Pancreatic Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide producing tumour (VIPoma): a case report and literature review
Huai Heng Loh1, Florence Tan2
1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Kuching, Sarawak
2Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak
Keywords: VIPoma, Vernor-Morrison syndrome, pancreatic tumour, chronic diarrhoea, hypokalemia.
Abstract
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide-producing tumour (VIPoma) is rare. It typically causes the Vernor-Morrison syndrome characterized by watery diarrhoea, hypokalemia and achlorydria/acidosis. We report a case of VIPoma presenting with severe Vernor-Morrison syndrome requiring intensive care and a review of recent English literature from year 2000 till 2010 for this rare disease. Prompt recognition and early diagnosis are crucial to allow early intervention and improve outcome for this rare disease.