Small intestinal stromal tumour with skeinoid fibers. Immunohistochemical study of two cases with CD 34 expression.

The presence of the so-called "skeinoid fibers" in stromal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract is a rare event. The exact origin of this puzzling group of neoplasms still remains controversial. Despite all, the recognition of this histologic feature in routine practice is important for its presence seems to carry histogenetic implications. The authors report the histopathologic findings of two of such cases both occurring in the jejunum of a male aged 48 and a woman, 64. Their positivity with CD 34 antigen is enhanced, for this peculiar immunophenotype help to distinguish them from other stromal tumors in the small bowel. Additionally, the literature is reviewed and commented.