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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice
Published on: November 16, 2011
[Paraneoplastic hypoglycemia: The hopes of pathophysiological documentation]
A Villemain1, O Menard2, D Mandry3
1Service de pneumologie, CHR de Metz-Thionville, hôpital de Mercy, 1, allée du Château, 57530 Ars-Laquenexy, France.
Abstract:
Doege-Potter syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia secondary to a solitary fibrous tumor. These tumors are rare and usually asymptomatic. The syndrome of hypoglycemia is seen in less than 5% of the cases, and the associated tumors are large with a high mitotic rate. The cause of hypoglycemia is related to insulin-like growth factors produced by these tumors called "big" IGF-2. Several biological tests can demonstrate the increase of "big" IGF-2 plasma levels confirming the diagnosis of non-islet cell tumor induced hypoglycemia. The diagnosis is suggested by imaging but diagnostic confirmation is provided by the surgery, which remains the treatment of choice. Resection in many cases is the cure leading to hypoglycemia resolution. Recurrences and malignant transformations are possible which imposes a long-term monitoring. We report a case with relapsed malignant pleural fibrous tumor for which the pathophysiological mechanism of hypoglycemia could be documented as a paraneoplastic syndrome.
Insights
Doege-Potter syndrome, a rare paraneoplastic syndrome, involves non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia caused by solitary fibrous tumors. Surgical resection of these tumors often cures the hypoglycemia, but long-term monitoring is crucial due to recurrence risks.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Doege-Potter syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic phenomenon.
- It is characterized by non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia.
- Hypoglycemia is secondary to solitary fibrous tumors.
Observation:
- Solitary fibrous tumors are typically asymptomatic and rare.
- Hypoglycemia occurs in less than 5% of cases.
- Associated tumors are often large with high mitotic rates.
Findings:
- The hypoglycemia is caused by increased "big" insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) produced by the tumor.
- Biological tests confirming elevated "big" IGF-2 plasma levels aid diagnosis.
- Surgical resection is the primary diagnostic and therapeutic intervention.
Implications:
- Surgical resection is often curative, resolving hypoglycemia.
- Malignant transformation and recurrence are possible, necessitating long-term patient monitoring.
- Understanding the pathophysiological mechanism is key for managing this rare paraneoplastic syndrome.
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