Hypoglycemia in a patient with a huge malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura

Pathol Int. 2007 Dec;57(12):791-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1827.2007.02175.x.

Abstract

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) is rare. A 73-year-old man, without past history of diabetes mellitus, was admitted to hospital with profound hypoglycemia, loss of consciousness and respiratory failure. CT indicated a huge heterogenous mass lesion (12 x 12 x 17 cm) at the right thoracic cavity with total atelectasis of the right lower lung. He underwent a standard thoracotomy with complete excision of the tumor. Pathology indicated malignant SFTP with insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 production. There were no further incidences of hypoglycemia or respiratory failure after excision of the tumor. Hypoglycemia resulting from a solitary fibrous tumor is uncommon. Standard thoracotomy and complete resection of this giant tumor provided a good result for the present patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / etiology*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Pleural Neoplasms / complications*
  • Pleural Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Pleural Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Solitary Fibrous Tumors / complications*
  • Solitary Fibrous Tumors / metabolism
  • Solitary Fibrous Tumors / pathology*
  • Thoracic Surgical Procedures

Substances

  • IGF2 protein, human
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II