[Diabetes insipidus in a patient with small-cell lung cancer: a paradox?].
We observed oat-cell lung carcinoma in a man who presented with diabetes insipidus. The chest radiograph showed a suspect nodule within a context of major nicotine addiction. Histopathological examination of the transbronchial biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of oat-cell carcinoma. Brain CT revealed metastasis to the pituitary gland and the pituitary stalk. Vasopressin was undetectable. This case illustrates an uncommon clinical presentation of small-cell lung carcinoma. Oat-cell carcinoma can modify osmoregulation in two different ways. Only sporadic cases of neurogenic diabetes insipidus due to the primary involvement of small-cell lung carcinoma have been reported. More often, this type of lung tumor is associated with inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion.
Schleich
Fl
F
Service universitaire d'endocrinologie, CHU Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liege 1, Belgique.
Bustin
F
F
Bosquee
L
L
Legros
J J
JJ
D001706:Biopsy; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D003919:Diabetes Insipidus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000556:secondary; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance