Value of CT in the diagnosis and follow-up of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors. Computed tomography (CT) often shows exophytic gastrointestinal masses with cystic changes, necrosis or fistula formation, and heterogeneous enhancement. After Gleevec therapy, the primary tumor, its metastases, and its recurrences can develop cystic changes and decrease in size, these findings can be satisfactorily monitored by CT. We report on 42 patients with proven GISTs, five presenting with metastases and nine patients with recurrence or development of metastases after surgery and chemotherapy.