Flushing in a Young Woman: Skin Manifestation of Carcinoid Syndrome / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Carcinoid tumors are derived from enterochromaffin cells that are capable of producing a wide range of neuroendocrine mediators including serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine. Carcinoid syndrome occurs when mediators produced by the tumor and normally metabolized by the liver escape into the systemic circulation. The syndrome classically involves the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, cardiovascular system and the skin. Flushing is almost universal in the syndrome. A 23-year-old woman came to our hospital presenting with flushing on face and trunk. The patient had experienced flushing for 2 years and it was aggravated by emotional change, stress, exercise, and eating spicy food. The patient also had abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and hepatomegaly. Urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid was elevated (81.5 mg/day). Abdominal computed tomography scans showed multiple hepatic masses diagnosed as a carcinoid tumor by computed tomography-guided needle biopsy. Physicians should consider carcinoid syndrome when patients present with flushing and systemic symptoms.