Selective mesenteric phlebography in patients with carcinoid tumors

Seventeen patients were investigated to localize carcinoid tumor growth in the small intestine and liver. Portography, selective phlebography of the intestinal veins, arteriography, and hormone assay (Serotonin, substance P) after simultaneous catheterization of the celiac artery and portal and caval veins were performed. Most of the patients have been operated on and findings at surgery have been compared with the preoperative localization methods. In 3 cases with small bowel carcinoids and typical fibroplastic changes of the mesentery, phlebography as well as arteriography demonstrated well the degree of mesenteric involvement. None of the methods demonstrated the primary tumors. Arteriography was superior in demonstration of liver metastasis. The hormone assay was a useful complement to angiographic techniques in the diagnosis and localization of tumor growth.