gastrins and Anemia--Macrocytic

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) represent uncommon tumors arising from the excessive proliferation of enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells (so-called Kulchitsky cell). Gastric NETs (GNET) represent less than 2% of all NETs and less than 1% of all stomach neoplasms. In particular, gastric NETs type 1 (associated to chronic atrophic gastritis and hypergastrinaemia) is the more frequent one, accounting for 70-80% of all GNET. A macrocytic anemia is a frequent manifestation of GNET type 1. The possibility that macrocytic anemia appear during therapy with methotrexate (MTX) is widely documented. Similarly, MTX can determine gastric atrophy. We describe the case of a patient with rheumatoid factor-positive early arthritis (EA) in which the appearance of macrocytic anemia during treatment with MTX led to the recognition of a GNET type 1, until then asymptomatic. The endoscopic eradication of polypoid formations forming the GNET, the immediate suspension of MTX and therapy with octreotide long-action determined the complete remission of arthritis. This remission is maintained until today. According to our knowledge, the possibility that an EA may represent a paraneoplastic manifestation of GNET has never been described.

Topics: Anemia, Macrocytic; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Arthritis; Enterochromaffin Cells; Erythrocytes; Gastrins; Gastritis, Atrophic; Humans; Male; Methotrexate; Middle Aged; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Octreotide; Rheumatoid Factor; Stomach Neoplasms

We examined causes and hematological consequences of low serum cobalamin (vitamin B12) concentration in two representative population samples of 70-year-old (N = 293) and 75-year-old subjects (N = 486). Subjects with values below 130 pmol/liter (4.8% and 5.6%, respectively) were investigated with Schilling test, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, determination of serum gastrin and group I pepsinogens, and bone marrow examination. Gastrointestinal abnormalities of etiologic significance were found in 26 of the 32 examined subjects: atrophy of the gastric body mucosa (N = 16, with pernicious anemia in six), partial gastrectomy (N = 6), and intestinal malabsorption (N = 4). Megaloblastic hematopoiesis was found in 10 individuals, four of whom had macrocytic anemia. Our results indicate that low serum cobalamin concentration in the elderly is usually a consequence of disease rather than of high age per se and that gastric mucosal atrophy is a major etiologic factor.

Topics: Aged; Aging; Anemia, Macrocytic; Anemia, Megaloblastic; Anemia, Pernicious; Bone Marrow Examination; Digestive System; Endoscopy; Female; Gastrins; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Male; Pepsinogens; Schilling Test; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Afferent Loop Syndrome; Anemia, Macrocytic; Diarrhea; Dumping Syndrome; Folic Acid Deficiency; Gastrectomy; Gastric Juice; Gastrins; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Intrinsic Factor; Mucus; Osteoporosis; Postgastrectomy Syndromes; Stomach Neoplasms; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency; Vomiting

Topics: Achlorhydria; Anemia, Macrocytic; Gastrins; Histamine; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Intrinsic Factor; Malabsorption Syndromes; Radioimmunoassay; Stimulation, Chemical; Time Factors; Vitamin B 12