Primary hepatic carcinoid with production of gastrin: a case report

A case of small primary hepatic carcinoid is reported. The tumor was solid, and lower in echogenicity than the hepatic parenchyma on ultrasonography. It was homogeneously stained on enhanced computed tomography, and showed tumor blush without malignant neovascularity on hepatic arteriography. The tumor removed was 2.0 cm in diameter with histological characteristics of foregut carcinoid, and many of the tumor cells were positive for gastrin. The tumor was not entirely encapsulated and protruded into the portal vein, suggesting its invasive and metastatic potency.