[Computed tomography in esophageal carcinoma. A prospective study].

In a prospective study, 83 patients with esophageal carcinoma were examined by computed tomography. The CT data were compared with intraoperative, postmortem and microscopical findings in 74 patients. The T stage as determined by computed tomography was confirmed by surgery or autopsy in 88% of the cases and by microscopical examination in 82%. Infiltration of surrounding structures could be proved with a sensitivity of 87%, a specificity of 91% and an accuracy of 89%. Suspected lymph nodes were detected by computed tomography in 68% of the patients with lymph node metastases. Computed tomography enabled additional information on localisation, length and diameter of the tumors and the existence of metastases in the liver, lung and pleura. Due to the very good correlation between pre- and postoperative staging, computed tomography gives important information on local tumor resectability. In this manner, operations and therapeutic strategy can be planned with greater accuracy, and diagnostic thoracotomy can be reduced to a minimum.