A mitotic cause of Whipple's triad: non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia in incurable low-grade malignancy. (6th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Angela S; Twigg, Stephen M
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2015
• Publication Date: 2015-05-06
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-209021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : A 74-year-old man with known metastatic haemangiopericytoma presented with neuroglycopaenic symptoms of confusion and light-headedness secondary to recurrent episodes of fasting hypoglycaemia, which resolved with oral carbohydrate intake. Investigations for hypoglycaemia revealed it to be non-insulin mediated, and subsequently due to a rare paraneoplastic phenomenon termed as non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia caused by tumoural overproduction of high molecular weight insulin-like growth factor-II. Despite his underlying malignancy being incurable, directed multimodality treatment involving regular oral carbohydrate intake, glucocorticoid therapy and recombinant human growth hormone was effective in relieving symptoms of hypoglycaemia. We discuss the importance of a systematic diagnostic approach to hypoglycaemia fulfilling Whipple's triad, as specific therapies can be invaluable to improving quality of life.