抄録
Background. An exact determination of aortic invasion by lung cancer is necessary for planning surgical intervention. We assessed whether or not the aortic wall is invaded by the tumor by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).
Methods. We studied 6 patients (mean age, 68.5 years) who had lung tumors located in the left upper lobe, and invasion to the aorta was strongly suspected but inconclusive. With the use of TEE, aortic invasion is represented by the disappearance of the outer hyperechoic layer of the aorta and the lack of synchronous movement of consolidation during respiration.
Results. By TEE, 5 patients showed signs of invasion to the aorta. One of the patients underwent left upper lobectomy as well as replacement of the descending aorta, and aortic invasion was histologically proven.
Conclusions. In lung cancer, the diagnostic procedure should be complemented by TEE if therapeutic management depends on whether or not the aortic wall is invaded by the tumor.
