Endoscopic ultrasonography of esophageal tumors and compressions.

The diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasonography to determine the nature of submucosal tumors and external compressions of the esophagus was assessed in 14 patients using endoscopic linear array ultrasonography. For submucosal tumors this new approach not only provided an accurate diagnosis but also enabled us to determine the layer of origin, the direction of growth, and the consistency of the tumor--information not obtainable through other diagnostic methods. The structure from which the external compression comes could also be detected through this new technique. Endoscopic ultrasonography is a very helpful diagnostic procedure in determining the nature of these "tumorlike" lesions.