Endoscopic Characterization Of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Of The Small Bowel Using Double-Balloon Enteroscopy

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are mesenchymal neoplasms that arise from the cells of Cajal in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While most GISTs are located in the stomach, 30% of GISTs are found in the small bowel. Small-bowel GISTs tend to be more aggressive and have a worse prognosis. Therefore, an early diagnosis is mandatory. Patients with GIST usually present with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, which results from a surface ulceration and necrosis. However there is a lack of information about the endoscopic characterization of GIST, especially when using deep enteroscopy such as single and double balloon enteroscopy methods.