Background
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare, making up less than 1% of all gastrointestinal tumors. They are however the most common mesenchymal tumors of the GI tract and account for 5% of all sarcomas, most commonly found in the stomach and small bowel.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
The purpose of this exhibit is to provide a review of classic radiologic findings and differential considerations of GI tumors.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
GISTs often present as a well-circumscribed, exophytic, heterogenous, submucosal mass on arterial-phase CECT images (Sensitivity = 93%, specificity = 100%). Here we present a curious case of a biopsy proven gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma which initially presented with classic GIST CT appearance.
Conclusion
Commonly encountered gastric tumors often present with overlapping radiology features, however key findings can help narrow the differential diagnosis and add much needed clinical guidance for the referring provider.
