Carcinoid in a rectal duplication: a unique pediatric surgical problem

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Carcinoid tumors are neuroendocrine neoplasms that can arise in various organs.
• Appendiceal carcinoids are the most common childhood carcinoid tumors, but rectal carcinoids are exceedingly rare in pediatric populations.
• Rectal duplication anomalies are congenital malformations that can be associated with other gastrointestinal pathologies.

Observation:

• A pediatric patient presented with a rectal duplication anomaly.
• An incidental finding within the rectal duplication was identified as a carcinoid tumor.
• This represents the first reported case of a rectal carcinoid in a child.

Findings:

• The carcinoid tumor was located within the rectal duplication.
• The patient underwent successful local resection of the rectal duplication containing the carcinoid.
• Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of rectal carcinoid.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of thorough histopathological examination of rectal duplications.
• The management principles for intestinal carcinoids, including rectal carcinoids, support local resection for localized disease.
• Successful surgical management suggests a favorable prognosis for pediatric rectal carcinoids when treated promptly.