Ultrasound, computed tomography, or the combination for the detection of supraclavicular lymph nodes in patients with esophageal or gastric cardia cancer: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Both ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) can be used to detect supraclavicular lymph node metastases. Aim was to compare US, US plus fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA), CT, US + CT, and US-FNA + CT for the detection of these metastases in esophageal or gastric cardia cancer patients.

METHODS

Between 1994 and 2004, 567 patients underwent US and CT for esophageal or gastric cardia cancer staging. Gold standard was postoperative detection of lymph nodes in the resected specimen, FNA, or a radiological result with follow-up.

RESULTS

Sensitivities of US (75%), US-FNA (72%), US + CT (80%), and US-FNA + CT (79%) were higher than sensitivity of CT alone (25%) (P < 0.001). Specificities were high for US-FNA (100%), CT (99%), and US-FNA + CT (99%), whereas those of US alone (91%) and US + CT (91%) were lower (P < 0.001). In 4/65 (6%) patients with true-positive malignant lymph nodes, CT was positive with US and/or US-FNA being negative. However, in 36/65 (55%) patients, US and/or US-FNA were positive with CT being negative.

CONCLUSION

US-FNA seems the preferred diagnostic modality for the detection of supraclavicular lymph node metastases in patients with esophageal or gastric cardia cancer. Sensitivity of metastases detection only slightly improves if US-FNA is combined with CT. A prospective, comparative study is however needed.