J Korean Soc Endocrinol.  1995 Mar;10(1):65-69.

A Case of Non - Islet Cell Tumor Hypoglycemia

• Lee MH
• Kang SS
• Lee J
• Ihm SH
• Yoo JM
• Choi MG
• Yoo HJ
• Park SW

Abstract

The association between non-islet cell tumors and fasting hypoglycemia has been recognized since 1929. The humoral mediator of this non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia(NICTH) is now known as IGF-II. Hypoglycemia develops commonly in the course of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), mostly late in the course and usually mild to moderate in severity. Rarely, severe hypoglycemia occurs early in the course of HCC, suggesting NICTH. We report a case of HCC in which hypoglycemic coma due to NICTH was the presenting symptom.A 52-year-old man developed mental confusion and seizures in the early morning. At emergency room, he was found to have severe hypoglycemia. Circulating levels of insulin, C-peptide, insulinlike growth factor-I(IGF-I) and growth hormone were reduced during hypoglycemia. Diagnostic work-up revealed that he had unresectable HCC. During admission, infusion of more than 400g of dextrose per day in addition to meals was required to prevent hypoglycemia. Because the chemotherapy was refused, he was transferred to a local hospital to receive infusions of dextrose.

MeSH Terms

Adenoma, Islet Cell*
C-Peptide
Coma
Drug Therapy
Emergency Service, Hospital
Glucose
Growth Hormone
Humans
Hypoglycemia
Insulin
Insulin-Like Growth Factor II
Islets of Langerhans*
Meals
Middle Aged
Seizures
C-Peptide
Glucose
Growth Hormone
Insulin
Insulin-Like Growth Factor II