Colonic submucosal tumors: Comparison of endoscopic US and target air- enema CT with barium enema study and colonoscopy

PURPOSE: To compare the imaging characteristics of colonic submucosal tumors at endoscopic ultrasound (US) and target air-enema computed tomography (TACT) with those at conventional double-contrast barium enema study and colonoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with suspected colonic submucosal tumors at barium enema study and colonoscopy underwent endoscopic US, TACT, or both. Morphologic features and posture- related change in shape of tumor were evaluated with barium enema study, color and consistency of tumor with colonoscopy, internal echogenicity of tumor and layer of origin in normal colonic wall with endoscopic US, and CT attenuation number with TACT. RESULTS: Eight lipomas, seven carcinoids, three leiomyomas, four lymphangiomas, and one hemangioma were found at histologic examination. Lipomas and lymphangiomas had characteristic findings at endoscopic US and TACT. The differential diagnosis of the other submucosal tumors was facilitated by using endoscopic US. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic US and TACT may play a valuable role in the evaluation of colonic submucosal tumors.