Prognostic Value of Bleeding in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Meta-Analysis

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the duodenum presenting with shock and massive upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Due to rarity of duodenal GISTs, clinicians have few information about its clinical features, diagnosis, management and prognosis.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of promptly diagnosed duodenal GIST in a 61-year-old Egyptian man presented shocked with severe attack of hematemesis and melena. Upper gastroduodenal endoscopy was done and revealed a large ulcerating bleeding mass at first part of duodenum 4 hemo-clips were applied with good hemostasis. An exploratory laparotomy and distal gastrectomy, duodenectomy and gastrojejunostomy were performed. The morphology of the mass combined with immunohistochemistry was consistent with duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) of high risk type. The patient is on amatinib one tablet daily and he was well with no evidence of tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSION

despite being rare, emergency presentation with sudden severe, life-threatening hemorrhagic shock duodenal GISTs might be a cause of potentially lethal massive combined upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding which is the key feature of this rare and challenging tumor.

Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor presenting with life-threatening upper GI bleeding in a young patient: A case report and literature review

Key Clinical Message

Duodenal GISTs are rare and challenging tumors. Acute life-threatening upper GI bleeding is a possible presentation of duodenal GISTs. Surgery is the standard treatment for localized duodenal GISTs. Imatinib is an effective adjuvant therapy for duodenal GISTs.

Abstract

GIST is the most common mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract, accounting for 1%-2% of gastrointestinal tumors. They originate from the interstitial cells of Cajal and are rare in patients younger than 30 years. The stomach is the most common site, followed by the small intestine and colon. GISTs are caused by a gain-of-function mutation in the proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase, with activating mutations in KIT being the most common. Most GISTs are asymptomatic. Even if gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common complication life-threatening hemorrhage is extremely uncommon. We present a case of a 31-year-old male patient presented with massive active hematemesis and melena with hemorrhagic shock. The patient presented with massive hematemesis and melena of 1 h duration. Endoscopy showed pulsating active bleeding from the third part of the duodenum which was difficult to manage via endoscopy. Histopathologic evaluation showed spindle cell type GIST. Intraoperatively, there was a nodular mass with active bleeding on the third part of the duodenum. Duodenectomy with end-to-end anastomosis was done. Discharged with no postoperative complication and was put on imatinib. There are considerable challenges that arise in the diagnosis and treatment of duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) when they present with life-threatening upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. In order to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches.

Factors associated with gastrointestinal stromal tumor rupture and pathological risk: A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumor with potential malignancy. Once the tumor ruptures, regardless of tumor size and mitotic number, it can be identified into a high-risk group. It is of great significance for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of GIST if non-invasive examination can be performed before surgery to accurately assess the risk of tumor.

AIM

To identify the factors associated with GIST rupture and pathological risk.

METHODS

A cohort of 50 patients with GISTs, as confirmed by postoperative pathology, was selected from our hospital. Clinicopathological and computed tomography data of the patients were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with GIST rupture and pathological risk grade.

RESULTS

Pathological risk grade, tumor diameter, tumor morphology, internal necrosis, gas-liquid interface, and Ki-67 index exhibited significant associations with GIST rupture (P < 0.05). Gender, tumor diameter, tumor rupture, and Ki-67 index were found to be correlated with pathological risk grade of GIST (P < 0.05). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that male gender and tumor diameter ≥ 10 cm were independent predictors of a high pathological risk grade of GIST [odds ratio (OR) = 11.12, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.81-68.52, P = 0.01; OR = 22.96, 95%CI: 2.19-240.93, P = 0.01]. Tumor diameter ≥ 10 cm, irregular shape, internal necrosis, gas-liquid interface, and Ki-67 index ≥ 10 were identified as independent predictors of a high risk of GIST rupture (OR = 9.67, 95%CI: 2.15-43.56, P = 0.01; OR = 35.44, 95%CI: 4.01-313.38, P < 0.01; OR = 18.75, 95%CI: 3.40-103.34, P < 0.01; OR = 27.00, 95%CI: 3.10-235.02, P < 0.01; OR = 4.43, 95%CI: 1.10-17.92, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Tumor diameter, tumor morphology, internal necrosis, gas-liquid, and Ki-67 index are associated with GIST rupture, while gender and tumor diameter are linked to the pathological risk of GIST. These findings contribute to our understanding of GIST and may inform non-invasive examination strategies and risk assessment for this condition.

Coexistence of small gastrointestinal stromal tumor and pancreatic cancer: A case report and literature review

Small gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare and malignant tumors that originate in the mesenchymal tissue. Due to their insidious onset and nonspecific symptoms, they are often misdiagnosed, and are generally detected during the diagnosis and treatment of other diseases. The present case report reviewed the treatment process of a patient with a small GIST coexisting with pancreatic cancer who was admitted to the Yiwu Central Hospital (Yiwu, China) in June 2018. The patient was diagnosed and treated comprehensively using a combined approach of urology, and gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgery. The present case report provides important clinical insights, which allow for an improved understanding of GIST and provides a reference for clinical treatment.

Jejunal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Strange Cause of Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and a rare cause of massive GI bleeding. Due to this rarity and non-specific presentation, diagnosis and treatment may be difficult and often delayed. Urgent surgical intervention is crucial for controlling the source of bleeding and total tumor excision. Herein, we present the case of a 40-year-old male who presented to the emergency room (ER) with features of upper GI bleeding. He referred astheny and black stools, and was pale, sweaty, and tachycardic despite normal blood pressure. Rectal examination revealed melena, and laboratory findings revealed decreased hemoglobin (Hb) and elevated blood urea. Upper endoscopy was normal, and the Hb level dropped again to 6.9 g/dL; therefore, blood transfusion was required during ER observation. For further investigation, the patient underwent an angio-computed tomography scan, which revealed a lesion located in a jejunal loop as the probable bleeding source. Emergency exploratory laparotomy revealed a jejunal loop tumor. Segmental enterectomy containing the tumor was performed and the post-operative period was uneventful. The anatomopathological examination was compatible with low-risk GIST, and the multidisciplinary board agreed that surveillance was the best ongoing treatment. Due to the rarity of jejunal GIST as the cause of massive GI bleeding, diagnosis may be challenging, delaying prompt treatment with bleeding source control. In such cases, surgery may be both lifesaving and curative. Therefore, these tumors should not be forgotten when managing patients with occult GI bleeding with an atypical presentation to prevent delays in treatment and severe outcomes.

Jejunal gist simulating a uterine myoma: A case report

INTRODUCTION

A small bowel gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. The manifestation of bleeding is a diagnostic challenge and could present as a life-threatening situation that needs urgent intervention.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

64-year-old woman consulted for episodes of melena and anemia. The upper and lower endoscopies were not diagnostic. Capsule endoscopy (CE) revealed a probable jejunal hemangioma, however double-balloon enteroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not show any intestinal nodule but MRI show a pelvic mass apparently related to the uterus confirmed by a gynecologist. Even so, the patient returned with melena, and a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan again identified a pelvic mass, highlighting that its vascularization drained into the superior mesenteric territory and seemed to invade the jejunum, with active bleeding, suspicious for jejunal GIST. A laparotomy was performed to remove the jejunal mass. Histopathology and immunohistochemical studies confirmed the diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

Bleeding is a common symptom in small bowel GISTs but its diagnoses could be difficult because its location. In most cases, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are not useful and CE or imaging studies are necessary to find the cause of bleeding. Moreover, it has recently proved that bleeding is a prognostic risk factor because it is related to tumor rupture and tumor invasion of blood vessels.

CONCLUSION

In this case, bleeding caused by small bowel GIST was misdiagnosed in endoscopic procedures and the clinical management was delayed. CT angiography was the most effective investigation to detect the source of bleeding.

Mucosal Ulceration in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor is an Independent Predictor of Progression-Free Survival

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Known prognostic features of GISTs include tumor mitotic rate, size, and location, yet one common feature of primary GISTs for which prognostic significance is unknown, is mucosal ulceration. This study aims to investigate the significance of mucosal ulceration in GISTs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted of 513 patients at a tertiary referral center with a suspected or documented diagnosis of primary GIST between the years of 2000 and 2020. Ulceration was confirmed by definitive documentation in the endoscopic or histopathologic report. The significance of ulceration in GIST was compared to other prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Of the 513 patients reviewed, 310 primary GIST patients with known ulceration and disease status were identified. Of those, 27.4% (n = 85) demonstrated mucosal ulceration. Mucosal ulceration in GISTs is associated with GI bleeding, mitotic rate, tumor size, and exon 11 mutations. After a median follow-up of 35.4 (interquartile range = 17.1-62.2) mo, patients with ulcerated GISTs experienced higher rates of tumor progression (40.0% versus 14.2%, P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, ulceration of GISTs was highly associated with disease progression (P < 0.0001) and progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 2.4 [1.2-4.7], P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Mucosal ulceration in GISTs is associated with GI bleeding, mitotic rate, tumor size, and exon 11 mutations. Overall, ulceration in GISTs is associated with elevated risk of tumor progression and is an independent prognostic factor. In multivariate analysis, ulceration in GIST remains an independent risk factor for disease progression.

Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of the Prognostic Nutritional Index in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumours undergoing surgery: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have investigated the prognostic value of the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). However, the results have been inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to quantitatively determine the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of PNI in GISTs.

DESIGN

This meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Pooled HRs and 95% CIs were calculated to estimate the prognostic value of PNI in patients with GISTs. Combined ORs and corresponding 95% CIs were used to evaluate the association between the PNI and clinicopathological characteristics.

DATA SOURCES

The electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library were thoroughly searched from inception to December 2021.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

A random-effects model or fixed-effects model was selected based on the level of heterogeneity among the included studies.

RESULTS

Eight studies comprising 2307 patients were included in this meta-analysis. A low PNI was significantly associated with worse recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.66 to 2.47, p<0.001) and overall survival (OS) (HR 4.35, 95% CI 1.25 to 16.83, p=0.033) in patients with GISTs. In addition, a low PNI was significantly associated with tumour size ≥5 cm (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.24, p=0.002) and primary tumour site in small intestine/colorectum/extra-GISTs (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.26, p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with GISTs and a lower PNI had inferior RFS and OS. Patients with GISTs and a low PNI may have a higher risk of tumour recurrence.

A case report of gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the duodenum

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) rarely occur in the duodenum, and only a few cases have been reported. Its clinical manifestations are not specific, and the imaging examination results are not typical, so a preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Pathologic examinations and genetic testing after surgical resection are the main diagnostic methods. Here, a case of duodenal stromal tumor complicated by gastrointestinal perforation is reported. A 57-year-old man presented with paroxysmal abdominal pain and bloating for 7 days. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a large mass (10 cm in diameter) in the right upper abdomen, which was considered neoplastic. The mass was anterior and inferior to the head of the pancreas, and medial to the mesenteric vessels. The tumor surrounded the descending and horizontal parts of the duodenum, and it ruptured into the lumen of the descending duodenum. After the patient underwent tumor resection, we found a rupture of the descending duodenal opening. After that, duodenal fistula drainage, gastrostomy, jejunostomy, small intestinal adhesion release and abdominal irrigation drainage were performed. Immunohistochemical staining results were as follows: CD34 (-), desmin (-), S-100 (-), CD117 (9.7) (+), DoG-1 (+), SDHB (+), Ki-67 (+5%). Based on these results, the lesion was finally diagnosed as duodenal GIST. The patient underwent surgical resection without targeted therapy and recovered well.

DISCUSSION

Duodenal stromal tumors often present with gastrointestinal bleeding and other clinical symptoms, requiring urgent surgery. Complete resection of the tumor is an effective surgical method. Extended resection does not prolong survival. However, surgical treatment should be determined according to the size and location of the tumor and its relationship to the pancreas. This highly malignant duodenal stromal tumor was >10 cm, accompanied by gastrointestinal perforation and necrosis. Surgical resection was required while protecting the organ function.

A jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor with massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage treated by emergency surgery: A case report

BACKGROUND

A jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare neoplasm of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Massive bleeding due to a jejunal GIST is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. It may be a life-threatening GIST complication that requires urgent intervention. Acute GI bleeding, which requires urgent surgical intervention, is a very rare clinical manifestation of GIST. A jejunal GIST with massive hemorrhage with coronavirus disease 2019 in a male patient in older age with many comorbidities has been not reported in the worldwide literature.

METHODS

In this case report, we present an 80-year-old man who was admitted to surgery due to abdominal pain, melena, and hematochezia for several hours. An upper endoscopy and colonoscopy were inconclusive. A multidetector contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdominal and pelvic cavity showed concentric irregular thickening in the distal jejunum.The histopathological finding showed a GIST measuring 6 cm with a mitotic index 2/50 high power fields. The patient's hemodynamic condition deteriorated despite initial conservative treatment including a blood transfusion. Therefore, patient underwent the emergency surgery 24 hours after admission: partial jejunal resection with the tumor followed by primary end-to-end anastomosis.

RESULTS

The mass was removed completely. There were no surgical complications in the postoperative course. On the first postoperative day, a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 polymerase chain reaction test was performed due to a persistent dry cough, which yielded a positive result. After 14 days, the patient died due to pneumonia and circulatory failure.

CONCLUSIONS

This case indicates that jejunal GIST can present as massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding and urgent surgery can successfully stop bleeding and save the patient's life. The CT scan was the most effective investigation to find the source of GI bleeding in this case. Therefore, we suggest performing CT in patients with acute massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding when the source of bleeding is not visible on endoscopy, and urgent surgical jejunal resection to stop life-threatening bleeding caused by a jejunal GIST.

Ileal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor as a Rare Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleed: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare, slowly growing submucosal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. Due to its indolent nature, GIST can go undetected for a long period of time. Symptomatic patients will typically develop abdominal pain, abdominal fullness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. However, most commonly and recognizable, patients will have blood in their stool due to rapid bleeding from the tumor. We report a case of a late diagnosis of GIST in the ileum with a favorable outcome.