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Updated: Nov 16, 2025

Isolation of Human Islets from Partially Pancreatectomized Patients
Published on: July 30, 2011
Non-Islet Cell Tumor Hypoglycemia Caused by Recurrent Pelvic Solitary Fibrous Tumor
Diana Pinho Dos Santos1, Rui Correia1, Adelino Carragoso1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, Epe, Viseu, PRT.
Abstract:
Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia is a rare paraneoplastic condition caused by an extra-pancreatic tumor. We report a rare case of hypoglycemia caused by a relapsing pelvic solitary fibrous tumor associated with Big-IGF-2 production. A 72-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of loss of consciousness and hypoglycemia. She had a history of ovarian solitary fibrous tumor, which has relapsed. From investigation, serum levels of insulin and C-peptide were suppressed; IGF-1 was slightly reduced and IGF-2 was within the normal range, but the IGF-2: IGF-1 ratio was elevated, indicating the presence of Big-IGF-2 secreting non-islet cell tumor. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a large pelvic mass. She was then submitted to surgical resection of the mass, which histologically proved to be a solitary fibrous tumor. Three months later, she remains asymptomatic. Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with tumors and recurrent hypoglycemia.
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