Unusual gastric localization of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: A case report and review of the literature

Introduction and importance: Primary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a rare subgroup of mesenchymal tumors. Gastric localization is extremely rare, and patients may present with abdominal pain and a palpable abdominal mass. Here, we present a case of gastric inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor revealed by abdominal pain, which was treated with wide local excision. Case presentation: This report illustrates the case of a 55-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain. Imageology and gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a posterior gastric mass, which was treated with wide local excision. Immunohistochemical analysis of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic gastric tumor. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and she remained in remission after 6 months of follow-up. Discussion: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a very rare mesenchymal tumor that usually affects children and young adults. Gastric localization is also very rare and does not typically cause specific clinical symptoms. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, and resection depends on the size and location of the lesion. The definitive diagnosis is confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis of the specimen. Conclusion: Myofibroblastic tumor is a rare subgroup of mesenchymal tumor. Gastric localization is an uncommon presentation. Surgery is the mainstay of the treatment. Histological analysis of the surgical specimen is essential for a final diagnosis.