Endocrinology Made Simple : Somatostatinomas

Somatostatinomas

Theses are tumors arising from Delta cells in the pancreas.

Some tumors may arise from somatostatin secreting cells of duodenum

Clinical features:

Classical triad of somatostatinomas is

Gall stones

Diabetes

Malabsorption

They cause Diabetes by inhibiting insulin secretion.

Gallstones are caused by inhibitory effect of somatostatin on gall bladder motility.

Malabsorption occurs due to inhibition of pancreatic secretion.

Investigations:

Fasting Somatostatin Levels are obtained to confirm a Diagnosis of Somatostatinomas.

Fasting Somatostatin Levels of more than 160 pg/ml are diagnostic of somatostatinomas.

After biochemical diagnosis has been confirmed,next step is localization of tumor by Imaging studies such as CT Scan of abdomen.

Management :

This includes a combination of Chemotherapy and Surgery

Chemotherapy with streptozocin, dacarbazine, doxorubicin

Surgical debulking via Whipple procedure and other resections of other affected  gastrointestinal organs .