Multislice Computed Tomography Imaging Of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are mesenchymal tumors that constitute 1-3% of primary gastrointestinal tumors and approximately 5% of all sarcomas of the gastrointestinal tract. Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) is a highly sensitive imaging technique for detecting GISTs.
METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated findings of 56 consecutive subjects that were examined at Dicle University, School of Medicine, between 2008-2015 and diagnosed with GİST. Lesions were divided into two clinically distinct entities as recurrent and primary lesions. Densities of lesions in comparison to liver, origins of and spreading of the lesions, dimensions of the lesions, behavior pattern, and factors such as contour properties, invasion, and calcification which could potentially indicate malign behavior were also evaluated.

RESULTS: Age span of included subjects were between 28 and 81. The most common tumor location for hollow organs was found to be stomach (n=19, 32%). In extra-luminal, regions the most common tumor location was found to be mesentery (n=4). Hansfield Unit densities of tumoral lesions in comparison to liver density were hypodens (n=32, 71%), isodens (n=9, 20%) and hyperdens (n=4, %9) in a descending order. The tumor invasion was found to be effecting liver, peritoneum, and bladder, in a descending order. In 11(24%) subjects, distant metastasis to the liver was evident. In 4(9%) subjects peritoneum, in 3(7%) subjects adrenal gland and in 1(%2) subject bone metastasis was evident.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: MSCT is an important and indispensable modality for the detection, localization and identification of GISTs that can be seen in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract.