Endoscopic US of the posterior mediastinum in extraesophageal lesions: A preliminary report

The posterior mediastinum was examined by endoscopic US in seven patients with abnormal extraesophageal findings on CT and in a reference series of 20 healthy subjects. In bronchogenic carcinoma, endoscopic US appears to provide valuable additional information concerning the extension of tumor into the posterior mediastinum (particularly into the esophagus, aorta, left atrium, and right pulmonary artery) and concerning paraesophageal metastatic lymph nodes. The latter appear to have a more sharply defined contour and fewer echoes than benign enlarged lymph nodes. Also, endoscopic US is suitable for differentiating paraesophageal cysts from solid tumors