Distinctive clinical and therapeutic aspects of the syndrome associated with bronchial carcinoid tumors

Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Cutaneous Flushing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Flushing is a common dermatologic complaint and can be resistant to many treatments. As the utility of botulinum toxin continues to expand, recent data suggest that it may also be a therapeutic option for flushing.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin for the treatment of cutaneous flushing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify studies evaluating the effect of botulinum toxin on flushing 1 month after treatment. Prespecified outcome measures included a clinical flushing score, dermatology life quality index (DLQI), and erythema index (EI). Meta-analysis was performed to calculate the mean differences in these outcomes before and after treatment at 1-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Nine studies (132 patients) were included in the analysis of this study (2 randomized controlled trials and 7 nonrandomized studies). All studies had a low risk of bias (high quality). The most frequent outcome reported was a clinical flushing score, which significantly decreased by 1.25 points overall (95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.47; -0.04) 1 month after treatment with botulinum toxin. Mean DLQI scores decreased (i.e., improved) by 9.02 points (95% CI: -19.81; 1.77) 1 month after botulinum toxin injections. The EI (measured by Mexameter) before and after botulinum toxin was evaluated in 2 studies; however, not enough statistical information was provided to analyze with meta-analytic techniques.

CONCLUSION

Based on this meta-analysis, botulinum toxin significantly improves clinical flushing scores 1 month after treatment.

Carcinoid Crisis: A Misunderstood and Unrecognized Oncological Emergency

Carcinoid Crisis represents a rare and extremely dangerous manifestation that can occur in patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs). It is characterized by a sudden onset of hemodynamic instability, sometimes associated with the classical symptoms of carcinoid syndrome, such as bronchospasm and flushing. Carcinoid Crisis seems to be caused by a massive release of vasoactive substances, typically produced by neuroendocrine cells, and can emerge after abdominal procedures, but also spontaneously in rare instances. To date, there are no empirically derived guidelines for the management of this cancer-related medical emergency, and the available evidence essentially comes from single-case reports or dated small retrospective series. A transfer to the Intensive Care Unit may be necessary during the acute setting, when the severe hypotension becomes unresponsive to standard practices, such as volemic filling and the infusion of vasopressor therapy. The only effective strategy is represented by prevention. The administration of octreotide, anxiolytic and antihistaminic agents represents the current treatment approach to avoid hormone release and prevent major complications. However, no standard protocols are available, resulting in great variability in terms of schedules, doses, ways of administration and timing of prophylactic treatments.

Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Lung

Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are relatively rare; however, their incidence is steadily increasing. They now comprise 1% to 2% of all lung cancers. Lung NETs are classified based on the World Health Organization classification into low-, intermediate-, and high-grade tumors. Most patients present with nonspecific symptoms that can result in delayed diagnosis. Bronchoscopy and biopsy are essential to diagnose and classify pulmonary NETs. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy and R0 resection is key. Lung preservation surgery, whenever possible, is preferred. There is little role of systemic therapy in NETs. Survival after R0 resection is reasonably good especially in low-grade tumors.

Failing stentless Bioprostheses in patients with carcinoid heart valve disease

Background

Carcinoid tumor with consecutive endocardial fibroelastosis of the right heart, known as carcinoid heart valve disease (CHVD) or Hedinger’s syndrome, is accompanied by combined right-sided valvular dysfunction with regurgitation and stenosis of the affected valves. Cardiac surgery with replacement of the tricuspid and/or pulmonary valve is an established therapeutic option for patients with Hedinger’s syndrome. Little is known about the long term outcome and the choice of prosthesis for the pulmonal position is still a matter of debate.

Methods

The authors report three cases of pulmonary valve replacement with stentless bioprostheses (Medtronic Freestyle®, Medtronic PLC, Minneapolis, MN, USA) due to severe pulmonary valve degeneration in consequence of Hedinger’s syndrome.

Results

All patients presented with re-stenosis of the pulmonal valve conduit at the height of the anastomoses in a premature fashion. Due to the increased risk for repeat surgical valve replacement, two patients were treated by transcatheter heart valves.

Conclusion

We do not recommend the replacement of the pulmonary valve with stentless bioprostheses in patients with CHVD. These valves presented with an extreme premature degeneration and consecutive re-stenosis and heart failure.

Carcinoid valve disease

OPINION STATEMENT

Carcinoid is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that typically originates in the gastrointestinal tract and can result in a constellation of symptoms, mediated by vasoactive substances, referred to as carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid valve and heart disease is characterized by the plaque-like, endocardial fibrous tissue deposits, primarily affecting the right heart endocardium and valves, which result as a consequence of the disease process. Potential mechanisms for the carcinoid valve disease include the complex role of excess serotonin and its interaction with serotonin receptors and transporters. Carcinoid valve and heart disease is a frequent occurrence in patients with carcinoid syndrome and is accountable for substantial morbidity and mortality. Cardiac surgery remains the most effective treatment option for carcinoid valve disease and a multidisciplinary approach at an experienced center is recommended for patients with metastatic carcinoid and carcinoid heart disease.

Tumores neuroendócrinos do pulmão: principais achados radiológicos em uma série de 22 casos com confirmação anatomopatológica

OBJETIVO: Descrever os principais achados de imagem em uma série de casos de tumores neuroendócrinos primários do pulmão (TNPs), destacando as alterações na tomografia computadorizada. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Exames de 22 pacientes (12 homens, idade média de 60 anos) avaliados nos últimos cinco anos em nosso serviço, com confirmação histopatológica, foram retrospectivamente revistos por dois médicos radiologistas e os achados foram descritos em consenso, focando as alterações tomográficas. RESULTADOS: Descrevemos 5 carcinoides típicos, 3 carcinoides atípicos, 3 carcinomas neuroendócrinos de grandes células (CNGCs) e 11 cânceres pulmonares de pequenas células (CPPCs). Apenas um carcinoide típico apresentou aspecto característico de nódulo endobrônquico central com atelectasia pulmonar distal, enquanto os demais foram nódulos ou massas pulmonares. Os carcinoides atípicos eram massas pulmonares periféricas e heterogêneas. Um CNGC era massa periférica delimitada e homogênea, enquanto os demais eram mal delimitados e heterogêneos. Os 11 CPPCs eram massas centrais, infiltrativas e heterogêneas, com alterações pleuropulmonares secundárias. Calcificações estavam ausentes nos CNGCs e CPPCs. Metástases foram vistas inicialmente ou no seguimento de todos os CNGCs e CPPCs. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de alguns aspectos semelhantes nos exames de imagem, os achados radiológicos, quando integrados às informações clínicas, podem constituir critérios importantes na diferenciação dos tipos histológicos de TNPs.

[Multidetector computed tomography assessment of the degree of differentiation of bronchial carcinoid tumors]

OBJECTIVE

To define the CT findings for bronchial carcinoid tumors and to determine whether these findings enable these tumors to be classified as typical or atypical.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed the chest CT studies performed between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2009 in patients at our hospital diagnosed with bronchial carcinoid tumors. The sample consisted of 52 patients (23 women and 29 men) with a mean age of 47 years (range 11-77 years). The 52 cases were classified as typical or atypical on the basis of the following radiological findings: size, location, focality, type of growth, calcifications, signs secondary to bronchial obstruction, and the presence of significant lymph node enlargement or metastases. These findings were then compared with the histological findings.

RESULTS

Typical carcinoid tumors were the most prevalent (46 cases). The variables associated with atypical tumors were: male sex, advanced age at onset, and size >3cm. The accuracy of CT in classifying atypical tumors correctly increased with the number of variables indicative of atypical carcinoid tumors. A negative result for atypical nature made it possible to rule out an atypical carcinoid tumor in 95% of the cases.

CONCLUSION

CT is useful for defining and characterizing carcinoid tumors into typical or atypical, although a precise formula for differentiating between the two types remains to be defined.

Carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal tract

The gastrointestinal tract is the largest neuroendocrine system in the body. Carcinoid tumors are amine precursor uptake decarboxylase (APUD) omas that arise from enterochromaffin cells throughout the gut. These tumors secrete discrete bioactive substances producing characteristic immunohistochemical patterns. Most tumors are asymptomatic and detected at late stages. Hepatic metastases are commonly responsible for carcinoid syndrome. The small bowel is the most common location of carcinoids. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging are useful in the detection of these tumors. The measurement of bioactive amines is the initial diagnostic test. Various treatment options, including somatostatin analogs, interferon, chemotherapy, surgery, hepatic artery chemoembolization, and surgery have emerged in the past two decades. However, the incidence and prevalence of carcinoid tumors has increased, while mean survival time has not changed significantly. The lack of standardized classification, federal support, and an incomplete understanding of the complications of this disease are some of the impediments to progress in treatment.

Rare syndromes

Dermatologists may also encounter patients presenting with skin lesions that reflect an underlying endocrine disorder not commonly seen in daily practice. Some of these endocrine disorders include glucagonoma, neurofibromatosis type 1, McCune-Albright syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia, the Carney complex, carcinoid tumors, and mastocytosis. The clinical syndrome classically associated with glucagonoma includes necrolytic migratory erythema, weight loss, diabetes mellitus, anemia, cheilitis, venous thrombosis, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The hallmarks of neurofibromatosis type 1 are the multiple café-au-lait spots and associated cutaneous neurofibromas. Other presenting features include freckling, peripheral neurofibromas, Lisch nodules, bone abnormalities, tumors, neurologic abnormalities and hypertension. McCune-Albright syndrome is characterized by café-au-lait spots, polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, sexual precocity, and hyperfunction of multiple endocrine glands. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A is characterized by medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, and primary parathyroid hyperplasia. In some patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A, cutaneous lichen amyloidosis may also be present. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B is characterized by medullary thyroid cancer and pheochromocytoma but not hyperparathyroidism. The syndrome also includes mucosal neuromas, typically involving the lips and tongue, intestinal ganglioneuromas and a marfanoid habitus. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 is an autosomal dominant predisposition to tumors of the parathyroid glands (four-gland hyperplasia), anterior pituitary, and pancreatic islet cells; hence, the mnemonic device of the "3 Ps"; multiple cutaneous lesions (angiofibromas and collagenomas) are frequent in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Carney complex may be viewed as a form of multiple endocrine neoplasia because affected patients often have tumors of two or more endocrine glands, including primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (some with Cushing's syndrome), pituitary adenoma, testicular neoplasms, thyroid adenoma or carcinoma, and ovarian cysts. Additional unusual manifestations include psammomatous melanotic schwannoma, breast ductal adenoma, and a rare bone tumor, osteochondromyxoma. Carcinoid syndrome is the term applied to a constellation of symptoms mediated by various humoral factors elaborated by some carcinoid tumors; the major manifestations are diarrhea, flushing, bronchospasm, and cardiac valvular lesions. Mast cell diseases include all disorders of mast cell proliferation. These diseases can be limited to the skin, referred to as "cutaneous mastocytosis," or involve extracutaneous tissues, called "systemic mastocytosis." Patients present with urticaria pigmentosa, mastocytoma, or diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis. Systemic involvement may be gastronintestinal, hematologic, neurologic, and skeletal.

Current status of gastrointestinal carcinoids

Gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoids are ill-understood, enigmatic malignancies, which, although slow growing compared with adenocarcinomas, can behave aggressively. Carcinoids are classified based on organ site and cell of origin and occur most frequently in the GI (67%) where they are most common in small intestine (25%), appendix (12%), and rectum (14%). Local manifestations--mass, bleeding, obstruction, or perforation--reflect invasion or tumor-induced fibrosis and often result in incidental detection at emergency surgery. Symptoms are protean (flushing, sweating, diarrhea, bronchospasm), usually misdiagnosed, and reflect secretion of diverse amines and peptides. Biochemical diagnosis is established by elevation of plasma chromogranin A (CgA), serotonin, or urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), while topographic localization is by Octreoscan, computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan, or endoscopy/ultrasound. Histological identification is confirmed by CgA and synaptophysin immunohistochemistry. Primary therapy is surgical excision to avert local manifestations and decrease hormone secretion. Hepatic metastases may be amenable to cytoreduction, radiofrequency ablation, embolization alone, or with cytotoxics. Hepatic transplantation may rarely be beneficial. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have minimal efficacy and substantially decrease quality of life. Intravenously administered receptor-targeted radiolabeled somatostatin analogs are of use in disseminated disease. Local endoscopic excision for gastric (type I and II) and rectal carcinoids may be adequate. Somatostatin analogues provide the most effective symptomatic therapy, although interferon has some utility. Overall 5-year survival for carcinoids of the appendix is 98%, gastric (types I/II) is 81%, rectum is 87%, small intestinal is 60%, colonic carcinoids is 62%, and gastric type III/IV is 33%.

Carcinoid tumors and fibrosis: an association with no explanation

Carcinoid tumors are slow-growing neuroendocrine neoplasms most commonly associated with the gut and broncho-pulmonary system. In many instances, they are identified at surgery for unexplained bowel obstruction or during exploration of the small bowel in search of a primary tumor once distant metastases have been detected. Carcinoid tumors of the small bowel often present with pronounced fibrosis in the peri-tumoral tissues, distant in the heart or lungs, and locally in the peritoneal cavity. Despite medical and therapeutic advances that have alleviated symptoms and prolonged life, a substantial subset of patients develops mesenteric and small bowel carcinoid fibrosis and/or carcinoid heart disease. Fibrosis, and increasingly cardiac heart disease, are important components of intestinal carcinoid disease and are of considerable clinical concern, as both of these conditions reflect a connective tissue disorder whose etiology, biology, and therapy are unknown. In the past, individuals with carcinoid disease died of metastasis and uncontrollable symptomatology. Currently, there exists no clinical method to determine the development of fibrosis and little is understood about the biological basis of fibrosis. The elucidation of the biology and management of fibrosis is thus an issue of paramount clinical and scientific importance in determining appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategy. Therefore, the unraveling of the molecular events indicative of fibrosis in these cells and the identification of appropriate therapeutic targets is of considerable patient-care relevance. We have surveyed the world literature over the past 40 yr to evaluate both the incidence of carcinoid processes and track the evolving understanding of this process. In addition, we have provided more current mechanistic information in regard to the biological basis of fibrosis associated with small bowel carcinoid tumors.

Bronchial carcinoid tumors of the thorax: spectrum of radiologic findings

Bronchial carcinoid tumors are neuroendocrine neoplasms that range from low-grade typical carcinoids to more aggressive atypical carcinoids and therefore demonstrate a wide spectrum of clinical behaviors and histologic features. Typical and atypical bronchial carcinoids have similar imaging features. Because most bronchial carcinoids are located in central airways, radiologic findings are usually related to bronchial obstruction. Central bronchial carcinoids manifest as an endobronchial nodule or hilar or perihilar mass with a close anatomic relationship to the bronchus. The mass is usually a well-defined, round or ovoid lesion and may be slightly lobulated at radiography and computed tomography (CT). Associated atelectasis, air trapping, obstructing pneumonitis, and mucoid impaction may also be seen. Peripheral bronchial carcinoids appear as solitary nodules. Calcification is common and is easily visualized at CT. Bronchial carcinoids demonstrate high signal intensity on T2-weighted and short-inversion-time inversion recovery magnetic resonance images. Prognosis of bronchial carcinoids is highly dependent on histologic findings: Atypical carcinoids have certain features that suggest a more aggressive nature. Typical bronchial carcinoids generally have an excellent prognosis, whereas atypical bronchial carcinoids have a worse prognosis. Therefore, understanding the histologic, clinical, and radiologic features of bronchial carcinoids facilitates accurate diagnosis and helps optimize surgical planning.

Skin manifestations of internal malignancy

This article concentrates on the major signs and syndromes that are associated with internal malignancies in the geriatric population. Included are cutaneous metastases, ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing syndromes, and disorders arising from APUD cell tumors. The major paraneoplastic disorders of dermatomyositis, generalized pruritus, Bazex's syndrome, and acanthosis nigricans also are discussed. Also included are Bowen's disease of skin; arsenical toxicity; and the Peutz-Jeghers', Gardner's, and Torre's syndromes, which are indicative of systemic or organ-related carcinogens.

Unusual primary lung neoplasms

Bronchial carcinoids and hamartomas are, respectively, the most common malignant and benign unusual primary lung neoplasms. These tumors are often asymptomatic but can cause central airway obstruction. Helical computed tomographic and radionuclide scintigraphic advances in their detection and evolution, together with newer interventional bronchoscopy techniques such as neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser phototherapy and cryotherapy, represent important improvements in the diagnosis and management of patients with such tumors.

Thoracic carcinoids: radiologic-pathologic correlation

Carcinoids are neuroendocrine neoplasms. Bronchial carcinoids are unusual, malignant primary neoplasms that characteristically involve the central airways and typically exhibit well-defined margins and bronchial-related growth. Bronchial carcinoids include low-grade typical carcinoids and the more aggressive atypical carcinoids. These tumors usually affect patients in the 3rd through 7th decades of life who are often symptomatic with cough, hemoptysis, or obstructive pneumonia. Bronchial carcinoids radiologically manifest as hilar or perihilar masses, with or without associated atelectasis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, or mucoid impaction. At computed tomography, an anatomic relationship of these tumors to a bronchus is usually seen, and they may show contrast material enhancement or calcification. In rare cases, carcinoids occur in the thymus; when they do, they are aggressive tumors that affect adults who usually present with chest pain, cough, and dyspnea. Thymic carcinoids manifest radiologically as anterior mediastinal masses and may mimic thymomas. Thoracic carcinoids are treated by surgical excision. The prognosis for patients with typical bronchial carcinoids is excellent; patients with atypical bronchial or thymic carcinoids have a worse prognosis.

Differential diagnosis of hot flashes

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to present the physiology and differential diagnosis of hot flashes, other than associated with menopause, in order to facilitate the proper evaluation of symptomatic patients with hot flashes.

STUDY DESIGN

Literature search using Med-Line computer access.

RESULTS

Interest in flushing reaction began in historic times. With the rapidly expanding population of women over the age of 45 and prevalence of hot flashes as menopausal symptoms, physicians need to be aware of other medical conditions which may mimic hot flashes. These include flushing due to systemic diseases, carcinoid syndrome, systemic mast cell disease, pheochromocytoma, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, pancreatic islet-cell tumors, renal cell carcinoma, neurological flushing, emotional flushing, spinal cord injury, flushing reaction related to alcohol and drugs, flushing associated with food additives and eating.

CONCLUSION

There is a wide variety of disease processes that can cause hot flashes. Knowledge of the nature of these disease processes is necessary for quick recognition of patients with hot flashes who do not respond to estrogen replacement treatment, and to facilitate the proper evaluation of atypical patients.

Bronchial carcinoid tumors

Bronchial carcinoid tumors, termed (incorrectly) "bronchial adenomas" in the past, are uncommon pulmonary neoplasms. These tumors are currently classified as neuroendocrine in origin because of their potential to form and sometimes secrete a variety of chemical substances. Overall, approximately 75% of bronchial carcinoid tumors arise in the lobar bronchi, 10% occur in the main-stem bronchi, and 15% originate in the periphery of the lung. Well-differentiated carcinoid tumors constitute almost 90% of all bronchial carcinoids. Atypical carcinoid tumors have a higher malignant potential than do typical bronchial carcinoids. The carcinoid syndrome is rarely, if ever, associated with carcinoids limited to the tracheobronchial tree. Occasionally, Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic hormone production is caused by bronchial carcinoid tumors. More than 75% of bronchial carcinoids are detected on conventional posteroanterior chest roentgenograms. Computed tomography may help disclose small neoplasms that are occult on conventional roentgenography, particularly in the assessment of patients who have Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic hormone production. Pulmonary resection is the treatment of choice for bronchial carcinoids. The prognosis is related to the pathologic grade and stage of the tumor.

Bronchial neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumor causing unilateral left-sided carcinoid heart disease

A female patient suffering from a bronchial neuroendocrine tumor with unilateral left-sided carcinoid heart disease is reported. Repeated x-ray films of the chest showed a slowly growing lung tumor in the left lower lobe. The patient refused any diagnostic or therapeutic procedure to define the type of the tumor. During the follow-up of 24 years she developed severe mitral and moderate to severe aortic insufficiency, both invasively quantified by thermodilution techniques. During surgery for double valve replacement the patient died from left ventricular heart failure. Necropsy revealed the typical pattern of a bronchial neuroendocrine tumor without metastases. Examination of the heart disclosed the characteristic deposits of fibrous tissue on the cusps of both the mitral and the aortic valves whereas the right heart showed no abnormalities. Review of the literature suggests the unilateral left-sided carcinoid heart disease to be a very rare finding, its pathogenesis remains to be elucidated.

Clinical and echocardiographic comparison of patients with the carcinoid syndrome with and without carcinoid heart disease

To correlate clinical and laboratory variables in carcinoid heart disease, clinical data, echocardiograms, 24-hour urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels and liver function tests were evaluated in 30 patients with the carcinoid syndrome. The dominant cardiac lesion of carcinoid heart disease by echocardiography and Doppler was severe tricuspid regurgitation with right ventricular volume overload. A characteristic finding was thickened, retracted tricuspid valve leaflets that were fixed in a partially open position. Carcinoid heart disease was progressive and often fatal. The 17 patients with echocardiographic evidence of carcinoid heart disease had higher peak levels of urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (331 +/- 231 vs 58 +/- 78 mg, p less than 0.001) and more severe hepatic dysfunction than the 13 patients without carcinoid heart disease. Although duration of symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome before echocardiography was similar for patients with and without carcinoid heart disease (5.4 +/- 6.4 vs 6.2 +/- 5.9 years, respectively, p greater than 0.1), survival after echocardiography was shorter for those with carcinoid heart disease (1.9 +/- 1.4 vs 3.8 +/- 2.9 years, p = 0.05). The findings support the concept that long-term exposure of the endocardium to serotonin in the right side of the heart leads to the development of heart lesions; in addition, progressive hepatic dysfunction may allow more serotonin to bypass liver enzymes and reach the right side of the heart.

Do indole markers predict carcinoid heart disease?

Deficiency of tryptophan with elevated serum serotonin and liver dysfunction are the prerequisites for the experimental production of cardiac lesions in the guinea pig model of carcinoid syndrome. To apply the above principles in human subjects with carcinoid disease, various indole markers were compared in patients with or without heart involvement, to a group of normal subjects. In the present study, plasma tryptophan (T), serotonin (5HT), and urinary 5 hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) measurements were made in 18 (group 1) patients with carcinoid syndrome and 24 normal individuals (group 2). Of the 18 patients, seven (group 1A) had valvular involvement and 11 (group 1B) had none, as determined by clinical, roentgenographic, and echocardiographic (M-mode and 2-D) techniques. Analysis of the above data shows that unlike animal models, there is no difference in serum tryptophan, serum serotonin, and urinary 5 hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels, in patients with carcinoid syndrome with or without cardiac involvement (p greater than 0.05). Furthermore, the data confirm that serum tryptophan, a substrate in carcinoid syndrome, is decreased and in serum serotonin and urinary 5 hydroxyindoleacetic acid, the metabolites are elevated.

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis of bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms. II. Well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas

We have attempted to characterize a group of bronchopulmonary neoplasms that share certain structural features with true carcinoids but appear distinctly more pleomorphic and behave far more aggressively. In reviewing our files from 1973 to 1982, 11 such neoplasms were identified; the original diagnoses were "atypical bronchial carcinoid" (3 cases), "malignant carcinoid" (1 case), "bronchial carcinoid" (3 cases), "peripheral carcinoid" (2 cases), and "peripheral oat cell carcinoma" (2 cases). Of the 11 neoplasms, 5 were central and 6 were peripherally located. At presentation, 7 patients had lymph node metastases and 1 had a distant metastasis. No patient had a conventionally defined hormonal syndrome; however, 2 patients had a history of episodic flushing, one of which was associated with diarrhea. All cases were studied by light microscopy and light microscopic immunohistochemistry for NSE (neuron-specific enolase), serotonin, and broad-spectrum neuropeptides. Five cases were studied by electron microscopy. By light microscopy, the tumors were composed of solid clusters of polygonal to fusiform cells in an evident organoid arrangement. Foci of glandular and/or squamous differentiation were seen in 7 cases. Pleomorphism was moderate and mitoses were readily found. Focal necrosis was seen. By immunohistochemistry, 10 cases expressed NSE immunoreactivity. All cases demonstrated hormonal immunoreactivity; in 9 cases, immunoreactivity for more than one hormone was observed. The hormones most frequently expressed were serotonin, bombesin, gastrin, leu-enkephalin, and ACTH. By electron microscopy, all cases studied contained heterogeneous populations of neurosecretory granules; the latter, however, were not abundant and tended to aggregate either in the basal pole of the cells or, more frequently, interlacing "dendritelike" cytoplasmic processes. Aggregates of intermediate filaments were frequently seen. Basal lamina deposition was seen but gaps and larger areas of discontinuity were frequent. We believe that these neoplasms constitute a distinct pathologic entity for which the term "well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma" has been proposed. Clinically, these tumors merit special attention since they are demonstrably more aggressive than true carcinoids but are distinctly less malignant than the intermediate or small cell variants of neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis of bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms. I. Carcinoids

Twenty-five strictly defined bronchopulmonary carcinoids were studied by light microscopic immunohistochemistry by the peroxidase technique for NSE (neuron-specific enolase), serotonin, and a broad spectrum of neuropeptides. Eighteen cases were also studied by electron microscopy. Twenty-three of the twenty-five cases showed immunostaining for NSE; 24 cases displayed immunostaining for at least two of the hormones tested for; the single case that failed to show hormonal immuno-reactivity was however positive for NSE and had granules by electron microscopy. Serotonin was the most frequently demonstrated hormone followed by bombesin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, gastrin, leu-enkephalin , alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, somatostatin, substance P, and calcitonin. In several cases, adjacent-step sections stained for different hormones strongly indicated immunoreactivity for more than one hormone in single neoplastic cells. By electron microscopy, all 18 cases studied showed generally abundant neurosecretory granules, which, however, displayed considerable heterogeneity in their size, shape, and density. Twelve of these eighteen cases displayed evidence of squamous differentiation and 10 showed characteristic exocrine lumina. The capability of single neuroendocrine tumors and single neuroendocrine tumor cells to produce more than one immunoreactive hormone is hereby amply confirmed; these broad capabilities are certainly reflected in the heterogeneous granule populations seen by electron microscopy. The synchronous presence of squamous and exocrine features in broncho-pulmonary carcinoids indicates that they too are capable of multidirectional differentiation, which should not detract from their being regarded basically as well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms. The clinical significance of strictly defining bronchial carcinoids is underscored by the fact that of 25 cases followed for 2-13 years, only one developed metastases 9 years postoperatively.

Metabolic acidosis in patients with the carcinoid syndrome: treatment with parachlorophenylalanine

Four of 46 patients with carcinoid tumors and the carcinoid syndrome developed severe life-threatening diarrhea. Although only 11% of the patients in this series had bronchial carcinoid tumors, three only the four patients with severe diarrhea had this type of tumor. Three of the patients with severe diarrhea developed metabolic acidosis while the fourth patient had severe hypokalemia. In the three patients in which it was used, parachlorophenylalanine, an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, improved the life-threatening diarrhea.

Carcinoid heart disease: a clinical pathologic, and therapeutic update

The carcinoid syndrome is a rare clinical entity, the unique manifestations of which continue to excite the interest of physicians. Despite a common origin from neural crest tissue, the tumors are partially differentiated, as evidence by the different secretory products of foregut, midgut, and hindgut carcinoids. They also differ in their ability to metastasize, thus presenting an even more varied clinical picture. The prognosis of patients with carcinoid syndrome varies with the origin of the tumor and extent of metastases. The management of patients with carcinoid syndrome is difficult. Despite an understanding of the neurohormones that carcinoid tumors secrete, their various antagonists and inhibitors have been only partially successful in providing symptomatic relief. Carcinoid heart disease represents the most intriguing aspect of this syndrome. Although valvular dysfunction most often coexists with flushing and diarrhea, the findings of tricuspid regurgitation or stenosis occasionally provide the first clue to the presence of the disease. Despite intensive research, the definite etiology of these valvular lesions has not been established. A small group of patients has been managed by valve replacement. While surgical treatment has been successful in improving hemodynamics in most of these patients, it is expected to prolong life only in those without extensive liver metastases. In patients with extensive metastatic disease, one must carefully consider whether the risks and trauma of cardiac surgery for palliation are justified.

Anaesthetic management of a patient with carcinoid tumor undergoing myocardial revascularization

Carcinoid tumors with hepatic involvement can produce intense flushing, tachycardia, hypotension or hypertension and diarrhoea. Patients with limited cardiac reserve may not tolerate these effects under anaesthesia. Valvular heart disease associated with carcinoid tumors has been reported, but there is no record in the literature of such an association with coronary artery disease. This report presents the anaesthetic management of a patient with coronary artery disease and carcinoid tumor undergoing myocardial revascularization. Emphasis is placed on the rational use of anaesthetic and adjunctive agents which will minimize the incidence of carcinoid symptons. The salient features of the management are prevention of release of vasoactive substances by the use of promethazine hydrochloride during operation, the avoidance of stropine, prophylactic administration of corticosteroids and smooth induction of anaesthesia by the use of diazepam and dimethyl-tubocurarine iodide (Metocurine).

Prostaglandins and serotonin: nonpeptide diarrheogenic hormones

Prostaglandins and serotonin are vasoactive compounds with profound effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Both cause inhibition of gastric acid secretion (although serotonin stimulates gastric pepsin secretion), stimulation of intestinal motility, and conversion of small intestinal mucosa from absorption to secretion of water and electrolytes. Their effects on pancreatic and biliary function are still not clear. Although prostaglandins appear to elicit their effects primarily by a paracrine mode of action, and serotonin is primarily a neurotransmitter (neurocrine), it is clear that even under normal conditions both can function as humoral agents. For example, we have shown that serotonin plays a physiologic role as a humoral inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. However, the effects of these agents become more pronounced in patients with humorally mediated diarrheogenic syndromes. Serotonin (and related indoles, particularly 5-hydroxytryptophan) has been firmly implicated as a cause of diarrhea in patients with carcinoid syndrome; our recent studies suggest that the diagnosis can be more effectively made by measuring circulating immunoreactive serotonin concentrations than urinary excretion of 5-HIAA; that some circulating serotonin escapes hepatic inactivation and, thus, large intestinal tumors can cause carcinoid syndrome in the absence of hepatic metastases; and that large amounts of serotonin are produced by some noncarcinoid diarrheogenic tumors, including medullary carcinomas of the thyroid and tumors associated with the WDHA syndrome. A large number of tumors of probable neural crest origin, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, carcinoids, and tumors associated with the WDHA syndrome, secrete large amounts of prostaglandins, particularly PGE2. The clinical response of at least some of the patients harboring these tumors to inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis (particularly indomethacin) suggests that prostaglandins play a role in the etiology of these diarrheogenic syndromes.

Management of carcinoid syndrome

Two patients who had severe carcinoid syndrome are presented. In one patient prednisone relieved symptoms for 20 months, and in the second patient chemotherapy appears to have precipitated fatal carcinoid crisis. Changes in mentation, increased frequency and intensity of flushing, and hypotension indicate increased risk of a chemotherapy induced carcinoid crisis. Since prednisone may produce relatively long control of carcinoid syndrome, it should be tried before chemotherapy in patients who have increased risk of carcinoid crisis. If chemotherapy is given, doses should be decreased by 50%, and patients should be followed closely.

Ectopic ACTH-MSH producing carcinoid tumor with multiple endocrine hyperplasia in a child

An autopsy case of a 9-year-old Japanese girl revealed a carcinoid tumor originating in the duodenum and hyperplasia of the multiple endocrine organs as manifested by ectopic ACTH syndrome, carcinoid syndrome and giantism. The tumor cells were positive for histochemical argyrophile reaction and two types of secretory granules were identified by electron microscopy. Biochemical assay revealed the production of ACTH and beta-MSH by the tumor cells. Other changes of multiple endocrine organs included acidophil dominant hyperplasia of the pituitary, diffuse hyperplasia of the thyroid, chief cell hyperplasia of the parathyroid, hyperplasia of the islets of Langerhans and the adrenal cortex. This case was considered to be a type of multiple endocrine adenomatosis including carcinoid tumor. The relationship between the carcinoid tumor and multiple endocrine adenomatosis was discussed.

Determination of urinary indolic metabolites

A rapid mass spectral assay for tryptophol, 5-hydroxytryptophol, and 3-indoleacetic acid, employing stable-isotope labeled internal standards, is described. The compounds were extracted from urine or buffer with ethyl acetate and quantitatively measured by chemical-ionization mass spectrometry. The calibration curves were linear over a range of 0.06--2.8 microgram/ml. The technique was applied to the analysis of urine from patients with carcinoid tumors. In addition, the first synthesis of 5-methoxy-3-indoleacrylic acid is reported.

Thoracic neurolophomas

Neural crest cells are unique. Few tissues found in the embryo are expressed with such diversity in adults. Cellular differentiation occurs simultaneously with widespread migration. Neural crest cell neoplasia results in some of the most common tumors clinically encountered. As a group, these tumors are called neurolophomas. This report describes the neural crest formation, the tissues normally derived from it, a classification of the neural crest tumors, and a review of such tumors as they arise in the thorax.

Carcinoid syndrome: its relevance to the anaesthetist

This paper presents the pathology, pharmacophysiology and therapy of the carcinoid syndrome. Forty reports from the literature are reviewed and the anaesthetic management of the patients is discussed. The carcinoid syndrome is a rare multihumoral endocrine disease. Secretions may be stimulated by certain anaesthetic and surgical manoeuvres and produce undesirable, and occasionally fatal, cardiovascular and respiratory complications. A radical surgical approach to the disease is current. Anaesthetists may therefore be involved in the management of these patients more frequently than before. The implication of both serotonin and bradykinin in the pharmacophysiology of this disease allows a more rational approach to the treatment of complications occurring during anaesthesia. However, other, as yet undiscovered vasoactive substances, may be involved.

The APUD cell concept

Embryonic neural crest cells have been traced to the primitive entoderm where they differentiate into a family of hormone-producing cells, APUD cells. The APUD cell concept explains many otherwise seemingly dissociated clinical circumstances involving endocrine glands and hormone production by tumors.

Cutaneous manifestations of internal malignancy

Skin changes may result from metastases to skin or from chemicals or hormones that are secreted by the tumor, resulting in identifiable cutaneous syndromes, or may be inflammatory dermatoses, benign or malignant proliferative lesions, or nevoid states whose association is recognized but the mechanisms of which are unexplained.