The Carney Eponym

Abstract

To the Editor: The recent article on the Carney triad1Carney JA Gastric stromal sarcoma, pulmonary chondroma, and extra-adrenal paraganglioma (Carney triad): natural history, adrenocortical component, and possible familial occurrence.Mayo Clin Proc. 1999; 74: 543-552Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (365) Google Scholar and, particularly, the editorial by Dr Appelman2Appelman HD The Carney triad: a lesson in observation, creativity, and perseverance [editorial].Mayo Clin Proc. 1999; 74: 638-640Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar prompted me to remind readers that there are 2 separate syndromes with the eponym Carney. The association of gastric sarcoma, pulmonary chondroma, and paraganglioma is distinct from the constellation of myxomas, spotty pigmentation, endocrine overactivity, and schwannomas. The former is usually referred to as the “Carney triad,” the latter as the “Carney complex”3Carney JA Carney complex: the complex of myxomas, spotty pigmentation, endocrine overactivity, and schwannomas.Semin Dermatol. 1995; 14: 90-98Crossref PubMed Google Scholar; however, the triad often includes other components, and often2Appelman HD The Carney triad: a lesson in observation, creativity, and perseverance [editorial].Mayo Clin Proc. 1999; 74: 638-640Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar 2 of the factors that make up the triad are absent. The terms triad, complex, and syndrome are often interchanged, even in Appelman's editorial: “This complex has subsequently been designated the ‘Carney triad.’ … The Carney triad has 3 anatomic components, but from the beginning, it was obvious that this was more than a triad because it had 2 unusual clinical features, female sex and young age, thus making it a syndrome.”2Appelman HD The Carney triad: a lesson in observation, creativity, and perseverance [editorial].Mayo Clin Proc. 1999; 74: 638-640Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar In the literature, Carney does not seem to have attempted to publicize the existence of these 2 separate entities. In their Dictionary of Medical Syndromes, Magalini and Magalini4Magalini SI Magalini SC Dictionary of Medical Syndromes. 4th ed. Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, Pa1997Google Scholar have recognized them as Carney I and Carney II. It would be helpful if Carney would acknowledge his 2 eponymic syndromes and suggest ways in which the medical literature could keep them distinct. Perhaps Carney would be willing to share his appellation with others, as other prolific physicians such as Osier and Weber have done. The Carney Eponym: In ResponseMayo Clinic ProceedingsVol. 74Issue 10PreviewDr Tashima raises the issue of nomenclature of 2 multi-organ tumorous conditions that I have described. Full-Text PDF