title: A case of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour presenting as acute abdomen.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Surgery, Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, UK.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Badger
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yousaf
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: 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