Abstract
We reported a case of angiosarcoma of the stomach with rapid progression for 9 months. She visited our hospital for a detailed examination of submucosal tumor of the stomach which was detected at a medical chek-up. The initial examination disclosed a hemispherical round tumor, 3.0 cm in diameter, with smooth surface in the greater curva-ture of the gastric antrum. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed an unechoic mass with a mural nodule in the second-third layer. We recommended a follow-up examination 3 months later, but she revisited our hospital 9 months later. The second examination revealed enlargement of the tumor (6.4 cm in size) and we diagnosed this tumor to be malignant and recommended her operation. But her husband strongly refused the surgical operation and she did not visit us thereafter. After 13 months from the first visit, she visited National Kumamots Hospital with abdominal distension. Endoscopic examination showed a tumbler-shaped tumor with central depression in the gastric antrum, while CT and MR disclosed a huge tumor occupying the whole abdominal cavity which extended from the gastric wall to pelvic cavity. Only a piece of pathological specimens were obtained because of inoperability. Histopathological diagnosis by HE and immunohisto-chemical stain (Factor VIII-related antigen, CD34) was compatible with angiosarcoma. Angiosarcoma of the stomach is very rare, and one should be careful for the follow-up of these submucosal tumors.
