Coexisting carcinoid tumors in familial adenomatous polyposis-associated upper intestinal adenomas

Upper gastrointestinal polyps and extraintestinal tumors are well recognized in association with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Although carcinoid tumors have been reported in association with sporadic colonic neoplasms and ulcerative colitis, to date, carcinoids have not been reported in association with FAP. We report a patient with FAP who has recurrent carcinoid tumors located at the bases of duodenal adenomas. The genetic basis of carcinoid neoplasms is still uncertain. This report may represent the clinical effect of the APC gene mutation on the enterochromaffin cell line manifesting as recurrent carcinoid tumors in physical association with intestinal adenomas. Future genetic analysis and epidemiological studies may be of value in determining whether a true association exists. (C) 1999 by Am. Cell. of Gastroenterology.