[Neuroendocrine tumors of the abdomen].

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia (GEP-NEN) are a heterogeneous group of complex tumors, which is often difficult to classify due to heterogeneity and varying locations.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron-emission tomography computed tomography (PET/CT) are available for the localization of NEN as well as for the staging.

METHODOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS: In particular, nuclear medical examination methods with somatostatin analogues are of great importance since radioactively labeled receptor ligands make tumors visible with high sensitivity.

PERFORMANCE: CT and MRT have high detection rates for GEP-NEN and have been further improved by developments such as diffusion weighted imaging. The nuclear medical methods, however, are superior in detection, especially in gastrointestinal NEN ACHIEVEMENTS: It is important for the radiologist to become acquainted with the NEN as they can occur ubiquitously in the abdomen and should be identified as such.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Since GEP-NEN are predominantly hypervascularized, a biphasic examination technique is obligatory for contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging. PET/CT with somatostatin analogs should be used for further diagnosis.