MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE NEOPLASIA TYPE-1 IS NOT RARE IN JAPAN

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) is rarely reported in Japa nese and other oriental populations. To examine if there is a racial d ifference in the prevalence of MEN 1, we initiated extensive work on p atients with endocrine tumors for additional lesions, and annual scree ning of family members of affected patients. In a four-year study, ele ven asymptomatic patients were found by family screening, and the numb er of patients with MEN 1 in our clinics increased from 16 to 38. Esti mated prevalence of MEN 1 was no less than 0.018/1000. MEN 1 may not b e as rare as had been thought in Japanese, and the prevalence of MEN 1 in Japanese would not be significantly different from that of Caucasi ans. Systemic surveillance and extensive screening of family members a re required for early detection and management of patients.