Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2025

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Small bowel neuroendocrine tumor presenting with chronic diarrhea and mesenteric ischemia: A case report
Bisher Sawaf1,2, Shahem Abbarh1,3, Ashraf I Ahmed1,4
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hamad Medical Corporation Doha Qatar.
Key Clinical Message:
The diagnosis of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors is often challenging owing to the nonspecific presentation. This may lead to delayed diagnosis and serious, rare complications, such as acute mesenteric ischemia. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to managing such cases.
Abstract:
Gastrointestinal (GI) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms originating from neuroendocrine cells within the digestive tract. Despite their rarity, their incidence is increasing, necessitating a better understanding of their presentation and management. In the present report, we present a case of duodenal bulb NET that caused chronic diarrhea and unintentional weight loss for 2 years before manifesting as acute mesenteric ischemia. This case sheds light on the diagnostic challenges associated with GI NETs, particularly in cases with nonspecific symptoms. In addition, it underscores the importance of prompt recognition and management, as evidenced by the progression of the patient to acute mesenteric ischemia.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...

