RECURRENT HYPOGLYCEMIA IN A PATIENT WITH HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA: A CASE REPORT WITH REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Abstract

A rare complication associated with the Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the occurrence of persistent or recurrent hypoglycemia. Although few cases have been reported in the literature, describing its pathophysiology to be multifactorial, it is difficult to determine the exact cause. We present the case of a 26 year old patient diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma who developed recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia and also discuss the various causes for its pathogenesis. In this case the serum insulin and C-peptide levels were found to be low, suggesting the presence of insulin like growth factors (IGF) secreted by the cancer cells. Also, we performed a18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography that showed a massive tumor load. The published reports in literature have similary suggested the presence of IGF or auto-antibodies secreted by the tumor cells and also the Warburg effect in patients with high tumor load. Further research is required to clearly diagnose and define the exact etiopathogenesis of the hypoglycemia occurring in a patient with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.