[Clinico-anatomical comparisons in duodenal carcinoid tumors]

A clinical and anatomic analysis was made of duodenal carcinoid tumors in 5 male patients (mean age 43.2 years). The tumors were present in the areas of the major duodenal papilla (in 3 cases), those of the bulb (1) and horizontal part of the duodenum (1). They were multiple in 2 cases. Clinically, signs of gastrin activity, i. e. recurring ulcers in various segments of the gastrointestinal tract (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome), were most common. Other changes included impairments in the biliary tract and liver. The causes of death were hepatic and renal insufficiencies (2 cases), thrombohemorrhagic events (2). In the closed glands, nesidioblastosis and thyroid C cell hyperplasia were detected, one case having type I multiple endocrinal neoplasia (adrenal corticosteroma, pancreatic apudoma). In three cases, the metastases invaded into the liver and lymph nodes. Direct correlation was not established between the tumor sizes, metastases and hormonal activity signs. All the tumors had not been recognized in the patients' life. The paper discusses if it is possible to make life-time diagnosis.