Malignant somatostatinoma presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis and inhibitory syndrome: pathophysiologic considerations.

Objective: To describe a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to a malignant somatostatinoma.

Methods: We present the clinical, laboratory, radiologic, and pathologic findings of a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to a malignant somatostatinoma. We also review the potential effects of somatostatin on glucose homeostasis and discuss the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms.