An unusual paraesophageal and diaphragmatic SDHA-deficient gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) metastases case report

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and have diverse tumor biology. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)—deficient GIST, comprise less than 10% of all GIST, with mutational loss of the catalytic SDHA subunit being the most common subtype. Contrary to typical GISTs harboring inactivating mutations in KIT/PDGFRA, SDH-deficient GIST has varying biology and behavior, occurring at a younger age, often metastatic on presentation and frequently refractory to conventional tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Liver and peritoneum are their most common sites of metastases, and extra-abdominal spread to the diaphragm or mediastinum has not been previously described. CASE DESCRIPTION: Herein, we present a case of a 44-year-old female patient with a history of SDHA-deficient GISTs with multiple previous metastasectomies who presented with recurrence to the paraesophageal region and diaphragm which was identified upon routine positron emission tomography (PET) surveillance. Patient subsequently underwent a robotic assisted metastasectomy using a thoracic approach. Follow up was obtained 2 months following procedure and there was no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: SDHA-deficient GISTs have unique tumor biology and management of metastatic lesions remains an area of debate and discovery. Overall, this report highlights the need for comprehensive knowledge of the disease, a skilled surgical team, and multi-disciplinary involvement in order to optimize care and ensure favorable outcomes in this patient population.