An operated case of multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIb and review of the Japanese literature

Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type IIb (MEN IIb) is a rare syndrome characterized by the occurrence of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), pheochromocytoma and mucosal neuroma. A 35-year-old male patient with MEM IIb having megacolon, marfanoid habitus and no family history of the disease underwent surgery. Because MTC was present in both lobes, total thyroidectomy and modified neck dissection were performed. Pheochromocytoma was found bilaterally and bilateral adrenalectomy with adrenal autotransplantation in the rectus abdominis muscle was carried out. Postoperative course was satisfactory except for transient hypocalcemia and mild ileus. After the slow corticosteroid weaning process, his adrenocortical function was at the lower level within a normal range. In August 1986 (24 postoperative months), he was maintained by the administration of 10mg of hydrocortisone every three days, and calcitonin and CEA levels in sera were normal. We collected 15 cases reported in Japanese literatures. MTC and mucosal neuroma were found in all cases, whereas pheochromocytoma was present in 9 cases. Bilateral and multicentric occurrences were usual, and total thyroidectomy and bilateral adrenalectomy were, warranted. We believe that autotransplantation following bilateral adrenalectomy is a worthy alternative.