Objective:

To investigate the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of complete cystic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and its differential diagnosis.

Methods:

The data of CT and MRI images of complete cystic GIST with pathologically proved were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

All of the 3 cases showed huge and homogeneous cystic masses with exophytic and expansive growth

of which 2 cases had a little calcification on the

edge on CT. One case with hyperintensity on T1-weighed imaging (T1WI) and slightly hyperintensity on T2-weighed imaging (T2WI) was shown on MRI. All of the 3 cases showed only mild to moderate homogeneous enhancement on the wall of the cyst

but no enhancement inside. In 3 cases

the lesions were closely related to the intestinal canal

and the surrounding structures were pushed. One case showed that the blood supply came from the adjacent intestinal wall

combined with small intestinal volvulus.

Conclusion:

The abdominal and pelvic exophytic expansive giant cystic mass with marginal calcification is closely related to the intestinal canal

and the surrounding structures are not involved. In the enhancement sequence

it can be seen that the blood supply of some lesions comes from the adjacent intestinal wall. The above may be the characteristic imaging findings of complete cystic gist.