Florid angiogenesis in mucosa surrounding an ileal carcinoid tumor expressing transforming growth factor-alpha

Am J Surg Pathol. 1997 Nov;21(11):1373-7. doi: 10.1097/00000478-199711000-00013.

Abstract

Carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal tract are known to be associated with fibrosis and vascular elastosis, either within the tumor or at distant sites. The current report describes prominent vascular proliferation in the villi extending 38 cm proximal and 15 cm distal to an ileal carcinoid tumor. These villi were expanded by vessels, producing a segmental carpet of multiple small polypoid protrusions around the tumor. Immunohistochemical analysis suggested that the major stromal components were of endothelial and myofibroblastic cell origin. The stroma of the tumor itself had minimal fibrosis and vascularity. To our knowledge, this is the first description of vascular proliferation in the vicinity but distinct from a carcinoid tumor. The demonstration of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) synthesis by tumor cells supports the possibility of a field effect by angiogenic factor(s) secreted by the tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Actins / analysis
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Carcinoid Tumor / blood supply*
  • Carcinoid Tumor / chemistry
  • Carcinoid Tumor / pathology
  • Factor VIII / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ileal Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Ileal Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Ileal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Intestinal Mucosa / blood supply*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / chemistry
  • Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha / analysis*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Biomarkers
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha
  • Factor VIII