Diagnosis and categorization of small bowel neoplasms: role of computed tomography

A retrospective study of 35 patients with small bowel neoplasms studied by computed tomography (CT) was performed. The tumor detection rate was 80%. Using the findings reported in the literature, an adequate histological diagnosis could be performed in 69% of the cases by CT. Lipomas, leiomyomas, leiomyosarcomas, and carcinoid tumors were well-recognized, but adenocarcinomas and lymphomas were often mistaken one for the other. An accurate preoperative staging was performed in 61% of the cases. CT failed to detect 75% of the invaded lymph nodes, 25% of the liver metastases, and 25% of the tumoral growth beyond the bowel wall. Despite major limitations in preoperative staging, a good detection rate and some features allowing a specific diagnosis advocate using CT along with the barium examination when clinical history suggests a small bowel tumor.