Enhancement Patterns in Differentiated and Undifferentiated Gastric Carcinoma: Multiphasic Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography Versus Histopathology

Background Gastric adenocarcinoma (GCA) poses a significant global health burden due to its prevalence and high morbidity and mortality rates. GCA is classified into three main histological types: well-differentiated (intestinal type), poorly differentiated (diffuse type), and mixed or indeterminate forms. These types vary in causes, epidemiology, and genetics, with the diffuse type often associated with the worst prognosis. Endoscopic biopsy is the primary method for characterization, but it has its limitations. There is potential in using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) to differentiate between histological subtypes of gastric adenocarcinoma, which could aid subtype differentiation. Building on this, our study aims to assess CT's effectiveness in distinguishing between broad histological groups of gastric adenocarcinoma based on enhancement patterns, contributing to improved diagnostic accuracy Objective Our research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of multiphasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in distinguishing between the three broad histopathological subtypes of gastrointestinal cancers. Methods This study was a prospective, analytical observational study that was approved and carried out in our institutional tertiary care hospital. Consecutive individuals who had undergone endoscopic-guided biopsy and demonstrated histological evidence of GCA were taken into consideration for participation in the study. In order to complete the clinical staging process, further multiphasic CT scans were carried out on each of the fifty patients and were categorised accordingly based on the findings of histopathology. Results In the differentiated type, segmental distribution was: 5.5% upper segment, 16.7% middle segment, 66.7% lower segment, and 11.1% diffuse type. Esophageal involvement was 5.6%, duodenal involvement was similar, and lymph node involvement was approximately 38.8%. TNM staging: 38.8% IIIB, 22.2% III, 27.8% IVA, and 11.1% IVB. In the undifferentiated type, segmental distribution: 6.2% upper segment, 31.2% middle segment, 50.0% lower segment, and 12.5% diffuse type. Esophageal involvement was around 6.25%, duodenal involvement was 18.75%, and lymph node involvement was about 71.8%. TNM staging: 34.4% IIIB, 21.8% III, 28.1% IVA, and 15.6% IVB. Conclusion Multiphasic CT evaluations provide valuable insights into the prognostic aspects of gastric carcinomas by assessing peak enhancement. Differentiated tumors typically exhibit arterial phase enhancement, while undifferentiated tumors show venous phase enhancement, reflecting their microvascular architecture. Recent studies emphasize the importance of understanding gastric carcinoma characteristics for diagnosis and prognosis. Our research aligns with this, revealing distinct contrast enhancement patterns between differentiated and undifferentiated types. However, discrepancies in histological classifications and contrast enhancement patterns across studies warrant further investigation. Integrating histopathological and radiological insights is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.