Surgical Approaches and Oncological Outcomes in the Management of Duodenal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)

Background: Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are a rare subset of GIST. Their surgical management in this anatomically complex region consists of varied approaches, and the administration of imatinib mesylate (IM) has not been clarified. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with duodenal GIST treated during a 10-year-period. We analysed the clinicopathological characteristics and survival factors and evaluated the perioperative and long-term outcomes based on the extent of resection ((ocal-resection (LR) versus pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD)) and the IM-administration. The median follow-up period was 60 months (range, 12–140). Results: A total of thirteen patients (M:F = 7:6) with median age of 64 years (range, 42–77) underwent resection of duodenal GIST. Median tumor size was 5.2 cm (range, 1.5–13.3). Eight patients (61.5%) underwent LR and five patients (38.5%) PD. R0-resection was achieved in 92.5%. Neoadjuvant IM-therapy was administered in five patients leading to tumor downsizing and in 40% to less-extended resection. The PD group consisted of larger tumors with higher mitotic count, mostly located in D2 (p = 0.031). The PD group had longer operative time (p = 0.026), longer hospital stay (p = 0.016), and higher rate of postoperative complications (p = 0.128). The actuarial 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival were 92.5%, 84%, and 73.5%, respectively, whereas the disease-free survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 91.5%, 83%, and 72%, respectively. A tendency towards increased risk of disease recurrence was demonstrated for patients with tumor >5 cm and high-risk potential. There was not statistic survival benefit for one or the other surgical approach. Conclusion: The type of resection depends on duodenal site of origin and tumor size. LR can be the treatment of choice for duodenal GIST whenever technically feasible. Recurrence of duodenal GIST is dependent on tumor biology rather than surgical approach. Administration of IM in neaodjuvant setting should be considered in cases with high-risk GIST scheduled for PD since it might facilitate less-extended resection.

Limited Wedge Resection of a Duodenal Gist in a Patient with Intermittent Melena

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors account for 1% - 2% of all gastrointestinal (GI) tract tumors. Among GISTs, duodenal localization occurs in less than 5% and usually presents with upper GI bleeding. A 45-year-old man presented in the outpatient department with complaints of epigastric discomfort, intermittent melena and undocumented weight loss for the preceding 3 months. Initial upper GI endoscopy showed mild duodenitis and no other upper GI pathology. For unexplained symptoms, a CT Scan was performed which demonstrated a well-defined solid lesion along the second part of the duodenum. An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biopsy of a subepithelial lesion at D2 was performed. Immunohistochemistry findings were suggestive of GIST. Wedge resection of the duodenal mass was done. Duodenal GIST should be considered as a differential in cases of GI bleeding when other differentials have been ruled out. Limited resection of duodenal GIST should be considered over pancreaticoduodenectomy, in case of small size tumors.

A rare and overlooked cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding: Distal duodenal GIST

Introduction. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are tumors of mesenchymal origin which originate from the walls of gastrointestinal system (GIS) organs. Aim. In this case report we aim to discuss the clinical, labaratory and radiological presentation of distal duodenal GIST as a rare and overlooked cause of life-threatining GIS bleeding. Description of the case. A 76-year-old male patient was presented to the emergency department with massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Computerized tomography revealed a mass soft tissue density of 4x4cm at the level of the 3-4th segment of the duodenum. At the endoscopy, there was a deep ulcer in the proximal part of the 3rd segment of the duodenum with a diameter of 2 cm with a bleeding vessel protruding into the lumen. After endoscopic treatments, biopsies were taken from the edges of the ulcer. Histopathological examination revealed a sheet-like infiltration composed of mildly pleomorphic cells with oval-spindle nuclei and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm in the duodenal lamina propria, as the patient was diagnosed of GIST. Conclusion. GIST and its clinical, labaratory and radiological presentation should be kept in mind in the approach to massive duodenal GIS bleeding.