Perforated Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Small Intestine: A Case Report Presenting With Peritonitis

Abstract

A case of acute abdomen caused by perforated gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of small intestine is described. A 56 years old man presented to the emergency room with acute abdominal pain. An abdominal CT showed collections of free air in the abdomen with obstruction of the distal small intestine. Laparotomy revealed perforation of a tumor in the jejunum. Pathologic examination of the lesion showed that the tumor was GIST. Postoperatively, the patient received treatment using imatinib. GISTs are rare and they dont have any specific symptoms. Most common indications for surgery include bleeding and obstruction, although free perforation may occur as a result of hemorrhagic necrosis in large tumor masses. Complete surgical resection is the primary treatment option, followed by adjuvant therapy with imatinib if necessary.




doi:10.4021/jcs102e