Role of EUS and MDCT in the diagnosis of gastric submucosal tumors according to the revised pathologic concept of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) consist of various lesions arising from the deep layers of the stomach. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are undoubtedly the commonest malignant SMTs of the stomach, and therefore the attitude towards the general diagnostic approach for GISTs defines the extended diagnostic plan for SMTs. Two recent consensus meetings were assembled concerning the classification and therapeutic plans for GISTs. These meetings shed light upon the need for the modification of the current role of imaging modalities, including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and computed tomography (CT). According to the revised concepts of GISTs, the most important and plausible current role of imaging for the diagnostic approach of gastric SMTs is to differentiate GISTs from other gastric SMTs. This review discusses the newly established diagnostic role of radiology according to the revised classification of GISTs and provides the differential diagnoses based on EUS and CT findings.