A Pancreatic Polypeptide-Producing Pancreatic Tumor Causing WDHA Syndrome.

Abstract

We report the case of a 46-year-old female patient with WDHA (watery diarrhea/hypokalemia/achlorhydria) syndrome caused by a pancreatic polypeptide-producing tumor in the head of the pancreas. Whereas VIP and other pancreatic endocrine hormones were in the normal range, only serum levels of pancreatic polypeptide were elevated. Imaging studies identified a pancreatic tumor in the head of the gland. After laparotomy, the tumor of 3 cm in size was enucleated. Final pathology documented a pancreatic endocrine tumor with immunohistochemical staining demonstrating the presence of pancreatic polypeptide. The patient remained cured after a follow-up of more than three years. The present case illustrates that, although rare, WDHA syndrome may be associated with a pancreatic polypeptide-secreting endocrine tumor of the pancreas.

• Authors: Vera Amrilleva, Emily P Slater, Jens Waldmann, Dorothee Bonorden, Volker Fendrich
• Journal: Case reports in gastroenterology (Case Rep Gastroenterol) Vol. 2 Issue 2 Pg. 238-43 (Jul 09 2008) ISSN: 1662-0631 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 21490894 (Publication Type: Case Reports)