Ileal GIST presenting with bacteremia and liver abscess: A case report and review of literature

Highlights

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  Small intestine gastrointestinal stromal tumors can infrequently present with intra-abdominal abscess, perforation, obstruction or fistula.

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  Tumor-small intestine fistula is a rare phenomenon and occurs as a result of GISTs’ propensity to cause mucosal ulceration.

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  Although liver metastases are common, in the rare case of a GIST complicated by gastrointestinal tract perforation, abscess or fistula, a pyogenic liver abscess is another important entity to consider.

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  Positive blood cultures with members of the S. milleri group should prompt consideration of occult abdominal infection, perforation and gastrointestinal malignancy.

Abstract

Introduction

Small intestine gastrointestinal stromal tumors can infrequently present with intra-abdominal abscess, perforation, obstruction or fistula. Tumor-small intestine fistula is a rare phenomenon and occurs as a result of GISTs’ propensity to cause mucosal ulceration. This allows bacteria from the gut to gain access to the systemic circulation and predisposes the patient to bacteremia and pyogenic liver abscess.

Presentation of case

We present a case of a 63-year-old female whose initial symptoms included fever, nausea, vomiting and right upper quadrant pain. Radiologic studies revealed a liver lesion and an intra-abdominal mass containing oral contrast, suggesting involvement of the gastrointestinal tract. She was found to have a liver abscess, Streptococcus anginosus bacteremia and an ileal GIST that formed a fistula between the tumor and small intestine. We performed a surgical resection of the tumor and percutaneous drainage of the liver abscess. Imatinib was initiated post operatively and she experienced no recurrence, as demonstrated by a surveillance computed tomography scan at 12 months.

Conclusion

Findings of a liver lesion in association with a small intestine GIST should raise concern for both metastatic disease and a possible infectious complication such as a pyogenic liver abscess. If a member of the Streptococcus milleri group is isolated in blood cultures, a consideration for gastrointestinal malignancy is imperative. This case report reviews a rare presentation of an ileal GIST with tumor-intestinal fistula, complicated by liver abscess and Streptococcus anginosus bacteremia.