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Fifty cases of epidermoid carcinoma of the thoracic oesophagus were examined by computed tomography (CT). The tumor was located in the lower third of the oesophagus in 15 cases, in the middle third in 24 cases and in the upper third in 11 cases. More than two-thirds of these patients underwent complete surgical exploration. CT provided valuable information on the size of the tumor, its extension to the mediastinum and the presence of distal metastases, but lymph node involvement often remained undetected. Nevertheless, the resectability of the lesions could be predicted in a fairly large number of cases. A new CT classification based on the TNM system is suggested. According to the criteria used, this new system significantly improves staging, with results that are close to the pTNM classification of the American Joint Committee on cancer.

Seventy-two cases of diffuse pulmonary contusion, 50 of which concerned multiple injury patients, are retrospectively described. The pleuro-parietal and associated lesions, the clinical, radiological and laboratory findings and the extent of the damage are analyzed. Treatment of shock (50 cases), mechanical ventilation (51 cases), thoracotomy (7 cases) and surgery of associated lesions are studied. Morbidity and mortality (34.7%) are detailed. The nosology of pulmonary contusion is discussed in relation to several factors, including shock, perfusions and associated lesions. The principles of treatment are restated. The most important complication is pulmonary superinfection. Diffuse pulmonary contusion is a serious condition. Associated lesions and their treatment contribute to its outcome.