Published online Oct 1, 2004. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i19.2905
Revised: February 26, 2004
Accepted: March 4, 2004
Published online: October 1, 2004
AIM: To discuss the angiographic features of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and to evaluate their diagnostic role.
METHODS: Twelve patients with pathologically proved GIST underwent angiography (DSA) 1 wk before operation, using Puck and digital subtraction DSA. The origin, size, morphology and angiographic appearance of the lesions were reviewed.
RESULTS: Two tumors arose from stomach, 8 from jejunum, and 2 from ileum. Seven cases were benign and 5 were malignant. Obviously thickened supplying arteries were detected in 8 tumors, and early-developed veins were found in 3. Two types of angiographic changes of GIST were observed. Four cases had twisted irregular neoplastic vessels with partially coarse and indistinct margins, which were all malignant. Eight cases had ball-like neoplastic vessels with uniform tumor staining, of which 7 were benign and 1 was malignant.
CONCLUSION: Angiography facilitates localization and diagnosis of GIST, helps define their size, range and location, and is especially valuable to patients suffering from melena with unknown reasons.