Embolization of the liver in the management of metastatic carcinoid tumors

Abstract

Eight patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors and the carcinoid syndrome were treated with gelatin foam embolization of the hepatic arterial tree. The aims were to reduce the tumor mass in the liver and to eliminate the carcinoid syndrome. The effects of the treatment were judged from arteriograms, CT scans, and the levels of serotonin in blood and 5-HIAA in urine, as well as from the clinical symptoms. The mean follow-up time was 12.5 months. In all patients the liver tumor mass was reduced after embolization, and this reduction persisted for at least 6 months in seven patients. After treatment, reduced serotonin levels in blood were measured in four patients and reduced 5-HIAA levels in urine in seven patients. In five patients the carcinoid syndrome disappeared after embolization, but after 6 months two of these five patients had regained symptoms. Adverse reactions were minor consisting of a slight fever, reversibly increased serum levels of liver enzymes, and abdominal pain. In our experience, the hepatic embolization is a simple and safe method of giving relief from the carcinoid syndrome.