A giant gastrointestinal stromal tumor revealed by a life-threatening hematemesis: A case report of a rare entity and a challenging management

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal malignancies in the digestive tract. Despite the stomach being their site of predilection, only a few giant GISTs have been discovered in hypovolemic shock and require urgent surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old patient was admitted for hematemesis. Initial examination revealed a compensated hemodynamic shock with a mass in the left hemi abdomen of 20 cm without signs of portal hypertension or peritonitis. After resuscitation, an abdominal CT scan was performed, showing an exophytic mass of the gastric antrum without local or distant lymph node involvement. Later, the patient went into hemodynamic shock, requiring vasoactive drugs. An urgent midline laparotomy was performed, revealing a 20-cm gastric GIST in the anterior wall of the antrum. Wedge resection was performed. The anatomopathological report confirmed the diagnosis of gastric GIST with a moderate risk of recurrence. The patient received adjuvant therapy for 3 years. No recurrence was detected. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Bleeding gastric GISTs revealed by a hypovolemic shock is a rare yet critical scenario. Considering GISTs as an etiology of digestive bleeding in life-threatening cases requires a high index of clinical suspicion. Prompt intervention is vital to control hemostasis and ensure patient stability. CONCLUSION: Open surgery is mandatory for large bleeding GISTs. The surgical approach must be tailored to the tumor's specific location. Diligent execution of the surgical procedure is vital to prevent tumor rupture. Despite their size, these tumors have a favorable prognosis, enhanced by adjuvant therapy for moderate to high recurrence risk.