Malnutrition Due to Sub-occlusive Intestinal Syndrome Secondary to Extraluminal Jejunal Leiomyoma

Leimyomas comprise approximately one fourth of benign gastrointestinal tumors and are the most common symptomatic benign tumors of the small bowel. Diagnosis is difficult because of their rarity and the abscence of specifc symptoms. We present a case of malnutrition due to subocclusive intestinal syndrome secondary to extraluminal jejunal leiomyoma. The patient experienced recurrent attacks of abdominal pain and distention after ingestion of food, with significant weight loss. Abdominal CT scan showed a small intestine compressive tumoral mass. Laparotomy revealed a proximal jejunal tumor. The tumor was resected and bowel continuity was restored. Histopathological study showed jejunal leiomyoma. Usually, intestinal leiomyoma presents with gastrointestinal bleeding, or small bowel occlusion; however, abdominal pain after ingestion of food, weight loss and malnutrition constitute an exceptional presentation. We have not found another similar case published in the revised literature. Epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and surgical manegement of small intestinal leimyoma are reviewed.