Gastrointestinal stromal tumor chest x ray

Abdominal X ray is not routinely indicated in patients of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) as their findings are quite non-specific. However, they may be indicated in patients who present with severe abdominal pain indicating intestinal obstruction or perforation. On an abdominal X-ray, GIST appears as a large, soft tissue density displacing bowel loops. Depending upon the severity of the condition, signs of intestinal obstruction such as multiple air-fluid levels may be present.

• Abdominal X ray is not routinely indicated in patients of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) as their findings are quite non-specific. However, they may be indicated in patients who present with severe abdominal pain indicating intestinal obstruction or perforation. Findings on an abdominal X ray include:^[1]
  • GIST can appear as large, soft tissue density displacing bowel loops
  • Dilated loops of bowel
  • Air fluid level (intestinal obstruction)
  • Air under diaphragm (bowel perforation)

• Other than the plain abdominal X ray, patients who develop symptoms can also be evaluated with a barium x-ray (upper and lower GI series). Patients with dysphagia are evaluated with barium esophagogram and patients with constipation are evaluated with barium enema. Findings on upper and lower GI series include:^[2]
  • GISTs appear as an elevated and sharply demarcated filling defect.
  • Smooth contour of overlying mucosa unless complicated by an ulceration.
  • Lower GI GIST can have decreased caliber of colon.

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