Emergency duodenal resection for giant GIST with acute gastrointestinal bleeding A case report

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, which cover about 1-2% of gastrointestinal neoplasms. They are more common in the stomach (40-60%) while a minor part in jejunum/ileus (2530%), duodenum (<5%), colorectal (5-15%) and esophagus (<1%). The clinical presentation depends on the primary localization of the neoplasma and tumor size, however in 18% it is asymptomatic. Gastrointestinal bleeding is the most dangerous complication, often necessitating emergency surgery and represents a common symptom of duodenal GIST.

We present a case of a 82-year-old male presented with abdominal pain, asthenia and melena with haemodynamically stable. The patient underwent a recent coronary angioplasty and currently on double antiplatelet therapy. During observation a palpable mass was detected in the periumbilical region and right hypochondrium. A superior digestive endoscopy was performed which revealed an ab estrinseco compression of second duodenal segment and bleeding of third duodenal mucosa segment. No local haemostasis could be accomplished. An Angio-CT showed a large exophytic tumor arising from the 3th duodenal segment with approximately 13x9 cm, with apparent intratumoral bleeding. No indication for possible angioembolization. Due to gradual modification of the haemodynamic , the patient was submitted to emergency laparotomy. A segmental enterectomy was performed and the post-operative period ran without complications. The histopathologic exam showed a gastro-intestinal stromal tumor of epithelioid cell nature with low mitotic count (2 per 50HPF). The immunohistochemical analysis revealed positivity for CD117 (c-Kit) and DOG1 with Ki67<1%.