[Computed tomography and preoperative staging of esophageal cancers]

Fifty-two patients with proven esophageal carcinoma underwent thoracic and abdominal computed tomography (CT) prior to treatment. The mediastinum, lungs and abdomen were studied for evidence of direct invasion or metastases. Correlation with surgical findings were available in 15 thoracic and 29 abdominal CT-scans. Results indicate that experience of the radiologist is the most important factor in evaluation and in accuracy of CT-scanning. The extent of mediastinal spread in 13 of 15 and intraabdominal metastases in 23 of 29 patients were correctly identified. All errors were caused by false-negative diagnoses. The ability of CT to reliably predict the extent of disease can help the surgeon to plan an optimal therapy.