[Imaging diagnosis in preoperative TNM staging of lung cancer]

Conventional chest radiography (CR), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as staging modalities were compared in assessing the tumor extension and node status before operation in 57 patients with non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma. The results showed that accuracy of 47 T1 and T2 lesions was 94%, 73% and 77% for CR, CT and MRI, respectively. CR and CT correctly evaluated 1 of the 2 T3 lesions and MRI was correct in both. CT and MRI correctly evaluated 4 of the 7 T4 lesions. MRI was superior to CT for left pulmonary artery invasion, but inferior to CT for pleural metastases. CR underestimated all of the 7 T4 lesions. The mediastinal lymph node metastases were evaluated preoperatively, giving sensitivities in CR, CT and MRI of 17%, 71% and 67%, respectively. The sensitivity of CT and MRI was higher than CR (P less than 0.01). The short axis of nodes greater than or equal to 10 mm was recommended for metastasis on the right side of mediastinum and the long axis greater than or equal to 10 mm for that in the other areas of mediastinum.