Gastrointestinal stromal tumours of the upper gastrointestinal tract – imaging with contrast enhanced ultrasound

Aims: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) show a distinct appearance in imaging methods such as computed tomography and sonography. In computed tomography it is reported that necrosis, bleeding and cystic degeneration appears predominantly in larger lesions. Modern contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) techniques reveal high spatial resolution as well as real time imaging. However, there are few reports in the literature about the use of CEUS in the imaging of GIST of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Methods: 12 patients with GIST of the stomach or the small bowel. Contrast enhanced ultrasound with 2.4ml BR1…