Leiomyosarcoma of the stomach. An unusual cause of anemia in children.

Abstract

Leiomyosarcoma of the stomach is rare, particularly in the pediatric age. We are reporting a case that was encountered in a boy, aged 10 years, 10 months, during examination to determine the cause of his anemia. Report of Case A boy, aged 10 years, 10 mo., abruptly became very pale, weak and faint, and developed headache early in February, 1958. His classmates commented that he was white as a sheet. His family physician found severe anemia and gave 2,500 cc. of whole blood between Feb. 10 and March 3, 1958. Oral and intramuscular administration of iron and intramuscular administration of vitamin B12 failed to control the anemia, and the boy was referred on April 23 for determination of the cause of his anemia. The patient retained an excellent appetite, without anorexia, vomiting, or abdominal pain. After the oral administration of iron, the bowel movements became black (tarry). Administration of iron