The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). The conventional transabdominal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography using an intraluminal contrast agent were performed in 66 cases. The different diagnostic value between conventional transabdominal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced hydrocolon ultrasonography was compared, including the depiction ratio and location accuracy. The morpholpgical features of GISTs were observed. The sensitivity of the contrast-enhanced hydrocolon ultrasonography in the depiction of the GISTs (57/66, 86.4%) was higher than that of the conventional transabdominal ultrasonography(33/66, 50%, P<0. 05). Furthermore, the accuracy of the contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the location of the GISTs (52/57, 91. 2%) was higher than that of the conventional transabdominal ultrasonography (13/33, 39. 4%, P<0. 05). The GISTs with higher or lower risk have different ultrasonic features. The contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was a more valuable diagnostic method for GIST than the conventional transabdominal ultrasonography.