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.