Ileal segmental gangrene caused by a metastatic mesenteric carcinoid

Abstract

Malignant tumors of the small intestine are rare and their symptoms are discrete and of a chronic nature. At times they manifest as an acute abdomen, with high mortality. Carcinoid tumors represent one of the types of intestinal tumors, of the neuroendocrine line, more frequently located in the cecal appendix. In the small intestine, carcinoid tumors are most often located in the ileum. Carcinoid tumors produce several hormonal substances, some of which may induce symptoms such as the carcinoid syndrome. Gangrene of the small intestine is a rare complication attributed to hormonal substances produced by the tumor which causes high mortality rates. We report, here, a case of ileal segmental gangrene with an excellent course.