[Rectal localisation of carcinoid tumour by radiography (author's transl)]

Carcinoid tumors of the rectum are rare and their radiologic visualization is exceptional. In the series we report about an incidental finding during double contrast enema which takes the form of an expanding tumor developing inside the intestinal lumen and showing no signs of malignity. Standard investigation in the follow up of rectal carcinoid tumors showed no hepatic mestastisis, no other foci in the digestive tract and no biologic anomalies. The patient did not complain of carcinoid syndrome. Double contrast enema is the only process enabling the discovery of rectal masses so small with non negligible frequency (2% of our explorations). Whatever the radiologic aspect and localization, fibroscopic and histologic examinations are necessary in order to make an accurate diagnosis of their nature.