AIMS: This study aims to compare transverse images and vessel probe (VP) in MPR mode reconstructions obtained by 16-row MDCT with the histological findings in the preoperative T staging of esophageal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients (23 M, 8 F, mean age 63.2) with endoscopic and histological diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma underwent CT examination. Esophageal lumen was distended by CO2 and a biphasic technique with 35 s and 70 s delay was used after intravenous injection of contrast material. Transverse and VP in MPR mode images were evaluated and the following parameters were considered: presence and location of the tumor; esophageal wall thickness and enhancement; depth of visceral wall invasion; periesophageal fat morphology and infiltration of adjacent organs. Preoperative staging was performed and then it was compared with the histological findings considered as reference standard. RESULTS: Sensibility, negative predictive and accuracy values were 67%, 64% and 79% by using axial images for preoperative T staging, while the use of VP increased the previous values up to 83%, 78% and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the preoperative staging of esophageal cancer, VP in MPR mode reconstructions obtained by 16-row MDCT increase the sensibility and diagnostic accuracy values in the T parameter evaluation compared with axial images.
AIMS: This study aims to compare transverse images and vessel probe (VP) in MPR mode reconstructions obtained by 16-row MDCT with the histological findings in the preoperative T staging of esophageal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients (23 M, 8 F, mean age 63.2) with endoscopic and histological diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma underwent CT examination. Esophageal lumen was distended by CO2 and a biphasic technique with 35 s and 70 s delay was used after intravenous injection of contrast material. Transverse and VP in MPR mode images were evaluated and the following parameters were considered: presence and location of the tumor; esophageal wall thickness and enhancement; depth of visceral wall invasion; periesophageal fat morphology and infiltration of adjacent organs. Preoperative staging was performed and then it was compared with the histological findings considered as reference standard. RESULTS: Sensibility, negative predictive and accuracy values were 67%, 64% and 79% by using axial images for preoperative T staging, while the use of VP increased the previous values up to 83%, 78% and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the preoperative staging of esophageal cancer, VP in MPR mode reconstructions obtained by 16-row MDCT increase the sensibility and diagnostic accuracy values in the T parameter evaluation compared with axial images.