Endoscopy 2011; 43 - A166
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1292237

Endoscopic and ultrasonic endoscopic features of gastrointestinal carcinoid

Qingxiang Yu 1, Yixiang Chang 1, Bangmao Wang 1, Wentian Liu 1
  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 300052, China

Aim:

Carcinoid tumors are slow-growing and usually become symptomatic late in the course of the disease. We evaluated our experience in the management of GI carcinoid tumors to investigate the endoscopic and ultrasonic endoscopic features of GI carcinoid.

Methods:

The records of 26 patients with GI carcinoids who had underwent endoscopic examination and endoscopic treatment from 2001 to 2010 were reviewed. The endoscopic and ultrasonic endoscopic features were analyzed.

Results:

Of the 26 patients, thirteen were males (50%) and 13 were females (50%), with a mean age of 55 years (interval: 31–82). 13 lesions located in anterior gastric antrum, and another 13 lesions located in rectum within 10cm to anus. Under the endoscope, carcinoid presented submucosa tumor with 0.2–3cm in diameter, and yellow or white smooth surface or ulcerative surface.

The ultrasonic endoscopic feature of the GI carcinoid was orbicular-ovate low level echo tumor with punctiform slightly high-level echo and an unsharpness edge.

The endoscopic and ultrasonic endoscopic features of GI carcinoid may be confused with stromal tumors or polyps.

Case 1

A 31-year-old female, diarrhea for one month.

Colonoscopy: a subepithelial tumor about 0.6*0.8cm with wide basement located in the rectum about 5cm from anus.

EUS: the tumor with low echo originated from muscularis mucosa, about 0.4 * 0.8cm.

Endoscopic Diagnosis: Rectal stromal tumors?

Histologic diagnosis after ESD: rectal carcinoid.

Case 2

A 32-year-old female, discomfort of upper gastric region for tow months.

Endoscopy: a subepithelial tumor about 2.5*2cm located in the anterior wall of antrum.

EUS: the tumor with low echo originated from muscularis propria, about 2.4 * 1.6cm.

Endoscopic Diagnosis: gastric stromal tumors?

Histologic diagnosis after ESD: gastric carcinoid

Conclusion:

EUS imaging had a low accuracy rate in the diagnosis of gastric carcinoid, and endoscopic submucosal resection should be performed to provide a histologic diagnosis.