Severe intestinal ischemia as a presenting feature of metastatic ileal carcinoid tumor: role of MDCT with coronal reformation in the early diagnosis

Abstract

Intestinal ischemia is a rare but potentially fatal complication of mesenteric metastasis of intestinal carcinoid tumor and its mechanism isn't entirely clear. We present a case of intestinal ischemia secondary to metastatic ileal carcinoid tumor diagnosed by CT that showed a small mesenteric mass with an extensive desmoplastic reaction causing an intense involvement of the small bowel. Improvements in CT technology with the use of MDCT scanners and advanced reformatting capabilities play an important role in the early diagnosis and accurate recognition of this entity and its need for immediate treatment.