Practical approach to linear endoscopic ultrasound examination of the rectum and anal canal.

Standard endosonographic examination of the rectal area is usually performed with radial endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). However, in recent years, widespread availability of linear EUS for assessing various anatomical regions in the gastrointestinal tract has facilitated its use in the assessment of anorectal disorders. Currently, many rectal and anal diseases, including perianal abscesses, fistulae, polyps, and neoplastic lesions, can be well-visualized and evaluated with linear EUS. The aim of this review is to shed light on the anatomy and systematic examination of the anorectal region with linear EUS and clinical implications for different anorectal pathologies.

Practical approach to linear EUS examination of the mediastinum.

EUS has become a substantial diagnostic and therapeutic modality for many anatomical regions. The extent of endosonographic assessment is wide, and among others, allows for the evaluation of the mediastinal anatomy and related pathologies such as mediastinal lymphadenopathy and staging of central malignant lung lesions. Moreover, EUS assessment has proved more accurate in detecting small lesions missed by standard imaging examinations such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance. Endosonographically, various mediastinal anatomical landmarks and stations can be visualized by transesophageal scanning, thus providing arranged systematic examination of the mediastinum. In addition, the correct position during the examination is crucial for EUS-guided procedures such as tissue sampling and drainage of mediastinal abscesses. The evolution of EUS-guided diagnostic and interventional procedures has contributed to the increasing importance of understanding the mediastinal anatomy during the EUS examination.

Cystic pancreatic lesions, the endless dilemma.

Cystic pancreatic lesions involve a wide variety of pathological entities that include neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. The proper diagnosis, differentiation, and staging of these cystic lesions are considered a crucial issue in planning further management. There are great challenges for their diagnostic models. In our time, new emerging methods for this diagnosis have been discovered. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology with chemical and molecular analysis of cyst fluid and EUS-guided fine needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy, through the needle microforceps biopsy, and single-operator cholangioscopy/pancreatoscopy are promising methods that have been used in the diagnosis of cystic pancreatic lesions. Hereby we discuss the diagnosis of cystic pancreatic lesions and the benefits of various diagnostic models.

Practical approach to linear EUS examination of the liver.

EUS has become a substantial diagnostic and therapeutic modality for digestive tract conditions. The extent of endosonographic assessment is wide, and, among others, it allows for the evaluation of liver anatomy and related pathologies. Moreover, EUS assessment has proved more accurate in detecting small focal liver lesions missed by standard imaging examinations such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance. Endosonographically, various liver segments can be visualized by transgastric and transduodenal scanning following anatomical landmarks, thus providing arranged systematic examination. In addition, knowledge considering the correct position during examination is crucial for EUS-guided procedures such as hepaticogastrostomy, ablation of tumors, and measurement of portal pressure gradient. The evolution of EUS-guided intervention has contributed to the increasing importance of understanding the hepatic segmental anatomy during the EUS examination.