Small Intestine Venous Ischemia, an Uncommon Carcinoid Tumour Complication

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are slow-growing neoplasms, with small intestine NETs being the most common in the gastrointestinal tract, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms, leading to diagnostic delays. Case Report: An 82-year-old man presented with abdominal pain and symptoms suggesting bowel obstruction. CT-scan revealed a partially calcified mesenteric mass causing venous engorgement and ischemia of the adjacent small bowel. Surgery confirmed a NET metastasis. Discussion: Fibrous, retractile, mesenteric NET metastases can be responsible for compression of veins, causing upstream engorgement and necrosis. Treatment mainly involves resection. Conclusion: NET mesenteric metastases can cause vascular complications and subsequent organ ischemia.

Keywords: Neuroendocrine tumour, venous ischemia, carcinoid tumour, complication, Small intestine.