Carcinoid syndrome laboratory tests

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Parminder Dhingra, M.D. [2]

Overview

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome include an elevated urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and plasma levels of Chromogranin A (CgA) levels.

Laboratory Findings

• Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome include an elevated urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and plasma levels of Chromogranin A (CgA) levels.
• Testing for elevated urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) has a specificity of approximately 88%, although the sensitivity is reported to be as low as 35%.
• Plasma levels of Chromogranin A (CgA) are very sensitive markers of carcinoid syndrome, but not specific as they are also elevated in other types of neuroendocrinal tumors such as pancreatic and small cell lung carcinomas.
• Other biochemical markers associated with carcinoid syndrome include:
  • Substance P
  • Neurotensin
  • Bradykinin
  • Human chorionic gonadotropin
  • Neuropeptide L
  • Pancreatic polypeptide