[Incidental and "leave me alone" findings of the GI tract-part 2 : Intestinal wall and mesentery].

Abstract

Due to the widespread use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) asymptomatic incidental findings of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are increasingly being recognized. Incidental findings are frequently not part of the primary inquiry from referring physicians but it is obligatory to make a diagnosis and to stipulate the need for further clarification. A multitude of incidental findings in the intestinal lumen, in the intestinal wall and in the adjacent mesentery or subperitoneal space are shown in CT and MRI of the GI tract. The last part of the two-part review addresses the gastrointestinal incidental findings in the intestinal wall and the adjacent sections. Extramural incidental findings occur as mesenteric inflammation, tumors and cysts. Many of the findings can be classified as benign and as "leave me alone lesions" do not necessitate any further clarification but in contrast others need a definitive clarification. The most important incidental findings in the GI tract are systematically classified, illustrated and evaluated with respect to the clinical relevance, depending on the localization (e.g. stomach, small and large intestines).