[Joint manifestations of carcinoid tumors of the digestive system]

The joint manifestations of carcinoid tumours become integrated into the carcinoid syndrome, the totality of the symptoms occurring at a distance from the tumour and linked to the metabolites secreted by the tumour. These arthropathies have been the subject of only a very limited number of publications. They consist of arthralgia, sometimes with swelling, predominantly in the extremities of the upper limbs, and linked to activity. The radiological picture includes a "band" of demineralization, and less frequently destructive joint lesions. The sedimentation rate is always increased. These arthropathies can be related to their origin only by knowledge of, and demonstration of, the other elements of the carcinoid syndrome and of the tumoro-metastic syndrome. Laboratory diagnosis rests on determination of the 5-hydroxyl derivatives of tryptophane.