BACKGROUND Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia(NICTH)is a rare cause of persistent hypoglycemia seen in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).It is likely to be underdiagnosed especially in the patients with poor ...BACKGROUND Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia(NICTH)is a rare cause of persistent hypoglycemia seen in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).It is likely to be underdiagnosed especially in the patients with poor hepatic function and malnutrition.Herein,we report a rare case of NICTH as the initial presentation of HCC in a patient with chronic hypoglycemia due to end-stage liver cirrhosis.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old male with chronic fasting hypoglycemia secondary to end-stage hepatitis C-related cirrhosis,presented with altered mental status and dizziness.He was found to have severe hypoglycemia refractory to glucose supplements.Imaging studies and biopsy discovered well differentiated HCC without metastasis.Further evaluation showed low insulin,C-peptide and betahydroxybutyrate along with a high insulin-like growth factor-2/insulin-like growth factor ratio,consistent with the diagnosis of NICTH.As patient was not a candidate for surgical resection or chemotherapy,he was started on prednisolone with some improvements in the glucose homeostasis,but soon decompensated after a superimposed hospital acquired pneumonia.CONCLUSION NICTH can occur as the sole initial presentation of HCC and is often difficult to correct without tumor removal.Clinicians should maintain high clinical suspicion for early recognition of paraneoplastic NICTH in patients at risk for HCC,even those with chronic fasting hypoglycemia in the setting of severe hepatic failure and malnutrition.展开更多
BACKGROUND Takotsubo cardiomyopathy(TCM) is a transient reversible systolic dysfunction,estimated to be the culprit in 1%-2% of patients presenting with clinical symptoms of acute coronary syndrome(ACS). TCM was previ...BACKGROUND Takotsubo cardiomyopathy(TCM) is a transient reversible systolic dysfunction,estimated to be the culprit in 1%-2% of patients presenting with clinical symptoms of acute coronary syndrome(ACS). TCM was previously thought to be indistinguishable from ACS on the basis of electrocardiogram(EKG) findings;many authors now describe specific EKG changes that distinguish TCM from ACS as well as aid in early recognition of TCM.CASE SUMMARY This unique case presentation illustrates an uncommon subtype of TCM, and very clearly exemplifies the specific EKG changes meant to aid in distinguishing TCM from ACS. A bronchogenic subtype of TCM has been proposed, given its prevalence and distinguishing features from TCM without pulmonary pathology;this case exemplifies that notion. The specific EKG changes of low QRS voltage and attenuation of the amplitude of the QRS complex are now being noted in the EKGs of TCM patients. This patient presented for worsening shortness of breath and increased productive cough; her EKG revealed ST elevations in leads V3-V6,and low voltage QRS complexes when compared to previous EKG from 12 wk ago; troponin peaked at 5.16 ng/mL. Left heart catheterization did not reveal significant lesions and left ventriculogram findings were consistent with TCM.Patient was treated for COPD exacerbation, her symptoms improved significantly; she was sent home on the appropriate medications.CONCLUSION This case exemplifies EKG changes noted in TCM patients who may aid in early detection and appropriate treatment of TCM.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia(NICTH)is a rare cause of persistent hypoglycemia seen in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).It is likely to be underdiagnosed especially in the patients with poor hepatic function and malnutrition.Herein,we report a rare case of NICTH as the initial presentation of HCC in a patient with chronic hypoglycemia due to end-stage liver cirrhosis.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old male with chronic fasting hypoglycemia secondary to end-stage hepatitis C-related cirrhosis,presented with altered mental status and dizziness.He was found to have severe hypoglycemia refractory to glucose supplements.Imaging studies and biopsy discovered well differentiated HCC without metastasis.Further evaluation showed low insulin,C-peptide and betahydroxybutyrate along with a high insulin-like growth factor-2/insulin-like growth factor ratio,consistent with the diagnosis of NICTH.As patient was not a candidate for surgical resection or chemotherapy,he was started on prednisolone with some improvements in the glucose homeostasis,but soon decompensated after a superimposed hospital acquired pneumonia.CONCLUSION NICTH can occur as the sole initial presentation of HCC and is often difficult to correct without tumor removal.Clinicians should maintain high clinical suspicion for early recognition of paraneoplastic NICTH in patients at risk for HCC,even those with chronic fasting hypoglycemia in the setting of severe hepatic failure and malnutrition.
文摘BACKGROUND Takotsubo cardiomyopathy(TCM) is a transient reversible systolic dysfunction,estimated to be the culprit in 1%-2% of patients presenting with clinical symptoms of acute coronary syndrome(ACS). TCM was previously thought to be indistinguishable from ACS on the basis of electrocardiogram(EKG) findings;many authors now describe specific EKG changes that distinguish TCM from ACS as well as aid in early recognition of TCM.CASE SUMMARY This unique case presentation illustrates an uncommon subtype of TCM, and very clearly exemplifies the specific EKG changes meant to aid in distinguishing TCM from ACS. A bronchogenic subtype of TCM has been proposed, given its prevalence and distinguishing features from TCM without pulmonary pathology;this case exemplifies that notion. The specific EKG changes of low QRS voltage and attenuation of the amplitude of the QRS complex are now being noted in the EKGs of TCM patients. This patient presented for worsening shortness of breath and increased productive cough; her EKG revealed ST elevations in leads V3-V6,and low voltage QRS complexes when compared to previous EKG from 12 wk ago; troponin peaked at 5.16 ng/mL. Left heart catheterization did not reveal significant lesions and left ventriculogram findings were consistent with TCM.Patient was treated for COPD exacerbation, her symptoms improved significantly; she was sent home on the appropriate medications.CONCLUSION This case exemplifies EKG changes noted in TCM patients who may aid in early detection and appropriate treatment of TCM.
