Unusual Case of Multiple Synchronous Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors of the Jejunum Presenting as an Arteriovenous Malformation

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) arises from the interstitial cell of Cajal. 30% of GISTs arise in the jejunum. GISTS are generally solitary although multiple GISTs may be synchronous or metachronous. There are a few reports of a GIST of the jejunum mimicking a vascular malformation/arteriovenous malformation (AVM) prior to surgical excision. Methods Herein, we report a case of four synchronous GISTs of jejunum. One GIST, highly vascularized, presented with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient was a 40-year-old female presenting with epigastric pain and melena. Results She was found to have an ulcerated lesion in the distal jejunum by capsule enteroscopy and double balloon enteroscopy, interpreted as an arteriovenous malformation and tattooed. Several other non-ulcerated “polyps” were described. Gross examination of the ensuing segmental resection of jejunum demonstrated four bosselated tumors ranging from 3.1 cm to 6.5 cm. Microscopically, three tumors did not extend to the surface of the jejunum and were predominantly composed of spindle cells. One tumor (identified by tattoo) extended to the surface with ulceration. This tumor was dominated by wide vascular channels with a spindle cell component between the channels. The four tumors were each positive for CD117, DOG1, and Succinate dehydrogenase B (SDH), identifying the four tumors as non-SDH-deficient GISTs. Ki-67 proliferation index was less than 5% in all four masses. Conclusion Multiple GISTs are rare, classified as either sporadic or familial. Familial GEISTs are described in neurofibromatosis type 1, Carney’s triad and Carney-Stratakis syndrome. Pediatric GISTs, with clinical and genetic features often differing from typical adult tumors may also be multiple. Our patient’s four GISTs are considered multiple synchronous sporadic neoplasms. This case serves as an important reminder for pathologists consider GIST in the evaluation of a highly vascular gastrointestinal proliferation and keep in mind the possibility of multiplicity.