Computed tomography and angiography in ileal carcinoid tumor and retractile mesenteritis

Computed tomography and angiography were performed in two patients with ileal carcinoid tumor and in one with retractile mesenteritis. In each instance, a low density right lower quadrant mass with small bowel displacement and thickened mesenteric neurovascular bundles was identified at CT. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) angiography revealed contraction, kinking and irregularity of mesenteric branches in all cases, but specific histologic diagnosis was not established by angiography alone. Our preliminary experience suggests that SMA angiography may not always be necessary in the diagnosis of either carcinoid tumor or retractile mesenteritis.