CT of the Stomach: Spectrum of Disease

In evaluation of gastric disease, computed tomography (CT) has proved to be a valuable adjunct to barium studies and endoscopy. CT clearly demonstrates the primary pathologic condition and shows extension of disease to adjacent or distant structures. Useful in staging gastric cancer, CT has also proved valuable in detecting and defining the extent of other gastric neoplasms such as lymphoma, leiomyosarcoma, and metastasis to the stomach. Recent advances in CT technology such as spiral CT-coupled with air contrast gastric studies and a better understanding of the need to optimize CT protocols-suggest that the value of CT in these applications will increase. CT has also been shown to be valuable in detection and differentiation of other gastric conditions such as benign tumors, Helicobacter pylori and other infections, various forms of gastritis (radiation, eosinophilic, and emphysematous), ulcer disease, Ménétrier disease, and varices. Adequate gastric distention is essential for successful gastric CT.