Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 in children and adolescents: Clinical features and treatment outcomes

Background: Clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes in children and adolescents with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 are not well characterized. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 80 patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 who commenced tumor surveillance at <18 years of age. Results: Fifty-six patients (70%) developed an endocrine tumor by age <18 years (median age = 14 years, range = 6-18 years). Primary hyperparathyroidism occurred in >80% of patients, with >70% undergoing parathyroidectomy, in which less-than-subtotal (<3-gland) resection resulted in decreased disease-free outcomes versus subtotal (3-3.5-gland) or total (4-gland) parathyroidectomy (median 27 months versus not reached; P = .005). Pancreaticoduodenal neuroendocrine tumors developed in -35% of patients, of whom >70% had nonfunctioning tumors, >35% had insulinomas, and <5% had gastrinomas, with -15% having metastases and >55% undergoing surgery. Pituitary tumors developed in >30% of patients, and -35% were macroprolactinomas. Tumor occurrence in male patients and female patients was not significantly different. Genetic analyses revealed 38 germline MEN1 mutations, of which 3 were novel. Conclusion: Seventy percent of children aged <18 years with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 develop endocrine tumors, which include parathyroid tumors for which less-than-subtotal parathyroidectomy should be avoided; pancreaticoduodenal neuroendocrine tumors that may metastasize; and pituitary macroprolactinomas. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study found that 80% of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 developed endocrine tumors before the age of 18, including parathyroid tumors, pancreaticoduodenal neuroendocrine tumors, and pituitary tumors. The choice of surgical approach significantly impacted treatment outcomes.