ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: High-frequency catheter ultrasound (C-EUS) probes provide high resolution images of the gastrointestinal tract. Their use in the esophagus is limited by the requirement for a water-filled lumen for good acoustical coupling. We have developed a system using a condom that provides a continuous column of water for high resolution C-EUS imaging of the esophagus. METHODS: Nine patients underwent condom C-EUS for evaluation of esophageal mucosal and submucosal tumors. A standard latex condom was attached to a 2-channel endoscope and filled with water after esophageal intubation. A 20 MHz C-EUS probe placed within the water-filled condom was used to characterize all lesions. RESULTS: The condom C-EUS system provided a 360 degree, high resolution image throughout the length of the esophagus without air artifact and without the risk of aspiration associated with filling the esophageal lumen with water. Complete imaging of the tumor was obtained in all cases, and no additional C-EUS procedures were required. The condom C-EUS was subjectively rated superior overall in comparison to standard C-EUS by 4 independent endosonographers. CONCLUSIONS: Condom C-EUS is a new method of high resolution imaging of the esophagus. This method provides a contained column of water within the esophagus that improves image quality and ease of use and may reduce the risk of aspiration.
Subject(s)
Condoms , Endosonography/instrumentation , Esophageal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Transducers , Adenocarcinoma/diagnostic imaging , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Barrett Esophagus/diagnostic imaging , Barrett Esophagus/pathology , Esophageal Neoplasms/pathology , Humans , Leiomyoma/diagnostic imaging , Leiomyoma/pathology , Neoplasm Staging , Precancerous Conditions/diagnostic imaging , Precancerous Conditions/pathology , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Recovery time after dazzling the macula by conventional electronic flash used by the photographer instead of the light of an ophthalmoscope was recorded in 100 normal subjects and 50 cases of active central serous retinopathy. In normal subjects the recovery time after macular dazzling test was 10 to 54 seconds. There was no difference in value between the two sexes. The recovery value increases with the advancement of age. The recovery time was 10 to 15 minutes in cases of active central serous retinopathy and there was no delay in recovery time in healed central serous retinopathy. The values elicited by electronic flash were repeatable in comparison to the technique of dazzling the macula by light of an ophthalmoscope.
