[The value of computerized and magnetic resonance tomography for staging esophageal and cardiac cancer in comparison with conventional diagnosis].

The results of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in patients with histologically proved carcinoma of the esophagus or of the cardia were correlated with previously administered barium swallow X-ray studies and postoperative pathologic-anatomic findings. A good estimation of resectability is achieved combining barium swallow and CT studies, but an accurate determination of the stage of involvement of the surrounding tissue and of the nodes does not appear possible at present. In the routine staging of upper digestive tract malignancy MRI was found less accurate and cannot be recommended.