Carcinoid syndrome

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

Clinical Presentation

• 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