A combined glucagonoma and VIPoma syndrome. First pathologic and clinical report

Cancer. 1988 Dec 15;62(12):2576-9. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(19881215)62:12<2576::aid-cncr2820621221>3.0.co;2-5.

Abstract

We report a case of pancreatic tumour metastatic to the liver in a patient with insulin-treated diabetes, anaemia, cheilitis, necrolytic migratory erythema, hypokalemia and chronic watery diarrhea, a picture suggesting combined glucagonoma and VIPoma syndromes. Immunocytochemistry of a biopsied hepatic metastatic nodule revealed both glucagon and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) positive cells. Increased plasma glucagon and VIP levels were detected (values of 900 pmol/l and 277 pmol/l respectively). This is the first reported case showing not only immunocytochemical, but also clinical evidence of the combined secretion of these hormones.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma, Islet Cell / metabolism*
  • Glucagonoma / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Vipoma / metabolism*