Radiologic and endoscopic diagnosis of duodenal angioma

Two patients with lymphangioma and one with hemangioma of the duodenum are described. The radiologic presentation of duodenal angiomas is that of multiple submucous, soft, polypoid, non-infiltrating tumors. During propagation of peristalsis, on compression, or gas distension of the duodenum, they change in shape and dimensions. Deep peristaltic waves could cause apparent vanishing of the angiomas. Possible mechanisms of such behaviour of angiomas are discussed. Listed characteristics enabled the radiologic distinction of angiomas from solid submucous duodenal tumors. Duodenoscopy allows differentiation of duodenal lymphangiomas from hemangiomas and duodenal varices. Final diagnoses were based on histologic analysis of surgical specimens.