[Magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) and computed tomography (CT) of bronchial carcinoma. Comparison of the value of both study methods for preoperative staging].

Fifty patients with histologically proven bronchial carcinomas were examined by CT and MRT for preoperative T-staging and N-staging. CT and MRT provided the same classification in 87% of the T2 tumours, 78% of T3, 71% of N0, 74% of N1 and 100% of N2 tumours. MRT had advantages for demonstrating tumours at the apices, for central tumours and for demonstrating hilar and some mediastinal lymph node enlargement. CT was better at demonstrating small pulmonary metastases, small basal pleural effusions and also in showing pulmonary structure and bone lesions.