Abstract

Background: Development of an electronic radial scanning echoendoscope has been anticipated, because radial scanning images readily demonstrate features of anatomy while electronic scanning provides information about blood flow. Here we present images obtained with a newly developed 360° radial scanning electronic echoendoscope and consider its utility.Methods: Using an electronic radial scanning echoendoscope, developed in 2003, the XGF‐UE240‐AL5, B‐mode images were obtained at 5, 6, 7.5, and 10 MHz, while tissue harmonic images at 3.75 and 5 MHz; color Doppler and power Doppler functions also were used. Images obtained by the new echoendoscope were compared with those obtained by a conventional echoendoscope. We performed contrast‐enhanced endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) with a galactose‐based contrast agent in patients with pancreatobiliary diseases.Results: Images at all frequencies and with the Doppler mode were excellent, being more clear than images obtained with a mechanical radial echoendoscope. Gastric wall structure, cystic areas, and tumor contours were visualized more clearly at 3.5 and 5 MHz by tissue harmonic imaging than by mechanical radial scanning echoendoscope, or by ordinary imaging with the electronic radial scanning echoendoscope. Contrast‐enhanced EUS should be helpful in hemodynamic analysis of gastrointestinal tumors.Conclusions: The electronic radial echoendoscope provides improved images and is highly useful for detailed diagnosis of digestive diseases.

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