Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: an unusual submucosal lesion of the stomach

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Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a mesenchymal tumor that occurs preferentially in children and young adults. IMTs were considered arise as a result of a reactive inflammatory or post surgery process [1]. However, they are thought to have low-grade malignant potential, based on the recent molecular finding of rearrangement at chromosome band 2p23, the site of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene in the tyrosine kinase locus [2]. They are most commonly found in the lung but may arise in extrapulmonary sites [3].

A 42-year-old woman presented with intermittent dull epigastric pain since 1 month and tarry stool passage since 1 week. The laboratory findings were unremarkable except for a normocytic anemia (hemoglobin 7.7 g/dL). Upper endoscopy revealed a broad-based, protruding mass of approximately 5.5 cm, located in the anterior wall of lower gastric body. The tumor was accompanied by bridging folds and two deep ulcerations on its surface ([Fig. 1]). Abdominal computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a strongly enhancing mass with surface ulceration, arising from the submucosal layer ([Fig. 2]), which was in keeping with a submucosal lesion such as a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The patient underwent local tumor excision. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of spindle cells with massive infiltration of plasma cells ([Fig. 3]). IMT was diagnosed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), which showed positive staining for desmin and smooth muscle actin and was negative for GIST markers including CD117, DOG1, CD34, and S100. Kit-negative GIST was further excluded as there no mutations in the c-KIT and PDGFRA genes.

Fig. 1 a, b Upper endoscopy showing a broad-based, protruding mass, approximately 5.5 cm in size, in the anterior wall of lower gastric body. The tumor is accompanied by bridging folds and two deep ulcerations on the surface.

Fig. 2 Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrating a strongly enhancing mass, approximately 5.5 cm in size, with surface ulceration, arising from the submucosal layer of the anterior wall of the lower gastric body.

Fig. 3 Microscopic section showing the tumor composed of spindle cells with massive, predominantly inflammatory, infiltration of plasma cells (hematoxylin and eosin, magnification × 40).

Gastric IMT is very rare and may be confused with other submucosal lesions, especially GIST, and IHC studies are the only conclusive diagnostic modality [4]. When investigating a gastric submucosal lesion, IMT should be taken into consideration particularly if the patient is young or the pathology shows massive plasma cell infiltration admixed with spindle cells.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CCL_1AB_2AD_3AB

Competing interests: None

References

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• 3 Coffin C M, Watterson J, Priest J R et al. Extrapulmonary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (inflammatory pseudotumor). A clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 84 cases.  Am J Surg Pathol. 1995;  19 859-872
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