What does elevated 5-HIAA levels in urine indicate?

Elevated levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in urine are primarily associated with carcinoid tumors. These tumors, which are a type of neuroendocrine tumor, often secrete excess serotonin, which is then metabolized into 5-HIAA. When serotonin is produced in excess due to the presence of a carcinoid tumor, it leads to increased levels of 5-HIAA being excreted in urine.

Measuring urine 5-HIAA is a useful diagnostic tool for identifying carcinoid syndrome, a condition characterized by symptoms such as flushing, diarrhea, and wheezing, which arise due to the effects of high serotonin levels. Therefore, elevated 5-HIAA levels serve as a clinical indicator that further investigation for the presence of carcinoid tumors may be necessary.

The other options, although related to different health conditions, do not directly correlate with elevated 5-HIAA levels in urine. Adrenal fatigue is a controversial condition and not specifically linked to changes in 5-HIAA levels. Serotonin metabolism issues could theoretically relate to some cases, but they are not diagnostic on their own as elevated levels often suggest the presence of a tumor. Ovarian cancer is also