Case report of diffusely metastatic rectal GIST

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms.
• Rectal GISTs represent a small subset, often presenting with vague symptoms.
• Advanced stage GISTs (Stage IV) indicate metastatic disease, posing significant treatment challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique and extremely aggressive case of rectal GIST.
• To highlight the rapid progression and fatal outcome in a patient with Stage IV disease.
• To underscore the importance of early diagnosis and management of GIST.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Clinical data review including patient history, physical examination, and imaging (CT scan).
• Pathological findings description (submucosal mass, metastatic involvement).

Main Results:

• A 57-year-old male presented with malaise, constipation, and significant weight loss.
• A 4cm submucosal rectal mass with liver and lung metastases was identified.
• The patient experienced rectal perforation and succumbed to the disease shortly after presentation, prior to chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

• This case illustrates an exceptionally aggressive and rapidly fatal rectal GIST.
• Diffuse metastatic disease significantly impacts prognosis and limits treatment options.
• Such aggressive presentations, though rare, warrant consideration in the differential diagnosis of unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms.