title: 3D CT protocol in the assessment of the esophageal neoplastic lesions: can it improve TNM staging?
abstract: The purpose of this prospective observational study was the evaluation of the usefulness of MPR reconstructions and virtual endoscopy in the study of the esophageal carcinoma. Thirty-nine patients with esophageal cancer proved by means of endoscopy, underwent preoperative TNM staging with dynamic CT of the chest and abdomen with the aid of 3D rendering. Twenty-six patients underwent surgery, and the CT results were compared with histopathologic findings. In staging the T parameter, the CT with 3D reconstructions and virtual endoscopy, showed a sensitivity of 92% and an accuracy of 88%. In staging lymph nodes, the sensitivity in our study was 85%, the specificity 58%, and the accuracy 69%. Our protocol of the study of the esophageal cancer with 3D CT and virtual endoscopy, demonstrated a high concordance with the surgical and pathologic findings. The 3D reconstructed images were very helpful to the surgeons regarding preoperative planning. We performed an observational enquiry, and although this was a small study, it has, however, confirmed that the 3D imaging of the esophagus represents a valuable advantage to conventional imaging. Further studies with a larger number of patients are needed to prove its superiority to traditional CT imaging of the esophagus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy. valeria.panebianco@uniroma1.it
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Panebianco
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Grazhdani
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Iafrate
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petroni
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Anzidei
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Laghi
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Passariello
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007479:Iopamidol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014584:User-Computer Interface
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; C057937:iomeprol; D007479:Iopamidol