Endoscopy 2010; 42: E302-E303
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1255791
Unusual cases and technical notes

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Endoscopic mucosal resection of a mid-esophageal carcinoid with EUS guidance

J.  P.  Babich1 , J.  Klein2 , P.  Khullar2 , D.  M.  Friedel1
  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, New York, USA
  • 2Department of Pathology, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, New York, USA
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Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
26. November 2010 (online)

A 58-year-old woman with a longstanding history of panhypopituitarism necessitating hydrocortisone and levothyroxine supplementation underwent upper endoscopy because of heartburn, and an esophageal submucosal lesion was detected. Surface biopsies were normal.

Upper endoscopy was repeated at our institution and a 1-cm red-hued submucosal polypoid lesion was noted at 28 cm from the incisors ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1 Endoscopic view of polypoid lesion seen at 28 cm from the incisors.

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) was performed with an Olympus 3R 20-MHz ultrasound probe (Olympus, Melville, New York, USA) ([Fig. 2]).

Fig. 2 Endoscopic ultrasound image of the lesion limited to the mucosa.

The lesion was demarcated in the deep mucosa and submucosa as a homogenous hypoechoic entity without definite muscularis propria invasion. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was performed utilizing a small submucosal cushion of saline injected by a sclerotherapy needle and a 13-mm snare. The lesion was removed via snare electrocautery. Pathological analysis demonstrated a submucosal neoplasm composed of tumor cells arranged in sheets, glands, and trabeculae without mitoses ([Fig. 3]).

Fig. 3 Submucosal neoplasm composed of tumor cells arranged in sheets, glands, and trabeculae without mitoses.

Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated positivity for synaptophysin and chromogranin, suggestive of an esophageal carcinoid ([Figs. 4],[5]).

Fig. 4 Synaptophysin immunostain.

Fig. 5 Chromogranin immunostain.

Two weeks after the procedure the patient was contacted and reported no complaints.

Endoscopy 2 months later demonstrated mucosal scarring without residual lesion and surface and “tunnel” biopsies did not reveal any abnormalities. CT imaging of the thorax and octreotide nuclear scan were also within normal limits.

Esophageal carcinoids typically arise from the mucosal lamina propria or the submucosa [1] [2]. EUS has proven utility in staging and interventional planning (endoscopy or surgery) for gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors, and EMR has a solid track record in removal of superficial lesions of the gastrointestinal tract [3] [4]. Conceivably, use of a ligation band at the lesion base would increase the ease and safety of EMR, and this has been utilized for Barrett’s dysplasia and rectal carcinoid resections [5]. Esophageal carcinoid among other esophageal submucosal lesions will be identified because of utilization of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and perhaps EUS for gastroesophageal reflux disease and other common entities.

Competing interests: None

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AO_2AG

References

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  • 3 Ahmad N A, Kochman M L, Long W B, Furth E E. et al . Efficacy, safety and clinical outcomes of endoscopic mucosal resection: a study of 101 cases.  Gastrointest Endosc. 2002;  55 390-396
  • 4 Varas Lorenzo J M, Miquel Collel J M, Maluenda Colomer M D, Boix Valverde J. et al . Preoperative detection of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors using endoscopic ultrasonography.  Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2006;  98 828-836
  • 5 Mashimo Y, Matsuda T, Uraoka T, Suito Y. et al . Endoscopic submucosal resection with ligation device is an effective and safe treatment for carcinoid tumors in the lower rectum.  J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008;  23 218-221

J. P. BabichMD 

Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Winthrop University Hospital

222 Station Plaza North Suite 428
Mineola
New York 11501
USA

Fax: +1-516-663-4655

eMail: jpbabich@gmail.com

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