Abstract
Carcinoid syndrome (CS) is a paraneoplastic syndrome caused by the release of serotonin and other substances from well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The hallmark symptoms of carcinoid syndrome are flushing and diarrhea; atypical signs and symptoms can include wheezing, abdominal pain, valvular heart disease, telangiectasias, pellagra, and the complications of mesenteric fibrosis, including ureteral obstruction, bowel obstruction, and bowel ischemia. These symptoms are mediated by the release of serotonin (5-HT), histamine, kallikrein, prostaglandins, and tachykinins. The diagnosis of CS requires these symptoms and corresponding elevations in lab tests. Treatment options include surgery and medical management with somatostatin analogs.
Highlights
BackgroundCarcinoid syndrome (CS) is a paraneoplastic syndrome caused by the release of serotonin and other substances from well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) [1]
A carcinoid crisis is a potentially life-threatening complication of carcinoid syndrome caused by the sudden release of 5-HT and other vasoactive peptides, such as histamine, kallikreins, or catecholamines, which are precipitated by tumor manipulation during surgery, percutaneous needle biopsy, or even anesthesia [1,16]
Blood/ urine serotonin levels are not recommended as a standard diagnostic test as the end product of the serotonin metabolism is 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid (5-HIAA) [30]
Summary
Carcinoid syndrome (CS) is a paraneoplastic syndrome caused by the release of serotonin and other substances from well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) [1]. A carcinoid crisis is a potentially life-threatening complication of carcinoid syndrome caused by the sudden release of 5-HT and other vasoactive peptides, such as histamine, kallikreins, or catecholamines, which are precipitated by tumor manipulation during surgery, percutaneous needle biopsy, or even anesthesia [1,16]. It manifests as hypotension or hypertension, diarrhea, bronchoconstriction, flushing, and acidosis [17]. The bad prognostic factors are carcinoid heart disease and high levels of tumor markers, liver metastasis, the involvement of the thymus, overexpression of the proliferation of Ki67, and mutation of the p53 gene [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
