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Watery diarrhoea and a vasoactive intestinal peptide secreting ganglioneuroma
The Medical Journal of Australia
|January 21, 1984
Insights
A rare ganglioneuroma caused chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances in a 12-month-old. Surgical removal resolved symptoms, highlighting VIP levels in diagnosing chronic diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Chronic diarrhea in infants presents diagnostic challenges.
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) plays a role in fluid and electrolyte balance.
- Ganglioneuromas are rare tumors that can secrete hormones.
Observation:
- A 12-month-old infant presented with chronic watery diarrhea, failure to thrive, abdominal distension, hypokalemia, and hypochlorhydria.
- These symptoms were associated with a confirmed vasoactive intestinal peptide secreting ganglioneuroma.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the VIP-secreting ganglioneuroma resulted in complete resolution of the infant's clinical symptoms.
- Post-operative biochemical parameters normalized, indicating the tumor was the causative agent.
Implications:
- Measurement of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels should be considered in the diagnostic workup of chronic diarrhea in children.
- Early identification and surgical management of VIP-secreting tumors can lead to favorable outcomes.
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare neuroendocrine tumors in pediatric chronic diarrhea.
Abstract:
A case of a 12-month-old child with chronic water diarrhoea, weight loss, abdominal distension, hypokalaemia and hypochlorhydria, which were associated with a vasoactive intestinal peptide secreting ganglioneuroma, is reported. Removal of the tumour led to complete clinical and biochemical recovery. Measurement of vasoactive intestinal peptide levels should be included in the evaluation of chronic diarrhoea after the more common causes have been ruled out.