Computed tomography of gastrocolic ligament: involvement in malignant tumors of the stomach.

BACKGROUND

This study investigated computed tomographic (CT) features and anatomic bases of gastrocolic ligament involvement in malignant neoplasms of the stomach.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed CT scans of 34 patients known to have gastric malignant neoplasm and gastrocolic ligament involvement. Emphasis was placed on direct invasion, lymph node metastasis, and omental seeding.

RESULTS

CT manifestations of gastrocolic ligament involvement included direct invasion (38.2%, 13 of 34), enlargement of lymph nodes (50%, 17 of 34), "smudged" appearance (26.5%, nine of 34), "omental caking" (5.9%, two of 34), cystic mass (2.9%, one of 34), and varices of the omentum (2.9%, one of 34). We also found that gastric carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor invaded the transverse colon through the gastrocolic ligament in six patients (17.6%, six of 34).

CONCLUSION

CT scan is useful for detecting gastrocolic ligament involvement in gastric malignant neoplasm. The imaging features consist of a mass sign, enlargement of lymph nodes, smudged appearance, omental caking, and so on. Gastric malignant neoplasm also may involve the transverse colon through the gastrocolic ligament.