Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): Diagnostic value of multi-detector computed tomography

BackgroundGISTs are considered the commonest mesenchymal neoplasms of the GIT originating from the gastrointestinal tract, mesentery, omentum, or retroperitoneum. They arise within the gut musculosa having exophytic growth pattern. They characteristically have hemorrhage, necrosis, or cyst formation that appears as focal areas of low attenuation on computed tomographic images.With multidetector CT (MDCT) capabilities, the exact origin of the GIST can be easily confirmed to differentiate it from other mesenchymal origin tumors.Materials and methodsRetrospective search for GIST cases in the digital archives of our institute, during a 15 months duration (April 2010 to July 2011). Workstation reviewing of their imaging features.ResultsThis study included 24 pathologically proved GISTs (12 gastric, 8 small intestinal, two colonic, one mesenteric and one anorectal) demonstrating the radiologic features of GISTs depending on tumor size and organ of origin.ConclusionMDCT with its multiplanar capabilities and isotropic z-axis resolution allows the radiologist to examine the detailed relation of the mass to the surrounding bowel wall, vessels and other structures. It also helps to map the vascular pedicle in cases of hypervascular GIST’s, which may be crucial for trans-catheter embolization in cases presenting with acute gastrointestinal bleeding.