Radiology, Vol 150, 639-645, Copyright © 1984 by Radiological Society of North America
Carcinoma of the small intestine and colon as a complication of Crohn disease: radiologic manifestations
GW Kerber and PH Frank
Barium examinations of the large and small bowel were analyzed in six of
seven patients who had adenocarcinoma in areas of the intestine affected
with Crohn disease; radiographic changes were correlated with clinical,
surgical, and pathologic findings. Radiographic examinations were available
in five of these patients at the time of diagnosis of tumor. Two of the
five patients demonstrated classic radiographic changes associated with
carcinoma. In the other three cases, the radiographic changes were atypical
for carcinoma and demonstrated progression of disease over time to include
more portions of the bowel and presence of fistulas, strictures, and
obstruction. The most frequent clinical presentation of adenocarcinoma in
these patients was a recrudescence of symptoms after a long quiescent
period. In patients with long-standing Crohn disease plus these clinical
features and the above radiographic findings, the diagnosis of a coexisting
carcinoma should be considered.
