[Glucagonoma syndrome in a multihormonal pancreatic tumor]

A 60-year-old patient developed signs and symptoms of glucagonoma syndrome (dermatitis, weight loss, anemia and hypoaminoacidemia). However, diabetes mellitus was absent. Glucagonoma was suspected because of markedly elevated plasma glucagon levels and the tumor was subsequently removed by surgery. Acidethanol extraction of the tumor and immunohistochemistry provided evidence of the presence of all four islet hormones, particularly that of glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide and to a lesser extent of somatostatin and insulin. Immunohistochemistry of the tumor (but not plasma) also showed the presence of alpha-HCG. Plasma glucagon immunoreactivity consisted to a large extent (approx. 90%) of a high molecular form of glucagon, probably proglucagon. In spite of the presence of alpha-HCG - which is assumed to be a marker of malignancy - the patient has been free of recurrence for the 2 1/2 years since surgery. The increasing number of cases reported during the past few years demonstrates that the syndrome is more common than previously suspected. Glucagon secretion and its typical clinical picture may be a valuable marker of a multihormonal pancreatic tumor. In a case of suspected glucagonoma, diagnosis can be established simply by obtaining a plasma glucagon level measurement.