Gastrointestinal autonomic nerve tumor in the lower rectum

Abstract

Gastrointestinal autonomic nerve tumor (GANT) in the rectum is a subset of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). It’s a very rare mesenchymal tumor with neuronal differentiation of gastrointestinal tract. We experienced a 34-year-old female patient with GANT in the lower rectum. She was referred to our hospital owing to rectal bleeding, but didn’t have other symptoms such as abdominal pain and constipation. On digital rectal examination, a round and smooth submucosal tumor at posterior wall of the rectum was palpated approximately 5 cm above the anal verge. The mass measured approximately 5 cm in diameter and was not fixed to the underlying structures. Colonoscopy, abdomino- pelvic computed tomography scan, and core needle biopsy were performed. Given the impression of GIST, it was assumed that the patient underwent low anterior resection with double stapling technique. The tumor, a yellow-grayish colored mass, was homogenous and didn’t have hemorrhagic necrosis. Diagnosis of GANT was based on histological, immunohistochemical staining, and electron microscopy. The patient did not receive any adjuvant therapy and was discharged without complications on the tenth postoperative day.