A case of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour presenting as acute abdomen.
BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) has many modes of presentation. This is the first reported GIST presenting as an acute abdomen.


METHODS
A man presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis. Examination under anaesthesia revealed a mass. At laparotomy a strangulated mass was found originating from the greater curve of the stomach. Subsequent histopathology confirmed this to be a gastrointestinal stromal tumour, probably of a benign nature. Post-operative investigations did not show any metastatic spread.


CONCLUSIONS
GISTs arise from the gastrointestinal tract, omentum, and mesentery. Presentation is generally non-specific and it is rare for them to present acutely. Management should include staging to exclude any metastatic spread.
Badger
S A
SA
Dept of Surgery, Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, UK.
Yousaf
M
M
Campbell
W J
WJ
D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male