Paraneoplastic hyperinsulinism and secondary hypoglycaemia in a patient with advanced colon cancer: a rare association

World J Gastroenterol. 2008 Mar 28;14(12):1952-4. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.1952.

Abstract

We review the case of a 74-year-old patient with advanced colon cancer who suffered recurrent bouts of hypoglycemia. A state of inappropriate, non-suppressed hyperinsulinism in the presence of severe hypoglycemia was diagnosed. We finally discuss the known mechanisms behind fasting hypoglycemia in patients with advanced cancer, the diagnosis, and possible treatments of this rare paraneoplastic endocrine complication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Colonic Neoplasms / complications*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Comorbidity
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Hyperinsulinism* / diagnosis
  • Hyperinsulinism* / physiopathology
  • Hypoglycemia / etiology*
  • Hypoglycemia / physiopathology
  • Male