Cinematic rendering of gastrointestinal stromal tumours: A review of current possibilities and future developments

Computed tomography (CT) is the recommended imaging modality for GISTs; however, overlap in imaging features between GISTs and other gastrointestinal tumors often make radiological diagnosis and subsequent selection of the optimal therapeutic approach challenging. Cinematic rendering, a novel CT post-processing technique, generates highly photorealistic anatomic images based on a unique lighting model and high degrees of surface detail and shadowing effects that generate depth in the final three-dimensional display. This article discusses and illustrates the application of cinematic rendering in the evaluation of GISTs and the unique benefit of using cinematic rendering in the workup of GIST with a specific emphasis on tumor characterization and preoperative planning.