Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), an acute and life-threatening complication of diabetes, is a metabolic disorder caused by insulin deficiency and an increase in counter-regulatory hormones. Several cases of DKA without marked hyperglycemia have been reported and are defined as euglycemic DKA (eu-DKA). The use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) is associated with the occurrence of eu-DKA, of which, dapagliflozin is one of the agents. In this study, we report a case of dapagliflozin-associated eu-DKA following surgery for pancreatic carcinoma. A 57-year-old woman presented with acute abdominal pain after surgery for pancreatic carcinoma. Emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed because of suspicion of gastrointestinal perforation based on a CT scan. The surgeons observed that the stomach was significantly dilated but not perforated. Meanwhile, the patient developed shock and severe acidosis. A further examination confirmed the diagnosis of dapagliflozin-associated eu-DKA. We reviewed the precipitating factors and mechanisms of SGLT2i-associated eu-DKA and discussed the treatment and prevention of this condition. Clinicians need to be alert of the occurrence of SGLT2i-associated eu-DKA in patients treated with this drug in the perioperative period.
Keywords: DKA; SGLT2i; dapagliflozin; euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis; pancreatic carcinoma.
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