Related Experiment Video For Carcinoid Syndrome
Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Cell Lines as a Three-Dimensional Model for the Study of Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Therapy
Published on: August 14, 2012
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Somatostatin Receptor Scintigraphy Unveil an Occult Neuroendocrine Tumor With
Tairyu Sato1, Akira Nishio1, Tadashi Kegasawa1
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Japan Community Healthcare Organization, Osaka Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
A 68-year-old man with postprandial flushing and palpitations was referred for multiple hepatic lesions. Computed tomography showed hypoattenuating metastases without a detectable primary, whereas contrast-enhanced ultrasound revealed arterial hyperenhancement and Kupffer-phase defects, indicating hypervascularity typical of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid elevation, together with liver biopsy findings, confirmed a well-differentiated NET (grade 2), presenting with carcinoid syndrome. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy demonstrated diffuse hepatic uptake and a mesenteric focus, suggesting a small intestine origin. Lanreotide was initiated, achieving partial symptom improvement and radiologic stability. This case highlights contrast-enhanced ultrasound for demonstrating hypervascularity and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy for localizing an occult origin in NET.
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