Abscess formation in a giant gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach following endoscopic biopsy

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Stomach with an Abscess Excised by Laparoscopic Surgery

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the stomach presenting as an intra-abdominal abscess are extremely rare. We herein report a case that underwent successful laparoscopic resection of gastric GIST presenting with an intra-abdominal abscess. A 70-year-old man presented with a 3-day history of acute upper abdominal pain with a fever. Laboratory data showed an elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein level. A CT scan revealed a mass of mixed solid and fluid components, measuring 5.5 cm, in the adjacent lesser curvature of the stomach. He was diagnosed as having an intra-abdominal abscess, and antibiotic therapy was administered. Consequently, his symptoms were relieved and a CT scan on the 7th day showed that the mass reduced and became homogenous. According to the results of a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, the tumor was suspected to be a GIST. Laparoscopic surgery with the 5-port approach was performed. The tumor existed in the lesser curvature of the stomach, and was excised en bloc with the omentum and gastric wall by wedge resection. The tumor measured 3.0 cm in diameter and originated from the serosal layer of the stomach. Histological findings showed spindle cells with a stromal growth pattern that was positive for c-kit (CD 117) and CD 34. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no recurrence has been noted in the 2 years since the operation. This is the first report of a case with gastric GIST with an intra-abdominal abscess that was successfully treated by laparoscopic surgery.

Gastric subepithelial lesion complicated with abscess: Case report and literature review

Gastric abscess is a localized pyogenic inflammation of the gastric wall, which is a rare form of suppurative gastritis. The rarity of gastric abscess may be associated with the difficulty of early diagnosis and high mortality as a result. In general, subepithelial lesions (SELs) of the stomach are incidentally detected during the course of upper endoscopy without specific clinical symptoms and signs. However, some gastric SELs present rarely as a form of hemorrhage, obstruction, perforation, and abscess. Here we report a 45-year-old man with gastric SEL presenting as a gastric abscess, which was diagnosed as an ectopic pancreas of the stomach, along with a review of the literature. Although gastric SEL presenting as an abscess is known as a serious and life-threatening lesion, the patient made a complete recovery through surgical resection as well as medical treatment.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach with a giant abscess penetrating the gastric lumen

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. In large GISTs, cystic degeneration, necrosis and focal hemorrhage that occur inside the tumor can result in gastrointestinal bleeding. We describe a case of a 74-year old male with GIST of the stomach accompanied with a giant abscess that penetrated the gastric lumen. The patient experienced undiagnosed fever for two months prior to hospitalization. Gastrointestinal endoscopy, X-ray series and computed tomography of the patient’s abdomen revealed a gastric submucosal tumor in the fornix, with a fistula to the gastric lumen that was inundated with a great deal of pus. The mass was diagnosed as a GIST from biopsy specimens. The patient was treated by endoscopic drainage of the abscess and intravenous administration of antibiotics. Eventually, a partial gastrectomy was performed. He was also administered Imanitib mesylate as adjuvant therapy. He was followed up for 2 years and no metastasis or recurrence was recognized at the follow-up examinations. This is the first report of a patient with clearly diagnosed GIST with endoscopic evidence of an abscess penetrating into the gastric lumen.