[Computed tomography in thoracic pathology].

The fundamental principles of computed tomography (CT), its clinical applications and costs are presented followed by the indications and results in diseases of the mediastinum, the oesophagus, heart and great vessels, and the lung and pleura. The CT scan can give the precise localization and density of mediastinal tumours and be used to distinguish thymomas, goiters, lymph nodes, lymphomas, neurinomas and different bronchogenic and pleuropericardial cystic formations. The operability of oesophageal cancer can also be determined.

[Magnetic resonance imaging in thoracic diseases].

Most all the thoracic structures are visible with magnetic resonance imaging: the mediastin, the myocardium including the endocardium and the pericardium, the pulmonary parenchyma and hile and the pleural walls. In cases of mediastrinal masses, T1 images clearly delimit their relations with neighbouring organs and vessels. The intensity of the signal is compared with that of the muscles on T1 weighted images of the preceding sections and T2 weighted images of fat.

[Venous extension of renal cancer. Diagnostic value of computed tomography (author's transl)].

The CT scan is of diagnostic value in cases of renal cancer extension. Details concerning 23 cases of renal tumours are described, 13 of these patients having venous invasion from the cancer, confirmed by operation. Computed tomography, is therefore of primordial value for the diagnosis of the degree of renal cancer spread.