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INTRODUCTION: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder defined by the presence of two of the following endocrinopathies: primary hyperparathyroidism, anterior pituitary tumors, and duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). NETs, which can secrete hormones including insulin, gastrin, and glucagon, among others, are common in patients with MEN1 and are a major cause of morbidity and premature death. NETs are more common later in life, with very few cases described in children. Here, we describe a unique case of an adolescent with multifocal pancreatic NETs as the single presenting feature of MEN1. CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-year-old healthy male presented with severe weakness, altered mental status, and syncope in the setting of a venous blood glucose (BG) of 36 mg/dL. Workup showed an elevated insulin level (14 µIU/mL) when BG was 39 mg/dL with positive response to glucagon, concerning for hyperinsulinism. Diazoxide and chlorothiazide were started but not well tolerated secondary to emesis. Three suspected NETs were identified by magnetic resonance imaging and 68-Ga DOTATATE PET-CT imaging, including the largest, a 2.1 cm mass in the pancreatic head. A fourth mass in the pancreatic tail was identified via intraoperative ultrasound. All lesions were successfully enucleated and excised, and glucose levels normalized off diazoxide by post-op day 2. While the primary lesion stained for insulin and somatostatin by immunofluorescence (IF), consistent with his clinical presentation, the additional tumors expressed glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide, and chromogranin A but were negative for insulin. Genetic testing confirmed a pathogenic heterozygous mutation in MEN1 (c.969C>A, p.Tyr323). He had no other signs of MEN-associated comorbidities on screening. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates that young patients with MEN1 can present with multifocal NETs. These NETs may have polyhormonal expression patterns despite a clinical presentation consistent with one primary hormone. Our patient had clinical symptoms and laboratory evaluation consistent with an insulinoma but was found to have four NETs, each with different IF staining patterns. Advanced preoperative and intraoperative imaging is important to identify and treat all present NETs. Moreover, serum hormone levels pre- and posttreatment could help evaluate whether NETs are actively secreting hormones into the bloodstream or simply expressing them within the pancreas. Finally, this case highlights the importance of genetic testing for MEN1 in all young patients with insulinomas.
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OBJECTIVES: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of type 1 diabetes. Our objective was to determine if children with severe DKA without alteration in mental status can be managed safely on a general children's medical unit. METHODS: Single center retrospective study of 191 patient encounters among 168 children admitted to the children's medical unit (CMU) at Primary Children's Hospital between 2007 and 2017 with severe DKA (pH <7.1 and/or bicarbonate <5 mmol/L). Chart review identified complications including death, transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU), incidence of cerebral edema, and hypoglycemia. We compared patients requiring ICU transfer with those who did not with respect to demographics, laboratory findings at presentation, therapeutic interventions, length of stay, and cost. RESULTS: Of 191 patient encounters, there were 0 deaths (0%, 95% CI 0-2.4%), 22 episodes of alteration of mental status concerning for developing cerebral edema (11.5%, 95% CI 7.7-16.9%), 19 ICU transfers (10%, 95% CI 6.4-15.1%), and 7 episodes of hypoglycemia (3.7%, 95% CI 1.6-7.5%). ICU transfer was associated lower initial pH (7.03 ± 0.06 vs. 7.07 ± 0.07, p<0.05), increased length of stay (3.0 ± 0.8 vs. 2.2 ± 0.9 days, p<0.05), and increased cost of hospitalization (mean ± SD $8,073 ± 2,042 vs. $5,217 ± 1,697, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of children with severe DKA without alteration in mental status can be managed safely on a medical unit. Implementing a pH cutoff may identify high-risk patients that require ICU level of care.