Abstract
IntroductionThe gastrointestinal stromal tumour is one of the common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. It originates from the interstitial cells of Cajal. Gastrointestinal stromal tumours that present outside the gastrointestinal tract are called extragastrointestinal stromal tumours; they share the same morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics. Here we describe an unusual case of extragastrointestinal stromal tumour that presented with gooseberry-like multiple nodules involving the whole abdominal cavity.Case presentationA 65-year-old Sudanese man presented with vague abdominal pain and progressive abdominal distension for 6 months. The pain was associated with mild loss of weight despite good appetite. A physical examination revealed distended abdomen with multiple firm nodules involving his whole abdomen. The results of haematological tests were within normal range. Ultrasound of his abdomen showed multiple nodules of varying sizes in the peritoneal cavity. A computed tomography scan of his abdomen showed numerous nodules of different sizes (1 to 3cm in diameter) filling the whole peritoneal cavity with intense peripheral enhancement. Ultrasound-guided biopsy was not informative. Upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies were normal. Exploration of his abdomen revealed multiple firm gooseberry-like nodules of different sizes involving the greater omentum, peritoneal cavity and the mesentery. The liver, spleen and pancreas were normal. The result of the histopathology was conclusive for gastrointestinal stromal tumour.ConclusionsHere we present a rare case of extragastrointestinal stromal tumour in a patient who presented with vague abdominal pain and progressive abdominal distension. A laparotomy showed gooseberry-like multiple nodules of different sizes involving his whole abdominal cavity. He underwent debulking surgery and received imatinib.
Highlights
The gastrointestinal stromal tumour is one of the common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract
Here we present a rare case of extragastrointestinal stromal tumour in a patient who presented with vague abdominal pain and progressive abdominal distension
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) rarely occur outside the alimentary canal; those that do are called Extragastrointestinal stromal tumour (EGIST)
Summary
Our case was rare case of EGIST in a man who presented with vague abdominal pain and progressive abdominal distension. On histopathology the tumour was CD117 positive. The patient underwent debulking surgery and received imatinib with little improvement in his symptoms. Consent Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Authors’ contributions AA and HH admitted the patient and requested the relative investigations. AM, EEA, NA, and MA performed the surgery and the postoperative follow up. AE processed the histopathology and its report. MI participated in its design and coordination and helped to draft the manuscript and reviewed the paper for English editing. All authors read and approved the final manuscript
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