Published online Apr 14, 2017. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i14.2493
Peer-review started: December 28, 2016
First decision: January 19, 2017
Revised: January 25, 2017
Accepted: March 15, 2017
Article in press: March 15, 2017
Published online: April 14, 2017
Processing time: 111 Days and 20.6 Hours
Although gastric tumors have overlapping radiologic appearances, some unusual tumors may present specific imaging features. Using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), with water as a negative oral contrast agent and intravenous contrast medium, can provide critical information for the diagnosis of gastric diseases. In addition, MDCT can evaluate the involvement of the gastric wall and extragastric extent of the disease, as compared with gastroenteroscopy and double-contrast upper gastrointestinal study. Regarding lesion location and size, enhancing and growth patterns, presence of calcification or fat, and involvement of the gastric wall and adjacent structures, CT may provide useful information. In this review article, we review the relevant literature and discuss the CT features and the histopathologic findings of different types of gastric lesions. The lesions are divided into benign (glomus tumors, schwannomas, leiomyomas, and lipomas), malignant (gastrointestinal stromal tumors, mucinous carcinomas, lymphomas, and carcinoid tumors), and tumor-like lesions (ectopic pancreas and bezoar). Familiarity with imaging appearances and pathologic findings can help physicians make an accurate diagnosis.
Core tip: Diagnostic imaging of gastric tumors remains a practical challenge. However, in some cases of uncommon gastric tumors and tumor-like lesions, there are some specific radiographic features. Using the multidetector computed tomography, with water as a negative oral contrast agent and intravenous contrast medium, can provide critical information for the diagnosis of gastric diseases. Familiarity with the computed tomography features of these diseases facilitates accurate diagnosis and further management.