Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura suddenly induced hypoglycemia before surgical treatment

Abstract

We present a case of a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura with sudden onset, recurren thypoglycemia. A 76-year-old smoking male with type-II diabetes mellitus admitted to our hospital for dyspnea and general malaise. Radiological findings revealed a large tumor occupying the right hemi thorax. After bronchoscopic examination, the patient developed a fever and began to wheeze. Treatment with antibiotics and several other drugs improved his symptoms. Percutaneous needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. After these medical in terventions, the patient suddenly developed recurrent hypoglycemia. After the right pneumonectomy, the patient never experienced hypoglycemia again. We should consider the possible relation between hypoglycemia and solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura, even when the patient is not hypoglycemic during the initial examination. ©2011 The Editorial Committee of Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. All rights reserved.