What masses can involve the ileocaecal junction?
Irregularity of the ileocaecal valve on fluoroscopy may indicate carcinoma arising from the valve. If the valve is symmetrically enlarged and smooth, ileocaecal valve lipomatosis could be considered. Asymmetric smooth enlargement of the ileocaecal valve could represent a lipoma of the valve, but, practically, carcinoma would have to be excluded first.
How can the ileocaecal junction be useful in an assessment of appendicitis?
The ileocaecal junction is a landmark to help find the appendix. The appendix arises variably off the caecum, but it is always below the ileocaecal junction.
A normal, competent ileocaecal valve/sphincter is outlined in a single contrast barium enema.