Usefulness of computed tomography by submucosal injection of lipiodol in esophageal cancer

A submucosal injection of lipiodol was administered at the site of an esophageal carcinoma and CT scan was performed. The infiltration in the surrounding organs, especially, the aorta, trachea and lymph node was examined and a comparative study was made with a plain CT. The infiltration of the submucosa and surrounding organs could be seen clearly when compared with the plain CT. The ability to precisely demonstrate the oral side of the submucosal lesion was considered to be useful when planning for radiotherapy. The lymph node metastasis was demonstrated much more clearly due to the lymph node contrast produced by the lipiodol. (author)