Reply to G. Mezzi et al.

Dr. Mezzi et al. describe their preliminary findings using endoscopic ultrasound combined with elastography for patients with rectal cancer. Their results are interesting, particularly with respect to the use of this technique after radiotherapy. In a way that was similar to our method [1], they devised a subjective five-point system of classifying the images obtained. We are now investigating an assessment system for elastography that is quantitative and provides a score for the ratio between the percentage strain of the target tissue and percentage strain of surrounding tissue. Our preliminary results suggest that the positive predictive value of this technique is 93 % (data not shown). Dr. Mezzi’s study, combined with our previous results and the latest developments in elastography point to this technique becoming an important adjunct in the assessment of tissue through the medium of endoscopic ultrasound.

Competing interests: None

References

• 1 Giovannini M, Hookey L C, Bories E. et al . Endoscopic ultrasound elastography: the first step towards virtual biopsy? Preliminary results in 49 patients.  Endoscopy. 2006;  38 344-348