Primary carcinoid tumor of medulla spinalis: case report and review of the literature

Carcinoid tumors (CTs) are neuroendocrine neoplasms that generally arise from enterochromaffin cells [1]. These neoplasms are classified as neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) by the World Health Organization [2]. Malignant CTs rarely lead to spinal metastases and typically only occur during the late stages of malignancy [3]. Primary CTs in the spine are extremely rare and have only been described in the cervical, sacral [4],[5], and coccygeal [6] spine, or the filum terminale [7],[8]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a primary CT of the medulla spinalis.

CTs are rare neoplasms that arise from enterochromaffin cells. The estimated incidence of CT is 0.28 to 0.8 per 100,000 individuals [9]. Spinal metastases of CTs are extremely rare and occur in fewer than 2% of cases [10],[11].

Reports of diagnosis or therapy of primary or metastatic CTs in the spine are limited, and, as such, it is important to document these individual cases to understand better the optimal treatment for patients.

Patients with spinal CTs typically present with symptoms that are related to the location of the tumor in the spine. The most common symptoms are back and radicular pain, followed by numbness, sphincter dysfunction and motor weakness as a result of spinal cord and/or nerve involvement [10].

Imaging plays an important role in the detection and diagnosis of CT. MRI and computed tomography scans can be performed to reveal spinal cord lesions. Preoperative T1-weighted MRI of the lumbar spine that reveals isointense and contrast-enhanced intradural masses, similar to that described in our case, are more likely to result in a diagnosis of neurinoma or meningioma than CT. In such cases, the pathologic type of the tumor needs to be further clarified by postoperative pathology. Neurinoma and meningioma tumors can be distinguished from CTs based on characteristic histological and immunohistochemical properties [2].

Total resection of the tumor is the most effective treatment for patients with spinal CTs. In the present case, L4 was compressed and a small portion of the lamina and spinous process were surgically resected. A computed tomography scan revealed that most of the L4 vertebral body, pedicle and facet were intact (Figure 3C). Standing hyperextension, two years after surgery, revealed that no spondylolisthesis was present based on the Meyerding Grading System. The lumbar spine, therefore, exhibited good postoperative stability [see Additional file 1: Figure S1].

Radiotherapy is the best adjuvant option for patients with CTs. It has been reported to increase disease-free and overall survival rates in cases of metastatic CT of the spine. Patients who undergo radiotherapy also achieve clinical palliation and can considerably improve pain and neurological symptoms [12]. Some patients can also benefit from chemotherapy [13]; however, there is limited evidence for chemotherapy and radiotherapy approaches in the management of primary spinal CT.

Further genetic-based studies are likely to elucidate the molecular mechanisms leading to CT and may reveal more effective or individualized therapeutic approaches. Several studies have found that promoter methylation of tumor suppressor genes is associated with the suppression of gene expression and DNA copy number alterations in small intestinal NETs [14],[15]. Valentino et al. reported that co-targeting the PI3K and RAS pathways effectively inhibits NET cell proliferation and stimulates apoptosis [16]. Swarts et al. showed that gene mutations and reduced expression of multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN1) are associated with poor prognoses in pulmonary carcinoid tumors [17]. Plasma levels of CgA are significantly elevated in CTs and exhibit high sensitivity and specificity as a biomarker for CT diagnosis. CgA can also be used as a tumor development biomarker and for evaluating prognosis during clinical applications [18],[19]. Plasma concentrations of tyrosine kinase-2 (Tie-2) have also been proposed as a specific biomarker for NET [20].

Follow-up care relying on multiple imaging approaches is important for the detection of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Recurrence monitoring should include postoperative assessment of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in 24-hour urine and plasma CgA levels [21].

Although rare, primary CTs of the medulla spinalis should be considered in the differential diagnoses of medulla spinalis tumors. Accurate classifications of tumor type will lead to more effective tumor therapy. Surgery is currently the most effective treatment technique for spinal CTs. The use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for patients should be considered on an individual basis.

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and accompanying images.