Colonoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Using a Curvilinear Array Transducer: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Curvilinear array ultrasound transducers enable tissue sampling and have therapeutic capabilities. Nevertheless, colonic intubation and maneuvering with these transducers is technically challenging and is therefore typically limited to the rectosigmoid area. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and diagnostic yield of colonoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in deep colonic intubation. IMPACT OF INNOVATION: The impact of this innovation is to enable tissue sampling of colonic and extracolonic lesions guided by endoscopic ultrasound. TECHNOLOGY, MATERIALS, AND METHODS: Curvilinear array ultrasound is used in the evaluation of luminal and extraluminal colonic diseases. Thirteen patients underwent colonoscopic ultrasound with a curvilinear array ultrasound endoscope in a single center for subepithelial lesions, cancer staging, and extracolonic lesions from July 2015 to February 2021. Endosonography was performed using an Olympus EU-ME1 and GF-UCT 180 with a 5-12MHz curvilinear array transducer. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who were successfully scanned with the endoscopic ultrasound. The secondary outcomes included the success rate of fine-needle aspiration, the diagnostic yield of the tissue samples, and the adverse events related to the procedure. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: A total of 13 female patients underwent colonoscopic ultrasound. All patients (100%, 13/13) were successfully scanned. Fine-needle aspiration was deemed necessary and successfully performed in 100% (5/5) of the patients. Tissue samples collected by fine-needle aspiration resulted in a diagnostic yield of 60%, and no adverse events resulted from this intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of performing colonoscopic ultrasound with a curvilinear array transducer. Fine-needle aspiration for subepithelial, colonic, and extracolonic lesions is feasible and safe in this setting with no adverse events reported in our study. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Future research should be directed toward validating colonoscopic ultrasound with a curvilinear array transducer technique in prospective randomized trials. Studies evaluating the feasibility and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided interventions in the colon, such as abscess drainage and enteral anastomosis, should be considered.

Suction versus slow-pull for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of pancreatic tumors: a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Suction (S) is commonly used to improve cell acquisition during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). Slow-pull (SP) sampling is another technique that might procure good quality specimens with less bloodiness. We aimed to determine if SP improves the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA of pancreatic masses. METHODS: Patients with pancreatic solid masses were randomized to four needle passes with both techniques in an alternate fashion. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were calculated. Cellularity and bloodiness of cytological samples were assessed and compared according to the technique. RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of suction vs. SP were 95.2% vs. 92.3%; 100% vs. 100; 95.7% vs. 93%, respectively. As to the association of methods, they were 95.6, 100 and 96%, respectively. Positive predictive values for S and SP were 100%. There was no difference in diagnostic yield between S and SP (p = 0.344). Cellularity of samples obtained with SP and Suction were equivalent in both smear evaluation (p = 0.119) and cell-block (0.980). Bloodiness of SP and suction techniques were similar as well. CONCLUSIONS: S and SP techniques provide equivalent sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Association of methods seems to improve diagnostic yield. Suction does not increase the bloodiness of samples compared to slow-pull.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided vs endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography biliary drainage for obstructed distal malignant biliary strictures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: For palliation of malignant biliary obstruction (MBO), the gold-standard method of biliary drainage is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with the placement of metallic stents. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage is an alternative that is typically reserved for cases of ERCP failure. Recently, however, there have been robust randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing EUS-guided drainage and ERCP as primary approaches to MBO. AIM: To compare EUS guidance and ERCP in terms of their effectiveness and safety in palliative biliary drainage for MBO. METHODS: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis, in which we searched the MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Only RCTs comparing EUS and ERCP for primary drainage of MBO were eligible. All of the studies selected provided data regarding the rates of technical and clinical success, as well as the duration of the procedure, adverse events, and stent patency. We assessed the risk of biases using the Jadad score and the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. RESULTS: The database searches yielded 5920 records, from which we selected 3 RCTs involving a total of 222 patients (112 submitted to EUS and 110 submitted to ERCP). In the EUS and ERCP groups, the rate of technical success was 91.96% and 91.81%, respectively, with a risk difference (RD) of 0.00% (95%CI: -0.07, 0.07; P = 0.97; I 2 = 0%). The clinical success was 84.81% and 85.53% in the EUS and ERCP groups, respectively, with an RD of -0.01% (95%CI: -0.12, 0.10; P = 0.90; I 2 = 0%). The mean difference (MD) for the duration of the procedure was -0.12% (95%CI: -8.20, 7.97; P = 0.98; I 2 = 84%). In the EUS and ERCP groups, there were 14 and 25 adverse events, respectively, with an RD of -0.06% (95%CI: -0.23, 0.12; P = 0.54; I 2 = 77%). The MD for stent patency was 9.32% (95%CI: -4.53, 23.18; P = 0.19; I 2 = 44%). The stent dysfunction rate was significantly lower in the EUS group (MD = -0.22%; 95CI:-0.35, -0.08; P = 0.001; I 2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: EUS represents an interesting alternative to ERCP for MBO drainage, demonstrating lower stent dysfunction rates compared with ERCP. Technical and clinical success, duration, adverse events and patency rates were similar.

Endoscopic versus surgical treatment for pancreatic pseudocysts: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare surgical and endoscopic treatment for pancreatic pseudocyst (PP). METHODS: The researchers did a search in Medline, EMBASE, Scielo/Lilacs, and Cochrane electronic databases for studies comparing surgical and endoscopic drainage of PP s in adult patients. Then, the extracted data were used to perform a meta-analysis. The outcomes were therapeutic success, drainage-related adverse events, general adverse events, recurrence rate, cost, and time of hospitalization. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between treatment success rate (risk difference [RD] -0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.20,0.01]; P = .07), drainage-related adverse events (RD -0.02; 95% CI [-0.04,0.08]; P = .48), general adverse events (RD -0.05; 95% CI [-0.12, 0.02]; P = .13) and recurrence (RD: 0.02; 95% CI [-0.04,0.07]; P = .58) between surgical and endoscopic treatment.Regarding time of hospitalization, the endoscopic group had better results (RD: -4.23; 95% CI [-5.18, -3.29]; P < .00001). When it comes to treatment cost, the endoscopic arm also had better outcomes (RD: -4.68; 95% CI [-5.43,-3.94]; P < .00001). CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference between surgical and endoscopic treatment success rates, adverse events and recurrence for PP. However, time of hospitalization and treatment costs were lower in the endoscopic group.

Primary adenosquamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas: the use of endoscopic ultrasound guided - fine needle aspiration to establish a definitive cytologic diagnosis / Carcinoma adenoescamoso primario de páncreas: uso de la técnica de biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina guiada por ultrasonido endoscópico para establecer un diagnóstico citológico definitivo

Pancreatic cancer is the second most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract in the US, and adenocarcinoma has been identified as the most common type of pancreatic cancer. Different types of pancreatic cancers have been classified: adenocarcinoma, ductal adenosquamous carcinoma, solid pseudopapillary tumors, endocrine neoplasms, acinar cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, cystic tumors, primary lymphoma of the pancreas, and metastatic lesions of the pancreas. Adenosquamous carcinoma is extremely rare, behave in a very aggressive way and is responsible for the 1 to 4% of the pancreatic exocrine neoplastic lesions. We describe the case of an 82-years-old African American female, presenting to our institution with quantifiable weight loss (12 kg in 3 months), jaundice and abdominal pain. On admission, laboratory tests were obtained: total bilirubin: 11.07 mg/dl with a direct fraction of 10.32 mg/dl. Cross-sectional abdominal CT scan with contrast, showed a lesion localized in the pancreatic head (hypodense on T1, measuring 3.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 cm), with vascular invasion of the portal vein. EUS showed a solid, hypoechoic, not well-defined lesion (measuring 3.98 x 3.80 cm), localized between the head and neck of the pancreas. EUS-FNA was performed with a 22G needle using the fanning technique. The cytological specimens demonstrated components of both squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent ERCP procedure, and biliary drainage was performed with an entirely covered metallic stent placement. After a month from the procedures, the patient died due to the severity of the disease. Endoscopic ultrasound has proven to be the best method to diagnose solid pancreatic lesions, including rare and aggressive type of tumors like primary adenosquamous cell carcinoma that we described in this very interesting case report

El cáncer de páncreas es la segunda neoplasia maligna más común del tracto gastrointestinal en los EE.UU. y el adenocarcinoma ha sido identificado como el tipo más común de cáncer de páncreas. Se han clasificado diferentes tipos de cáncer de páncreas: adenocarcinoma, carcinoma adenoescamoso ductal, tumores pseudopapilares sólidos, neoplasias endocrinas, carcinoma de células acinares, carcinoma de células escamosas, tumores quísticos, linfoma primario del páncreas y lesiones metastásicas del páncreas. El carcinoma adenoescamoso es extremadamente raro y se comporta de manera muy agresiva, es responsable del 1 al 4% de las lesiones pancreáticas exocrinas neoplásicas. Presentamos el caso de una mujer afroamericana de 82 años de edad, que fue admitida a nuestra institución con pérdida de peso cuantificable (12 kg en 3 meses), ictericia y dolor abdominal. Al momento de la admisión, se obtuvieron pruebas de laboratorio: bilirrubina total: 11,07 mg/dl con una fracción directa de 10,32 mg/dl. La tomografía computarizada abdominal transversal con contraste mostró una lesión localizada en la cabeza pancreática (hipodensa en T1, 5 x 3,5 x 2,5 cm) con invasión vascular de la vena porta. El ultrasonido endoscópico mostró una lesión sólida, hipoecoica, no bien definida de 3,98 x 3,80 cm, localizada entre la cabeza y el cuello del páncreas. La biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina guiada por ultrasonido endoscópico se realizó con una aguja 22G utilizando la técnica de ventilación (Fanning). Los especímenes citológicos demostraron componentes de carcinoma escamoso y adenocarcinoma. El paciente se sometió a CPRE y el drenaje biliar se realizó con una prótesis metálica completamente cubierta. Después de un mes de los procedimientos, el paciente falleció debido a la gravedad de la enfermedad. El ultrasonido endoscópico ha demostrado ser el mejor método para diagnosticar lesiones pancreáticas sólidas, incluyendo tumores raros y agresivos como el carcinoma primario de células adenoescamosas que describimos en este interesante relato de caso

Subepithelial rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor - the use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration to establish a definitive cytological diagnosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The stomach is the most common location to be affected, and the rectum one of the rarest, but the whole gastrointestinal tract remains susceptible. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors account for only 0.1% of rectal tumors. Currently, endoscopic ultrasound plays an essential role in the diagnostic process of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, especially when the affected sites have a worse outcome and higher morbidity rates. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 68-year-old white Japanese man with a history of long-term mild rectal pain and tenesmus. A digital rectal examination revealed a right palpable solid mass ranging from 3 to 7 cm from his anal verge. A colonoscopy was performed and showed a 5 cm elevated lesion covered by normal mucosa, located 4 cm above the pectineal line. Endoscopic ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis of a homogeneous hypoechoic mass with areas of necrosis as a rectal subepithelial lesion originating at the fourth layer (muscularis propria). He then underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of the lesion, followed by cytological and immunohistochemistry evaluation. The evaluation showed spindle and epithelioid cells of variable sizes, in fascicles separated by stroma, which reacted firmly and consistently to CD117/c-kit and CD34, and negative to desmin and S-100 protein. There was weak staining for nuclear Ki-67 in the tumor cells. A diagnosis of rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor was confirmed. After a multidisciplinary meeting, an abdominoperineal resection of his rectum was performed. The pathology of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor. He is now asymptomatic after 3 months' follow-up and is on adjuvant therapy with a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are rare tumors, and among the variety of primary location sites, the rectum is one of the rarest. The localization of this type of tumor has worse outcomes and higher morbidity rates. We report this rare case to emphasize the need for precise diagnosis and the important role of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration in such situations.

Primary adenosquamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas: the use of endoscopic ultrasound guided - fine needle aspiration to establish a definitive cytologic diagnosis.

Pancreatic cancer is the second most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract in the US, and adenocarcinoma has been identified as the most common type of pancreatic cancer. Different types of pancreatic cancers have been classified: adenocarcinoma, ductal adenosquamous carcinoma, solid pseudopapillary tumors, endocrine neoplasms, acinar cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, cystic tumors, primary lymphoma of the pancreas, and metastatic lesions of the pancreas. Adenosquamous carcinoma is extremely rare, behave in a very aggressive way and is responsible for the 1 to 4% of the pancreatic exocrine neoplastic lesions. We describe the case of an 82-years-old African American female, presenting to our institution with quantifiable weight loss (12 kg in 3 months), jaundice and abdominal pain. On admission, laboratory tests were obtained: total bilirubin: 11.07 mg/dl with a direct fraction of 10.32 mg/dl. Cross-sectional abdominal CT scan with contrast, showed a lesion localized in the pancreatic head (hypodense on T1, measuring 3.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 cm), with vascular invasion of the portal vein. EUS showed a solid, hypoechoic, not well-defined lesion (measuring 3.98 x 3.80 cm), localized between the head and neck of the pancreas. EUS-FNA was performed with a 22G needle using the fanning technique. The cytological specimens demonstrated components of both squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent ERCP procedure, and biliary drainage was performed with an entirely covered metallic stent placement. After a month from the procedures, the patient died due to the severity of the disease. Endoscopic ultrasound has proven to be the best method to diagnose solid pancreatic lesions, including rare and aggressive type of tumors like primary adenosquamous cell carcinoma that we described in this very interesting case report.

Ex vivo and simulator models teaching therapeutic ERCP and EUS: description of SOBED's first course.

Teaching models in endoscopy are important tools to minimize risks derived from endoscopic procedures, taking into account that therapeutic endoscopy, also known as surgical endoscopy, has greatly developed during the last decade. This results from the fact that minimally invasive procedures present relevant contributions and promote more comfort to patients. In this context, ex vivo teaching models and virtual simulators are important tools to the safe acquisition of abilities. In this article, the Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy presents and describes its first course of therapeutic ERCP and EUS in models of laboratory teaching.

Penetrance of functioning and nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 in the second decade of life.

CONTEXT: Data are scarce on the penetrance of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)-related nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PETs) and insulinomas in young MEN1 patients. A potential positive correlation between tumor size and malignancy (2-3 cm, 18%; >3 cm, 43%) has greatly influenced the management of MEN1 adults with NF-PETs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to estimate the penetrance of NF-PETs, insulinomas, and gastrinomas in young MEN1 carriers. DESIGN: The data were obtained from a screening program (1996-2012) involving 113 MEN1 patients in a tertiary academic reference center. PATIENTS: Nineteen MEN1 patients (aged 12-20 y; 16 patients aged 15-20 y and 3 patients aged 12-14 y) were screened for NF-PETs, insulinomas, and gastrinomas. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) were performed on 10 MEN1 carriers, magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography was performed on five patients, and four other patients underwent an EUS. RESULTS: The overall penetrance of PETs during the second decade of life was 42% (8 of 19). All eight PET patients had NF-PETs, and half of those tumors were multicentric. One-fifth of the screened patients (21%; 4 of 19) harbored at least one large tumor (>2.0 cm). Insulinoma was detected in two NF-PET patients (11%) at the initial screening; gastrinoma was not present in any cases. Six of the 11 (54%) screened patients aged 15-20 years who underwent an EUS had NF-PETs. Potential false-positive EUS results were excluded based on EUS-guided biopsy results, the reproducibility of the NF-PET findings, or the observation of increased tumor size during follow-up. Distal pancreatectomy and the nodule enucleation of pancreatic head tumors were conducted on three patients with large tumors (>2.0 cm; T2N0M0) that were classified as grade 1 neuroendocrine tumors (Ki-67<2%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated high penetrance of NF-PETs in 15- to 20-year-old MEN1 patients. The high percentage of the patients presenting consensus criteria for surgery for NF-PET alone or NF-PET/insulinoma suggests a potential benefit for the periodic surveillance of these tumors in this age group.

I Consenso Brasileiro de Ecoendoscopia / I Brazilian Consensus of Endoscopic Ultrasonography

RACIONAL: Ainda que se reconheça a eficiência da ecoendoscopia para o diagnóstico e até mesmo para o tratamento de várias doenças do aparelho digestivo, a sua inclusão nos algoritmos de decisão clínica em gastroenterologia tem sofrido restrições. Este fato é comprovado indiretamente através da existência de vários estudos que se preocuparam em demonstrar o impacto do exame ecoendoscópio na mudança de condutas e na redução de custos. Outra evidência, esta direta e identificável em nosso meio, é a disponibilidade bastante limitada da ecoendoscopia no Brasil. Neste sentido, quiseram-se identificar as situações clínicas em que o exame ecoendoscópico é eficiente, através de revisões sistemáticas, graduando-se o grau da evidência e a força da recomendação, realizadas pelo grupo envolvido com o método em nosso país, apresentadas e votadas na forma de consenso. MÉTODO: O grupo de médicos que realiza ecoendoscopia foi formado a partir de informações obtidas junto às sociedades de especialidades e aos fabricantes de equipamentos. A lista de tópicos e perguntas relevantes foi formulada por dois membros do consenso (FMF, CMD), discutida com e distribuída aos consensualistas 5 meses antes da reunião de consenso. Foi solicitado que se realizassem, na medida do possível, revisões sistemáticas e que as respostas fossem apresentadas para a votação com o grau de evidência e a força da recomendação. Nos 2 dias da reunião de consenso, as respostas foram apresentadas, debatidas e votadas. Quando, no mínimo, 70 por cento dos votantes concordaram com o texto da resposta, houve consenso. O relatório final foi submetido a apreciação e aprovado por todos os consensualistas. RESULTADOS: Setenta e nove questões foram debatidas na pré-reunião do consenso, resultando 85 questões que foram então distribuídas. Nos 2 dias da reunião do consenso, 22 participantes debateram e votaram as 85 respostas. O impacto causado pelo exame ecoendoscópico foi comprovado por evidências...

BACKGROUND: In the last 20 years, several papers have focused on demonstrating the impact of endoscopic ultrasonography findings on the management of different clinical scenarios in digestive disease. This fact is an indirect evidence of the difficulty of popularization of the method. On other hand, the limited availability of endoscopic ultrasonography in Brazil is a direct evidence of this limitation. This was the rationale for the organization of a consensus meeting on endoscopic ultrasonography. It was aimed to identify the best evidence that support the use of endoscopic ultrasonography in gastroenterology. METHODS: A panel of experts on endoscopic ultrasonography was selected based on the files of the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Societies and on the registries of endoscope manufacturers. Two members of the meeting selected the relevant topics that were transformed into questions. The topics and the questions were debated among the experts five months before the consensus meeting. The experts were asked to perform systematic reviews in order to answer the questions so it could be possible to grade the answers based on the strength of the evidence. During the two days of the meeting the answers were presented, debated and voted. Consensus was reached when a minimum of 70 percent of the voters were in agreement. The final consensus report was submitted to the experts' evaluation and approval. RESULTS: Seventy nine questions were debated by the experts at the pre-Consensus meeting. As the result of this debate 85 questions came out and were assigned to the members of the panel. During the Consensus meeting 22 experts debated and voted 85 answers. Consensus was reached for several clinical scenarios for which the impact of endoscopic ultrasonography findings were supported by level 1 evidences: differential diagnosis of subepithelial lesions and thickening of gastric folds, staging and diagnosis of unresectable esophageal cancer...

[I Brazilian consensus of endoscopic ultrasonography]. / I Consenso Brasileiro de Ecoendoscopia.

BACKGROUND: In the last 20 years, several papers have focused on demonstrating the impact of endoscopic ultrasonography findings on the management of different clinical scenarios in digestive disease. This fact is an indirect evidence of the difficulty of popularization of the method. On other hand, the limited availability of endoscopic ultrasonography in Brazil is a direct evidence of this limitation. This was the rationale for the organization of a consensus meeting on endoscopic ultrasonography. It was aimed to identify the best evidence that support the use of endoscopic ultrasonography in gastroenterology. METHODS: A panel of experts on endoscopic ultrasonography was selected based on the files of the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Societies and on the registries of endoscope manufacturers. Two members of the meeting selected the relevant topics that were transformed into questions. The topics and the questions were debated among the experts five months before the consensus meeting. The experts were asked to perform systematic reviews in order to answer the questions so it could be possible to grade the answers based on the strength of the evidence. During the two days of the meeting the answers were presented, debated and voted. Consensus was reached when a minimum of 70% of the voters were in agreement. The final consensus report was submitted to the experts' evaluation and approval. RESULTS: Seventy nine questions were debated by the experts at the pre-Consensus meeting. As the result of this debate 85 questions came out and were assigned to the members of the panel. During the Consensus meeting 22 experts debated and voted 85 answers. Consensus was reached for several clinical scenarios for which the impact of endoscopic ultrasonography findings were supported by level 1 evidences: differential diagnosis of subepithelial lesions and thickening of gastric folds, staging and diagnosis of unresectable esophageal cancer, indirect signs of peritoneal involvement of gastric cancer, MALT gastric lymphoma and rectal cancer staging, diagnosis of common bile duct and gallbladder stones, diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and differential diagnosis of a solid mass in chronic pancreatitis, differential diagnosis of the pancreatic cyst, prediction of the results of the endoscopic treatment of esophageal varices and diagnosis and staging of non-small cell lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: There are the highest levels of evidences that support the indication of endoscopic ultrasonography for several digestive diseases and even for non-small cell lung cancer.

Ecopunção endoscópica no diagnóstico das massas mediastinais: análise de 25 casos / Echoendoscopy in the diagnosis of mediastinal masses: analysis of 25 cases

Introdução: A maioria das massas mediastinais é assintomática. Pela importância das estruturas vasculares e linfáticas da região, bem como o difícil acesso, a ecoendoscopia tornou-se importante aliado na caracterização de massas e obtenção de material para estudo histopatológico. Métodos: Realizou-se análise retrospectiva de ecoendoscopias do mediastino realizadas em 2005, no Serviço de Endoscopia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, e que apresentavam o diagnóstico de massa ou presença de linfonodos mediastinais. Em todos os pacientes procedeu-se a ecopunção com obtenção de microfragmentos. Resultados: Foram avaliados 25 pacientes, 10 (40%) homens e 15 (60%) mulheres, com idade média de 51,72 anos. Do total de exames, em 21 (84%) obteve-se diagnóstico histológico, diagnosticando-se neoplasia em 12 (48%), com seis (24%) lesões inflamatórias, das quais uma linfadenopatia reativa, em dois, antracose, uma necrase inespecífica e duas granulomatosas. Foram observados três (12%) casos com tecido normal. Em quatro (16%) casos o material foi insuficiente para o diagnóstico. Conclusão: A ecoendoscopia apresentou-se como método satisfatório na obtenção de material para análise histopatológica de massas mediastinais.