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[Gastric neuroendocrine tumor]
C L Díaz-Sánchez1, R A Molano Romero, M Martínez González
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, México, D.F.
Revista De Gastroenterologia De Mexico
|March 9, 1999
Summary
Gastric carcinoid tumors, linked to hypergastrinemia and atrophic gastritis, can occur in younger individuals. A case highlights a 51-year-old woman with elevated gastrin levels and a neuroendocrine tumor.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Gastric carcinoid tumors originate from enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells.
- They constitute a significant portion of neuroendocrine tumors and gastric malignancies.
- These tumors are typically associated with hypergastrinemia, often seen in atrophic gastritis and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and are more prevalent in older men.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old Hispanic female presented with a 3-month history of abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation.
- Initial treatment with ranitidine and metoclopramide was ineffective.
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed atrophic gastritis and gastric polyps.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed a neuroendocrine gastric tumor with positive serotonin and gastrin staining.
- Hormonal screening revealed elevated serum gastrin levels (500 pg/mL) but normal levels of other tested hormones.
- Octreotide scintigraphy indicated no evidence of metastasis.
Implications:
- This case underscores that gastric carcinoid tumors can manifest in younger patients, contrary to typical demographics.
- It highlights the importance of investigating persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, even in non-elderly individuals.
- Elevated gastrin levels in conjunction with gastric pathology warrant thorough evaluation for neuroendocrine tumors.