Tryptophan in the treatment of carcinoid crisis

A 56-year-old woman was admitted with carcinoid crisis and became comatose. Blood tryptophan at this stage was 5 micrograms/ml; after treatment with 3.4 g tryptophan daily her level of consciousness improved and blood tryptophan increased to 10 micrograms/ml. The carcinoid syndrome was not exacerbated by tryptophan. Tryptophan may have a supportive role in the management of carcinoid crisis.