BACKGROUND: @entity5 vascularity as indicated by immunohistochemical staining is a significant prognostic factor in @entity356 . Non-invasive preoperative assessment of the vascularity of @entity356 has not been possible. We aim to determine the reliability of harmonic flash echo imaging (FEI) for assessment of vascularity of @entity356 by comparison with @entity2280 staining of resected specimens. METHODS: Twelve @entity1 undergoing surgical resection of advanced @entity356 were studied. An ultrasound system transmitting ultrasound pulses at 2.3 MHz and receiving them at 4.6 MHz (second harmonic image) was used for harmonic FEI. Approximately 30 s after intravenous injection of ultrasonic contrast medium (SHU 508A, Levovist), second harmonics (4.6 MHz) emitted from microbubbles were obtained to enhance the B-mode images. Using the @entity5 image showing strongest enhancement in each FEI series, regions of interest were determined to measure mean echo intensity in the @entity5 . Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against @entity2280 was carried out in resected specimens. @entity5 vascularity was determined by counting stained microvessels. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was noted between sonographic amplitude determined preoperatively by FEI analysis and number of @entity2280 -stained microvessels in @entity5 specimens (r = 0.869, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Vascularity of @entity356 now can be evaluated non-invasively by harmonic FEI.

Preoperative assessment of XXXX vascularity by flash echo imaging.

@entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['tumor', 'Tumor'] @entity2280 :: ('947', 'Gene') :: ['CD34'] @entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity356 :: ('MESH:D013274', 'Disease') :: ['gastric cancer', 'gastric and other cancers', 'gastric cancers']
@entity356 :: (MESH:D013274,Disease) :: ['gastric cancer']
