Computed Tomographic Features of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital: 3 Years Review

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare but are nevertheless the most common mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging modality of choice for diagnosis of GISTs. Aim: To review the CT imaging feature of 15 GIST patients. Patients and Method: From 2006 to 2008, there were 21 patients with pathologically proven GISTs at Maharat Nakhon Ratchsima Hospital .Of these, 15 patients underwent preoperative CT and we collected and analyzed these CT images. The CT image features included the tumor diameter, the number and the location, the tumor margin, the location of metastasis, Hounsfield units of the tumor and the effect of the contrast. In addition, we also recorded the surgical findings, including complications, the tumor size and the location for comparative analysis. Result: The results showed that 6 (40.0%) tumors were located in the stomach, 8 (53.3%) were located in the jejunum, 1 (6.7%) were located in the colon. GISTs were found extraluminally in 12 (80.0%) patients. The margins of 11 (73.3%) tumors were well defined while those of 4 (26.6%) were irregular. The effect of contrast enhancement on GIST CT imaging were heterogeneous 12 (80.0%) and homogenous 3 (20.0%). The Hounsfield units were 31.47+6.53 for precontrast imaging and postcontrast Hounsfield units were 58.67+10.43. Conclusion: The jejunum was the commonest site of GIST occurrence among our patient .The CT features of GIST were well-defined tumor margins, heterogeneous enhancement on post-contrast CT imaging.