Gastrointestinal stromal tumors presenting as gynecological masses: usefulness of multidetector computed tomography.

Abstract

Large extraluminal gastrointestinal tumors (GISTs) may present as pelvic masses and thus mimic gynecological neoplasms in female patients. On clinical examination and pelvic ultrasound, these tumors resemble pedunculated fibroids or ovarian tumors. Multidetector computed tomography (CT), with its ability to perform isotropic multiplanar reconstruction, is useful in differentiating GISTs from true gynecological masses by demonstrating the pedicle sign connecting a pelvic GIST to its organ of origin. This allows a preoperative diagnosis to be made, which may be helpful in guiding therapeutic options and management. We present two cases of GISTs presenting as pelvic masses in which ultrasound findings suggested a gynecological cause, but multidetector CT with multiplanar reconstruction was able to determine their true organ of origin.