ObjectiveTo study the imaging manifestation and clinicopathologic characteristics of rectal stromal tumors. MethodsThe CT and MRI data of 8 patients with pathology proved rectal stromal tumors were retrospectively analyzed, and the correlation between the imaging features and pathological results were analyzed. ResultsAll of 8 cases were malignant. One case was submucosal. It showed irregular thickening of the rectal wall with a diameter of about 2.6 cm, and small ulcers with low-risk could be seen. Three cases were intramural with diameters of about 0.7－10.0 cm. Small lesion located in rectum, and the larger lesions showed internal and external growth across the rectal wall and the main part of the mass was outside the rectum. They were heterogeneous enhancement. One case accompanied with adenocarcinoma. One case was extremely low-risk, two cases were high-risk. Four cases were subserous. The diameter was about 4.2－16.5 cm. CT showed round or lobular, well-circumscribed, exophytic, hypervascular, and heterogeneous masses with cystic necrosis and hemorrhage. They displaced rectum occasionally. Lymphadenopathy in the left groin was developed in one case. Two cases were highrisk, two cases were intermediated-risk. No cases developed intestinal obstruction. Results of immunohistochemistry: CD117 was positive in 7 cases, CD34 positive in five cases, CD117 and CD34 positive in four cases, CD117 negative but CD34 positive in one case, CD117 positive but CD34 negative in three cases. Five cases were followed up, among whom 3 cases recurred. ConclusionsRectal stromal tumor is rare. Imaging appearances of rectal stromal tumors are specific. Its final diagnosis depends on immunohistochemistry examination. It has generally higher degree of malignancy and the prognosis is relatively poor.