Title: Intestinal obstruction revealing the primary site of a carcinoid tumor
Authors: Oussama Othmane Lakhlifi, Ahmed Oubihi, Omar Marghich, Hicham El Bouhaddouti, Ouadii Mouaqit, El Bachir Benjelloun, Khalid Ait Taleb, Abdesslam Bouassria
Volume: 8
Issue: 8
Pages: 153-156
Publication Date: 2024/08/28
Abstract:
Carcinoid tumors are well-differentiated endocrine tumors, constituting a small percentage of gastrointestinal tumors, which are mostly asymptomatic. These tumors are occasionally discovered unexpectedly during surgery or, more rarely, revealed by clinical carcinoid syndrome. Small bowel carcinoid tumors are difficult to diagnose and can go unnoticed during standard examinations. Curative surgery remains the "gold standard" for managing small bowel neuroendocrine tumors, and early diagnosis is crucial. This study, based on a recent case and literature review, highlights the diagnostic challenges of primary small bowel neuroendocrine tumors. It reports the case of a 42-year-old patient being monitored for carcinoid syndrome (chronic diarrhea, flushing syndrome, heart disease affecting the right-sided heart valves). Neither endoscopy nor CT scan could isolate the primary tumor. The diagnosis of the primary small bowel tumor was only established through emergency laparotomy performed to address intestinal occlusion.