VIPoma: An Unusual Cause of Chronic Diarrhea
Sutharin Suteetorn1,2, Krit Kitisin3, Natcha Wanpiyarat4
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove)
|October 22, 2024
Summary
A rare pancreatic tumor, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-secreting tumor (VIPoma), caused chronic diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney issues. Early diagnosis and treatment led to complete symptom resolution and normalized hormone levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chronic diarrhea presents a diagnostic challenge due to diverse etiologies.
- Accurate diagnosis requires thorough clinical evaluation and a systematic laboratory approach.
Observation:
- A case study of an adult woman with chronic watery diarrhea, renal impairment, and electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, metabolic acidosis).
- Diagnosis confirmed as a vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-secreting tumor (VIPoma) with liver metastases, indicated by elevated serum VIP levels and imaging.
Findings:
- Preoperative management with fluid resuscitation, electrolyte correction, and somatostatin analogs improved symptoms.
- Surgical resection of the pancreatic tumor and radiofrequency ablation of hepatic lesions achieved complete symptom resolution and normalized VIP levels.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of recognizing VIPoma in patients with unexplained chronic diarrhea.
- Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are crucial for favorable outcomes in VIPoma cases.
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