Open AccessParaneoplastic hyperinsulinism and secondary hypoglycaemia in a patient with advanced colon cancer: A rare association
Author(s) -
Roberto Díaz,
Jorge Aparicio,
Andrea Mendizábal,
M. Martí Faus,
Tania Fleitas,
Francisco Aparisi,
M.A. Martín
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.14.1952
Subject(s) - hypoglycemia , medicine , hyperinsulinism , hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia , colorectal cancer , cancer , complication , congenital hyperinsulinism , endocrine system , pediatrics , gastroenterology , insulin , hormone , insulin resistance
We review the case of a 74-year-old patient with advanced colon cancer who suffered recurrent bouts of hypoglycemia. A state of inappropriate, non-suppressed hyperinsulinism in the presence of severe hypoglycemia was diagnosed. We finally discuss the known mechanisms behind fasting hypoglycemia in patients with advanced cancer, the diagnosis, and possible treatments of this rare paraneoplastic endocrine complication.