Respiratory Endoscopy
Online ISSN : 2758-3813
Original Article
Sliding Sign Using Convex Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound Predicts Tracheobronchial Invasion in Advanced Esophageal Cancer
Takamasa HottaKento KonoNoriaki KurimotoYukari TsubataTakeshi Isobe
Author information
JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
Supplementary material

2024 Volume 2 Issue 3 Pages 133-140

Details
Abstract

Background: Accurate assessment of the degree of tumor invasion of the tracheobronchial wall in esophageal cancer is a pivotal factor influencing treatment decisions. In addition to radiological modalities, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, bronchoscopy is a valuable tool for staging purposes. Due to the increasing availability of convex probe endobronchial ultrasound (CP-EBUS), obtaining esophageal findings has recently become more feasible. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the CP-EBUS sliding sign for predicting tracheobronchial invasion.

Materials and Methods: In this observational, single-center cohort study, we examined 12 cases in which CP-EBUS was used during bronchoscopy to evaluate tracheobronchial invasion. Movement of the tracheobronchial membranous portion and esophageal cancer was observed, and gaps in the movement indicated a positive sliding sign. The movement was quantified using particle image velocimetry. Patients who underwent surgical resection were subjected to postoperative pathological examinations and subsequent comparisons.

Results: Sliding sign was positive in eight cases suggesting no invasion from CP-EBUS findings. Of the eight patients assessed without tracheobronchial invasion, six without distant metastases underwent surgical intervention. In each case, postoperative pathological examination confirmed the absence of invasion. Sliding sign was negative in four cases with evident tracheal invasion. All four cases were inoperable, and pathological confirmation was not possible, but in one case, esophageal cancer protruding into the trachea was visible, and tracheal invasion was evident.

Conclusions: CP-EBUS showed that a sliding sign can be used to evaluate real-time visualization of changes in tracheobronchial invasion. This sliding sign is valuable for the accurate staging of esophageal cancer.

Content from these authors
© 2024 The Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons [Attribution 4.0 International] license.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top