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. 2016 Mar 7;3(3):000353.
doi: 10.12890/2016_000353. eCollection 2016.

Hypoglyceamia in a Patient with a Solitary Fibrous Tumour

Andrew Okpe  1 , Kerri Ramsay  1 , Isuru P Fernando  1 , Emily Mudenha  1 , Devaka Js Fernando  1
Affiliations

Hypoglyceamia in a Patient with a Solitary Fibrous Tumour

Andrew Okpe et al. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. .

Abstract

Objective: To illustrate an unusual mechanism causing hypoglycaemia.

Material and methods: A 76-year-old man presented with episodes of agitation and confusion and was resuscitated with oral glucose gel when found to be hypoglycaemic.

Results: A CT scan for an abdominal mass confirmed a solitary fibrous tumour (SFT). The sarcoma multidisciplinary team suggested conservative management. The patient's episodic hypoglycaemia was managed with diet modification including corn-based starch, scheduled snacks and dexamethasone. Glucose levels were within normal range at discharge from hospital. The patient was referred to the palliative care team for follow-up.

Conclusion: SFTs causing non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia are difficult to treat.

Learning points: To be aware of rarer causes of hypoglycaemia and to consider unusual causes in acute presentations of hypoglycaemia, especially in patients who do not have diabetes.This case illustrates the importance of a thorough general physical and systemic examination, as identifying the abdominal mass is essential to the early diagnosis of this rare condition.Solitary fibrous tumours causing non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia are difficult to treat, and even when surgical resections are applicable, recurrence rates are high.

Keywords: Hypoglycaemia; insulin-like growth factor; non insulin mediated hypoglycaemia; retroperitoneal tumour; solitary fibrous tumour.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interests: The authors declare that there are no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CT scan showing the mass in abdomen.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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