative approach

Background and aims: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided right adrenal gland (RAG) evaluation is frequently unsuccessful and, when feasible, requires a cumbersome maneuver through the duodenum. In our experience, the use of a recent ultrasound platform has enabled transgastric detection of the RAG with a simple maneuver. The aim of this study was to determine the RAG transgastric EUS detection rate and identify predictive factors for failure. Methods: Consecutive patients referred to EUS in a single center were prospectively included over a 6-month period. Success was defined as RAG transgastric EUS detection within 180 seconds. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with failure. Results: Among 100 patients, the success rate for RAG transgastric EUS detection was 75 %, with a median maneuver duration of 45 seconds [interquartile range, 25 - 70 seconds]. Two incidental RAG lesions were detected. Of possible demographic and anthropometric predictive factors for failure, only age (OR 1.04; P = 0.04) was statistically significant on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The transgastric EUS approach for RAG detection is simple, fast and effective.

Incidental Findings on Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Ultrasonography

Objective:

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the frequency and clinical significance of incidental findings on upper gastrointestinal endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS).

Methods:

Patients referred for upper gastrointestinal EUS were consecutively enrolled into this prospective study. Any coincidental abnormality found during standard EUS was considered an incidental finding. Significant incidental findings were defined as abnormalities that required further medical, surgical, or endoscopic intervention, including surveillance.

Results:

In 552 patients who underwent EUS, 41 incidental findings were detected in 39 patients (7.1%). Twenty-one abnormalities had clinical significance. The frequency of incidental findings increased significantly with increasing age ( P = .001). The most frequent incidental findings were gallstones, subepithelial lesions, and pancreatic lesions.

Conclusions:

Incidental findings on EUS are not uncommon in clinical practice and might be a clue to a significant pathology. The appropriate extent of evaluation of incidental findings noted during a standard EUS procedure warrants further research yet to be defined.

Is Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) necessary in the pre-therapeutic assessment of Barrett's esophagus with early neoplasia?

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is considered the most accurate tool for the TNM staging of esophageal cancer, but its role in early Barrett's neoplasia is still debatable. The aim was to evaluate the utility of EUS in Barrett's patients prior to therapy. Retrospective review of 109 patients enrolled in a treatment protocol for Barrett's neoplasia in our institution. EUS assessment was classified as suspicious for invasion in 19 patients; 84% of them had no evidence of invasion in final pathology. The assessment of depth of invasion of Barrett's neoplasia based solely on EUS findings leads to overstaging in most patients.