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[Pleural fibroma revealed by hypoglycemia]
H Afif1, W El Khattabi, N Trombati
1Service des Maladies Respiratoires, Hôpital du 20-Août, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Maroc.
Revue De Pneumologie Clinique
|February 9, 2005
Summary
A rare solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) was found in a patient presenting with hypoglycemia. Complete surgical removal of the benign SFTP is crucial to prevent life-threatening low blood sugar.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTP) are rare neoplasms.
- They are often asymptomatic or present with non-specific respiratory symptoms.
- Hypoglycemia is a rare but significant presenting symptom of SFTP.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old male smoker presented with an enormous left-sided lung opacity on chest x-ray.
- The patient experienced episodes of lipothymia, morning confusion, and documented hypoglycemia.
- Imaging confirmed a large, well-defined mass with associated pleural effusion.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) likely causing hypoglycemia.
- Emergency thoracotomy successfully removed a 2115g tumor.
- Histological examination confirmed a benign SFTP.
Implications:
- Hypoglycemia associated with SFTP is potentially due to tumor-secreted insulin-like proteins.
- Prompt diagnosis and complete surgical resection of SFTP are essential to avert severe hypoglycemia.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare tumors in the differential diagnosis of unexplained hypoglycemia.