RESUMO
We evaluated the use of real time linear echotomography to diagnose cancer affecting the wall of the stomach. In vitro studies were performed on pieces resected from normal subjects and patients with peptic ulcer or gastric cancer. 108 patients were also evaluated, 68 with normal findings at endoscopy and radiology and 35 with gastric cancer. The muscularis mucosae and the muscular layers are hypoechogenic while the mucosa, submucosa and subserosa are echogenic. An infiltrative process leads to alteration of these echographic layers which are replaced by an hypoechogenic zone. Depth and extension of the lesion may thus be evaluated. Routine analysis of the gastric wall in every echographic examination of the abdomen may help detect early cases of gastric cancer.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Gástricas/diagnóstico por imagem , Estômago/diagnóstico por imagem , Biópsia , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Invasividade Neoplásica , Estadiamento de Neoplasias , Estômago/patologia , Neoplasias Gástricas/patologia , UltrassonografiaRESUMO
We performed real time echotomographic studies in 203 patients with a clinical diagnosis of obstructive jaundice. All patients were operated on and a diagnosis of choledocholithiasis was established in 125. The same diagnosis had been made by echo in 69 of them for a 63% sensitivity rate. The specificity was 92% and the positive predictive value 93%. An improvement in sensitivity from 52 to 80% and in specificity from 91 to 94% along the 3 year study period was detected. This high yield of the echographic study, not widespread in the literature, may be attributed to a careful study of the intrapancreatic section of the common duct were 92% of the stones were found. Also, the experience and training of the radiologist performing the examination is essential.