The Carman-Kirklin ulcer revisited: computed tomographic correlation

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Radiology

Background:

• Ulcerating gastric adenocarcinoma can present with complex imaging findings.
• The Carman-Kirklin meniscus sign is a classic but sometimes confusing sign on upper GI series.

Observation:

• A patient with gastric adenocarcinoma exhibited the Carman-Kirklin meniscus sign on an upper GI series.
• Computed tomography (CT) was used for clinical staging and to visualize the sign's anatomic appearance.

Findings:

• The study details the specific CT findings that correlate with the Carman-Kirklin meniscus sign in gastric adenocarcinoma.
• CT imaging clarifies the anatomical basis of this sign, aiding in diagnosis.

Implications:

• Accurate interpretation of the Carman-Kirklin meniscus sign, aided by CT, can improve early gastric cancer diagnosis.
• This case highlights the utility of integrated imaging approaches for complex gastrointestinal findings.