[Invagination of a gastric leiomyoma causing duodenal subocclusion and cholestasis]

The case is reported of a 78 year old female admitted to our Department with symptoms compatible with intestinal obstruction and melena. Upper gastrointestinal x-ray examination and endoscopy did not lead to a precise diagnosis. On the contrary, double contrast x-ray examination revealed the presence of a probably benign gastric tumour with gastroduodenal intussusception. Cholestasis was also present, as suggested by elevated serum conjugated bilirubin levels and by intravenous cholangiography. These findings were confirmed during surgical operation; a partial gastrectomy with gastroentero anastomosis was performed; histologic examination showed that the tumour was a gastric leiomyoma. All the symptoms disappeared quickly and the patient is still in good health after 2 years.