Endosonographic characteristics of perigastrointestinal lymphnodes studied ex-corpore

Objectives Assessment of morphological characteristics of lymphnodes studied ex-corpore by echoendoscopy—shape, sharpness of limits, echogenicity and dimensions—to categorize them either as metastatic or non-metastatic. Material and methods Fifty-four lymphnodes were studied. They were identified and studied by echoendoscopy in fresh surgical specimens of oesophagus, stomach and rectum. Eight nodal characteristics were evaluated. The data obtained were studied by multivariate analysis using the logistical estimate method in two different statistical models. Results In model 1, logistical estimate demonstrated that well-defined limits (WDL) of the lymphnodes and the association of hypoechogenicity and round shape were the most significant variables suggesting the presence of invasion. In model 2, the most significant variables were WDL, round shape and association of round shape with WDL. The first model had a high sensitivity of 93.1% and specificity of 68% whereas the second model had a greater specificity of 84%, with a slight fall in sensitivity. Conclusion These models might have an application to clinical practice particularly in the pre-operative assessment of patients with oesophageal carcinoma, gastric carcinoma or rectal carcinoma.