Case Reports

Multidisciplinary Approach to Glucagonoma: A Case Report

Volume 29 · Issue 2 Publish Date: March 3, 2025
Full Text PDF
DOI
Yiğit Yazarkan ORCID
Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Banu Ertürk ORCID
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Gamze Sönmez ORCID
Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Hilmi Anıl Dinçer ORCID
Department of General Surgery, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Uğur Ünlütürk ORCID
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Murat Fani Bozkurt ORCID
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Şuayib Yalçın ORCID
Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Ahmet Bülent Doğrul ORCID
Department of General Surgery, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Yazarkan, Y., Ertürk, B., Sönmez, G., Dinçer, H. A., Ünlütürk, U., Bozkurt, M. F., … Doğrul, A. B. (2025). Multidisciplinary Approach to Glucagonoma: A Case Report. Endocrinology Research and Practice, 29(2), 149–152. https://doi.org/10.5152/erp.2025.24530
Full Text FULL TEXT PDF

Abstract

lpha cells of the pancreas, secrete glucagon and represent less than 10% of PNETs, with an incidence<of 0.01-0.1 per million population per year. Often metastatic at diagnosis, glucagonomas commonly<present with dermatological symptoms, notably necrolytic migratory erythema (NME), leading to<diagnostic delays. Effective management necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. We report a case of a 26-year-old woman with itchy, coin-sized lesions, initially misdiagnosed as erythema multiforme  and treated with topical corticosteroids. Recurrence of symptoms, weight loss, night sweats, nail changes, and gastrointestinal issues led to further investigation. Elevated glucagon (700 pg/mL) and chromogranin A levels (>700 ng/mL) confirmed glucagonoma. Imaging revealed multiple hepatic and pancreatic lesions. The treatment included lanreotide, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), distal pancreatectomy, and splenectomy. Despite 6 PRRT cycles and additional chemother apy, recurrent liver metastases necessitated ongoing management and potential liver transplanta tion. This case emphasizes the importance of early NME recognition and a multidisciplinary approach involving dermatology, endocrinology, pathology, radiology, surgery, nuclear medicine, medical oncology, and interventional radiology for effective glucagonoma management.

 

Cite this article as: Yazarkan Y, Ertürk B, Sönmez G, et al. Multidisciplinary approach to glucagonoma: A case report. Endocrinol Res Pract. 2025;29(2):149-152.

Article Info
Published In
Journal Endocrinology Research and Practice
Volume / Issue Volume 29 · Issue 2
Pages 149-152
History
Published Online March 3, 2025
Copyright
Affiliations
Yiğit Yazarkan ORCID
Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Banu Ertürk ORCID
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Gamze Sönmez ORCID
Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Hilmi Anıl Dinçer ORCID
Department of General Surgery, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Uğur Ünlütürk ORCID
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Murat Fani Bozkurt ORCID
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Şuayib Yalçın ORCID
Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Ahmet Bülent Doğrul ORCID
Department of General Surgery, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Cite this Article
Yazarkan, Y., Ertürk, B., Sönmez, G., Dinçer, H. A., Ünlütürk, U., Bozkurt, M. F., … Doğrul, A. B. (2025). Multidisciplinary Approach to Glucagonoma: A Case Report. Endocrinology Research and Practice, 29(2), 149–152. https://doi.org/10.5152/erp.2025.24530
Outlines