First Case of Small Bowel Sarcomatoid Carcinoma Found by Video Capsule Endoscopy

Gastroenterology Res. 2012 Apr;5(2):71-73. doi: 10.4021/gr414w. Epub 2012 Mar 20.

Abstract

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small bowel is extremely rare. We report the first case of sarcomatoid carcinoma identified by video capsule endoscopy in a patient referred for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Computed tomography and small bowel follow through failed to identify the tumor. The tumor was visualized initially on video capsule endoscopy examination and a 6 x 3 cm polypoid, fungating mass with irregular borders was retrieved on surgical resection. Microscopic examination showed sheets of pleomorphic spindled to epitheliod cells staining positive for cytokeritin and vimentin, indicative of sarcomatoid carcinoma. Forty-one months after surgical resection the patient continued to be free of metastatic disease.

Keywords: Sarcomatoid carcinoma; Small bowel tumor; Video capsule endoscopy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports