Abstract
BackgroundGastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are rare tumours, now more frequently identified with the new imaging modalities like computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We report a rare presentation of a GIST with an unusual diagnostic workup in a multidisciplinary setting leading to a definitive diagnosis and treatment.Case presentationA 55-year-old lady was admitted under the general surgeons, with 3-day history of abdominal pain, three-week history of loss of appetite and weight. The patient was sequentially investigated with ultrasonography, computerised tomography and finally selective angiogram in a multidisciplinary setting. The selective angiogram showed a GIST with intratumour bleed, leading to successful surgical excision and being recurrence free at 22 month follow up.ConclusionClinical presentation of these tumours can be varied and gastrointestinal bleeding is the commonest mode described in the literature. The clinician needs to be aware of much more rare presentations of the GIST including an intra tumour bleed. A structured multidisciplinary approach would lead to successful diagnosis and treatment.
Highlights
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are rare tumours, more frequently identified with the new imaging modalities like computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
We report a case of GIST arising in the stomach presenting with an 'intra-tumour bleed'
GISTs causing symptoms tended to be large with a mean size of 6 cm as opposed to 2 cm asymptomatic GISTs and 1.5 cm GISTs detected at autopsy [2]
Summary
Clinical presentation of these tumours can be varied and gastrointestinal bleeding is the commonest mode described in the literature. The clinician needs to be aware http://www.wjso.com/content/5/1/78 of much more rare presentations of the GIST including an intra tumour bleed. A structured multidisciplinary approach would lead to successful diagnosis and optimal treatment for the patient in these unusual clinical situations
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have