[Spiral computerized tomography of esophageal carcinoma--methodology, problems, results]

Computed tomography (CT) is widely recognized as a part of the routine preoperative staging in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Applying a tailored technique, CT criteria of transmural growth and infiltration of adjacent structures are highly accurate for estimating resectability. The size-based assessment of mediastinal and abdominal lymph nodes is usually reported with low sensitivity and specificity. Spiral technology (spiral CT) increases image quality by a reduction of artifacts due to respiratory motion or cardiac pulsation, higher anatomic detail, and peak vascular opacification throughout the entire examination. Thus, an improvement of diagnostic accuracy in the staging of esophageal carcinoma can be expected. Its targeted application and a comparison with the conventional technique are presented.