Low-dose spectral insufflation computed tomography protocol preoperatively optimized for T stage esophageal cancer - preliminary research experience

Figure 6 Typical cases showing differences between the T3 and T4 stages of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. A: Image from a 62-year old patient with T3N0M0 obtained using EICT combined GSI assist shows a clear triangular area in front of the vertebral body. B: IC in the triangle area during the AP was quantified to be -8.85 μg/cm³, and NIC during the AP was -0.05 μg/cm³. C: An axial image of a 57-year old patient obtained by EICT combined with GSI assist during the AP shows that the adipose tissue of the triangular area disappeared with suspected tumor invasion. D: IC in the triangle area during the AP was quantified to be -0.62 μg/cm³, and NIC during the AP was -0.01 μg/cm³. EICT: Esophageal insufflation computed tomography; IC: Iodine concentration; NIC: Normalized iodine concentration; AP: Arterial phase.