Carcinoid Carcinomatous Meningitis

  1. ROBERT A. NAGOURNEY, M.D.;
  2. ROBERT HEDAYA, M.D.;
  3. MARKKU LINNOILA, M.D., Ph.D.; and
  4. PHILIP S. SCHEIN, M.D.
  1. La Jolla, California, Silver Spring, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    Abstract

    A 67-year-old woman with metastatic carcinoid tumor developed neurologic signs and symptoms of left facial paralysis and progressive lower extremity weakness. Results of cytologic evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid were normal. However, biochemical analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid showed extreme elevations of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and serotonin, consistent with carcinomatous meningitis caused by carcinoid tumor. Subsequent contrast myelography confirmed the presence of meningeal metastases.

    Article and Author Information

    • ▸From the Division of Medical Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Research Center, Georgetown University Hospital, and the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Washington, D.C.; the Department of Hematology/Oncology, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, California; and Smith Kline and French Laboratories, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    • ▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Robert A. Nagourney, M.D.; Division of Hematology/Oncology, BCR3, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, 10666 N. Torrey Pines Road; La Jolla, CA 92037.

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    1. Ann Intern Med June 1, 1985 vol. 102 no. 6 779-782
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