Development of enterohepatic fistula after embolization in ileal gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report

World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Nov 21;19(43):7816-9. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i43.7816.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract that has been associated with the formation of fistulas to adjacent organs in few case reports. However, GIST with enterohepatic fistula has not been reported. Here we report the case of an enterohepatic fistula that occurred after embolization of a liver mass originating in the distal ileum. An 87-year-old woman was hospitalized for melena. On initial conventional endoscopy, a bleeding focus in the gastrointestinal tract was not found. Because of massive hematochezia, enteroscopy was performed through the anus. A protruding, ulcerative mass was found in the distal ileum that was suspected to be the source of the bleeding; a biopsy sample was taken. Electrocoagulation was not successful in controlling the bleeding; therefore, embolization was performed. After embolization, the patient developed a high fever and severe abdominal tenderness with rebound tenderness. Follow-up abdominopelvic computed tomography revealed an enterohepatic fistula between the liver and distal ileum. The fistula was treated surgically by segmental resection of the distal ileum and unlooping of the liver mass.

Keywords: Bleeding; Enterohepatic fistula; Gastrointestinal stromal tumor; Ileal gastrointestinal stromal tumor; Therapeutic embolization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / adverse effects*
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / complications
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / secondary
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Ileal Neoplasms / complications
  • Ileal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ileal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Intestinal Fistula / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Fistula / etiology*
  • Intestinal Fistula / therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome