Gastric true leiomyoma: computed tomographic findings and pathological correlation.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes the computed tomographic (CT) findings of true leiomyomas in the stomach.

METHODS

Eleven patients with histopathologically proven gastric true leiomyomas were finally enrolled. All cases were CD117 (c-kit) negative on immunohistochemical study. We retrospectively reviewed the CT findings of gastric true leiomyomas for the following considerations: location, morphological features (size, contour, tumor growth pattern, and enhancement pattern), and ancillary findings (ulceration and calcification).

RESULTS

All leiomyomas were in the cardia, with an average tumor size of 36 mm (range, 13-47 mm). Computed tomography scans revealed the morphological features as follows: tumor growth pattern: intraluminal mass (n = 10) and extraluminal masses (n = 1); contour: lobulated margin (n = 7) or smooth margin (n = 4). All lesions showed homogeneous contrast enhancement. Most of the tumors showed lower enhancement than those in the liver (n = 10). One case showed ulceration but no calcification.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, gastric leiomyomas are mainly located in the cardia and usually appeared as homogenous low attenuated masses on computed tomography.