Fatal hypoglycemia in malignant pheochromocytoma: direct glucose consumption as suggested by (18)F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging

Endocrine. 2010 Feb;37(1):209-12. doi: 10.1007/s12020-009-9300-1. Epub 2010 Jan 5.

Abstract

We present a patient with metastatic pheochromocytoma, who developed progressive and fatal hypoglycemia most likely secondary to direct tumor glucose consumption that did not respond to high-dose glucose infusion, corticosteroids, or glucagon therapy. The pattern of glucose uptake on (18)F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography, with preferential tumor glucose uptake in association with a marked reduction in normal uptake in the heart, muscles, and brain, is highly suggestive of direct consumption of glucose by the tumor rather than insulin-like growth factor-2 mediated hypoglycemia. In patients with large-volume metastatic malignancies, direct tumor glucose consumption should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hypoglycemia. Nuclear medicine imaging techniques can illustrate the pathophysiology of hypoglycemia in such cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / therapy
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Disease Progression
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / etiology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Male
  • Pheochromocytoma / metabolism*
  • Pheochromocytoma / pathology
  • Pheochromocytoma / physiopathology*
  • Pheochromocytoma / therapy
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon
  • Tumor Burden
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Glucose