A Case of Functional Bowel Disease Misdiagnosed as Carcinoid Syndrome

Shane Quo; Wisam Zakko

doi:10.14309/crj.0000000000001136

A Case of Functional Bowel Disease Misdiagnosed as Carcinoid Syndrome

ACG Case Rep J. 2023 Aug 31;10(9):e01136. doi: 10.14309/crj.0000000000001136. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Authors

Shane Quo¹, Wisam Zakko²

Affiliations

¹ Internal Medicine Resident, University of Miami Program, Holy Cross Hospital, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
² Attending Gastroenterologist Gastroenterology Institute of Fort Lauderdale and Division of Gastroenterology, Holy Cross Hospital, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Abstract

An elevated urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (U5-HIAA) is typically thought of to be related to carcinoid syndrome. It is widely known that several other etiologies can cause high levels; however, those etiologies typically cause mild elevations. We present a unique situation of a highly elevated U5-HIAA not because of a neuroendocrine tumor. Gastroenterologists need to have an approach in mind if they encounter this predicament. We aim to raise awareness of this situation to emphasize the importance of a thorough medication history and avoid unnecessary testing.

Keywords: U5-HIAA; carcinoid syndrome; diarrhea; neuroendocrine tumor.

Publication types

Case Reports