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Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Summary
Congenital hyperinsulinism is the leading cause of persistent hypoglycaemia in infants and children; however, it is uncommon to be diagnosed in adulthood. We describe the cases of two sisters who presented with hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia aged 47 and 57 years old, who were subsequently diagnosed with compound heterozygous likely pathogenic variants in the ABCC8 gene, a known cause of monogenic congenital hyperinsulinism. We discuss the typical presenting features, investigation findings, and treatment strategies for patients with this condition.
Learning Points
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Congenital hyperinsulinism is a rare cause of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia diagnosed in adulthood.
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Clinical presentation is similar to an insulinoma, and imaging modalities may assist in differentiation.
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There are minimal medical therapies currently available for patients non-responsive to diazoxide (such as those with ABCC8 and KCNJ11 variants).
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Continuous glucose monitoring can be helpful in giving patients autonomy in managing their disease, as well as relieving anxiety and fear associated with hypoglycaemia.
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Summary
The rapid rise in the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors as systemic cancer therapy has seen the emergence of immunotherapy-induced diabetes, a severe irreversible immunotherapy-related adverse event. Affected patients typically present with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and low C-peptide consistent with insulin deficiency secondary to autoimmune β-cell destruction. We present the unusual case of a 61-year-old female with metastatic ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma with primary tumour adjacent to the pancreatic head. She was commenced on immunotherapy after conventional systemic chemotherapy. Acute-onset hyperglycaemia was detected after 7 weeks on weekly blood glucose monitoring, with no glucocorticoid use or prior history of diabetes. On presentation, there was no evidence of DKA, and her glycated haemoglobin level was within the normal non-diabetic range at 5.3%, reflecting the acuity of her presentation. Initial serum C-peptide was preserved; however, it became undetectable a few weeks later, confirming insulin deficiency. We describe a case of atypical presentation of immunotherapy-induced diabetes, review the existing literature on this emerging clinical entity and discuss the differential diagnosis for new-onset diabetes mellitus in patients with metastatic cancer.
Learning points
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Regular proactive glycaemic monitoring in patients receiving immunotherapy, particularly antibodies against programmed death ligand 1 and PD1, can facilitate very early detection of immunotherapy-induced diabetes, prompting insulin commencement and avoiding life-threatening presentations of diabetic ketoacidosis.
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Glycated haemoglobin can be within the normal range in patients diagnosed acutely with immunotherapy-induced diabetes.
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Serum C-peptide can be preserved initially in patients diagnosed with immunotherapy-induced diabetes but is likely to become undetectable during their illness.
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New-onset diabetes in patients with metastatic cancer carries a broad differential diagnosis.
Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, New South Wales, Australia
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Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
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Cancer Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Summary
Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare and chronic disease characterised by yellow-brown, atrophic, telangiectatic plaques usually located on the lower extremities, with pathological features of collagen necrobiosis and dermal inflammation. Most cases are seen in those with diabetes mellitus, particularly type 1 diabetes (T1DM), and many without diabetes have evidence of abnormal glucose tolerance or family history of autoimmune disease. In this study, we describe four patients with NL and T1DM. A common theme is late identification and delay in diagnosis. Hence, we discuss the clinical features, need for clinicopathological correlation, and the management and prognostic implications for this distinctive entity. While most remain relatively asymptomatic, others progress to debilitating disease with pruritus, dysesthesia, and pain. Pain is often intense in the presence of ulcerated plaques, a morbid complication of NL. Diagnosis requires the integration of both clinical and histopathological findings. NL has proven a challenging condition to treat, and despite the numerous therapeutic modalities available, there is no standard of care. Hence, in this study, we provide an overview of current management strategies available for NL.
Learning points
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Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is classically seen in patients with type 1 diabetes.
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Koebner phenomenon, defined as the appearance of new skin lesions on previously unaffected skin secondary to trauma, is a well-recognised feature in NL.
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Background skin phototype contributes to variable yellow appearance of lesions in NL.
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Diagnosis of NL requires careful clinicopathological correlation.
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NL is a chronic disease often refractory to treatment leading to significant morbidity for the patient and a management conundrum for the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
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No standard therapeutic regimen has been established for the management of NL.
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University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Summary
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a common dermatosis associated with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. However, AN has been rarely reported in patients with insulinoma, a state of persistent hyperinsulinemia. We present a case of metastatic insulinoma, in whom AN manifested after the first cycle of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). A 40-year-old man was diagnosed with metastatic insulinoma after 5 months of symptomatic hypoglycemia. Within 1 month post PRRT, the patient became euglycemic but developed a pigmented, pruritic rash which was confirmed on biopsy as AN. We discuss the rare manifestation of AN in subjects with insulinoma, the role of insulin in the pathogenesis of AN, malignant AN in non-insulin-secreting malignancies and association with other insulin-resistant endocrinopathies such as acromegaly.
Learning points
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Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a common dermatosis which is typically asymptomatic and associated with the hyperinsulinemic state.
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Malignant AN can rapidly spread, cause pruritus and affect mucosa and the oral cavity.
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AN is extremely rare in patients with insulinoma despite marked hyperinsulinemia.
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Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy might have triggered TGF-α secretion in this subject which led to malignant AN.
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Rapid spread or unusual distribution of pruritic AN warrants further investigation to exclude underlying malignancy.
Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
Healthy Ageing, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Department of Anatomical Pathology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Department of Surgery, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Summary
Insulinomatosis is a rare cause of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia. The ideal management approach is not known. A 40-year-old woman with recurrent symptomatic hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia was diagnosed with an insulinoma. A benign 12 mm pancreatic head insulinoma was resected but hypoglycaemia recurred 7 years later. A benign 10 mm pancreatic head insulinoma was then resected but hypoglycaemia recurred within 2 months. Octreotide injections were trialled but exacerbated hypoglycaemia. After a 2-year interval, she underwent total pancreatectomy. A benign 28 mm pancreatic head insulinoma was found alongside insulin-expressing monohormonal endocrine cell clusters (IMECCs) and islet cell hyperplasia, consistent with a diagnosis of insulinomatosis. Hypoglycaemia recurred within 6 weeks. There was no identifiable lesion on MRI pancreas, Ga-68 PET or FDG PET. Diazoxide and everolimus were not tolerated. MEN-1 testing was negative. Insulinomatosis should be suspected in insulinomas with early recurrence or multifocality. De novo lesions can arise throughout the pancreas. Extensive surgery will assist diagnosis but may not provide cure.
Learning points:
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Insulinomas are usually benign and managed surgically.
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Insulinomatosis is characterised by multifocal benign insulinomas with a tendency to recur early. It is rare.
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Multifocal or recurrent insulinomas should raise suspicion of MEN-1 syndrome, or insulinomatosis.
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Insulinomatosis is distinguished histologically by insulin-expressing monohormonal endocrine cell clusters (IMECCs) and tumour staining only for insulin, whereas MEN-1 associated insulinomas stain for multiple hormones.
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The ideal treatment strategy is unknown. Total pancreatectomy may not offer cure.
Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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Medical Imaging, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
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Department of Medicine and Radiology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
Department of Medicine, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
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Summary
Mitochondrial diseases are rare, heterogeneous conditions affecting organs dependent on high aerobic metabolism. Presenting symptoms and signs vary depending on the mutation and mutant protein load. Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrinopathy, and recognition of these patients is important due to its impact on management and screening of family members. In particular, glycemic management differs in these patients: the use of metformin is avoided because of the risk of lactic acidosis. We describe a patient who presented with gradual weight loss and an acute presentation of hyperglycemia complicated by the superior mesenteric artery syndrome. His maternal history of diabetes and deafness and a personal history of hearing impairment led to the diagnosis of a mitochondrial disorder.
Learning points:
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The constellation of diabetes, multi-organ involvement and maternal inheritance should prompt consideration of a mitochondrial disorder.
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Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, stroke-like episodes (MELAS) and maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) are the most common mitochondrial diabetes disorders caused by a mutation in m.3243A>G in 80% of cases.
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Metformin should be avoided due to the risk of lactic acidosis.
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There is more rapid progression to insulin therapy and higher prevalence of diabetic complications compared to type 2 diabetes.
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Diagnosis of a mitochondrial disorder leads to family screening, education and surveillance for future complications.
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Superior mesenteric artery syndrome, an uncommon but important cause of intestinal pseudo-obstruction in cases of significant weight loss, has been reported in MELAS patients.
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School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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Summary
Diabetes mellitus is a well-recognised risk factor for melioidosis, the disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is endemic in northern Australia and Southeast Asia. We present the initial diagnostic dilemma of a febrile patient from northern Australia with type 1 diabetes mellitus and negative blood cultures. After a 6-week history of fevers and undifferentiated abdominal pain, MRI of her spine revealed a psoas abscess. She underwent drainage of the abscess which cultured B. pseudomallei. She completed 6 weeks of intravenous (IV) ceftazidime and oral trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) followed by a 12-week course of oral TMP/SMX. We postulate that the likely route of infection was inoculation via her skin, the integrity of which was compromised from her insulin pump insertion sites and an underlying dermatological condition.
Learning points:
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Diabetes mellitus is the strongest risk factor for developing melioidosis.
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Atypical infections need to be considered in individuals with diabetes mellitus who are febrile, even if blood cultures are negative.
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There is heterogeneity in the clinical presentation of melioidosis due to variable organ involvement.
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Consider melioidosis in febrile patients who have travelled to northern Australia, Asia and other endemic areas.
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Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Summary
We report a case of a 67-year-old man with type 2 diabetes presented with diabetic ketoacidosis, two weeks after his first dose of nivolumab therapy for non–small-cell lung carcinoma. He was started on empagliflozin two days prior in the setting of hyperglycaemia after the initiation of nivolumab therapy. Laboratory evaluation revealed an undetectable C-peptide and a positive anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody. He was treated with intravenous fluids and insulin infusion and was subsequently transitioned to subcutaneous insulin and discharged home. He subsequently has developed likely autoimmune thyroiditis and autoimmune encephalitis.
Learning points:
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Glycemic surveillance in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors is recommended.
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Early glycemic surveillance after commencement of anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors may be indicated in selected populations, including patients with underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus and positive anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody.
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Sodium-glucose co transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors should be used with caution in patients on immunotherapy.
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Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Summary
Insulinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that classically present with fasting hypoglycaemia. This case report discusses an uncommon and challenging case of insulinoma soon after upper gastrointestinal surgery. A 63-year-old man presented with 6 months of post-prandial hypoglycaemia beginning after a laparoscopic revision of Toupet fundoplication. Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia was confirmed during a spontaneous episode and in a mixed-meal test. Localisation studies including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and gallium dotatate positron emission tomography (68Ga Dotatate PET) were consistent with a small insulinoma in the mid-body of the pancreas. The lesion was excised and histopathology was confirmed a localised well-differentiated neuroendocrine pancreatic neoplasm. There have been no significant episodes of hypoglycaemia since. This case highlights several key points. Insulinoma should be sought in proven post-prandial hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia – even in the absence of fasting hypoglycaemia. The use of nuclear imaging targeting somatostatin and GLP1 receptors has improved accuracy of localisation. Despite these advances, accurate surgical resection can remain challenging.
Learning points:
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Hypoglycaemia is defined by Whipple’s triad and can be provoked by fasting or mixed-meal tests.
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Although uncommon, insulinomas can present with post-prandial hypoglycaemia.
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In hypoglycaemia following gastrointestinal surgery (i.e. bariatric surgery or less commonly Nissen fundoplication) dumping syndrome or non-insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycaemia syndrome (NIPHS) should be considered.
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Improved imaging techniques including MRI, endoscopic ultrasound and functional nuclear medicine scans aid localisation of insulinomas.
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Despite advances in imaging and surgical techniques, accurate resection of insulinomas remains challenging.
