Purpose: Pathogeny of hypoglycemia associated with non-islet-cell tumors is unclear. We discuss the mechanisms of this syndrome.
Current knowledge and key points: We report three cases of spontaneous hypoglycemia revealing pleural fibroma. Endocrine tests before surgery showed low serum growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), reduced serum IGF-II levels in two patient. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) was low and electrophoretic profile of IGF-II was the 'big IGF-II' type. We discuss the mechanisms of hypoglycemia associated with non-islet-cell tumor. Impaired formation of the ternary complexes and its consequences seem the main pathogenic factor.
Future prospects and projects: Analysis of IGF and IGFBP and in situ measurements of IGF mRNA could help in understanding this syndrome and allow therapeutic considerations in the management of hypoglycemia by corticosteroids and growth hormone.