Diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of a glucagonoma in a patient with residual intrahepatic metastases postoperatively: A case report and literature review

Yu,Shenghui; Ge,Muxi; Zhang,Cheng; Chen,Lang; Zhao,Lei

doi:10.3892/ol.2024.14336

Diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of a glucagonoma in a patient with residual intrahepatic metastases postoperatively: A case report and literature review

Authors:
- Shenghui Yu
- Muxi Ge
- Cheng Zhang
- Lang Chen
- Lei Zhao
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Affiliations: Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China, Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
Published online on: March 11, 2024 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2024.14336
Article Number: 202
Copyright: © Yu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Glucagonomas are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas with malignant potential. At present, their epidemiology is not entirely clear, so clinicians are not well versed, lacking any consensus on diagnosis or comprehensive treatment. The present study reports the case of a 32‑year‑old woman hospitalized for recurrent glossitis, perioral dermatitis and necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) of both lower limbs. Imaging studies revealed a low‑density nodule (~2 cm) in the tail of the pancreas, as well as multiple space‑occupying hepatic lesions. Surgical intervention was then selected, and distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy and palliative metastasectomies were performed. Tissue examination subsequently confirmed a primary pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (grade 2), metastatic to the liver. The NME resolved postoperatively, aided by intramuscular injections of long‑acting release octreotide (30 mg) every 28 days. A series of three percutaneous ablative treatments (microwave ablation) were also undertaken within a 2‑year period, targeting the liver metastases. The present condition of the patient is good, with no cutaneous relapse to date. Palliative metastasectomies, in conjunction with ablative treatments and combination somatostatin analog (SSA) use, are unique aspects of this case that, to the best of our knowledge, have yet to be documented in the literature. Surgical palliation may benefit patients with liver involvement and prolong their survival time. Likewise, ablative treatments and SSA injections delivered together not only address hepatic spread, but also control hormone‑related symptoms, having a positive impact on prognosis. As glucagonomas are so rare, there is no real agreement on their management. The present study aims to guide clinical practice by adding further to the available data.

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