[Perforation of Small Intestinal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Required Emergency Surgery-A Case Report]

Masanori Ikota1, Taku Akahoshi, Ippei Murata

  • 1Dept. of Surgery, Chiba Tokushukai Hospital.

Insights

A perforated jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in a 77-year-old man required emergency surgery. Early diagnosis and adjuvant imatinib therapy are crucial for managing this high-risk GIST to prevent recurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms.
  • Small intestinal GISTs can present with vague symptoms, complicating diagnosis.
  • Perforation is a rare but serious complication of GIST, associated with high recurrence risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of a perforated jejunal GIST.
  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges and management of such cases.
  • To emphasize the importance of prompt surgical intervention and adjuvant therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a 77-year-old male with abdominal pain and melena.
  • Diagnostic workup including abdominal CT scan.
  • Emergency laparotomy with partial small intestine resection.
  • Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry (KIT, CD34).

Main Results:

  • Diagnosis of a ruptured jejunal GIST (50 mm diameter) with perforation and intraperitoneal free air.
  • Histopathology confirmed fistulous necrosis and GIST.
  • Immunohistochemistry positive for KIT and CD34.
  • Patient treated with adjuvant imatinib chemotherapy due to high-risk evaluation, with 6-month follow-up showing no recurrence.

Conclusions:

  • Perforated small intestinal GIST is a high-risk condition requiring emergency surgery.
  • Accurate diagnosis, including immunohistochemistry, is essential.
  • Adjuvant chemotherapy, such as imatinib, is indicated for high-risk GISTs to prevent recurrence.