Huge solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura with hypoglycemia and hypokalemia: a case report

Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014;20(2):165-8. doi: 10.5761/atcs.cr.12.01913. Epub 2013 Jan 31.

Abstract

The occurrence of hypoglycemia with an intrathoracic tumor is referred to as Doege- Potter syndrome (DPS). However, the association between hypokalemia and DPS is rare. We report a case of a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura with refractory hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. A 57-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for unconsciousness. His serum glucose and potassium levels were low. Radiological findings revealed a large tumor occupying the left hemithorax. Despite being treated with glucose and potassium replacement therapy, the patient still suffered from repetitive fasting hypoglycemic and hypokalemia episodes. After the tumor was completely resected, his serum levels of glucose and potassium returned to normal level.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / blood
  • Hypoglycemia / diagnosis
  • Hypoglycemia / etiology*
  • Hypokalemia / blood
  • Hypokalemia / diagnosis
  • Hypokalemia / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Potassium / blood
  • Solitary Fibrous Tumor, Pleural / complications*
  • Solitary Fibrous Tumor, Pleural / diagnosis
  • Solitary Fibrous Tumor, Pleural / surgery
  • Syndrome
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Unconsciousness / etiology

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Potassium