Objective   To investigate the expression and prognostic value of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in esophageal carcinoma.   Methods   The expression of MIF and CTGF were detected by SP immunohistochemistry in 84 specimens of pathologically identified esophageal carcinoma tissue collected by Department of Thoracic Surgery of our hospital from Jan. 1 2004 to Jun. 30 2006. The clinical data including TNM stages and differentiation were respectively analyzed. They were all followed up till Jun 30 2010. The relationship of the expressions with prognosis of patients was evaluated by Cox regression model and Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis.   Results   The three-year overall survival rate of the patients was 59.5% (50/84). The expression of MIF and CTGF were significantly associated with the depth of tumor infiltration (P=0.006

P=0.011) and TNM stage (P=0.023

P=0.006). Univariate survival analysis suggested that three-year survival rate of the patients with high CTGF and MIF expressions was poorer than those with lower expressions. Cox multivariate analysis indicated that CTGF expression

TNM staging and differential degree were the independent prognostic factors affecting survival rate of patients (P0.05).   Conclusion   High CTGF expression is associated with a poor prognosis in esophageal cancer. CTGF is a useful prognostic marker for esophageal carcinoma.