Diversities of Mechanism in Patients with VHL Syndrome and diabetes: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome is characterized by tumorous lesions affecting multiple organs. Pancreatic involvement in VHL syndrome can present as endocrine tumors and pancreatic cysts, which can interfere with both exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas. Diabetes is an uncommon complication of VHL syndrome.

Purpose: This study aims to summarize the various mechanisms of diabetes in VHL syndrome by reporting two cases and conducting a literature review.

Methods: We analyzed the clinical and imaging data of two patients with VHL syndrome and diabetes. Additionally, we reviewed the existing literature to explore the clinical diversities and management strategies for VHL syndrome complicated with diabetes.

Results: The first patient presented with liver metastasis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and multiple pheochromocytoma. After surgery, the patient's diabetic control improved, as evidenced by a significant reduction in insulin dosage. This indicates a potential insulin resistance due to elevated metanephrine levels prior to surgery and partial insulin deficiency caused by distal pancreatectomy. The second patient had multiple hemangioblastomas, as well as multiple pancreatic cysts and positive pancreatic islet autoantibodies. Diabetes in this case may be attributed to pancreatic lesions and the coexistence of autoimmune insulitis. A literature review of other patients with VHL combined with diabetes revealed multiple mechanisms, including increased catecholamine levels, pancreatic lesions, surgical removal of pancreatic tissue, endocrine treatment, and possibly the coexistence of autoimmune insulitis.

Conclusion: VHL syndrome complicated with diabetes involves diverse mechanisms.

Keywords: diabetes; pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor; von Hippel-Lindau syndrome.