Computed tomographic evaluation of resectability of bronchogenic carcinoma

The criteria for unresectable lung cancer were (1) direct mediastinal invasion with obliteration of mediastinal structure, (2) carcinomatous pericardial thickening, left atrial defect, deformity of the atrium, (3) tumor extension beyond the extrapleural fatty tissue, and (4) invasive mdiastinal lymphadenopathy. Using these criteria, retrospective and prospective studies were performed. Retrospective analysis revealed 93.5 % in diagnostic accuracy. Prospective study yielded 87 % in accuracy. Computed tomography was considered to be the choice of examination in assessing resectability of bronchogenic carcinoma. (author)