Hemorrhagic shock from a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the small intestine: an unusual case report

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare, typically sporadic connective tissue tumors, most commonly located in the stomach or small intestine. We report an unusual case of a 59-year-old female who underwent emergency surgery for hemorrhagic shock caused by a small intestinal GIST, resulting in massive hemoperitoneum. GISTs often remain asymptomatic for a long time, only becoming apparent when they enlarge or cause complications. Very rarely, these tumors present as hemoperitoneum. This case highlights that in patients with hemorrhagic shock, massive hemoperitoneum, and an abdominal mass on imaging, a bleeding GIST should be considered, despite its rarity.