Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) in a young man with unprovoked haematemesis

Abstract

This case involves a 27-year-old Hispanic man who presented to the emergency department with two episodes of haematemesis with no other associated symptoms. In addition, he has no medical history, denies alcohol abuse, denies non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and has never experienced these episodes before. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy evaluation showed a large gastric mass, and histological results obtained from several biopsies of the mass supported a diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumour. His abdominal CT scan also supported this finding. However, the unprovoked haematemesis and young age of the patient does not fit the typical presentation of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour. Copyright 2013 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.