Carcinoid syndrome

From IDWiki

Definition

  • Syndrome caused by GI-related neuroendocrine tumours

Pathophysiology

  • Primarily increased generation and release of seotonin by the neuroendocrine tumour cells, but can involve histamines, tachykinins, kallirein, and prostaglandins

Differential Diagnosis

Clinical Manifestations

  • Most common symptom is episodic flushing (85%)
    • 30 seconds to 30 minutes
    • Face, neck, and upper chst, mild burning sensation
    • Sometimes provoked by eating, drinking alcohol, pooping, emotional stress, liver palpation, and anaesthesia
  • Diarrhea also common (80%)
    • Secretory diarrhea
    • A few to 30 watery, nonbloody stools daily
    • Sometimes cramping
  • Wheezing and dyspnea from bronchospasm (10-20%)
  • Venous telangiectasia appear late