Ellen M. Chung MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Angela D. Levy MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Markku M. Miettinen MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Marilyn J. Siegel MD, Abstract Co-Author: Speakers Bureau, Siemens AG

To evaluate the imaging features of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the pediatric population with clinicopathologic comparison.

In nine pediatric patients (8 girls and 1 boy, 11 to 16 years of age; mean age, 12.6 years) with gastrointestinal stromal tumors, two pediatric radiologists and one abdominal radiologist reviewed the barium examinations (n = 4), CT images (intravenous contrast enhanced [n = 5], both intravenous contrast-enhanced and unenhanced [n = 2], and unenhanced only [n = 1]), sonographic images (n = 3), and MR exams (n = 1), gross pathologic photographs (n = 8), and clinical data in a retrospective manner. Images were reviewed for the location, morphology, number, size, and enhancement characteristics of gastrointestinal masses and were compared with the histopathologic and gross pathologic specimens.

All gastrointestinal stromal tumors in our patients were located in the stomach. A single dominant tumor mass was seen in all patients. Eight (89%) of the nine tumors had intraluminal components with a multilobulated appearance on imaging, which corresponded to macrolobulations of the tumors formed by bands of smooth muscle continuous with the muscularis propria or connective tissue or fibrosis histologically. One tumor had a rounded contour and was also exophytic in location with respect to the gastric wall. The CT enhancement pattern was diffusely heterogeneous in five (63%) and peripheral in three (37%).

Pediatric GISTs occur predominantly in girls, tend to be located in the stomach and are commonly multilobulated and polypoid appearance.

Knowledge of the appearance of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in children aids in their correct diagnosis.

Chung, E, Levy, A, Miettinen, M, Siegel, M, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors in the Pediatric Population: Imaging Features with Clinicopathologic Comparison.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5004365.html