BACKGROUND: Malignant gastric carcinoids are often accompanied with liver metastasis synchronously or metachronously. Because of the slow growth rate of carcinoids, patients with metastatic tumors can undergo resection for potential cure or for symptom palliation. This study was designed to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics and the diagnosis and management of malignant gastric carcinoids. 
METHODS: Seven patients with malignant gastric carcinoids admitted to our hospital between 1990 and 2002 were followed up and reviewed retrospectively.
RESULTS: Liver metastases were found in all the patients, of whom 3 had lesions simultaneously and the other 4 had lesions postoperatively. More than 2 lesions were found in all these patients, except a solitary liver lesion in one. Follow-up showed two patients died within 2 months, three patients  in 20, 25 and 32 months after operation respectively, and the other two have been surviving for more than 5 and 3 years respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Malignant gastric carcinoids have a high metastatic tendency to the liver. Surgical treatment in combination with other therapeutic approaches can significantly prolong the survival rate of the patients.