Evaluation of CT Scanning in Diagnosing Primary Large Intestine Lymphomas

Objective To study CT features of primary large intestine lymphoma and evaluate CT scanning in the diagnosis of the disease.Materials and Methods CT findings in 8 patients with pathologically proved primary large intestine lymphoma were retrospectively analyzed. Plain abdominal CT scanning was performed in all patients, additional enhanced CT scanning was carried out in 6 cases. Both the slice thickness and interval were 5～10 mm. Results The primary large intestine lymphoma was located at cecum (n=3), ascending colon (n=2), rectum (n=1) and diffusely infiltrating the whole colon (n=2). On CT scans, three types were mainly seen. Localized mass type was seen in 2 cases, of which intussusception and retroperitoneal adenopathy were accompanied in one. Segmental annular infiltrative type occurred in 3 cases, of which mesenteric adenopathy was demonstrated in one. Diffuse infiltrative type was seen in 3 cases, two of which showed multiple segmental lesions in the whole colon with mesenteric adenopathy and the other one showed multiple nodules in the rectum.Conclusion CT can accurately display the lesion's site and complications, as well as the involvement of the adjacent structures. Localized mass type, segmental annular infiltrative type and diffuse infiltrative type are three main patterns on CT scans. Suggestive diagnosis can be made in some patients when the CT features mentioned above can be recognized.