Gastroduodenal intussusception of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors in adults. They frequently occur in the stomach. Gastric GISTs typically present as a gastrointestinal bleed but can sometimes cause obstructive symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. We present a patient with a gastric GIST and liver metastases who during treatment with iminitab therapy presented with an acute gastric outlet obstruction. A computed tomography scan revealed a gastroduodenal intussusception of the gastric GIST. The patient underwent a laparoscopic exploration and resection of the GIST. We reviewed the English language literature of GISTs that presented as a gastroduodenal intussusception and put our case in the context of the previously reported cases. We discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that arise when treating these patients.