Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 12, Issue 10 563-566, Copyright © 1993 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
High-frequency endoluminal ultrasonography of the esophagus in human autopsy specimens
L. S. Miller, J. B. Liu, P. J. Klenn, M. Dhuria, R. I. Feld and B. B. Goldberg
Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
A 20 MHz ultrasound transducer housed in a 6.2 Fr catheter was used to
image human esophageal autopsy specimens from six cadavers. Histologic
sections taken from the areas imaged were correlated with cross-sectional
sonographic images. Six echo layers were seen in the non-fluid-filled
esophagus whereas seven echo layers were seen in the fluid-filled
esophagus. These seven layers correspond to the following histologic
structures: first hyperechoic layer--mucosa (including squamous epithelium
and lamina propria); second thin hypoechoic layer--muscularis mucosae;
third very bright hyperechoic layer--submucosa; fourth hypoechoic
layer--circular smooth muscle; fifth thin hyperechoic layer--intermuscular
connective tissue; sixth hypoechoic layer--longitudinal smooth muscle;
seventh hyperechoic layer--adventitia.
