Gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Abstract

Background: We reviewed radiologic features of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and correlated them with clinical and pathologic findings.

Methods: We investigated a series of 39 c-Kit-positive GISTs. Clinical and radiologic findings and management of these patients were recorded.

Results: Twenty women and 19 men (mean age 64 years) had histologically proved GIST. Tumor locations were the small bowel (n = 20), stomach (n = 14), rectum (n = 4), and omentum (n = l). Symptoms at presentation were most frequently gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 14) and abdominal pain (n = l1). Tumors were classified as very low risk (n = 2), low risk (n = 10), intermediate risk (n = 12), and high risk (n = 11). Ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, digital subtraction angiography, and barium series were used in the evaluation of these tumors. Most tumors were seen as well-delineated soft tissue masses with heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Necrosis, calcification, and ulceration were most commonly seen in large tumors that presented a more aggressive behavior.

Conclusion: GISTs can arise anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract and present a great variety of clinical and radiologic features, depending mostly on size and location.