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year 3: endocrinology > carcinoid syndrome > Flashcards

Flashcards in carcinoid syndrome Deck (6)
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1
Q

define carcinoid syndrome?

A

constellation of symptoms caused by systemic release of humoral factors from carcinoid tumours

2
Q

what is the aetiology of carcinoid syndrome?

A
  • they are slow growing tumours
  • mostly derived from serotonin-producing enterochromaffin cells
  • mostly start in the small bowel or the lungs
  • only become symptomatic when it spreads to the liver as then the serotonin cant be broken down
3
Q

epidemiology of carcinoid syndrome?

A
  • rare

- 10% of patients with MEN-1 have carcinoid tumours

4
Q

what are the presenting symptoms of carcinoid syndrome?

A
  • Paroxysmal FLUSHING
  • Diarrhoea
  • Crampy abdominal pain
5
Q

what are signs of a carcinoid crisis?

A

o Profound flushing
o Bronchospasm
o Tachycardia
o hypotension

6
Q

what are the best investigations for carcinoid syndrome?

A

o Check for raised 5-HIAA levels (metabolite of serotonin)

o Plasma chromogranin A and B