BACKGROUND: The literature described an increased incidence of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. These tumors typically occur in the small intestine, and frequently are multiple. Often the behavior of the tumor in this association is more favorable than in sporadic cases. CASE REPORT: Incidental diagnosis of GIST was done in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 during treatment for acute abdomen. Trans-operatively was identified a retrocecal perforated appendicitis and a neoplastic mass in the proximal jejunum. The lesion occupied approximately 70% of the circumference of the organ and had no invasion of adjacent structures. Moreover, there were dozens of small nodules scattered throughout the length of the jejunum and ileum. The pathology revealed malignancy consistent with GIST, with moderate degree of atypia, low mitotic index (<5 / 50) and absence of necrosis. In immunohistochemical analysis, the neoplastic cells were positive for CD-34 and CD-117 (c-KIT), and negative for desmin. After surgery, the use of Imatinib chemotherapy was indicated. After a follow-up period of 12 months, the patient showed no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSION: GISTs should be considered in the presence of abdominal mass and neurofibromatosis type 1, affecting mainly small bowel. Sometimes Imatinib can be administered with good results in the control of the disease.
Neurofibromatosis; Gastrointestinal stromal tumors; Acute abdomen
