Analysis On A Case About Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Secreting Hormones

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors(PNETs)is a rare category of pancreatic tumors,with morbidity about 4-5/1,000,000 population.According to whether accompanying with endocrine symptoms,it is divided into functional and non-functional tumors.Most PNETs are non-functional,which are found by space-occupying change in pancreas.The symptoms of nonfunctional tumors are generally nonspecific and related to tumor mass effect.Functional PNETs can produce a wide variety of hormones such as insulin,gastrin,ACTH,et al.However,ectopic adrenocorticotropic syndrome(EAS)is rare.We present a case of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with hepatic metastasis.The patient had severe hypokalemia.ACTH and cortisol levels increased which leads to EAS.It suggests that a screening of endocrine hormone is necessary in the PNETs patients with hypokalemia.Although there is significant difference in the clinical feature among PNETs subtypes,the diagnosis and treatment of functional and nonfunctional tumors are similar.Serum tumor marker examination,imaging examination and tumor tissue immunohistochemical examination are often needed in diagnosis of EAS.Operation is preferred in PNETs' treatment,embolization,radiofrequency ablation,selective internal radiotherapy and medical therapy also play important roles in its treatment.Diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible will prolong the patient's life.