[Leonine facies in carcinoid syndrome].
Carcinoid syndrome is a rare disorder caused when elevated levels of vasoactive substances secreted by a carcinoid tumor fail to be metabolized by the liver. This can occur for a variety of reasons including metastatic invasion of the organ. Carcinoid syndrome results in elevated levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the urine. Clinical manifestations include: flushing, diarrhea, bronchospasm, and heart failure. We describe a patient with carcinoid syndrome and hepatic metastases, in whom the key symptom of persistent facial edema resulted in conspicuous leonine facies; there was a partial response to treatment with oral isotretinoin and intramuscular lanreotide. Differential diagnosis was made with other conditions causing facial edema. A review is performed of the various skin manifestations of carcinoid syndrome, highlighting their role in the early diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.
Yuste
M
M
Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, España. manuelayuste@hotmail.com
Romo
A
A
Nieto
G
G
Unamuno
P
P
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008303:Malignant Carcinoid Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis