Familial neuroendocrine tumor syndromes: from genetics to clinical practice

A case of type 1 multiple endocrine neoplasia with esophageal stricture successfully treated with endoscopic balloon dilation and local steroid injection combined with surgical resection of gastrinomas

Background

In type 1 multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN1), esophageal diseases association with excessive gastrin secretion in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) sometimes develop. Here, we reported a case of MEN1/ZES, who developed dysphagia due to reflux esophagitis with severe esophageal stricture. Treatment for his esophageal stricture and ZES was discussed.

Case presentation

A 43-year-old man with progressive dysphagia and diarrhea was referred to the teaching hospital. He had a history of recurrent duodenojejunal perforations despite the anti-secretory medication. Blood examinations revealed elevated serum gastrin, calcium, and parathyroid hormone. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy demonstrated a severe esophageal stricture, multiple gastroduodenal ulcer scars, and a duodenal submucosal tumor. Enhanced computed tomography showed multiple hypervascular tumors within the pancreas and duodenum, suggestive of MEN1. Genetic examination demonstrated a pathogenic MEN1 mutation. Repetitive endoscopic esophageal dilatation with intralesional corticosteroid injection, coupled with pancreatoduodenectomy were performed to improve the patient’s symptoms and to treat pancreatic tumors. The histology of multiple tumors in the duodenum and pancreas were all consistent with neuroendocrine tumors. His hypergastrinemia subsided and he remained asymptomatic in his gastrointestinal tract after these treatments.

Conclusion

For esophageal stenosis in case of MEN1/ZES, anti-secretory therapy and endoscopic dilatation with corticosteroid injection could be recommended. However, in refractory cases with repetitive and/or severe complications due to high acid secretion, surgical treatment could be considered as an option.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for depression in multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIB: a 1-year follow-up

This case report describes a 24-year-old man diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIB and major depression. Because cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has proven effective in the treatment of major depression in the general population and patients with cancer, we decided to adapt and use this therapy and evaluate its impact on major depression and the patient's quality of life. The therapy was conducted individually in 15 sessions that were given over a span of 25 weeks. The data show that therapy was a useful treatment that reduced depression according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV criteria and self-report instruments. CBT also helped improve the patient's quality of life, and it was considered to be an acceptable intervention for the patient, with ongoing positive results 1 year after the last psychotherapy session. CBT is a potential option for treating depression in this population but further research is needed.