What is the hallmark of GI tract pathology on cross sectional imaging?
Wall (mural) thickening is the hallmark of GI tract pathology seen on cross-sectional imaging. In general, the greater the degree of mural thickening, the more likely that malignancy is the underlying etiology. Bowel wall thickness <1.5 cm is generally nonneoplastic in etiology, whereas bowel wall thickness >1.5 cm is usually due to malignancy. Asymmetric wall thickening and focal wall thickening are also generally suggestive features of malignancy, although nonneoplastic diseases of the bowel may sometimes also be asymmetric or focal. Surrounding fat stranding greater than the degree of wall thickening favors an inflammatory etiology.
