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Ovarian carcinoid and pregnancy. A case report
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|August 1, 1986
Summary
A rare ovarian carcinoid tumor was found during pregnancy. Despite normal urine tests for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), blood serotonin was high, indicating a need for careful monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Primary pure ovarian carcinoid tumors are rare.
- Carcinoid tumors can present unique diagnostic challenges during pregnancy.
- Serotonin and its metabolites are key biomarkers for carcinoid tumors.
Observation:
- The first documented case of a primary pure ovarian carcinoid tumor diagnosed during pregnancy is reported.
- The patient presented with an ovarian mass.
- Elevated whole blood serotonin levels were detected.
Findings:
- Urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) assays were negative, despite elevated whole blood serotonin.
- This discrepancy highlights potential limitations of standard urinary markers in specific clinical scenarios.
- Histopathological confirmation of a primary pure ovarian carcinoid was established.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare gynecologic malignancies in pregnant patients.
- Serial monitoring of both whole blood serotonin and urinary 5-HIAA is crucial for accurate diagnosis and follow-up.
- Careful surgical staging and continued biochemical surveillance are recommended to detect recurrent or metastatic disease.