ENDOLUMINAL HIGH-RESOLUTION ULTRASOUND IN UROLOGY

The clinical use of endoluminal high resolution ultrasound in urology was investigated in 14 patients using miniature transducer-containing catheters (20 MHz 8 F and 10 MHz 10 F). For imaging the ureter, an 8 F flexible ultrasound probe was used. Using this technique, exact 360 d egrees cross sections of the ureter and periureteral tissue were obtai ned. Differentiation between normal and abnormal structures including embedded stones and aberrant vessels is possible and impacts on surgic al approach. Wall thickness of the ureterovesical junction was observe d in patients with vesicoureteral reflux compared to the other patient s. Therefore, a reliable measurement and differentiation of anatomical structures in the urinary tract was possible. The 20 MHz device revea led a better discrimination of anatomical and pathological structures than the widely used systems with lower frequencies e.g. 10 MHz. Howev er, for the exact staging of superficial urothelial carcinomas, the me thod failed. Ultrasound devices with higher frequencies, e.g. 30 MHz a nd more, will most likely allow a more exact staging of these tumours.