Bronchial carcinoid misdiagnosed as COVID pneumonia: a case report.

Bronchial carcinoid tumours are rare, slow-growing, malignant, Low-grade neuroendocrine tumours that arise from Enterochromaffin (Kulchitsky) cells and are usually detected typically as indolent and solitary tumours. Approximately 2% of all lung tumours are bronchial carcinoid tumours. Case presentation: The authors report a case of 55-years-old man who presented with a history of cough for 1 month and was initially diagnosed with a case of COVID-19. Then he was treated as a case of pneumonia as seen on high-resolution computed tomography. Later, contrast-enhanced computed tomography and bronchoscopy-guided biopsy were done which revealed a right lower lobe neuroendocrine tumour (carcinoid), which was successfully resected. Clinical discussion: The majority of typical carcinoids are located in the central airways leading to bronchial obstruction with recurrent pneumonia, chest pain, and wheezing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, lung cancer patients were at higher risk of being affected by COVID-19. This study emphasizes that early identification and differential diagnosis are extremely difficult in the absence of comprehensive study and workup as the clinical and imaging findings of COVID-19 may resemble lung cancer. Although hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes are the most common metastatic sites for typical carcinoids, most lymphadenopathies are caused by a reactive inflammatory reaction. Conclusion: Bronchial carcinoids are uncommon, malignant neuroendocrine tumours for which the only curative management is complete surgical resection. With full resection, the result of typical carcinoids with lymph node metastases is favourable.

Late Recurrence of a Rare Middle Ear Neuroendocrine Tumor With an Intracranial Extension to the Temporal Fossa: A Case Report.

We report a clinical case of an extremely rare neuroendocrine tumor of the right middle ear (MeNET) that recurred after 13 years with a local extension into the right temporal fossa. In the current medical literature, there are approximately 150 cases of MeNETs and even fewer cases with more than 10 years of follow-up, recurrence, and intracranial tumor progression. Therefore, we believe that this paper can make an important contribution to the existing and future knowledge about this disease. The purpose of this article is to present our experience in treating such a rare neoplasm in a 35-year-old woman. The patient initially complained of worsening hearing in her right ear over the past year. The final diagnosis was made based on the findings of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of excisional biopsies of the original and recurrent tumors. The primary tumor masses were removed with clear resection margins, and the ossicular chain was reconstructed. The patient has been monitored clinically and radiologically with temporal bone CTs every year and MRIs three times in general since then. A postoperative audiogram showed remaining mixed hearing loss in the right ear that eventually worsened as the tumor grew. Tumor recurrence and progression after 156 months (13 years) were seen on CT and MRI, requiring further treatment. After resection of the recurrent tumor, paresis of the right facial nerve developed, which was treated with dexamethasone. The surgical treatment caused the initial symptoms to disappear, but the facial nerve paresis persisted with mild functional improvement. The patient is not receiving adjuvant radiotherapy and is being monitored closely because the tumor may recur in the future.

EBUS audit: assessing the diagnostic performance of the service at UHL

Introduction: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an important diagnostic procedure in the lung cancer pathway. False-negative or inadequate sampling can lead to inaccurate staging or delay in diagnosis. This study was conducted to assess the performance of the Cancer EBUS service at a tertiary hospital. Method(s): We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA for suspected cancer between 1st June 2021 to 31st May 2022. Request forms, CT reports, EBUS reports and pathology reports were reviewed for analysis. Result(s): 205 EBUS-TBNA procedures were performed. All patients had an appropriate staging CT prior to procedure. The mean time to test was 10.5 days (7.4). 77 (38%) had tests within 7 days of request. 293 lymph nodes and 10 mass lesions were sampled. The mean time to pathological results being received was 2.9 days (1.8). Final histology showed 39 (19%) cases of lung adenocarcinomas, 3 (1%) lung non-small cell carcinomas, 25 (12%) lung squamous cell carcinomas, 25 (12%) small cell cancers, 4 (2%) lung NOS, 3 (1%) pulmonary carcinoid, 2 (1%) lymphoma, 12 (6%) other cancers, 12 granulomata and 1 thyroid tissue (6%). 43 (21%) cases showed lymphoid tissue and 28 (14%) were reported as inadequate. No samples were taken in 8 cases (4%). Adequate tissue for predictive marker testing was available in 93% (66) of cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Complications were encountered in 9 cases (4%). Only 3 cases (1.5%) required any form of intervention. [Figure presented] Conclusion(s): Our data provides assurance of safety while also highlighting specific areas for attention regarding performance and time to test that can be addressed and our sensitivity was comparable to national standards. The increased waiting times may be partly related to COVID-19 precautions and will require reauditing at a later date. Disclosure: No significant relationships.Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V.

On paraneoplastic cushing in prostatic neuro-endocrine carcinoma: A case report

Background: Cushing syndrome associated with neuro-endocrine carcinoma of prostate is a rare and difficult diagnosis cause of paraneoplastic syndrome. This is partly due to the rarity of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (less than 1% of prostate cancers) and that the extra-pulmonary location of neuroendocrine tumours is less known. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis. Case presentation: A 58-year-old man was admitted for sudden muscle weakness in the context of an infection with Sars-cov2. The systematic history did not highlight any other complaint. His physical examination revealed swollen legs with godet sign and symmetrical proximal strength deficit. The rest of the clinical examination was unremarkable. The patient is known for a total radical prostatectomy in the context of a neuro-endocrine carcinoma with small cells of the prostate with multiple metastasis. His chronic treatment consisted of alizapride, metoclopramide and lormetazepam. Initial blood testing revealed an anemia with lymphopenia and eosinopenia, hypokaliemia (2.3 mmol/l), hypo-proteinemia, high level of LDH. CRP and creatinine were within standards. In the light of his muscle weakness, severe hypokaliemia refractory to IV KCl high dose and oncological history, a cushing syndrome was suspected. Which was confirmed with cortisoluria (31,272.1 nmol/24 h) and a high level of serum ACTH (582 pg/ml). An ACTH adenoma was reasonably excluded by a pituitary-MRI. With all of these elements, we conclude at a paraneoplasic cushing syndrome arising of a recidivism of his prostatic neuro-endocrine carcinoma. Discussion(s): In a neoplasic contexte with none pituitary adenoma, the ACTH-dependent cushing syndrome is due to an ectopic secretion of ACTH (rarely CRH) in a context of paraneoplasic syndrome. Patients with suggestive signs or symptoms should alert us as complications of cushing syndrome are fatal by an increased cardiovascular risk, a prothrombophilic state, suicidal ideation and immunosupression. In our patient's case, the clinic was poor because of the rapidity with which the pathology sets in, and the blood test was the most evocative. It can also be the point of call for the fortuitous discovery of a neoplasia of the neuro-endocrine or carcinoid type. We rely on cortisoluria or the short dexamethasone test and the ACTH to suspect the diagnosis. If there is any doubt about the neoplastic origin or in the absence of a history, an octreotide scan can be performed to locate the ectopic secretion of ACTH. Cancer treatment remains the main therapy. With regard to the actual treatment of the cushing syndrome, there is debate. We can inhibit steroid production (ketoconazole, metyrapone, etomidate, ...) or make bilateral adrenalectomy (surgery, mitotane). Conclusion(s): The paraneoplastic cushing syndrome may be difficult in early state with just some aspecific abnomalies at the blood testing. In our case, the patient initially had only hypokalemia associated with proximal muscle weakness. We must keep in mind that Cushing's syndrome is a fatal disease. Increased cardiovascular risk, hypertension and prothrombotic state are the major causes of death associated with cushing syndrome. Hypoproteinemia leading to a decrease in immune defences leads to severe infections and even septic shock.

Preliminary experience with a new institutional tumor board dedicated to patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms.

PURPOSE: To determine the decision patterns of a neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) tumor board (TB) and the factors behind those. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all NEN-TB recommendations from 07/2018 to 12/2021 and recorded patient characteristics, TB outcomes and associations between them. RESULTS: A total of 652 patient entries were identified. Median age of participants was 61 years and an equal number of men and women were presented. Most patients (33.4%) had tumors originating in the small bowel with 16.8% of high grade and 25.9% of pancreatic origin. Imaging was reviewed 97.2% of the time, with most frequently reviewed modalities being PET (55.3%) and CT (44.3%). Imaging review determined that there was no disease progression 20.8% of the time and significant treatment changes were recommended in 36.1% of patients. Major pathology amendments occurred in 3.7% of cases and a clinical trial was identified in 2.6%. There was no association between patient or disease presentation with the tumor board outcomes. There was a slight decrease in number of patients discussed per session, from 10.0 to 8.2 (p < 0.001) when the TB transitioned to a virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic but all other factors remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: NEN-TB relies heavily on image review, can impact significant treatment changes in patients with rare tumors like NENs, and was not affected by the switch to a virtual format. Finally, none of the examined factors were predictive of the tumor board recommendations.

Diagnostic Yield Vs Diagnostic Accuracy for Lung Nodule Biopsy Evaluation: Evidence Supporting a Pragmatic End Point for Future Studies

SESSION TITLE: Lung Nodule Biopsy: Yield and Accuracy SESSION TYPE: Original Investigations PRESENTED ON: 10/16/2022 10:30 am - 11:30 am PURPOSE: A variety of endpoints have been used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of navigational bronchoscopy for sampling peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs), including diagnostic yield (rate of biopsies with a specific diagnosis that facilitates clinical decisions) and diagnostic accuracy (yield plus a follow-up to assess for false negative/positive initial results). There is also significant variation in what non-malignant findings are considered diagnostic, especially regarding nonspecific inflammatory changes. We hypothesized a diagnostic yield definition excluding nonspecific findings as diagnostic would lead to few false negative PPL biopsies. METHOD(S): Our center maintains a prospective cohort of consecutive PPLs targeted via navigational bronchoscopy. Diagnostic yield was defined as specific findings readily explaining the presence of a PPL (malignancy, organizing pneumonia, granulomatous inflammation, frank purulence, other specific finding) permitting management without immediate additional diagnostic intervention. "Other specific finding" required pulmonologist and lung pathologist agreement. All other findings were considered non-diagnostic. RESULT(S): A total of 450 PPLs biopsied 2017-2019 with complete two-year follow-up were included in the analysis. Ultimately, 274 of 450 (60.9%) PPLs were determined to be malignant. Diagnostic biopsies were obtained in 331 cases (73.6%). There was a single false-positive among 228 malignant biopsies (0.4%, carcinoid tumor on cytopathology, alveolar adenoma on resection surgical pathology). Among 223 PPLs without malignant diagnosis at initial bronchoscopy, 48 were later determined to be malignant. Most (n=39) exhibited nonspecific abnormalities on initial pathology. Two of 104 specific benign biopsies were false negative (1.9%). Both demonstrated organizing pneumonia on initial pathology but re-biopsy months after index bronchoscopy revealed Hodgkin's lymphoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of specific benign findings for an ultimately benign nodule were 58% (95% CI, 51-66%), 95% (86-99%), and 90% (70-97%). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of nonspecific benign findings for an ultimately benign PPL diagnosis were 32% (95% CI, 25-39%), 19% (9-33%), and 20% (16-24%). CONCLUSION(S): A definition of diagnostic yield excluding nonspecific benign findings had low false positive/negative rates. If bronchoscopy is not diagnostic of malignancy, a specific benign finding was highly predictive of an ultimately benign PPL, while nonspecific findings poorly predicted benignity. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This definition of diagnostic yield could be used as the primary outcome in future studies, permitting distribution of reliable diagnostic results without requiring years of follow-up. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Joyce Johnson No relevant relationships by Robert Lentz No relevant relationships by Kaele Leonard No relevant relationships by See-Wei Low PI ofan investigator-initiated study relationship with Medtronic Please note: >$100000 by Fabien Maldonado, value=Grant/Research Support PI on investigator-initiated relationship with Erbe Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Fabien Maldonado, value=Grant/Research Support Consulting relationship with Medtronic Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Fabien Maldonado, value=Honoraria co-I industry-sponsored trial relationship with Lung Therapeutics Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Fabien Maldonado, value=Grant/Research Support Board of director member relationship with AABIP Please note: $1-$1000 by Fabien Maldonado, value=Travel Consultant relationship with Medtronic/Covidien Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Otis Rickman, value=Consulting fee No relevant relationships by Briana Swanner Copyright © 2022 American College of Chest Physicians

Symptomatic Renal Infarct Secondary to COVID-19 Infection and Concomitantly Positive Antiphospholipid Antibody

COVID-19 infection predisposes patients to a hypercoagulable state. The clinical significance of concomitantly positive antiphospholipid antibodies as a risk factor for thrombus formation is unknown. We report a case of renal infarct secondary to COVID-19 infection with mildly elevated antiphospholipid antibodies. A 71-year- old woman with a history of hypertension, supraventricular tachycardia, resected carcinoid tumor in remission, COVID-19 infection (20 days prior), presented to the hospital with acute onset severe left lower quadrant pain radiating to the left flank for one day. She reported a fever of 101 F. Vital signs were normal in the emergency room. Physical exam showed left costovertebral angle tenderness, otherwise benign abdomen with no guarding or rigidity. Laboratory findings showed normal liver function tests, mildly elevated creatinine at 1.1 mg/dl (baseline 0.8 mg/dl), and leukocytosis (14.2 K/ul). Urinalysis showed no evidence of proteinuria or microscopic hematuria. CT scan of the abdomen demonstrated a large area of patchy hypoattenuation involving the upper pole and interpolar region of the left kidney with adjacent perinephric inflammation representing a sequela of an infarct. Hypercoagulable workup including HIV, hepatitis, ANA, ANCA, complements, B2 glycoprotein, homocysteine, factor V Leiden, anti-thrombin III, protein C, protein S were done. All tests resulted negative except for mildly elevated anticardiolipin antibody, IgM 12.90 MPL (normal 0.00-12.49 MPL). Holter monitor was negative for atrial fibrillation. An echocardiogram did not show any thrombus. Considering her negative tests, renal infarct was believed to be secondary to a hypercoagulable state from COVID-19 infection. Antiphospholipid antibodies repeated 3 months after this admission were mildly elevated. Renal infarction was treated with a heparin infusion and was subsequently transitioned to apixaban. Acute kidney injury resolved with intravenous fluid resuscitation. At a 3-month follow-up, her renal function remained stable with a resolution of symptoms. Renal artery infarct is a possible thrombotic complication of COVID -19. Role of lupus anticoagulant antibodies in increasing this risk warrants further studies.

Bronchial Carcinoid Tumor in an Adolescent Female: Diagnosis and Management by a Multi-Disciplinary Team.

Bronchial carcinoid is the most common primary malignant lung tumor in children; however, it remains a very rare diagnosis due to the overall low incidence of childhood lung malignancies. We report a case of a 17-year-old girl with respiratory symptoms who was initially misdiagnosed as a case of COVID pneumonia. She was later detected to have a right mainstem bronchial carcinoid which was managed successfully by a multi-disciplinary team.

Ectopic ACTH by Carcinoid Tumor Mimicking Nelson Syndrome in a Patient with Bilateral Adrenalectomy

Introduction: Nelson syndrome has been reported in up to 25% of adults after bilateral adrenalectomy (BLA) for Cushing’s disease (CD). It usually manifests as an expanding pituitary mass, rising adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) hormone levels and, in many patients, the development of hyperpigmentation. We review the clinical course of a patient with rising ACTH levels after BLA for presumed CD. Although the diagnosis of Nelson syndrome was considered, he was found 9 years after BLA to have an ectopic ACTH secreting bronchial carcinoid tumor as a cause for the elevated ACTH levels. Case Description: A 35 year old male was evaluated at another institution in 2010 after he presented with weight gain, new onset hypertension, muscle weakness with multiple falls, depression, irritability and emotional lability. He was diagnosed with CD and was referred to a university center where he underwent trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery in May 2011. An adenoma was seen on frozen section but not on the final pathology. He developed transient symptoms of adrenal insufficiency on the second post-operative day. Because of persistent hypercortisolism he underwent BLA in November 2011. We started following him in 2012 and signs of hypercortisolism gradually resolved. He appeared euadrenal on hydrocortisone 10 mg am, 5 mg 12 noon and 5 mg 6 pm and fludrocortisone 0.05 mg daily. ACTH levels increased from 54 pg/ml (6-50) in 2012 to 1024 pg/ml in 2019. He had no hyperpigmentation and MRI of the pituitary from 2014-20 did not show a pituitary mass. During an evaluation for COVID-19 infection in May 2020, a chest x ray revealed a right lower lobe lung mass measuring 3.3 x 2.0 cm. He underwent right lower lobe lung lobectomy in July 2020 and pathology revealed a carcinoid tumor-spindle cell pattern which stained strongly positive for ACTH and weakly positive for chromogranin. ACTH levels after the surgery decreased to 16.3 pg/ml. Discussion: Some authors have suggested that Nelson syndrome be considered in patients with BLA who have one of the following: an expanding pituitary mass or ACTH levels >500 p/ml at 3 different time points after surgery. This case highlights the need to consider ectopic ACTH syndrome as another cause for rising ACTH levels after BLA for CD especially in those patients who are not found to have a discreet adenoma after pituitary surgery.

ON THE CUSP-ID OF VALVULAR DISEASE: CARCINOID'S UNEXPECTED ROLE

Background: Primary causes of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) account for 8-10% of cases, whereas secondary causes account for >90%. Given this disparity, there is paucity of data to help guide treatment. Case: A 55-year-old man presented with DOE, fatigue, and diarrhea. He initially presented to urgent care to be tested for COVID-19, however, was found to have a pulsatile neck and was sent to the emergency department. Further history significant for lethargy, bilateral lower extremity swelling, and PND. On presentation, he was normotensive and tachycardic to 110 bpm. Pertinent physical exam findings included facial erythema, severe jugular venous distention with prominent C-V waves, a holosystolic murmur without radiation, and 2+ lower extremity pitting edema. Pertinent laboratory studies include NT-Pro-BNP of 802 pg/mL (reference range, 15 - 125 pg/mL). Infectious workup was positive for SARS-CoV-2. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) demonstrated preserved ejection fraction of 55-60%, dilation of the right atrium and ventricle with normal function, and a small pericardial effusion. Evaluation of the tricuspid valve showed wide-open regurgitation with thickened and restricted leaflets. Decision-making: Given concern for carcinoid valvular disease, oncologic workup was performed that revealed a serum serotonin of 1493 ng/mL (reference range, 21-321 ng/mL), 24-hour urine serotonin of >300 mg/24 hr (reference range, 0.0-14.9 mg/24 hr), and chromogranin A of 806.7 ng/mL (reference range, 0.0-101.8 ng/mL). PET/CT demonstrated Dotatate uptake within the liver and mesenteric lymph nodes. Percutaneous liver biopsy confirmed metastatic well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor, grade 1. He was started on octreotide and furosemide for symptomatic management. Currently, he is pending endoscopic tricuspid valve replacement which will be guided by decreased tumor progression. Conclusion: Carcinoid heart disease, while rare, represents an important etiology of valvular dysfunction. Despite a well-recognized clinical entity, establishing a diagnosis and making an individualized treatment plan remains a significant challenge utilizing several subspecialties.

[Clinical and laboratory characteristics and results of treatment of patients with ACTH-producing neuroendocrine tumors of various localization].

AIM: To study the clinical, biochemical characteristics, treatment results and follow-up of patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome EAS (ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational, single-center study of 130 patients with EAS. Demographic information of patients, medical history, results of laboratory and instrumental investigations at the pre- and postoperative stages and follow-up of EAS were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age at the diagnosis ranged from 12 to 74 years (Me 40 years [28; 54]). The duration of the disease from the onset of symptoms to the verification of the diagnosis varied from 2 to 168 months (Me 17.5 months [7; 46]). Eighty-one (62,3%) patients had bronchopulmonary NET, 9 thymic carcinoid, 7 pancreatic NET, 5 pheochromocytoma, 1 cecum NET, 1 appendix carcinoid tumor, 1 medullary thyroid cancer and 25 (19.2%) had an occult source of ACTH. The median follow-up period of patients was 27 months [9.75; 61.0] with a maximum follow-up of 372 months. Currently, primary tumor was removed in 82 (63.1%) patients, bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in 23 (18%) patients, in 16 of them there was an occult source of ACTH-producing NET and in 7 patients in order to control hypercortisolism after non-successful surgical treatment. Regional and distant metastases were revealed in 25 (19.2%) patients. At the time of the last observation 59 (72%) patients were exhibited a full recovery, 12 (14.6%) had relapse of the disease and 26 (20%) died from multiple organ failure (n=18), pulmonary embolism (n=4), surgical complications (n=2), disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome (n=1) or COVID-19 (n=1). CONCLUSION: In our cohort of patients bronchopulmonary NET are the most frequent cause of EAS (62.3%). Surgical treatment leads to remission of hypercortisolism in 72% cases; the proportion of relapse (14.6%) and fatal outcome (20%) remains frequent in EAS.

The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with neuroendocrine tumors: Between resilience and vulnerability.

The COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of complexity to the fears of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Little is known regarding the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on patients with gastroenteropancreatic or bronchopulmonary (BP) NETs. We longitudinally surveyed the mental symptoms and concerns of NET patients during the plateau phase of the first (W1) and second epidemic waves (W2) in Italy. Seven specific constructs (depression, anxiety, stress, health-related quality of life, NET-related quality of life, patient-physician relationship, psychological distress) were investigated using validated screening instruments, including DASS-21, EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ GI.NET21, PDRQ9 and IES-R. We enrolled 197 patients (98 males) with a median age of 62 years. The majority of the patients had G1/G2 neoplasms. Some 38% of the patients were on active treatment. At W1, the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 32%, 36% and 26% respectively. The frequency of depression and anxiety increased to 38% and 41% at W2, whereas no modifications were recorded in the frequency of stress. Poor educational status was associated with higher levels of anxiety at both W1 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.33 ± 0.22; p = .07) and W2 (OR = 1.45 ± 0.26; p = .03). Notably, post-traumatic stress symptoms were observed in the 58% of the patients, and both single marital status (OR = 0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06-0.48; p = .0009) and low levels of formal education (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.23-0.99; p = .05) predicted their occurrence. No significant deteriorations of health-related quality of life domains were observed from W1 to W2. High patient care satisfaction was documented despite the changes in health systems resource allocation. NET patients have an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress symptoms as result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific screening measures and psychological interventions should be implemented in NET clinics to prevent, recognize and treat mental distress in this vulnerable population.

Cushing's syndrome due to adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting metastatic neuroendocrine tumor of unknown primary origin: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: In this article, we present a case of neuroendocrine neoplasm of unknown primary origin (UPO NEN), which is a rare cause of ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS) presenting numerous challenges, together with a literature review. CASE REPORT: A 43-year-old male patient presented with clinical features consistent with Cushing's syndrome (CS) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent hypercortisolemia. Despite a suspicious lesion on pituitary MRI, the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test and bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling results were not compatible with Cushing's disease. Bilateral non-homogeneous opacities were observed in the thorax CT of the patient, who also had a history of COVID-19 infection, but no tumoral lesion was detected. When 68Ga-SSTR PET/CT and 18FDG-PET/CT were performed, multiple metastatic foci were detected in mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes and the axial skeleton. Paratracheal-subcarinal lymph nodes were excised mediastinoscopically, and the diagnosis of NEN was made. Histopathological findings indicated that the possible origin was an atypical pulmonary carcinoid with a low Ki-67 labeling index. After controlling hypercortisolemia, a regimen of somatostatin analogs and capecitabine plus temozolomide was decided upon as treatment by a multidisciplinary council. CONCLUSION: This is a challenging case of UPO NEN presenting with ECS and confounding factors, such as previous infection and incidental lesions, during the diagnosis process. The case in question highlighted the fact that atypical pulmonary carcinoid with a low proliferation index may cause visible metastases even when radiologically undetectable.

Opportunities to Improve Symptom Control with Somatostatin Congeners in GEP-NETs: A Review of Key Issues.

Octreotide acetate (octreotide) is the most prescribed and most studied somatostatin congener, or analog, for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) and carcinoid syndrome, the latter of which may be characterized by debilitating diarrhea and flushing. Approved in the U.S. more than 30 years ago, octreotide is widely used to control the symptoms of carcinoid syndrome and has been shown to demonstrate antiproliferative activity. The two formulations available in the U.S. include a subcutaneous immediate-release (IR) injection introduced in 1989 and a long-acting repeatable (LAR) intramuscular injection approved in 1999. Lanreotide depot (lanreotide), a more recent somatostatin congener, has been available in the U.S. since 2014. Despite widespread use of octreotide LAR, several key challenges exist with the current depot-based treatment paradigm. Studies indicate that LAR formulations are associated with continued unmet patient needs, owing in part to a loss of bioactivity over time that may necessitate progressive supplemental treatment with IR octreotide to adequately control symptoms. Clinicians should understand the key differences in the pharmacokinetic profiles of the LAR and IR formulations that may contribute to bioactivity loss and somatostatin receptor desensitization. In addition, there is a need to re-evaluate the role of IR octreotide in combination with depot therapy to provide consistent bioavailability and better control of carcinoid syndrome symptoms. The purpose of this review is to explore all these issues and to re-establish a rationale for the IR formulation, particularly with respect to novel use cases and its use during the COVID-19 pandemic. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: There is a need to re-evaluate the role of immediate-release octreotide in combination with depot therapy to provide consistent bioavailability and better control of carcinoid syndrome symptoms.

Bronchial carcinoid tumor in the era of covid-19 pandemic: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchial carcinoid tumors are rare, slow growing, malignant neuroendocrine tumors which arise from Enterochromaffin (Kulchitsky) cells. Early diagnosis is extremely important as the main stay of treatment is surgical excision. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a rare case of bronchial typical carcinoid tumor in a 27-year-old male who presented with a complaint of intermittent dry cough of 2 weeks' duration associated with shortness of breath and low grade fever. He was initially misdiagnosed as covid-19 pneumonia and was admitted to covid-19 treatment center. Right lung bi-lobectomy with regional lymph node resection was done and he was discharged home in good condition. DISCUSSION: Majority of typical carcinoids are located in the central airways leading to bronchial obstruction with recurrent pneumonia, chest pain and wheezing. In the era of covid-19 pandemic, lung cancer patients are at higher risk of being affected by covid-19 and, early identification and differential diagnosis is extremely difficult in the absence of comprehensive evaluation and work up as the clinical and imaging findings of covid-19 may resemble lung cancer. Although hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes are the most common metastatic sites for typical carcinoids most lymphadenopathies are caused by a reactive inflammatory reaction. CONCLUSION: Bronchial carcinoids are rare, malignant neuroendocrine tumors with complete surgical resection being the only curative management. During the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, diagnosing rare lung diseases like carcinoid tumor is real challenge especially in resource limited set up and needs high index of suspicion with meticulous diagnostic work up. The outcome of typical carcinoids with lymph node metastasis is excellent with complete resection.

Bronchial carcinoid with bronchocele masquerading as Scimitar syndrome on chest radiograph.

Bronchial carcinoid tumors occur predominantly in the perihilar location and can be asymptomatic. They may present in early stages with only obstructive features such as mucus plugging of airways resulting in bronchocele formation. We report the case of a 44-year lady with no chest complaints, who underwent chest radiograph for a routine preanesthetic checkup. A vertically oriented, tubular, soft tissue density lesion was observed in the right lower lung, which mimicked a Scimitar vein. Scimitar syndrome is a congenital disorder in which an anomalous vein drains the middle and lower lobes of right lung and enters into the IVC most commonly. It may present asymptomatically in adults and on chest radiograph appears as a vertical tubular opacity paralleling the right cardiac border. However, CT angiography revealed the lung lesion to be a bronchocele, distal to a central intensely enhancing spherical mass, completely occluding the right lower lobe bronchus. This perihilar mass had been missed on the chest radiograph. Bronchoscopic biopsy revealed a carcinoid tumor. As the patient was asymptomatic, she refused surgery in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical recommendations for the management of patients with gastroenteropancreatic and thoracic (carcinoid) neuroendocrine neoplasms in the COVID-19 era.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous family of uncommon tumours with challenging diagnosis, clinical management and unique needs that almost always requires a multidisciplinary approach. In the absence of guidance from the scientific literature, along with the rapidly changing data available on the effect of COVID-19, we report how 12 high-volume NEN centres of expertise in 10 countries at different stages of the evolving COVID-19 global pandemic along with members of international neuroendocrine cancer patient societies have suggested to preserve high standards of care for patients with NENs. We review the multidisciplinary management of neuroendocrine neoplasms during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we suggest potential strategies to reduce risk and aid multidisciplinary treatment decision-making. By sharing our joint experiences, we aim to generate recommendations for proceeding to other institutions facing the same challenges.