Abstract
Endoscopic ultrasound is a useful imaging modality for evaluation of submucosal masses in the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration using dedicated curvilinear array echoendoscopes with Doppler capability and special needle devices with echogenic needle tips has emerged as a safe and accurate method for obtaining cytological samples from these lesions. However, adequacy of samples obtained and diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for submucosal masses (especially stromal cell tumors) may not be comparable with other lesions for which endosonographic fine-needle aspiration is commonly indicated. Improvements in technology are still required.