The diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasound for esophageal subepithelial lesions: A review.

Esophageal subepithelial lesions (ESELs) encompass a variety of diseases, including leiomyoma, granular cell tumors, hemangioma, lipoma, stromal tumors, leiomyosarcoma, schwannoma, neuroendocrine tumors and more. These lesions often present asymptomatically, leading to a generally low clinical diagnosis rate. Common imaging techniques for diagnosing ESELs include conventional endoscopy, spiral computed tomography, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Among these, EUS is currently regarded as one of the most accurate methods for diagnosing ESELs. In recent years, EUS has increasingly been combined with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, submucosal saline injection, high-frequency impedance measurement, and enhanced imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce missed diagnoses. This article reviews the application and recent advancements of EUS in diagnosing esophageal submucosal lesions.