CT evaluation of thickened esophageal walls.

A study of 200 consecutive chest computed tomographic (CT) examinations revealed thickened esophageal walls (over 3 mm) in 35%. While this is the earliest finding of carcinoma of the esophagus on CT, only half of the cases of thickened walls were due to esophageal carcinoma. Other mediastinal malignancies as well as benign inflammatory, vascular, and fibrotic conditions such as reflux and monilial esophagitis, esophageal varices, and postirradiation scarring were found to cause thickened esophageal walls. Distension with air and intravenous enhancement aid in the optimal evaluation of the esophagus by CT. The thickened esophageal wall is always abnormal, but it is nonspecific, seen in both malignant and nonmalignant conditions.