[Magnetic resonance tomographic findings in esophageal cancer]

The value of MRT and CT for staging and for determining operability of carcinoma of the oesophagus was assessed in 20 patients with histologically confirmed diagnoses. Both methods are limited in this respect. In some cases magnetic resonance provides more accurate concerning the extent of the tumour; this, however, is true only for lesions in the upper and middle thirds of the oesophagus. Where tumours of the distal third of the oesophagus are concerned, and particularly in those extending into the fundus of the stomach, CT is clearly superior. Both methods are of limited value in assessing the depth of tumour penetration, infiltration of neighbouring organs and involvement of regional lymph nodes.