Pancreatic Tumor with Intractable Watery Diarrhea, Hypokalemia and Hypercalcemia Electrolyte Balance Studies

Abstract

A patient with a malignant tumor of the pancreas (possibly islet cell tumor), severe diarrhea, marked hypokalemia and renal concentration impairment is reported. Hypercalcemia was also present. The electrolyte balance was studied in detail, and is discussed with special reference to the calcium household. It is concluded that the hypercalcemia was most probably due to a hormone produced by the primary tumor—a hormone with PTH-like effect but without influence on the tubular reabsorption of phosphorus.

Index-words:

• Pancreas
• pancreatic neoplasms
• islet cell tumor
• diarrhea
• hypercalcemia
• hypokalemia
• hyperparathyroidism
• electrolytes