Rapidly progressive stridor in a case of GIST

Abstract

We report the case of an 84-year-old male patient suffering from a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) of the rectum who was referred to our ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) clinic for a rapidly progressive stridor, aphagia and dysphonia. The clinical examination revealed a mass arising from the posterior wall of the pharynx, which obstructed the laryngeal inlet and thus the airway. A metastasis of the GIST was suspected. After completing the investigation with radiological imaging, the patient underwent surgery, which consisted of a tracheostomy to secure the airway and a biopsy of the mass. The pathological examination confirmed the suspected diagnosis of a GIST vertebral metastasis.