Endoscopic ultrasound in the follow up and response assessment of patients with primary gastric lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is considered the best technique for local staging of primary gastric lymphomas. Its role in the follow up of patients with gastric lymphoma following organ conserving strategies has not been established. AIM: To compare endosonographic response assessment with results of histological evaluation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty three patients with primary gastric lymphomas underwent pretreatment EUS and were followed endosonographically every 3-6 months after administration of organ conserving treatment modalities. A wall thickness of