Abstract

SANDOVAL A, Héctor Fabio et al. Chronic diarrhea as a manifestation of a neuroendocrine tumor. Rev Col Gastroenterol [online]. 2020, vol.35, n.1, pp.135-139. ISSN 0120-9957.  https://doi.org/10.22516/25007440.331.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of rare neoplasms that originate in endocrine cells with the ability to secrete amines and hormonal polypeptides. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) can be functional or non-functional. Functional PNETs secrete common hormones such as gastrin, insulin and glucagon and much less frequent hormones such as vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Their characteristics depend on the peptide secreted. Vipomas are characterized by chronic diarrhea of ​​secretory characteristics that usually lead to hydroelectrolytic disorders and can lead to serious complications associated with renal failure. This article describes the case of a 37-year-old man who had suffered chronic diarrhea with frequent hospitalization for hydroelectrolytic disorders for six months due to severe hypokalemia and acute renal damage due to dehydration. After multiple studies, a diagnosis of secretory diarrhea due to a VIP secretory functional NET was considered. Empirical therapy with Octreotide was begun to control diarrhea and correct the hydroelectrolytic disorder. More studies of PNETS are being published. They have been treated surgically intervention with favorable clinical results and complete remission of symptoms.

Keywords : Chronic diarrhea; secretory diarrhea; neuroendocrine tumor; vipoma.

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