67Ga scanning in the evaluation of esophageal carcinoma.

Eighty-nine patients with histologically proved esophageal carcinoma were scanned with 67Ga to screen for extramural tumor extension and lymph-node involvement. Radiation dose and reduction of uptake were correlated. 67Ga accumulation indicated extramural extension with a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 93%. Marked uptake in an extraprimary site in the mediastinum or upper abdomen indicated lymph-node involvement with a sensitivity of 27% and a specificity of 100%. Irradiation with more than 20 Gy (2,000 rad) reduced uptake (P less than 0.05). 67Ga scanning appears to be useful in the evaluation of esophageal carcinoma.