c-KIT positive Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor presenting with acute bleeding in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report

Int Semin Surg Oncol. 2009 Oct 23:6:17. doi: 10.1186/1477-7800-6-17.

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours are rare (GIST). However, the incidence of GIST among neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) patients is approximately 3.9-25%. GIST can present clinically in different ways such as abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding and obstruction.

Case report: We present 51 year female patient admitted with Background of neurofibromatosis type 1 admitted with melena. OGD has been done and showed duodenitis with large volume fresh blood in distal duodenum but no obvious bleeding point. Exploratory laparotomy revealed smooth nodular masses on the serosal surface of jejunum. Small bowel resection and side-to-side anastomosis were performed. Histopathoogical examination revealed small bowel gasrointestinal stromal tumour with low risk malignant potential.

Conclusion: The incidence of GIST among neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) patients is not uncommon and we should pay attention to gastrointestinal manifestation in such patients.