Multifocal Small Bowel Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST): A Case Report

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours, also known as GIST, are a rare subset of soft tissue sarcomas. They are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the GI tract and can be found multifocal intra-operatively. We present a 44-year-old male patient who presented with vague upper abdominal pain of one-week duration associated with non-bilious vomiting. His CT abdomen with IV contrast revealed a non-enhancing intraperitoneal mass, which displaced the small bowel and mesentery; however, there was no obstruction or strangulation. A CT-guided biopsy was done and showed a low-grade gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Interestingly, during diagnostic laparoscopy, in addition to the large serosal ileal mass, he had multiple smaller lesions throughout the small bowel. He underwent resection of all the masses. He made an excellent recovery and was discharged home on postoperative day three. Small bowel GIST can rarely present as multiple lesions. Examination of all bowels during surgery is mandatory.