Phase-contrast X-ray CT imaging of esophagus and esophageal carcinoma.

[esophageal carcinoma]

The electron density resolution is 1000 times higher for synchrotron-radiation phase-contrast CT imaging than conventional X-ray absorption imaging in light elements , with which high -resolution X-ray imaging of biological soft tissue can be achieved . In the present study , we used phase-contrast X-ray CT to investigate human resected esophagus and esophageal carcinoma specimens . This technology revealed the three -layer structure of the esophageal wall-- mucous , submucosa and muscular layers . The mucous and muscular layers were clearly separated by a loose submucosa layer with a honeycomb appearance . The surface of the mucous layer was smooth . In esophageal carcinoma , because of tumor tissue infiltration , the submucosa layer was absent , which indicated destruction of the submucosa . The boundary between normal tissue and tumor was comparatively fuzzy , the three -layer structure of the esophageal wall was indistinct . The surface of the mucous layer was rugose . The technology might be helpful in tumor staging of esophageal carcinoma .