Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: Computed Tomographic Features
Nittaya Chamadol MD*, Vallop Laopaiboon MD, MSc*, Julaluck Promsorn MD*, Vajarapongsa Bhudhisawasd MD*, Ake Pagkhem MD**, Chawalit Pairojkul MD***
Affiliation : * Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand *** Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Objective : To describe anatomical distribution and CT findings of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in
Srinagarind Hospital.
Material and Method: The abdominal CT images of 16 patients (12 men, 4 women: mean age 49 + 17SD) with
pathologically proven GISTs during 1998-2005 were retrospectively reviewed. The tumor sites, sizes, borders,
growth patterns, patterns of enhancement, and sign of malignancy were evaluated. The findings of benign and
malignant GISTs were compared.
Results : Among sixteen patients, the most common location of GISTs was stomach (56.25%). The others were
small bowel (43.75%), and tumor size larger than 5 cm. The present study found that the smooth and mixed
smooth and irregular surface lesions are equal in number (50%). The growth was extraluminal in 56.25%.
Almost all tumors had inhomogeneous density (n = 15). Intratumoral gas (43.75%), fluid (37.5%), and
calcification (50.00%), were present in the tumors. All cases showed inhomogeneous contrast enhancement.
The CT signs of malignancy found were invasion of the adjacent organ(s) (62.5%), lymphadenopathy (25%),
liver metastasis/nodule (18.75%), ascites (6.25%), perilesional fat plane stranding (93.75%), and pleural
effusion (6.25%).
Conclusion : The most common site of GISTs is the stomach. The typical tumors appear as inhomogeneous
enhancing inhomogeneous extraluminal mass with either well-defined or irregular border. The CT findings
cannot be used as a single tool for differentiating the benign from malignant GISTs.
Keywords : Gastrointestinal stromal tumors, Tomography, X-ray computed
