Carcinoid tumors of Meckel's diverticulum

Abstract

Carcinoid tumors of Meckel's Diverticulum are extremely rare: Only 27 cases, including the one presented in this paper, have been reported; of these, 23 occurred in males and only 4 in females. Metastases occurred in 6 of 27 cases or 22%. Statistically speaking, these carcinoids that do metastasize follow the usual projected curve for small bowel carcinoid tumors. Two of the above metastasizing tumors showed the carcinoid syndrome: flush, diarrhea, syncope, dermatitis and elevated serotonin levels in blood and urine. As treatment, a wedge resection of the Meckel's diverticulum should be performed.