Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Masquerading As An Adrenal Tumor: A Case Report With Literature Review

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. They are rarely encountered in adrenal region. Here we report the case of a 55-year-old man with GIST masquerading as an adrenal tumor. The patient was admitted to our hospital with epigastric discomfort lasting 20 days. Computed tomography scan revealed a 5x5.5 cm round-like mass located in the left adrenal region with mild homogeneous enhancement. Laboratory testing was without positive findings. The patient was initially believed to have a left adrenal neoplasm in the preoperative diagnosis. Complete resection of the tumor was performed using a laparoscopic approach. The pathologic diagnosis was suggestive of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. The patient had no evidence of recurrence during the 14-month follow-up. GISTs that arise in adrenal area are difficult to distinguish from nonfunctional adrenal masses. Prompt recognition of these ectopic tumors is conducive to minimize the chance of tumor rupture during operation.