Pitfalls and Pearls in Esophageal Carcinoma

Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2021 Dec;42(6):535-541. doi: 10.1053/j.sult.2021.04.016. Epub 2021 May 8.

Abstract

The management of patients with esophageal carcinoma (EC) requires accurate clinical staging and post-therapeutic evaluation. Currently, esophagogastroduodenoscopy/endoscopic ultrasound (EGD/EUS), endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), computed tomography (CT), 18F- fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are used for the initial clinical staging, evaluation of therapeutic response and follow-up in patients with EC. However, there are limitations and pitfalls that are commonly encountered when imaging these patients that can limit accurate assessment. Knowledge of the limitations and pitfalls associated with the use of these different imaging modalities is essential in avoiding misinterpretation and guaranteeing the appropriate management for patient with EC.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
  • Positron-Emission Tomography