Small intestinal lipomas: diagnostic value of multi-slice CT enterography

To analyze the clinical and imaging features of the small intestinal lipomas and to evaluate the diagnostic value of multi-slice computed tomography (CT) enterography.

Fourteen cases (one had two intestinal lesions) of surgically confirmed lipomas of the small intestine were retrospectively analyzed. The location, size, clinical and radiological aspects were discussed.

Twelve patients presented with abdominal pain, of whom three complained of paroxysmal colic. Melena or bloody stools was mentioned in five cases. One lesion was detected incidentally during routine physical examination. One lesion was found unexpectedly during the preoperational evaluation for cholecystitis. Examination of the abdomen revealed palpable masses in four cases. Precontrast CT scan showed round or oval well-defined hypo-intense intraluminal masses with the attenuation ranging from -130 HU to -60 HU. On contrast enhancement CT scan, no striking enhancement was seen.

The small intestinal lipomas are rare and difficult to diagnose merely based on clinical manifestations, while the characteristic features at small intestinal CT enterography can help establish reliable prospective diagnoses.