CT of small-bowel neoplasms

The diagnosis of neoplasms of the small intestine remains a difficult challenge owing to their nonspecific clinical presentation. CT is an efficient and contributive tool in their diagnosis and preoperative staging. Enabled by CT, the evaluation of the intramural and extramural portions of such tumors complements the mucosal analysis allowed by barium examination. Strict technical rules should be applied to minimize pitfalls mainly resulting from insufficient bowel opacification. Although characteristic appearances are rare, typical CT findings may suggest a specific diagnosis where lipomas and carcinoid tumors are concerned.