Gangrene of the small intestine—a complication of argentaffin carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Ten cases of argentaffin carcinoma of the ileum, encountered at autopsy over a period of 12 years, are reviewed, with particular attention to the state of the mesenteric blood-vessels. Six of the 9 cases that had had symptoms attributable to the tumour showed obliterative elastic sclerosis of the mesenteric blood-vessels. Gangrene of the small intestine resulted in 4 and was fatal in 3. Impairment of blood-supply was evident in a further 2 cases. A relationship between the occurrence of this vascular lesion and secretory activity of the tumour is postulated. It is suggested that awareness of the possibility of this dangerous complication may bring a worthwhile prolongation of life in cases of this tumour.