Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 is not rare in Japan.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) is rarely reported in Japanese and other oriental populations. To examine if there is a racial difference in the prevalence of MEN 1, we initiated extensive work on patients with endocrine tumors for additional lesions, and annual screening of family members of affected patients. In a four-year study, eleven asymptomatic patients were found by family screening, and the number of patients with MEN 1 in our clinics increased from 16 to 38. Estimated prevalence of MEN 1 was no less than 0.018/1000. MEN 1 may not be as rare as had been thought in Japanese, and the prevalence of MEN 1 in Japanese would not be significantly different from that of Caucasians. Systemic surveillance and extensive screening of family members are required for early detection and management of patients.
Katai
M
M
Department of Geriatrics, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
Sakurai
A
A
Itakura
Y
Y
Ikeo
Y
Y
Nakajima
K
K
Hara
M
M
Iijima
S
S
Kaneko
T
T
Kobayashi
M
M
Ichikawa
K
K
Aizawa
T
T
Hashizume
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044466:Asian People / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D018761:Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D010375:Pedigree; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence