MULTICENTRIC ANGIOSARCOMA OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL-TRACT

A case of multicentric gastrointestinal angiosarcoma suffering from se vere melena is presented. Endoscopical examination revealed two polyps in the stomach and duodenum. Histological examination showed angiosar coma. Although a gastroduodenectomy was performed, severe melena conti nued, and the patient developed respiratory failure and died. At autop sy, multiple hemorrhagic tumors were present from the duodenum to the cecum. Histologically the tumors demonstrated vasoformative structure and were immunohistochemically positive for von Willebrand factor (fac tor VIII related antigen), CD34, and CD31. Numerous metastases were fo und in various organs, including the lungs, bones, liver, gall-bladder , and lymph nodes. The patient had received hemodialysis for 21 years due to chronic renal failure. Long-term dialysis had been associated w ith Various malignancies. Multicentric development of angiosarcoma in the present case may also be related to long-term dialysis.