M. Boudiaf et al., Preoperative evaluation of gastric adenocarcinoma: comparison of CT features with surgical and pathologic findings., ANN CHIR, 53(2), 1999, pp. 115-122
Purpose: The objective of our study was to reassess the value of CT scan in
the preoperative evaluation of gastric adenocarcinoma, using surgical and
pathologic findings as the reference standard. Materials and methods: Forty
-five patients who had preoperative CT scan for gastric carcinoma were retr
ospectively included in the study. Images were analyzed by two readers work
ing in consensus with respect to tumor detection, tumor location, depth of
invasion, involvement of adjacent organs, lymph node involvement and presen
ce of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Results. Gastric tumor was visible in 91%
of cases. Accurate tumor localization was obtained in 50 % of cases. Depth
of tumor penetration was correctly evaluated in 40 % of the: cases. Evaluat
ion of regional and distant lymph node metastases was correct in 54% and 64
% of cases, respectively. Peritoneal carcinomatosis was depicted in 17 % of
cases. Conclusion. CT scan allows detection of gastric adenocarcinoma in t
he majority of cases. However, this technique markedly underscores the exte
nt of gastric adenocarcinoma. Therefore, CT scan should not be used to dete
rmine the preoperative staging of gastric adenocarcinoma.