Question

A 33 year old female with a three year history of recurrent gastric and duodenal ulcers despite medical management is found on subsequent evaluation to have a fasting gastrin level of 989 pg/mL (normal: <100 pg/mL). Abdominal CT scan reveals a 2cm mass in the head of the pancreas, and surgical exploration is planned. Following successful resection of this mass, the patient's fasting gastrin level is found to be 1020 pg/mL. Pathological analysis of the resected specimen shows it to be a glucagonoma. Which of the following is the most likely additional associated finding in this patient?

A. Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
B. Hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands
C. Pheochromocytoma
D. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
E. Breast carcinoma

Answer 1

The most likely additional associated finding in this patient with a glucagonoma is hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely additional associated finding in this patient with a glucagonoma is hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands. Glucagonomas are rare pancreatic tumors that can cause excessive secretion of glucagon. Hyperglucagonemia resulting from a glucagonoma can lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism, which in turn can cause hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands. This can result in elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium in the blood.