Desmoplastic small round cell tumor of the abdomen: A case report

RATIONALE: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare malignant tumor with poor prognosis, usually involving the peritoneum. There are currently no standardized treatment approaches. This study helped to further advance our understanding of DSRCT, and help to guide therapy. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient, a 19-year-old male, presented with left-sided back pain with no obvious cause and occasional abdominal pain, and underwent abdominal electron computed tomography examination in our hospital suggesting consideration of small bowel mesenchymal tumor with possible multiple implantation metastasis in the abdominopelvic cavity. DIAGNOSES: After surgical treatment, the pathology report suggested a DSRCT, and immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed EWSR1-WT1 gene rearrangement. Lung computer tomography and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging performed half a month later showed multiple solid nodules on the proximal septal surface of the right lung base, right posterior cardiac/right anterior inferior vena cava nodules, and multiple nodules in the abdominopelvic cavity, omenta, peritoneum, and around the liver or liver, all of which were considered as metastatic foci. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: Patient received 5 cycles of chemotherapy after surgery. The review results showed a smaller size than before. Currently, he continues to receive treatment. LESSONS: The reported case has raised awareness of the importance of DSRCT in the treatment of chemotherapy, including its role in the differential diagnosis of abdominal tumors.