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Rehfeld JF. The cckOMA syndrome and its relation to the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: a diagnostic challenge. Scand J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:533-542. [PMID: 38299632 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2024.2308532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Among patients with enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor syndromes only one case with a cholecystokinin (CCK) secreting tumor has been reported. She had significant hyperCCKemia leading to a specific syndrome of severe diarrheas, weight loss, repeated duodenal ulcers and a permanently contracted gallbladder with gallstones. There are, however, reasons to believe that further CCKomas exist, for instance among Zollinger-Ellison patients with normal plasma gastrin concentrations. The present review is a call to gastroenterologists for awareness of such CCKoma patients. METHOD After a short case report, the normal endocrine and oncological biology of CCK is described. Subsequently, the CCKoma symptoms are discussed with particular reference to the partly overlapping symptoms of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. In this context, the diagnostic use of truly specific CCK and gastrin assays are emphasized. The discussion also entails the problem of access to accurate CCK measurements. CONCLUSION Obviously, the clinical awareness about the CCKoma syndrome is limited. Moreover, it is also likely that the knowledge about the necessary specificity demands of diagnostic gastrin and CCK assays have obscured proper diagnosis of the CCKoma syndromes in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens F Rehfeld
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Rehfeld JF, Goetze JP. Gastrointestinal hormones: History, biology, and measurement. Adv Clin Chem 2024; 118:111-154. [PMID: 38280804 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
This chapter attempts to provide an all-round picture of a dynamic and major branch of modern endocrinology, i.e. the gastrointestinal endocrinology. The advances during the last half century in our understanding of the dimensions and diversity of gut hormone biology - inside as well as outside the digestive tract - are astounding. Among major milestones are the dual brain-gut relationship, i.e. the comprehensive expression of gastrointestinal hormones as potent transmitters in central and peripheral neurons; the hormonal signaling from the enteroendocrine cells to the brain and other extraintestinal targets; the role of gut hormones as growth and fertility factors; and the new era of gut hormone-derived drugs. Accordingly, gastrointestinal hormones have pathogenetic roles in major metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus and obesity); in tumor development (common cancers, sarcomas, and neuroendocrine tumors); and in cerebral diseases (anxiety, panic attacks, and probably eating disorders). Such clinical aspects require accurate pathogenetic and diagnostic measurements of gastrointestinal hormones - an obvious responsibility for clinical chemistry/biochemistry. In order to obtain a necessary insight into today's gastrointestinal endocrinology, the chapter will first describe the advances in gastrointestinal endocrinology in a historical context. The history provides a background for the subsequent description of the present biology of gastrointestinal hormones, and its biomedical consequences - not least for clinical chemistry/biochemistry with its specific responsibility for selection of appropriate assays and reliable measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens F Rehfeld
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jens P Goetze
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Mariën L, Islam O, Chhajlani S, Lybaert W, Peeters M, Van Camp G, Op de Beeck K, Vandamme T. The Quest for Circulating Biomarkers in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: a Clinical Perspective. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:1833-1851. [PMID: 37989978 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Given the considerable heterogeneity in neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), it appears unlikely that a sole biomarker exists capable of fully capturing all useful clinical aspects of these tumors. This is reflected in the abundant number of biomarkers presently available for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of NEN patients. Although assessment of immunohistochemical and radiological markers remains paramount and often obligatory, there has been a notable surge of interest in circulating biomarkers over the years given the numerous benefits associated with liquid biopsies. Currently, the clinic primarily relies on single-analyte assays such as the chromogranin A assay, but these are far from ideal because of limitations such as compromised sensitivity and specificity as well as a lack of standardization. Consequently, the quest for NEN biomarkers continued with the exploration of multianalyte markers, exemplified by the development of the NETest and ctDNA-based analysis. Here, an extensive panel of markers is simultaneously evaluated to identify distinct signatures that could enhance the accuracy of patient diagnosis, prognosis determination, and response to therapy prediction and monitoring. Given the promising results, the development and implementation of these multianalyte markers are expected to usher in a new era of NEN biomarkers in the clinic. In this review, we will outline both clinically implemented and more experimental circulating markers to provide an update on developments in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mariën
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
- Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Odeta Islam
- Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- NETwerk and Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Siddharth Chhajlani
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
- NETwerk and Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Willem Lybaert
- NETwerk and Department of Oncology, VITAZ, Lodewijk de Meesterstraat 5, 9100, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- NETwerk and Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Guy Van Camp
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Ken Op de Beeck
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
- Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Timon Vandamme
- Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
- NETwerk and Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.
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4
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Weber DM, Yang JY, Goldman SM, Clarke NJ, Taylor SW, McPhaul MJ. Antibody-Free Quantification of Serum Chromogranin A by Targeted Mass Spectrometry. Clin Chem 2021; 67:1618-1627. [PMID: 34718463 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvab191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromogranin A (CgA) is a 48 kDa protein that serves as a diagnostically sensitive, but nonspecific, serum biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors. Immunoassays for CgA are not standardized and have a narrow dynamic range, which requires dilution of concentrated specimens. We developed and validated an antibody-free, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based method for CgA without these limitations. METHODS CgA was extracted from serum using a mixed-mode anion exchange solid-phase extraction plate, digested with trypsin, and analyzed by LC-MS/MS using well-characterized CgA calibration standards. After validation, the mass spectrometry method was compared with the CISBIO immunoassay using 200 serum specimens previously submitted for CgA analysis. Specimens with discordant results were reanalyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry- (HRMS) -based methods to assess the contribution of truncated and post-translationally modified forms of CgA. RESULTS The assay had a linear range of 50 to 50 000 ng/mL, recoveries between 89% and 115%, and intra- and interassay imprecision <10%. LC-MS/MS assay results showed a Pearson's correlation of r = 0.953 with the CISBIO immunoassay, with CgA values being a mean 2- to 4-fold higher. Concordance for CgA between the 2 assays was 80.9% (95% CI 72.8%-89.2%), showing substantial agreement. Truncation and posttranslational modification, including 2 phosphorylation sites that had not been previously observed or predicted to our knowledge, did not appear to contribute directly to discordance between the 2 assays. CONCLUSION Quantification of CgA by LC-MS/MS provides an analytically sensitive and reproducible alternative to commercially available immunoassays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren M Weber
- Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
| | - Jane Y Yang
- Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
| | - Scott M Goldman
- Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
| | - Nigel J Clarke
- Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
| | - Steven W Taylor
- Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
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Albrechtsen NJW, Rehfeld JF. On premises and principles for measurement of gastrointestinal peptide hormones. Peptides 2021; 141:170545. [PMID: 33811948 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal hormones are peptides, and the gastrointestinal tract is the largest endocrine organ in the body for production of peptide hormones. As a premise for accurate measurement of gastrointestinal hormones, the present review provides first an overview over the complex biology of the hormones: The structures and structural homologies; biogenetic aspects; phenotype variabilities; and cellular expression in- and outside the digestive tract. Second, the different methodological principles for measurement are discussed: Bioassay, radioimmunoassay (RIA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and processing-independent analysis (PIA). Third, the variability of secretion patterns for some of the gut hormones is illustrated. Finally, the diagnostic value of gut hormone measurement is discussed. The review concludes that measurement of gastrointestinal peptide hormones is relevant not only for examination of digestive functions and diseases, but also for extra-intestinal functions. Moreover, it concludes that, so far, immunoassay technologies (RIA and ELISA) in modernized forms are still the most feasible for accurate measurements of gastrointestinal hormones in biological fluids. Mass-spectrometry technologies are promising, but still too insensitive and expensive.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens F Rehfeld
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Steinkraus K, Andresen JR, Clift AK, Liedke MO, Frilling A. Multifocal neuroendocrine tumour of the small bowel presenting as an incarcerated incisional hernia: a surgical challenge in a high-risk patient. J Surg Case Rep 2021; 2021:rjab219. [PMID: 34150191 PMCID: PMC8208802 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjab219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumours (NET) of the small bowel present significant clinical challenges, such as their rate of metastasis at initial presentation, common multifocality and understaging even with gold standard imaging. Here, we present a case of a high-risk surgical patient with a complex medical history initially presenting as an acute abdomen due to an incarcerated incisional hernia. He was found at emergency laparotomy to have three small NET deposits in a 30-cm segment of incarcerated ileum which was resected. Postoperative morphological and functional imaging and biochemical markers were unremarkable, but due to clinical suspicion for undetected residual tumour bulk given the non-systematic palpation of the entire small bowel at initial operation, underwent re-operation where a further 70 cm of ileum was found to harbour multiple tumour deposits (n = 25) and was resected. There was no surgical morbidity and the patient remains tumour-free at 9-month follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ashley K Clift
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Marc O Liedke
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery, Westkuestenkliniken, Heide Germany
| | - Andrea Frilling
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Effraimidis G, Knigge U, Rossing M, Oturai P, Rasmussen ÅK, Feldt-Rasmussen U. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) and neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 79:141-162. [PMID: 33905872 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are relatively rare neoplasms with 6.4-times increasing age-adjusted annual incidence during the last four decades. NENs arise from neuroendocrine cells, which release hormones in response to neuronal stimuli and they are distributed into organs and tissues. The presentation and biological behaviour of the NENs are highly heterogeneous, depending on the organ. The increased incidence is mainly due to increased awareness and improved detection methods both in the majority of sporadic NENs (non-inherited), but also the inherited groups of neoplasms appearing in at least ten genetic syndromes. The most important one is multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1), caused by mutations in the tumour suppressor gene MEN1. MEN-1 has been associated with different tumour manifestations of NENs e.g. pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, thymus and pituitary. Pancreatic NENs tend to be less aggressive when arising in the setting of MEN-1 compared to sporadic pancreatic NENs. There have been very important improvements over the past years in both genotyping, genetic counselling and family screening, introduction and validation of various relevant biomarkers, as well as newer imaging modalities. Alongside this development, both medical, surgical and radionuclide treatments have also advanced and improved morbidity, quality of life and mortality in many of these patients. Despite this progress, there is still space for improving insight into the genetic and epigenetic factors in relation to the biological mechanisms determining NENs as part of MEN-1. This review gives a comprehensive update of current evidence for co-occurrence, diagnosis and treatment of MEN-1 and neuroendocrine neoplasms and highlight the important progress now finding its way to international guidelines in order to improve the global management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigoris Effraimidis
- ENETS Neuroendocrine Tumor Centre of Excellence, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Ulrich Knigge
- ENETS Neuroendocrine Tumor Centre of Excellence, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Maria Rossing
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Peter Oturai
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Åse Krogh Rasmussen
- ENETS Neuroendocrine Tumor Centre of Excellence, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen
- ENETS Neuroendocrine Tumor Centre of Excellence, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen University, Denmark.
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8
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Goetze JP, Hilsted LM, Rehfeld JF. Chromogranin A in cardiovascular endocrinology. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 231:e13615. [PMID: 33460488 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jens P. Goetze
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Linda M. Hilsted
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Jens F. Rehfeld
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
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Rehfeld JF, Goetze JP. Processing-independent analysis (PIA): a method for quantitation of the total peptide-gene expression. Peptides 2021; 135:170427. [PMID: 33069691 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The translational product of protein-coding genes undergoes extensive posttranslational modifications. The modifications ensure an increased molecular and functional diversity at protein- and peptide-level. Prohormones are small pro-proteins that are expressed in many cell types, for instance endocrine cells, immune cells, myocytes and neurons. Here they mature to bioactive peptides (cytokines, hormones, growth factors, and neurotransmitters) that are released from the cells in an often regulated manner. The posttranslational processing of prohormones is cell-specific, however, and may vary during evolution and disease. Therefore, it is often inadequate to measure just a single peptide fragment as marker of endocrine, immune, and neuronal functions. In order to meet this challenge, we developed years back a simple "processing-independent analysis" (PIA) for accurate quantification of the total pro-protein product - irrespective of the degree and nature of the posttranslational processing. This review provides an overview of the PIA principle and describes examples of PIA results in different peptide systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens F Rehfeld
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jens P Goetze
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Limited Diagnostic Utility of Chromogranin A Measurements in Workup of Neuroendocrine Tumors. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10110881. [PMID: 33138020 PMCID: PMC7693015 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10110881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma chromogranin A (CgA) is related to tumor burden and recommended in the follow-up of patients diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The use of CgA in the workup of a suspected NET is more questionable. OBJECTIVE To assess the positive predictive value (PPV) of CgA plasma concentrations above the upper reference limit (URL) in patients with suspected NET. METHOD Patients referred to the NET Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen from 2015 to 2019 with clinically suspected NET were included if a CgA measurement was performed prior to referral. The utility of CgA was assessed by comparing pre-referral CgA concentrations to the outcome of a thorough workup. In 47 selected cases with continuously unexplained elevated CgA concentrations, a processing-independent analysis (PIA) for CgA was performed. RESULTS A total of 197 patients were included. NET was ultimately diagnosed in 25 patients. CgA plasma concentrations were above the URL (elevated) in 19/25 patients diagnosed with NET. In total, 167/197 had elevated CgA concentrations at referral. The positive predictive value (PPV) of elevated CgA concentration was 11% (19/167). Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment was identified as the possible cause of CgA elevation in 55/148 patients with falsely elevated CgA. CgA concentration was normal in 28/47 patients when using PIA. CONCLUSION Our data do not support using measurement of CgA for screening when NET is suspected since the PPV was rather low. PPI treatment is a common cause of increased CgA concentrations and should always be discontinued before CgA measurement. PIA of CgA could be a way of excluding NET when suspicion is based primarily on elevated CgA.
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