Morphology and staging of primary mucosa-associated gastric lymphoma in hydro-CT imaging

Abstract

Evaluation by hydro-CT in diagnosing and staging of primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the stomach (MALT). 15 patients with MALT lymphoma underwent imaging by hydro-CT (helical CT scanning optimised for parenchymal and vessel contrast with distension of the gastric wall by water). The CT scans were evaluated for the site, morphology, extent and contrast enhancement of gastric lymphoma; in addition, the number and location of abdominal lymph nodes were examined. The results of CT imaging were compared with the findings at endoscopy + biopsy and endosonography and in case of gastrectomy also with the histopathological results. All lymphomas were correctly diagnosed and were mostly located in the distal parts of the stomach. MALT lymphoma typically grew submucosally, infiltration of the mucosa was rare. Most tumours showed marked contrast enhancement of the mucosa and poor enhancement of the submucosa. Hydro-CT and endosonography had similar accuracies in respect of staging of compartment I and II lymph nodes. Staging of distant nodal groups was more accurate by hydro-CT. Hydro-CT is non-invasive and may be used for diagnosis and staging of primary gastric lymphoma with a typical morphology of gastric lymphoma. Hydro-CT may be regarded as complementary to endosonography and is well suited for the initial diagnosis of gastric lymphoma as well as for the diagnosis of recurrent tumour.