The role of computed tomography in the evaluation of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Abstract EN

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the digestive tract and Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging modality of choice for the detection and evaluation of GISTs.

This study aimed to describe the computed-tomographic imaging features of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in our clinical work and to evaluate and improve our CT protocols in the diagnosis of GIST.

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the period of October 2011-December 2012 in the Radiology Institute and the GIT Center of Medical City in Baghdad.

Twenty cases of GIST were analyzed by multidetector abdominal CT including fifteen male and five female patients of age (20-70) years.

Images were analyzed for tumor location, size, definition, diameter, shape and other features.

The results showed that 13 (59 %) of tumors were located in the stomach and five (23 %) were located in the mesentery.

GISTs were extraluminal in 13 (59 %) patients.

The tumor margins of 13 (59 %) tumors were well defined, and irregular in eight (36 %).

Location of GISTs did not correlate with their definition, diameter or shape ; while a significant correlation had been found with the hemorrhage and enhancement.

In conclusion, CT scan is the most common imaging technique for the detection, localization and initial evaluation of GIST extension.

The stomach was the commonest location of GIST occurrence among our patients.

The CT features of GISTs were well-defined tumor margins, extraluminal site and fungating morphology.