Diagnosis Of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type Research Articles

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 with MEN1 variant of unknown significance, in a patient after the diagnosed of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia.

Duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia (DP-NEN) is in approximately 10% of cases of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). We encountered a case in which the onset of NEN led to suspicion and diagnosis of MEN1. Although genetic testing showed MEN1 variant of uncertain significance (VUS), we considered it pathological from the clinical course, promoting the provision of genetic counseling and screening for relatives. MEN1 has a variety of clinical manifestations, and DP-NENs are the second-most common manifestation after primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). It is important to assume that MEN1 is an underlying cause of NEN.

MEN1 Surveillance Guidelines: Time to (Re)Think?

Clinical practice guidelines for patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) recommend a variety of surveillance options. Given progress over the past decade in this area, it is timely to evaluate their ongoing utility. MEN1 is characterized by the development of synchronous or asynchronous tumors affecting a multitude of endocrine and nonendocrine tissues, resulting in premature morbidity and mortality, such that the rationale for undertaking surveillance screening in at-risk individuals appears robust. Current guidelines recommend an intensive regimen of clinical, biochemical, and radiological surveillance commencing in early childhood for those with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of MEN1, with the aim of early tumor detection and treatment. Although it is tempting to assume that such screening results in patient benefits and improved outcomes, the lack of a strong evidence base for several aspects of MEN1 care, and the potential for iatrogenic harms related to screening tests or interventions of unproven benefit, make such assumptions potentially unsound. Furthermore, the psychological as well as economic burdens of intensive screening remain largely unstudied. Although screening undoubtedly constitutes an important component of MEN1 patient care, this perspective aims to highlight some of the current uncertainties and challenges related to existing MEN1 guidelines with a particular focus on the role of screening for presymptomatic tumors. Looking forward, a screening approach that acknowledges these limitations and uncertainties and places the patient at the heart of the decision-making process is advocated.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL): An update in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1

Purpose: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare autosomal dominant cancer syndrome characterized by the development of multiple neuroendocrine tumors. The condition requires lifelong surveillance and multiple medical and surgical therapies throughout the patient’s life. For all these reasons, a diagnosis of MEN1 can be a psychological shock for the patient, as well as his/her relatives. Over the past two decades, clinicians have started to consider the emotional, psychological, relational and social aspects of MEN1 patients’ lives, as these may be important considerations in the clinical and therapeutic management of these patients. Methods: This paper reviews and critically analyzes perceptions of MEN1-related quality of life (QoL) in patients diagnosed with the syndrome and in relatives, highlighting the unique features of MEN1 syndrome compared with a single tumor diagnosis. Results: Interestingly, studies in MEN1 patients have shown that a relatively high percentage of them, despite having a complex multi-tumor syndrome, were moderately optimistic (50%), self-reporting a normal QoL. This positive response correlated with the fact that these patients were cared for at dedicated referral centers, where personalized care and constant follow-up provide them with reassurance that they are receiving high quality of management of their disorder. Conclusions: The possibility of having access to a clinical referral center for this complex rare disease, together with the support of a dedicated patient association, emerged as the ideal model for the management of post-diagnosis shock, and appeared to contribute to the preservation of good health-related quality of life in MEN1 patients.

Thymoma and Not Just Thymic Carcinoid Can Be Associated With Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1

Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an inherited tumor syndrome with autosomal dominant inheritance. Thymic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are known manifestations of MEN1 occurring in 2-8% of patients. However, thymomas, a type of thymic epithelial tumors, have only been described in rare case reports. They markedly differ from thymic NETs in their natural history, morphology, prognosis, and therapeutic options. Here we present a case of an aggressive, recurrent thymoma associated with MEN1. Case Report: A 58-year-old Caucasian female with a family history of MEN1 was diagnosed with a prolactinoma at age 15 when she presented with irregular menses, galactorrhea, headaches and visual field defects. She was referred to our institution for further evaluation where genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of MEN1. Throughout the years, she developed primary hyperparathyroidism, non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, and bronchial carcinoid. At the age of 49, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest incidentally demonstrated a 2.5 x 6 x 10-cm anterior mediastinal mass, with marked compression of the left brachiocephalic vein and encasement of the superior vena cava. Biopsy was consistent for malignant cells of thymic epithelial origin. A median sternotomy with en bloc resection with SVC resection and reconstruction, mediastinal lymph node dissection and placation of the right hemidiaphragm were performed. Pathology revealed WHO type B3 thymoma extending into the pulmonary parenchyma with positive tissue margins but negative lymph node involvement. Following surgery, she underwent adjuvant radiation therapy with a total dose of 59 Gy. Annual screening showed disease remission. However, nine years after initial presentation, surveillance CT scans revealed a pleural base mass with mass effect on the superior portion of the IVC, as well as hypoattenuated masses within the liver. Positron emission tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG PET-CT) confirmed multiple metastatic lesions involving thorax and abdomen. Biopsy of the retrocaval soft tissue subxiphoid mass revealed epithelioid cells in a background of lymphocytes consistent with recurrent thymoma. She was subsequently staged as IV B thymoma and was recommended to start systemic chemotherapy. Conclusion: We described a case of an aggressive thymoma in a patient with MEN1 syndrome demonstrating that their association exists and the clinical presentation can be aggressive. Thus, it is important for practitioners to screen for thymic tumors routinely in patients with MEN1 for early detection as they can be a major cause of mortality. Although further studies are needed, improving the detection of these tumors could significantly contribute to reducing MEN1-related deaths.

Comparative Analysis of Different International Criteria (ACMG-AMP vs. TENGEN) Applied to Classification of Missense Germline Allelic Variants in Patients With Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 or Suspected to this Syndrome

Context: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic syndrome caused by germline pathogenic allele variants (PAV) in the MEN1 tumor suppressor gene, which predispose MEN1 carriers to the increased risk of several endocrine neoplasms throughout life. The MEN1 gene (11q13), contains 10 exons encoding the MENIN protein. About 600 different PAVs have been reported, with 25% of them being missense variants. Of value, the definition of pathogenicity can be challenging, especially for missense variants. Thus, international guidelines for improving the classification of allele variants were recently defined by the ACMG-AMP (2015). Recently, applying ACMG-AMP criteria with inclusion of clinical features the TENGEN French group suggested modifications aiming to refine the classification of variants in MEN1 syndrome. Objective: To classify missense allelic variants found in the MEN1 gene by the ACMG-AMP guideline using VARSOME and by the TENGEN group to support a comparative analysis of the results obtained with these two methodologies (ACMG-AMP; TENGEN). Methods: the classification of 16 different missense allele variants identified in 17 index cases with or suspected to MEN1 syndrome was conducted according to ACMG-AMP criteria using the VARSOME software followed by the analysis defined by the TENGEN group. Results: Of the 16 variants, 6 were new, 1 was recurrent (2 unrelated index cases) and 9 of them occurred in codons with previous reports of different amino acid exchanges in the same region. Differences observed in the classification by ACMG-AMP and TENGEN were: pathogenic variant (6% vs. 65%); probably pathogenic (88% vs. 12%) and variants of uncertain significance (VUS) (6% vs. 23%). The four VUS classified by TENGEN (one of them for ACMG-AMP) were of sporadic cases without clinical diagnosis of MEN1 (2, for one MEN1-related tumor in early age; 1, for suspected MEN1) or with high risk of phenocopy (1, HPT + acromegaly). Conclusion: The difference observed in the classification of the pathogenicity of these variants, especially due to the higher occurrence of VUS in TENGEN, indicates that the criteria adopted by ACMG-VARSOME would have to be refined for clinical features. By other side, TENGEN apparently reinforce the classification of pathogenicity in cases with clinical diagnosis of MEN1 and reduce the definition of pathogenicity to variants found in MEN1-suspected cases without clinical criteria for the MEN1 diagnosis. These protocols apparently need to be investigate, validated and, probably, improved in other cohorts to reduce risks of misinterpretations and classifications that can, lately, interfere in genetic counseling and in the clinical management of patients. Finally, long-term outcome of cases classified as VUS, functional studies and, familial segregation may reinforce the initial impressions obtained with TENGEN classification.

18F-fluorocholine PET/CT in MEN1 Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT1) is the most frequent endocrinopathy in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Its surgical management is challenging. We aimed to describe and compare the imaging findings of parathyroid ultrasound (US), sestaMIBI scintigraphy (sestaMIBI), and 18F-fluorocholine (FCH) PET/CT in a series of MEN1 patients with HPT1. Retrospective analysis of a cohort of MEN1 patients with HPT1 assessed by parathyroid US, sestaMIBI scintigraphy and SPECT/CT, and FCH-PET/CT for potential surgery between 2015 and 2019. Twenty-two patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MEN1 who presented with HPT1 and were assessed by the 3 imaging modalities were included. After imaging workups, 11 patients were operated on for the first time, 4 underwent a redo surgery, and 7 did not undergo an operation. The overall patient-based positivity rate of imaging was 91% (20 of 22) for parathyroid US and 96% (21 of 22) for both sestaMIBI and FCH-PET/CT. The 3 imaging modalities demonstrated negative findings in 1/22 patient who did not undergo surgery. Overall, 3 pathologic glands were not detected by any imaging technique. SestaMIBI and FCH-PET/CT both resulted in the same 3 false-positive results in ectopic areas with a significant uptake on two thymic carcinoid tumors and one inflammatory lymph node. FCH-PET/CT provided more surgically relevant data than sestaMIBI in 4/11 patients with initial surgery and in 1/4 patient who underwent redo surgery. Compared to sestaMIBI scintigraphy, FCH-PET/CT provides additional information regarding the number of pathologic parathyroid glands and their localization in MEN1 patients with HPT1.

SUN-912 The Rare Men of Mississippi Complications in the Diagnosis of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1

Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder associated with tumors of the parathyroid glands, pituitary gland, and gastroenteropancreatic cells caused by mutations of the MEN1 tumor-suppressor gene. Thescarcity with which this syndrome is encountered makes diagnosis challenging in rural settings. Clinical Case: A 34-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department complaining ofintermittent abdominal pain for the past year, that was associated with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Past medical history was significant for hyperparathyroidism treated with parathyroidectomy, nephrolithiasis, and alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis. Initial laboratory studies revealed elevated corrected calcium (11.5 mg/dL, n:7.6-10.6 mg/dL) with a subsequent elevated parathyroid hormone level (105, n:14-72 pg/mL). CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed fatty liver changes, nonobstructive nephrolithiasis and pancreatic calcifications. Due to his recurrent symptoms, gastroenterology was consulted for esophagogastroduodenoscopy that revealed erosive esophagitis with multiple duodenal ulcers. The patient was started on a high dose Proton Pump Inhibitor IV and treated supportively. His symptoms improved within a few days. Additional studies were obtained including a gastrin level and H. pylori antigen testing that required sending out to an outside laboratory for analysis. He was discharged with close outpatient follow up scheduled, but then was readmitted two days later with recurrent symptoms. The patient was again treated with supportive care, and was able to provide additional family history revealing parathyroid and ulcer disease in both his father and paternal grandmother, which triggered suspicion for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. His gastrin level returned, and was found to be elevated (489 pg/mL, n < 100) with a negative H. pylori antigen, supporting the diagnosis of MEN1. Further diagnostic testing was performed, revealing an elevated serum chromogranin A level (117 ng/mL, n < 15) and abnormalities on MEN1 genetic testing. An Octreotide scan was then performed, showing a single intense area of uptake near the caudate lobe of liver. At this time, he was transferred to a tertiary medical center for further evaluation and management. Conclusion: This case illustrates the significance of suspicion for multiple endocrine neoplasia and the value of a complete history. Additionally, while a serum chromogranin A level can be nonspecific, it can be obtained in an outpatient setting to help differentiate neuroendocrine pathology from other etiologies. Though the symptoms of MEN1 patients can mimic many other disease processes, recognition of symptoms is critical for medical communities to provide swift treatment.

Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided ethanol ablation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 disease following complicated total pancreatectomy

AbstractAlthough pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) account for a small proportion of all pancreatic tumors (1.3%), their incidence is increasing. A 54‐year‐old woman was previously diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism and prolactinoma. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed several oval homogeneous enhancement nodules on the pancreas, with sizes up to 10 mm, and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)‐guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) confirmed the diagnosis of pNETs. Based on her history of primary hyperparathyroidism combined with prolactinoma and her family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)‐associated tumors, a diagnosis of MEN1 was made. Two months after the surgery, a follow‐up abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a pancreatic remnant that was 15 mm in length, and at the 5‐month follow up, a 6 × 5 mm residual pNET within the pancreatic remnant was detected by EUS, CT, and MRI. Because the patient adamantly refused repeat surgical resection, we decided to ablate the lesion via an EUS‐guided ethanol injection with 1.3 mL and 1.0 mL of 99.5% alcohol in two sessions. At the 4‐month follow up, the contrast‐enhanced MRI showed no residual pNET. Repeated EUS with concurrent FNAC also yielded negative results. We concluded that we achieved a good response after the EUS‐guide ablation. EUS‐guided ethanol ablation is a feasible, safe, and efficient method of treatment when applied for small pNETs in MEN1 disease following complicated total pancreatectomy. However, the long‐term outcomes must be confirmed in future multicenter prospective studies comparing surgical resection and minimally invasive EUS ablation.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1): An Update and the Significance of Early Genetic and Clinical Diagnosis.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare hereditary tumor syndrome inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and characterized by a predisposition to a multitude of endocrine neoplasms primarily of parathyroid, enteropancreatic, and anterior pituitary origin, as well as nonendocrine neoplasms. Other endocrine tumors in MEN1 include foregut carcinoid tumors, adrenocortical tumors, and rarely pheochromocytoma. Nonendocrine manifestations include meningiomas and ependymomas, lipomas, angiofibromas, collagenomas, and leiomyomas. MEN1 is caused by inactivating mutations of the tumor suppressor gene MEN1 which encodes the protein menin. This syndrome can affect all age groups, with 17% of patients developing MEN1-associated tumors before 21 years of age. Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of MEN1-associated tumors, patients with MEN1 continue to have decreased life expectancy primarily due to malignant neuroendocrine tumors. The most recent clinical practice guidelines for MEN1, published in 2012, highlight the need for early genetic and clinical diagnosis of MEN1 and recommend an intensive surveillance approach for both patients with this syndrome and asymptomatic carriers starting at the age of 5 years with the goal of timely detection and management of MEN1-associated neoplasms and ultimately decreased disease-specific morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, there is no clear genotype-phenotype correlation and individual mutation-dependent surveillance is not possible currently.

SUN-046 Identification of Clinical Predictors for Detection of Mutations in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1

Context: Guidelines has systematically suggested genetic testing for a wide spectrum of phenotypes in order to confirm or exclude surely the diagnosis of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). However, the probability of find a germline MEN1 mutation has showed extremely variable (5-95%) when different phenotypes are considered. The prompt recognition of potential clinical predictors could anticipate the result of the genetic testing in the different clinical scenarios. Objective: To investigate if specific phenotypic features may predict the presence of germline MEN1 mutations in index-cases with clinical diagnosis of MEN1 syndrome. Methods and Patients: 110 MEN1 index cases were included: amplicons based on long-range PCR covering the full MEN1 open reading frame of 94 MEN1 index cases (49 familial, 45 sporadic) were sequenced by targeted-Next Generation Sequencing (tNGS) MiSeq Illumina platform while Sanger Sequencing (SS) was approached to the other 16 MEN1 index cases (2 familial, 14 sporadic). MLPA assay was supported to 31 MEN1-negative patients by tNGS/SS whose DNA samples were available. Results: 68 index cases (62%) had germline MEN1 mutations. With the tNGS/SS/MLPA protocol, the mutation detectability rate was higher in familial MEN1 (90%, 46/51 vs. 37%; 22/59; p, < 0.05). In comparison with MEN1-positive patients, MEN1-negative cases were older (53±12 vs. 39±13; p, < 0.05) and most of them had no more than two MEN1-related tumors (76%, 32/42 vs. 10%, 7/68; p, < 0.05). Considering the subset of 59 patients with negative familial history, the 22 MEN1-positive patients revealed clinical predictors for detection of MEN1 mutation when they were compared with 37 truly non-MEN1 mutation carriers. Thus, sporadic MEN1-positive patients had higher significantly prevalence of the following predictors. 1) ≥ 3 tumors, 86% (19/22) versus 11% (4/37); 2) PETs, 86% (19/22) versus 22% (8/37); 3) which were multifocal, 100% versus 1/8 (9%); 4) with frequent synchronic association of functioning and NF/PETs, 47% (9/19) versus 0% and; 5) high frequency of malignancies, 58% (11/19) versus 5% (2/37). Indeed, there was confirmation of these predictors comparing all 68 MEN1-positive carriers against 42 MEN1-negative cases. Conclusions: The strategy adopted to support the diagnosis of MEN1 based on analysis of clinical predictors and genetic testing for tNGS/SS-MLPA underscored that the positive familial history, occurrence of three or more MEN1 tumors, presence of PETs, especially multifocal PETs, and malignancies are strong predictors to detection of MEN1 mutations.

OR15-3 Extreme Phenotypic Variability of a Novel Mutation of MEN1 Gene in a Family with 14 Carriers across 3 Generations

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by the development of tumoral lesions usually benign in different glands. The most common tumors involve the parathyroid, pituitary and endocrine pancreas. Over 1300 mutations of MEN1 gene have been identified in approximately 4000 patients. Attempts to identify a correlation between genotype and phenotype have been unsuccessful as symptoms can vary among families and even among relatives that share the same mutation. The aim of this work is to characterize a family with a new mutation of MEN1 gene, through clinical findings, biochemical tests, and morphologic exams. The index case is a 38 years-old man with recurrent renal lithiasis during the last 20-years. In addition to the primary hyperparathyroidism, the patient also presented a pituitary microadenoma with hyperprolactinemia. The coexistence of these two manifestations suggested the diagnosis of MEN1. Genetic tests detected a new heterozygous germinal mutation in the exon 9 of the gene MEN1: c.1321_1323 dup TGG, which is expected to lead to a duplication of the tryptophan (p.Trp 441dup) of the MENIN protein. This variant is not described in the available databases (1000 Genomes e ExAC) nor in the ClinVar (online public archive). The analysis in silico performed with the software Mutation Taster classified this variant as the “pathogenic.” The family history of the patient was collected and a genealogical tree of the family was made. Written informed consent was obtained. The genetic diagnosis proposed to the members of this family identified 14 carriers of the mutation across 3 generations (including the index case), aged between 5 and 71 years old. A screening program to search for alterations in MEN1 positive carriers showed that primary hyperparathyroidism was the most common manifestation involving 6 patients. However, only 50% (2/4) of the subjects above 60 years-old were affected what is in favor of a low penetrance of this mutation. In three adult carriers, the only clinical manifestation was the presence of non-functional pancreatic (3) and lung (1) neuroendocrine tumors; Cushing's disease was the first and so far unique manifestation of the disorder in an 18-year-old girl. Despite sharing the same mutation and being exposed to similar environmental conditions as they all live on the same island, carriers of the mutation in this family presented variable phenotypes. This finding suggests that the nature and effect of the second hit that triggers the tumoral lesion in patients that carry the genomic mutation are mainly unknown. On the other side, this phenotypic variability demands the definition of a screening protocol, to correctly value the clinical manifestations and biochemical tests with implication in the prognosis of these patients.

The Importance of an Early and Accurate MEN1 Diagnosis.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited condition, causing significant morbidity, and a reduction of life expectancy. A timely and accurate diagnosis of MEN1 is paramount to improve disease outcomes. This enables early identification of tumor manifestations allowing timely treatment for reducing morbidity and improving survival. Current management of MEN1 poses two challenges regarding the MEN1 diagnosis: diagnostic delay and the issue of phenocopies. A delay in diagnosis can be caused by a delay in identifying the index case, and by a delay in identifying affected family members of an index case. At present, lag time between diagnosis of MEN1 in index cases and genetic testing of family members was estimated to be 3.5 years. A subsequent delay in diagnosing affected family members was demonstrated to cause potential harm. Non-index cases have been found to develop clinically relevant tumor manifestations during the lag times. Centralized care, monitoring of patients outcomes on a national level and thereby improving awareness of physicians treating MEN1 patients, will contribute to improved care. The second challenge relates to “phenocopies.” Phenocopies refers to the 5–25% of clinically diagnosed patients with MEN1in whom no mutation can be found. Up to now, the clinical diagnosis of MEN1 is defined as the simultaneous presence of at least two of the three characteristic tumors (pituitary, parathyroids, or pancreatic islets). These clinically diagnosed patients undergo intensive follow up. Recent insights, however, challenge the validity of this clinical criterion. The most common mutation-negative MEN1 phenotype is the combination of primary hyperparathyroidism and a pituitary adenoma. This phenotype might also be caused by mutations in the CDKN1B gene, causing the recently described MEN4 syndrome. Moreover, primary hyperparathyroidism and pituitary adenoma are relatively common in the general population. Limiting follow-up in patients with a sporadic co-occurrence of pHPT and PIT could reduce exposure to radiation from imaging, healthcare costs and anxiety.

The future: genetics advances in MEN1 therapeutic approaches and management strategies.

The identification of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene in 1997 has shown that germline heterozygous mutations in the MEN1 gene located on chromosome 11q13 predisposes to the development of tumors in the MEN1 syndrome. Tumor development occurs upon loss of the remaining normal copy of the MEN1 gene in MEN1-target tissues. Therefore, MEN1 is a classic tumor suppressor gene in the context of MEN1. This tumor suppressor role of the protein encoded by the MEN1 gene, menin, holds true in mouse models with germline heterozygous Men1 loss, wherein MEN1-associated tumors develop in adult mice after spontaneous loss of the remaining non-targeted copy of the Men1 gene. The availability of genetic testing for mutations in the MEN1 gene has become an essential part of the diagnosis and management of MEN1. Genetic testing is also helping to exclude mutation-negative cases in MEN1 families from the burden of lifelong clinical screening. In the past 20 years, efforts of various groups world-wide have been directed at mutation analysis, molecular genetic studies, mouse models, gene expression studies, epigenetic regulation analysis, biochemical studies and anti-tumor effects of candidate therapies in mouse models. This review will focus on the findings and advances from these studies to identify MEN1 germline and somatic mutations, the genetics of MEN1-related states, several protein partners of menin, the three-dimensional structure of menin and menin-dependent target genes. The ongoing impact of all these studies on disease prediction, management and outcomes will continue in the years to come.

Clinical Features, Treatments, and Outcomes of Patients with Thymic Carcinoids and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 Syndrome at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Thymic carcinoids are rare neuroendocrine tumors that occur in 1-5% of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The few published reports associate these tumors with male sex and smoking. Our objective was to describe cases of these tumors treated at our institution. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with MEN1 at our tertiary referral center from 1980 to 2014. Patients with a histopathologic, fine-needle aspiration, or clinical diagnosis of a thymic carcinoid were included. Two hundred ninety-one patients fulfilled the criteria for a diagnosis of MEN1. Clinicopathologic characteristics, MEN1 genetic testing results, treatments, and survival rates were analyzed. Nine patients had a thymic carcinoid, six men (67%) and three women (33%). Six patients were non-smokers (67%). Two patients had synchronous (22%) and eight patients (89%) had metachronous distant metastasis. The 10-year overall survival rate was 45% (lower 95% upper 95% CI 20-100%). The 10-year disease-free survival rate was 42% (lower 95% upper 95% CI 15-100%). Five patients had MEN1 genetic testing, and the genotypes of affected individuals were p.W341X, c.275_286delGCTTCACCGCCC, p.R98X, c.1350+(1_11)del11, and partial duplication of exons 9 and 10. A higher percentage of MEN1-related thymic carcinoids can occur in women and in non-smokers than previously reported. Both novel and known mutations were present in our cohort. Eighty nine percent of patients developed a metachronous metastasis from the thymic carcinoid. Patients with MEN1 and thymic carcinoids should be followed closely.

Metastatic Insulinoma in a 16-Year-Old Adolescent Male With Men-1: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT Objective: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) is an autosomal dominant condition associated with various combinations of endocrine and nonendocrine tumors. Insulinomas are rare endocrine tumors in the pediatric age group and may be associated with MEN-1 in 10% of cases. Malignant insulinomas only constitute 5 to 10% of all the insulinomas and are exceedingly rare in children. There are only 11 cases of malignant insulinoma reported in the literature in the pediatric age group. Methods: We are reporting a 16-year-old adolescent male who presented with symptoms of hypoglycemia for the 4 months prior to referral. Results: He was diagnosed with malignant insulinoma with multiple metastases to liver and was treated with surgical resection followed by octreotide treatment. He had additional findings consistent with the diagnosis of MEN-1, including elevated prolactin levels combined with a 4 to 5 mm pituitary lesion possibly due to prolactinoma and mildly elevated calcium levels with a parathy...

Duodenal Gastrinoma Associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) Detected by Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which was buried under Ulcer

A 66-year-old Japanese male was shown to have severe ulcers with hypergastrinemia in the stomach through proximal horizontal part of the duodenum, who complained of dysphagia and vomiting. He suffered from gastric ulcer at 63, proven to have undergone parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism at his 5th decade. Though had no definitely enlarged pituitary detectable by computed tomography (CT), he had slight defects in the visual field and hyperprolactinemia. A diagnosis of MEN1 was entertained. Follow up EGD revealed 5 small sessile submucosal tumors (SMTs) with a central depression or erosion in the duodenal bulb through descending part of the duodenum, which had been obscured beneath ulcers. Demonstrated in the regenerative mucosa by their biopsy were clusters of small tumor cells, which, though considered the tips of neuroendocrine (NE) tumor (NET) lying in the deeper layer, were not large enough to be proven so by immunostaining with the markers in the serial sections, and diffuse hyperplasia of synaptophysin-, chromogranin A- and gastrin-positive NE cells in Brunner glands (BGs), the preneoplastic lesion characteristic of MEN1-associated duodenal gastrinoma, supporting the diagnosis, which was firmly guaranteed by positively elevated glucagon-provoked plasma gastrin. Subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD) established the final diagnosis of duodenal gastrinomas graded G1 associated with MEN1, which were shown to be tightly contained in the densely conglomerated hyperplastic BGs. No metastases were detected. This is the first case in the world, in which all the three characteristics of MEN1- associated duodenal gastrinoma were demonstrated by EGD. Difficulty in endoscopically detecting the NET lies in the fact that, in addition to its smallness and deep localization, it might be buried under peptic ulcer at a certain stage of the natural history and that an attempt to biopsy it is hampered by the densely conglomerated barrier of the hyperplastic BGs in some cases.

Thyroid incidentalomas in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

Currently, little is known about the prevalence of thyroid tumors in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) patients and it is unclear whether tumorigenesis of these thyroid tumors is MEN1-related. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of thyroid incidentalomas in MEN1 patients compared with nonMEN1 patients and to verify whether thyroid tumorigenesis is MEN1-related. A cross-sectional study. The study included two groups: patients with MEN1 and a matched non-MEN1 control group without known thyroid disease, who underwent an ultrasound of the neck for the localization of parathyroid adenoma. Ninety-five MEN1 patients underwent ultrasound of the neck and were matched on gender and age with non-MEN1 patients. The prevalence of thyroid incidentalomas described in the ultrasound report was scored. Multinodular goiters, solitary nodes, and cysts were scored as incidentalomas. Presence of nuclear menin expression was evaluated by menin immunostaining of the thyroid tumors. In the MEN1 group, 43 (45%) patients had a thyroid incidentaloma compared with 48 (51%) in the non-MEN1 group, of which 14 (15%) and 16 (17%), respectively, were solitary nodes. Menin was expressed in the nuclei of all evaluated thyroid tumors. MEN1 patients do not have a higher prevalence of thyroid incidentalomas compared with primary hyperparathyroidism patients without the diagnosis of MEN1. Menin was expressed in the thyroid tumors of MEN1 patients.

Management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in patients with MEN 1.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are frequent and can be non-functional (NF) in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Their identification is of clinical importance because malignant PNETs are reported to be the most common cause of death in patients with MEN1. Once the diagnosis of MEN1 is established in an individual based on clinical manifestations and/or genetic testing results, an active surveillance program is instituted for early detection and treatment of MEN1-associated disease. Ultrasonography, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), CT, MRI, selective arterial angiography and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy are all used for localization of tumors. Managing PNETs can be challenging and includes diagnosis, surveillance, adequate staging, and interdisciplinary, multimodal treatments to optimize patient outcome. Treatment includes surgical resection for loco-regional disease, as well as liver directed and targeted chemotherapies for advanced progressive disease. To date, the recommendation for surgical resection in NF-PNETs is based on tumor size, as a higher rate of metastases was found in patients with larger tumors. This review summarizes key concepts in managing PNETs in patients with MEN1.

Genetic Analysis of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) Leads to Misdiagnosis of an Extremely Rare Presentation of Intrasellar Cavernous Hemangioma as MEN1.

BackgroundMultiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of endocrine tumors in target tissues (mainly the pituitary, endocrine pancreas, and parathyroid glands). MEN1 is caused by mutations in the MEN1 gene, which functions as a tumor suppressor and consists of one untranslated exon and nine exons encoding the menin protein. This condition is usually suspected when we encounter patients diagnosed with tumors in multiple endocrine organs, as mentioned above.MethodsA 65-year-old woman who underwent surgery for a pancreatic tumor (serous cystadenoma) 5 years previously was referred to our hospital due to neurologic symptoms of diplopia and left ptosis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 3.4-cm lesion originating from the cavernous sinus wall and extending into the sellar region. It was thought to be a nonfunctioning tumor from the results of the combined pituitary function test. Incidentally, we found that she also had a pancreatic tumor, indicating the necessity of genetic analysis for MEN1.ResultsGenomic analysis using peripheral leukocytes revealed a heterozygous c.1621G>A mutation in the MEN1 gene that was previously reported to be either a pathogenic mutation or a simple polymorphism. We pursued a stereotactic approach to the pituitary lesion, and microscopic findings of the tumor revealed it to be an intrasellar cavernous hemangioma, a rare finding in the sellar region and even rarer in relation to oculomotor palsy. The patient recovered well from surgery, but refused further evaluation for the pancreatic lesion.ConclusionThere is great emphasis placed on genetic testing in the diagnosis of MEN1, but herein we report a case where it did not assist in diagnosis, hence, further discussion on the role of genetic testing in this disease is needed. Also, in cases of pituitary tumor with cranial nerve palsy, despite its low prevalence, intrasellar cavernous hemangioma could be suspected.

Incidental angiofibromas prompt a diagnosis of multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1 (MEN-1)

We believe this to be the first documented report of multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1 (MEN-1) in which the diagnosis was suspected based purely on cutaneous findings. The patient was initially referred to the dermatology department for cosmetic concerns and had no overt symptoms, laboratory abnormalities, or known family history of MEN-1. The patient is a 28-year-old man who was referred to the dermatology department for evaluation and removal of skins lesions, later confirmed by biopsy to be facial angiofibromas and a truncal collagenoma. This combination of cutaneous findings was suspicious for a genodermatosis and genetic testing subsequently confirmed the diagnosis of MEN-1. The patient was referred for appropriate follow up and surveillance. This case highlights the importance of vigilance on the part of dermatologists to be aware of subtle skin findings that may be characteristic of rare disorders and may have gone unrecognized by other providers and the patients themselves. In this respect, dermatologists are in a unique position given their specialized training in the recognition of inherited skin disorders. An early diagnosis of an inherited disorder, especially one with increased risk of malignancy, can allow for appropriate surveillance and potentially alter the course of the disease.