DIAGNOSIS OF INTRATHORACIC MASSES BY TRANSESOPHAGEAL COLOR DOPPLER-ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Objective To evaluate the value of transesophageal color Doppler echoc ardiography in the diagnosis of intrathoracic masses. Methods Twenty p atients with intrathoracic masses were examined by transesophageal ech ocardiography (TEE), including 12 patients with central lung masses an d 8 with mediastinal masses. The neoplasms were explored by two-dimens ional realtime ultrasonography, Doppler color flow imaging (DCFI) and pulsed Doppler (PD). The results were compared with computed tomograph y (CT), operative and pathological examination findings. Results We we re able to identify the size, structure (solid or cystic), anatomic re lationship, metastatic lymph nodes and venous carcinoembolus of the ma sses. Furthermore, the hemodynamic data in the vasculature inside the masses were detected. Conclusions As a new method, TEE with Doppler te chnique is not only valuable in differentiating malignant and benign n eoplasms but also useful for preoperative evaluation of the mass resec tability in patients with intrathoracic neoplasms.