Pharynx and esophagus: CT /MRI

Abstract

Imaging of the esophagus is most frequently performed as a component of an imaging study that is primarily designed to evaluate extraesophageal anatomy, such as during a cardiac MRI or chest CT to rule out pulmonary embolism. However, imaging of the esophagus may be designed primarily to evaluate esophageal pathology. When CT and MRI studies are performed to evaluate esophageal pathology, the most frequent indication is to stage esophageal neoplasms. Cross-sectional imaging can also be useful to detect esophageal perforation, esophageal foreign bodies, or gastroesophageal reflux and to evaluate mediastinal masses that involve the esophagus.