Luis H Ros Mendoza, Maria Dolores Martín Lambas, Agustín Rodríguez Borobia,m Carmen Zapater González, Ramón Galbe Sada, Pablo R Ros

Language: English
References: 8
Page: 63-71
PDF size: 1548.62 Kb.

ABSTRACT

This paper reviews the radiologic findings of esophageal pathology, the role of modern imaging techniques: computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and evaluates indirect signs of this kind of pathology on chest radiographs.
First we describe the radiologic anatomy of the esophagus on CT and MRI, considering several anatomic levels.
Then, we evaluate different semiological criteria on chest radiographs, which may be the initial clue to the diagnosis of esophageal disease, considering two aspects: alteration of the mediastinal lines, and the presence of air-fluid levels in achalasia and esophageal diverticula.
Next, we consider “chest pain”, as a manifestation of esophageal disease, evaluating motility disorders of the esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barret esophagus, Schatzki ring and esophageal perforation. Finally, we describe esophageal neoplasm, and discuss CT and MRI staging criteria, the strengths and limitations of each as well as their complementary use.
Cases illustrating the radiographic characteristics of esophageal diseases are presented with the corresponding pathologic findings.

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