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Albers MB, Sevcik M, Wiese D, Manoharan J, Rinke A, Jesinghaus M, Bartsch DK. Characteristics, therapy, and outcome of rare functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18507. [PMID: 39122816 PMCID: PMC11316089 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68290-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms other than insulinomas and gastrinomas (rf-pNENs) are exceptionally rare tumours. Thus, their characteristics and long-term prognosis have not been well defined. This article aims to present data and experience from a single institution concerning this topic. Twelve of 216 (5.5%) patients with pNENs operated between 2002 and 2022 in the ENETS Centre of Excellence Marburg had rf-pNENs and their data were retrospectively analysed. We identified three vasoactive intestinal polypeptide producing pNENs, four glucagonomas and five calcitoninomas. The tumour could be visualised by preoperative imaging in all 12 patients, and six patients had distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. The tumour was located in the pancreatic tail in nine patients and the median tumour size was 82 (range 12-220) mm. Eleven patients underwent tumour resections (two robotic, nine conventional), nine of which were R0. After a median follow-up of 75 (range 1-247) months, six patients were alive, five of whom had no evidence of disease. All patients who remained disease-free had an initial R0 resection of the primary tumour and no initial liver involvement. This study sheds light on the distinct characteristics and outcomes of these exceedingly rare tumours, offering insights for improved understanding and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max B Albers
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Martina Sevcik
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Wiese
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jerena Manoharan
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anja Rinke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Moritz Jesinghaus
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Detlef K Bartsch
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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An Insight on Functioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020303. [PMID: 36830839 PMCID: PMC9953748 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) are rare neoplasms arising from islets of the Langerhans in the pancreas. They can be divided into two groups, based on peptide hormone secretion, functioning and nonfunctioning PanNENs. The first group is characterized by different secreted peptides causing specific syndromes and is further classified into subgroups: insulinoma, gastrinoma, glucagonoma, somatostatinoma, VIPoma and tumors producing serotonin and adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Conversely, the second group does not release peptides and is usually associated with a worse prognosis. Today, although the efforts to improve the therapeutic approaches, surgery remains the only curative treatment for patients with PanNENs. The development of high-throughput techniques has increased the molecular knowledge of PanNENs, thereby allowing us to understand better the molecular biology and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities of PanNENs. Although enormous advancements in therapeutic and molecular aspects of PanNENs have been achieved, there is poor knowledge about each subgroup of functioning PanNENs.Therefore, we believe that combining high-throughput platforms with new diagnostic tools will allow for the efficient characterization of the main differences among the subgroups of functioning PanNENs. In this narrative review, we summarize the current landscape regarding diagnosis, molecular profiling and treatment, and we discuss the future perspectives of functioning PanNENs.
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Capozzi ME, D'Alessio DA, Campbell JE. The past, present, and future physiology and pharmacology of glucagon. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1654-1674. [PMID: 36323234 PMCID: PMC9641554 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of glucagon has seen the transition from an impurity in the preparation of insulin to the development of glucagon receptor agonists for use in type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, glucagon receptor antagonists have been explored to reduce glycemia thought to be induced by hyperglucagonemia. However, the catabolic actions of glucagon are currently being leveraged to target the rise in obesity that paralleled that of diabetes, bringing the pharmacology of glucagon full circle. During this evolution, the physiological importance of glucagon advanced beyond the control of hepatic glucose production, incorporating critical roles for glucagon to regulate both lipid and amino acid metabolism. Thus, it is unsurprising that the study of glucagon has left several paradoxes that make it difficult to distill this hormone down to a simplified action. Here, we describe the history of glucagon from the past to the present and suggest some direction to the future of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Capozzi
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - David A D'Alessio
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA; Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Division, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Jonathan E Campbell
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA; Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Division, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27701, USA.
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Necrolytic migratory erythema is an important visual cutaneous clue of glucagonoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9053. [PMID: 35641533 PMCID: PMC9156669 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12882-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucagonoma is an extremely rare neuroendocrine tumor that arises from pancreatic islet alpha cells. Although glucagonoma is usually accompanied by a variety of characteristic clinical symptoms, early diagnosis is still difficult due to the scarcity of the disease. In this study, we present the cumulative experiences, clinical characteristics and treatments of seven patients diagnosed with glucagonoma during the past 10 years at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. The seven patients in our cohort consisted of six females and one male with an average diagnosis age of 40.1 years (range 23-51). The average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis of glucagonoma was 14 months (range 2-36 months). All the patients visited dermatology first for necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) 7/7 (100%), and other presenting symptoms included diabetes mellitus (DM) 4/7 (57%), stomatitis 2/7 (28%), weight loss 4/7 (57%), anemia 4/7 (57%), diarrhea 1/7 (14%), and DVT1/7 (14%). Plasma glucagon levels were increased in all patients (range 216.92-3155 pg/mL) and declined after surgery. Imaging studies revealed that four of seven patients had liver metastasis. Six of seven patients received surgical resection, and all of them received somatostatin analog therapy. Symptoms improved significantly in 6 out of 7 patients. Three of seven patients died of this disease by the time of follow-up. Our data suggest that if persistent NME is associated with DM and high glucagon levels, timely abdominal imaging should be performed to confirm glucagonoma. Once diagnosed, surgery and somatostatin analogs are effective for symptom relief and tumor control.
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Yacine O, Ksontini FL, Ben Mahmoud A, Magherbi H, Fterich SF, Kacem M. Case report of a recurrent resected glucagonoma. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 77:103604. [PMID: 35638031 PMCID: PMC9142409 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and importance Glucagonoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor (NET). Most glucagonomas are in the tail or body of the pancreas and are diagnosed at a metastatic stage. We report a case of an early recurrence after surgical resection of a glucagonoma and its management. Case report We present a case of a 44-year-old female patient with no medical and surgical history, operated on in May 2018 for pancreatic glucagonoma revealed by skin necrolytic migratory erythema. The patient was regularly monitored by clinical exams and CT scans. In December 2020 (31 months postoperatively), we noticed the recurrence of the cutaneous lesions. Admission laboratory measurements demonstrated hyperglycemia as well as elevated blood Glucagon levels. Explorations showed 3 retro-pancreatic lesions. Based on these findings, we concluded that it was a recurrence of her glucagonoma. The patient was operated on by median laparotomy We performed a warshow's procedure. Pathology confirmed the endocrine nature of the 3 nodules. We are currently 6 months behind the surgery. The examination is strictly normal with no recurrence of the skin lesions so far. Clinical discussion Surgical resection on a recurrent glucagonoma is what is unique in our case as we haven't found any case in the literature to our knowledge. What is also unique about our case is both the local aspect of the recurrence and the multiplicity of the tumors observed as multiple nodules around the tail of the pancreas. These lesions were not metastatic lymph nodes as confirmed by pathology. Probably it was an effraction of the big tumor at enucleation. Conclusion Due to its rareness, there is no clear consensus on the management of glucagonomas therefore we chose to write our case in order to further enrich the literature to achieve one-day guidelines for glucagonomas treatment. Glucagonoma is rare. NME is considered as an important symptom. Surgery is the only permanent solution. Recurrence is frequent therefore follow up is important.
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Effraimidis G, Knigge U, Rossing M, Oturai P, Rasmussen ÅK, Feldt-Rasmussen U. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) and neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 79:141-162. [PMID: 33905872 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are relatively rare neoplasms with 6.4-times increasing age-adjusted annual incidence during the last four decades. NENs arise from neuroendocrine cells, which release hormones in response to neuronal stimuli and they are distributed into organs and tissues. The presentation and biological behaviour of the NENs are highly heterogeneous, depending on the organ. The increased incidence is mainly due to increased awareness and improved detection methods both in the majority of sporadic NENs (non-inherited), but also the inherited groups of neoplasms appearing in at least ten genetic syndromes. The most important one is multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1), caused by mutations in the tumour suppressor gene MEN1. MEN-1 has been associated with different tumour manifestations of NENs e.g. pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, thymus and pituitary. Pancreatic NENs tend to be less aggressive when arising in the setting of MEN-1 compared to sporadic pancreatic NENs. There have been very important improvements over the past years in both genotyping, genetic counselling and family screening, introduction and validation of various relevant biomarkers, as well as newer imaging modalities. Alongside this development, both medical, surgical and radionuclide treatments have also advanced and improved morbidity, quality of life and mortality in many of these patients. Despite this progress, there is still space for improving insight into the genetic and epigenetic factors in relation to the biological mechanisms determining NENs as part of MEN-1. This review gives a comprehensive update of current evidence for co-occurrence, diagnosis and treatment of MEN-1 and neuroendocrine neoplasms and highlight the important progress now finding its way to international guidelines in order to improve the global management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigoris Effraimidis
- ENETS Neuroendocrine Tumor Centre of Excellence, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Ulrich Knigge
- ENETS Neuroendocrine Tumor Centre of Excellence, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Maria Rossing
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Peter Oturai
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Åse Krogh Rasmussen
- ENETS Neuroendocrine Tumor Centre of Excellence, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen
- ENETS Neuroendocrine Tumor Centre of Excellence, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen University, Denmark.
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Kusne YN, Kosiorek HE, Buras MR, Verona PM, Coppola KE, Rone KA, Cook CB, Karlin NJ. Implications of neuroendocrine tumor and diabetes mellitus on patient outcomes and care: a matched case-control study. Future Sci OA 2021; 7:FSO684. [PMID: 34046189 PMCID: PMC8147757 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2020-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We aimed to determine the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on survival of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and of NETs on glycemic control. Patients & methods: Patients with newly diagnosed NETs with/without DM were matched 1:1 by age, sex and diagnosis year (2005–2017), and survival compared (Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards). Mixed models compared hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and glucose during the year after cancer diagnosis. Results: Three-year overall survival was 72% (95% CI: 60–86%) for DM patients versus 80% (95% CI: 70–92%) for non-DM patients (p = 0.82). Hazard ratio was 1.33 (95% CI: 0.56–3.16; p = 0.51); mean DM HbA1c, 7.3%. Conclusion: DM did not adversely affect survival of patients with NET. NET and its treatment did not affect glycemic control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on survival of patients with neuroendocrine tumor (NET) and to determine whether NET affected glycemic control. From an institutional cancer registry, 118 patients with NET were identified and grouped by DM (n = 59) or no DM (n = 59). The two groups were matched by age, sex and year of NET diagnosis. DM did not decrease survival, and NET did not significantly affect glycemic control in patients with DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael N Kusne
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale 85259, Arizona
| | | | | | - Patricia M Verona
- Enterprise Technology Services, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale 85259, Arizona
| | - Kyle E Coppola
- Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale 85259, Arizona
| | - Kelley A Rone
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix 85054, Arizona
| | - Curtiss B Cook
- Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale 85259, Arizona
| | - Nina J Karlin
- Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale 85259, Arizona.,Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix 85054, Arizona
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Sandru F, Carsote M, Albu SE, Valea A, Petca A, Dumitrascu MC. Glucagonoma: From skin lesions to the neuroendocrine component (Review). Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:3389-3393. [PMID: 32905095 PMCID: PMC7465236 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucagonoma is a hormonally active rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour causing an excess of glucagon. This is a narrative review based on a multidisciplinary approach of the tumour. Typically associated dermatosis is necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) which is most frequently seen at disease onset. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, depression, diarrhoea, deep vein thrombosis are also identified, as parts of so-called 'D' syndrome. Early diagnosis is life saving due to potential aggressive profile and high risk of liver metastasis. NME as paraneoplastic syndrome may be present for months and even years until adequate recognition and therapy; it is remitted after successful pancreatic surgery. Thus the level of practitioners' awareness is essential. If surgery is not curative, debulking techniques may improve the clinical aspects and even the outcome in association with other procedures such as embolization of hepatic metastasis; ablation of radiofrequency type; medical therapy including chemotherapy, targeted therapy with mTOR inhibitors such as everolimus, PRRT (peptide receptor radiotherapy), and somatostatin analogues (including combinations of medical treatments). Increased awareness of the condition involves multidisciplinary practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florica Sandru
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Elias’ Emergency University Hospital, 125100 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Carsote
- Department of Endocrinology,‘C.I. Parhon’ National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Endocrinology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Elena Albu
- Department of Gynecology, Emergency University Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Gynecology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Valea
- Department of Endocrinology, Clinical County Hospital, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Endocrinology, ‘Iuliu Hatieganu’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Aida Petca
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Elias’ Emergency University Hospital, 125100 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Cristian Dumitrascu
- Department of Gynecology, Emergency University Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Gynecology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Hofland J, Kaltsas G, de Herder WW. Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:bnz004. [PMID: 31555796 PMCID: PMC7080342 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnz004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms constitute a diverse group of tumors that derive from the sensory and secretory neuroendocrine cells and predominantly arise within the pulmonary and gastrointestinal tracts. The majority of these neoplasms have a well-differentiated grade and are termed neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This subgroup is characterized by limited proliferation and patients affected by these tumors carry a good to moderate prognosis. A substantial subset of patients presenting with a NET suffer from the consequences of endocrine syndromes as a result of the excessive secretion of amines or peptide hormones, which can impair their quality of life and prognosis. Over the past 15 years, critical developments in tumor grading, diagnostic biomarkers, radionuclide imaging, randomized controlled drug trials, evidence-based guidelines, and superior prognostic outcomes have substantially altered the field of NET care. Here, we review the relevant advances to clinical practice that have significantly upgraded our approach to NET patients, both in diagnostic and in therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hofland
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Section of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Center, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gregory Kaltsas
- 1st Department of Propaupedic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Wouter W de Herder
- ENETS Center of Excellence, Section of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC Cancer Center, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Cunha-Silva M, da Costa JG, Faria GAS, Massuda JY, Cintra ML, da Costa LBE, Assad VM, de Ataíde EC, Mazo DFDC, Sevá-Pereira T. Diarrhea: a missed D in the 4D glucagonoma syndrome. AUTOPSY AND CASE REPORTS 2019; 9:e2019129. [PMID: 31807436 PMCID: PMC6880768 DOI: 10.4322/acr.2019.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucagonoma is a rare and slow-growing pancreatic tumor that usually manifests as glucagonoma syndrome. It is mainly characterized by a typical Dermatosis named necrolytic migratory erythema (NME), Diabetes and glucagon oversecretion. Deep vein thrombosis and Depression complete this set. We report the case of an advanced glucagonoma with liver spread, where all these 4D symptoms occurred but a chronic secretory Diarrhea was the most relevant feature. A 65-year-old man was referred to our center to investigate multiple hepatic nodules evidenced by abdominal tomography. He had a recent diagnosis of diabetes and complained of significant weight loss (25 kg), crusted skin lesions and episodes of a large amount of liquid diarrhea during the past 6 months. On admission, there were erythematous plaques and crusted erosions on his face, back and limbs, plus angular cheilitis and atrophic glossitis. The typical skin manifestation promptly led dermatologists to suspect glucagonoma as the source of our patient’s symptoms. A contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography showed a hypervascularized pancreatic lesion and multiple hepatic nodules also hypervascularized in the arterial phase. Despite initial improvement of diarrhea after subcutaneous octreotide, the patient’s impaired nutritional status limited other therapeutic approaches and he died of respiratory failure due to sepsis. His high levels of serum glucagon were not yet available so we performed an autopsy, confirming the diagnosis of metastatic glucagonoma with NME on histology. Chronic diarrhea is not a common feature in glucagonoma syndrome; however, its severity can lead to serious nutritional impairment and set a poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlone Cunha-Silva
- University of Campinas, Department of Gastroenterology (Gastrocentro). Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tiago Sevá-Pereira
- University of Campinas, Department of Gastroenterology (Gastrocentro). Campinas, SP, Brazil
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