ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN GASTRIC LYMPHOMA

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) was performed in 82 patients with pri mary gastric lymphoma. EUS correctly diagnosed lymphoma in 76/82 patie nts, with a sensitivity of 93%. Positive predictability was 91%, speci ficity 98%, and negative predictability 98%. Diagnostic accuracy was 9 7%. In the evaluation of lymphoma, depth invasion EUS was correct in 8 7% of cases. EUS disclosed metastatic perigastric lymph nodes in 15/27 patients, with a sensitivity of 56%. Positive predictability was 100% , specificity 100%, and negative predictability 82%. Diagnostic accura cy was 85%. Differential diagnosis with EUS among lymphoma, linitis pl astica and Menetrier's disease was difficult. Large particle biopsy mu st be considered when EUS diagnosis of these diseases remains uncertai n.