Gastrointestinal stromal tumors and shock

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract.
• GIST often present with nonspecific symptoms, but acute gastrointestinal bleeding leading to hemorrhagic shock is a critical manifestation.
• Small bowel GIST, while less common than gastric or colonic GIST, can present with life-threatening hemorrhage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report two cases of small bowel GIST presenting as hemorrhagic shock.
• To highlight the diagnostic and management challenges of GIST-related acute bleeding.
• To emphasize the successful outcome of emergency surgical intervention in these critical cases.

Main Methods:

• Case report of two patients with small bowel GIST.
• Clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and surgical management were reviewed.
• Emphasis on the prompt recognition and surgical treatment of acute gastrointestinal bleeding.

Main Results:

• Two patients presented with severe gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to small bowel GIST, leading to hemorrhagic shock.
• Both patients underwent emergency surgery for tumor resection.
• Successful management and recovery were achieved through prompt surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

• Small bowel GIST can manifest as a surgical emergency due to acute bleeding and hemorrhagic shock.
• Early diagnosis and aggressive surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in GIST-related hemorrhage.
• Emergency surgery remains a vital treatment option for life-threatening GIST bleeding.