THE USE OF HIGH-RESOLUTION ALGORITHMS AND THICK SECTIONS FOR CT STAGING OF BRONCHIAL CARCINOMAS

The purpose was to determine whether 8 mm slice sections with high res olution algorithms would prove superior to standard methods for the CT staging of bronchial carcinomas. The raw data from CT examinations in 50 patients using standard methods and the high resolution method was calculated, documented and compared. Within the lung parenchyma, smal l foci or metastases, peritumorous infiltrates, bronchial narrowing, b ronchial outlines, vessels and areas of poor aeration were significant ly clearer. Pleural thickening and subpleural fat stripes were also be tter seen. Abnormalities in the mediastinum were equally well shown. H igh resolution algorithms with 8 mm slice sections are recommended for routine staging of bronchial carcinomas, particularly if the calculat ions can be done quickly, as is possible on modern apparatus, without increasing the duration of the examination.