# Divergent manifestations and management of GISTs of the small intestine: a case series

## TL;DR

This paper presents six cases of rare small intestine GISTs, showing varied symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis and surgery for better outcomes.

## Contribution

The study contributes a detailed case series on small intestinal GISTs, emphasizing their clinical diversity and management strategies.

## Key findings

- Gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common symptom in four out of six cases.
- Contrast-enhanced CT was essential for preoperative diagnosis of GISTs.
- Surgical resection led to uneventful recovery in most patients, except one with transient paralytic ileus.

## Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) of the small intestine are rare but clinically significant mesenchymal neoplasms, often presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding, obstruction, or perforation. This retrospective case series analyses six cases managed over 18 months, highlighting their diverse presentations, diagnostic challenges, and surgical outcomes. Gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common symptom (n = 4), followed by obstruction (n = 2) and perforation (n = 1), with one case detected incidentally. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was crucial in preoperative diagnosis, revealing exophytic, or intraluminal masses. All patients underwent surgical resection, including segmental bowel resection with anastomosis or wedge resection, with histopathology confirming GIST in all cases. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in most patients, except for one case of transient paralytic ileus requiring intensive care. This study highlights the diagnostic challenges of small intestinal GISTs and emphasizes the role of early imaging and timely surgical intervention in improving outcomes. Further research is needed to refine treatment strategies and long-term prognostication.