The usefulness of ultrafast CT for detection of an advanced esophageal cancer invasion into the neighboring structures

In the surgical treatment of advanced esophageal cancers, it is valuable to know prior to surgery whether there has been cancerous invasion into the neighboring structures, and for this purpose, we examined ultrafast CT images for such detection. Ultrafast CT was able to provide satisfactory images without motion artifact interference, and thus we were able to measure the thickness of the esophageal wall and, in our case, by changing the contact angle with the esophagus and the aorta, establish the fact that these had been no invasion into the aorta. Ultrafast CT made it easier to examine the vessels, and the procedure is particularly helpful when dealing with patients who have difficulty holding their breath. (author)