Gastrointestinal stromal tumours treated before and after the advent of c-kit immunostaining.

BACKGROUND: Recently developed immunohistochemical markers have revolutionised the classification of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) whilst tyrosine kinase inhibitors (imatinib) have had a significant impact on the treatment of advanced tumours. We review the clinicopathological features of previously resected mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract in our institution to 1) reclassify the histological diagnosis of those stained prior to c-kit availability; 2) perform survival analysis to identify prognostic factors, and 3) to consider the implications for patients. METHODS: Clinicopathological records of patients with a diagnosis of mesenchymal tumours treated between May 1992 and April 2007 were reviewed. RESULTS: 82 patients were reviewed. 26 (32%) were reclassified as GISTs following c-kit immunostaining and a further 14 patients were treated for GIST up to April 2007 (Total: 40 patients; 21 males and 19 females, mean age 67, range 30-92 years). 36 (90%) underwent complete resection. 5-year survival of patients with GIST alone was 80%. Females had a better median survival (M: F 43 months: 73 months). CONCLUSIONS: The availability of c-kit staining allowed 32% of previously diagnosed mesenchymal tumours to be reclassified as GISTs. This may have implications for the follow-up of patients diagnosed prior to the availability of this method.

Retroperitoneal perforation of the appendix presenting as right thigh abscess.

A case of retroperitoneal perforation of the appendix presenting with a thigh abscess is described. The patient presented with pyrexia (38 degrees C) and abdominal and right thigh pain. There was tenderness in the right loin. His white blood cell count was 22 x 10(9)/L. An intravenous urogram revealed tapering of the right ureter at the L2/L3 level and suggested an infected obstructive uropathy. The patient failed to respond to drainage and antibiotics, so we performed a computed tomography scan, which showed a retroperitoneal abscess extending to the gluteal region and thigh, with signs of small bowel obstruction. This precipitated surgery. The route of extension of infection was through the sacrosciatic notch, which is considered to be a rare way of spread. The patient made a slow but eventual recovery. The overall mortality of this condition is high, but early recognition of an abdominal source of sepsis with appropriate treatment can improve survival.