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[Pancreatic vipoma with bizarre characteristics].
F Bermejo1, L Moreno, V Moreira
1Servicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid. fbermejos@medynet.com
Gastroenterologia Y Hepatologia
|May 6, 1999
Summary
A rare pancreatic vipoma case in a 41-year-old male presented with severe steatorrhea, successfully managed with pancreatic enzymes. Diagnosis confirmed by elevated vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels and tumor immunohistochemistry.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Pancreatic vipoma, a rare neuroendocrine tumor, is characterized by excessive production of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP).
- Fewer than five cases have been documented in the country, highlighting its rarity.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of a rare endocrine tumor.
- Diagnosis was established through elevated plasma levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and positive immunohistochemistry for VIP in the tumor tissue.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited severe steatorrhea, a gastrointestinal symptom, which was effectively managed using oral pancreatic enzymes.
- Peritoneal carcinomatosis was identified at the time of diagnosis, indicating advanced disease spread.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare pancreatic tumors in the differential diagnosis of severe secretory diarrhea and steatorrhea.
- Management strategies for VIP-producing tumors should address both hormonal excess and metastatic disease, as demonstrated by the successful enzyme therapy and the challenge of carcinomatosis.