Ruptured Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in a 12-Year-Old Child: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 12-year-old girl with a rare ruptured stomach tumor was treated with medicine and surgery, highlighting the need for early action and personalized care in children with this condition.

Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on pediatric GISTs, emphasizing treatment strategies and outcomes in children.

Findings

The patient had a large gastric GIST that ruptured, leading to internal bleeding.

Histopathology confirmed an epithelioid-type GIST, and treatment with imatinib was continued.

Pediatric GISTs have better survival outcomes than adult cases, but require multidisciplinary care.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms, especially in pediatric patients, often presenting with distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. This case report describes a 12-year-old girl with a large gastric GIST complicated by tumor rupture and hemoperitoneum. Initial treatment with imatinib was followed by emergent surgical intervention due to tumor bleeding. Histopathology confirmed an epithelioid-type GIST, necessitating continued imatinib therapy. Pediatric GISTs demonstrate an indolent but unpredictable course, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Despite their aggressive nature, pediatric cases show better survival outcomes than adults. This case underscores the importance of timely intervention, individualized therapy, and long-term follow-up to improve prognosis in children with GISTs.

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