Ileoileal intussusception induced by a gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract of varying malignant potential that are believed to originate from neoplastic transformation of the interstitial cells of Cajal. They may occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, but most commonly arise in the stomach or small intestine. They usually grow exophytically invading adjacent organs or perforating into the peritoneal cavity. They may also cause bleeding or obstructive symptoms. Intussusception and obstruction is a very uncommon presentation of these lesions because of their tendency to grow in an exraluminal fashion. Case presentation: We present an unusual case of ileoileal intussusception in a 79-year-old female patient caused by a gastrointestinal stromal tumor located in the terminal ileum, and review the diagnostic and therapeutic approach highlighting the difficulty in diagnosing this entity preoperatively as a cause for intestinal obstruction. Conclusion: This case presents an unusual malignant cause of adult intussusception and highlights the importance of computed tomography scanning in the accurate diagnosis of this rare entity. © 2008 Vasiliadis et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.