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| Fig. 35.9 Carcinoid syndrome. Patient with long history of flushing and development of persistent telangiectasias of the face. (Courtesy of the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center teaching files.) |
Carcinoid syndrome is a systemic manifestation of neuroendocrine carcinoid tumors that manifest most commonly by flushing that progresses to persistent telangiectasia (Fig. 35-9) and diarrhea. Less common findings include bronchospasm, cardiac valvular dysfunction, and pellagra-like skin changes (photodistributed dermatitis). It is estimated that 10% of patients with carcinoid tumors will develop this syndrome. Development of this syndrome has prognostic significance, as liver metastases underlie most cases, and thus it signifies metastatic, unresectable disease.
