Necrolytic migratory erythema and glucagon cell tumour of the pancreas: the glucagonoma syndrome: report of two cases

Abstract

Two cases of necrolytic migratory erythema are described. Both patients also suffered from anemia, weight loss, hypersedimentation and carbohydrate intolerance. A solitary pancreatic tumor was found in both cases, at autopsy in one and at laparotomy in the other. Microscopic examination of skin biopsies showed necrolysis of superficial epidermis. Both patients had extremely elevated plasma concentrations of pancreatic glucagon. By means of specific staining and immunofluorescence techniques the tumors were shown to consist of glucagon containing alpha2 cells. It is concluded that these patients suffered from the newly described glucagonoma syndrome.