[Carcinoid syndrome due to bronchial adenoma. Observation of a case]

Abstract

A brief account of certain histopathological and clinical features of bronchial carcinoids is followed by the description of a case of bronchial adenoma marked by the absence of detectable histochemical argentaffinity, the presence of a carcinoid syndrome, and elevated blood 5-HT and urinary 5-HIIA. Attention is drawn to the existence of the syndrome, which is usually absent in biogenic-amine-secreting adenomas of the bronchi, and an explanation for the picture is sought. The conclusion is drawn that 5-HT and 5-HIIA determinations are advisable in all cases of bronchial adenoma, since it is obvious that early diagnosis of a carcinoid syndrome will have repercussions at the therapeutic level.