TWO CASES OF TUMOR OF THE SMALL INTESTINE PRESENTED WITH LIVER METASTASIS

Abstract

Two cases of tumor of the small intestine presented with liver metastasis are reported, together with some bibliographical comment. Patient 1, a 32 year-old man, was seen at the hospital because of pressure sensation of the abdomen. Ab-dominal CT revealed multiple tumors with central necrosis in the liver. A suspicion of liver metastasis of leio-myosarcoma was arisen. Pelvic CT and an intestinal fluoroscopy visualized the primary lesion in the ileum. The lesion was surgically removed and the definite diagnosis of tumor of the small intestine was made. Patient 2, a 57 year-old-woman, was seen at the hospital because of epigastric discomfort. Abdominal ultrasonography and an abdominal CT revealed multiple liver tumors. Intestinal fluoroscopy showed a narrowing of the jejunum. So an excision of the small intestine was performed with a diagnosis of liver metastasis of cancer of the small intestine. After the operation the definite diagnosis was attained. Tumors of the jejunum or ileum represent 0.3-0.5% of all malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal or-gans, and are believed to have poor prognosis. On exploration of hepatic lesions, the tumor of the small intestine must be kept in mind as a probable diagnosis, though it is rare.