To revise the epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical features of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). To present typical and atypical imaging features prompting the correct diagnosis and adequate staging of these tumours. To review the most recent recommendations regarding GISTs treatment and follow-up.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common nonepithelial gastric neoplasms that affect gastrointestinal tract, accounting for 90% of these neoplasms. However, mesenchymal tumours are only responsible for 1% of primary gastrointestinal cancers, making GIST a rare entity.1,2 A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) estimated an incidence of 0.68 per 100,000.3 They are slightly more prevalent in males and the median age of prognosis is around 60-65 years, with a broad range.4 They can arise anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, but the stomach is...

We performed a retrospective analysis out of a GISTs pathological database from our institution, focusing on the last year, selecting the most iconic cases for educational purposes. Contrast-enhanced abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) is the preferred imaging technique in what concerns disease staging, follow-up evaluations and assessment of TKI responses.4,9CT is also the modality of choice to evaluate putative complications related to surgery and to assist core biopsies that cannot be performed through endoscopy. Since GISTs are hypervascular lesions, the adequate CT protocol should...

Imaging plays a leading role in the diagnosis, staging and subsequent management of GISTs. These tumours usually present with typical features (heterogeneous solid masses), particularly large tumours in the stomach and the duodenum. Although surgery is considered the definitive treatment, targeted therapyhas a vital importance in cytoreduction and in adjuvant and palliative treatment. Computed tomography is the preferred technique to stage and to evaluate response to therapy and eventual recurrence.

1. Miettinen, M. & Lasota, J. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors--definition, clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic features and differential diagnosis. Virchows Arch. 438, 1–12 (2001). 2. Kang, H. C. et al. Beyond the GIST: Mesenchymal Tumors of the Stomach. RadioGraphics 33, 1673–1690 (2013). 3. Ma, G. L., Murphy, J. D., Martinez, M. E. & Sicklick, J. K. Epidemiology of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the era of histology codes: results of a population-based study. Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. 24, 298–302 (2015). 4. Guidelines, C. P. Gastrointestinal stromal...