# A rare case of gastro-intestinal stromal tumor presented with hematemesis and severe anemia from a low and middle-income country

## TL;DR

A rare case of a stomach tumor in a low-income country is presented, highlighting challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to limited resources.

## Contribution

This case report emphasizes the atypical presentation of GIST as hematemesis in a low-income setting and underscores diagnostic and treatment challenges.

## Key findings

- Hematemesis and severe anemia were atypical symptoms leading to the diagnosis of GIST in a 52-year-old male.
- Surgical resection followed by imatinib therapy was effective despite limited healthcare resources.
- Improved healthcare infrastructure is needed to manage rare diseases like GIST in low-resource settings.

## Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors with varied clinical presentations. This case report highlights the significance of recognizing atypical GIST presentations, such as hematemesis, especially in resource-limited settings.

A 52-year-old male from an economically disadvantaged background presented with hematemesis and severe anemia. Initial investigations suggested iron deficiency anemia, but further evaluation revealed a gastric mass, raising suspicion of GIST. Despite limited resources, a distal radical gastrectomy confirmed the GIST diagnosis, and the patient underwent surgical resection followed by imatinib therapy.

This case underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by GISTs and the importance of imaging studies, given their often nonspecific symptoms. Limited resources and economic constraints in low-income settings can hinder comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. Access to specialized oncological services is crucial for accurate management.

Early recognition and management of GIST, even in atypical presentations like hematemesis, can significantly impact patient outcomes. This case report highlights the need for improved healthcare infrastructure in low-resource settings and calls for initiatives to ensure equitable access to diagnostic tests and appropriate treatment for rare diseases like GIST.

•This case presents a 52-year-old male with hematemesis as a manifestation of GIST•Diagnostic workup for GIST includes ebdoscopy with biopsy, ultrasound and CT scan, Immunohistochemistry testing is crucial for definitive diagnosis.•Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for GIST, and targeted therapies such as imatinib may be used to control tumor growth.

This case presents a 52-year-old male with hematemesis as a manifestation of GIST

Diagnostic workup for GIST includes ebdoscopy with biopsy, ultrasound and CT scan, Immunohistochemistry testing is crucial for definitive diagnosis.

Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for GIST, and targeted therapies such as imatinib may be used to control tumor growth.