[Jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): clinical case]

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. It is exposed a clinical case of jejunal GIST from a second-level hospital in Mexico.

Female patient of 76 years, with history of tobacco use (two cigarettes per day for 25 years), that is referred to General Surgery due to a four month evolution of symptoms, characterized by abdominal pain, hyporexia and urinary symptomatology. Physical examination revealed a non-pulsatile, solid, non-mobile, non-painful mass in the hypogastrium and right iliac fossa of approximately 15 cm in length. Ovarian tumor was ruled out, since CEA and CA-125 tumor markers were negative. Abdominopelvic ultrasound was performed and reported a solid tumor with cystic spaces inside. CT reported a solid tumor of 9.5 x 2.5 x 8.3 cm, with defined edges, multilobed, presence of some calcifications in its wall that did not show enhancement with the use of contrast media. Patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and it was found a jejunal tumor, 210 cm from the ligament of Treitz. Immunohistochemistry reported positivity to KIT and DOG1, confirming the diagnosis of GIST.

GISTs are uncommon entities. Their clinical presentation is insidious and the preoperative diagnosis is complex due to the need for biopsy. The treatment is surgery, but tyrosine kinase inhibitors should be administered. Even in patients with response to treatment, follow-up is mandatory due to the risk of recurrence.