A gastrointestinal stromal tumour presenting in a perforated Meckel's diverticulum.

Abstract

Although the small bowel constitutes about 75% of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, primary tumours in it are relatively rare, making up only a small percentage of all GI neoplasms. Their exact classification is still controversial. The malignant nature of these tumours depends on morphologic criteria. Lesions larger than 5 cm, with infiltration of the mucosa or adjacent structures, tumour necrosis, an increased ratio of nucleus to cytoplasm, and elevated mitotic activity are generally considered malignant.1 Small-bowel tumours are insidious, most frequently presenting with moderate, nonspecific symptoms. Small tumours may be asymptomatic and detected only when laparotomy is performed for other reasons.2 We report a case of a small-bowel tumour with an extremely rare histologic type and uncommon location.