PERFORATED GIST OF THE SMALL INTESTINE . A RARE CAUSE OF ACUTE ABDOMEN . SURGICAL TREATMENT AND ADJUVANT THERAPY

A case of perforated gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) of small intestine causing acute abdomen is described, with a brief review of the literature. A male patient presented with symptoms of acute abdomen. After evaluation, a laparotomy was performed, where perforation of a tumour in the jejunum was found. The perforated part along with the tumour was resected and the cytopathological examination showed that the tumour was GIST. Postoperatively, the patient received treatment, using imatinib.Gastrointestinal stromal tumours are relatively rare and often present with vague symptoms. Their first clinical manifestation as acute abdomen due to their perforation is extremely rare. In emergency laparotomy, a R0 resection is required and adjuvant therapy with imatinib must be considered.