Domino effect of pituitary growth hormone tumor complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis and pituitary apoplexy: a case report

BACKGROUND: Patients with growth hormone (GH)-secreting adenoma usually develop glucose intolerance. GH increases metabolic rate and, when secreted aberrantly, may result in metabolic syndrome. Herein, we examine the associations of pituitary tumor-induced secretion of hormone with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, and determine the relation of pituitary tumor apoplexy-induced diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and acute pancreatitis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old male with a history of hypertension presented to the emergency department of our hospital on February 14, 2019 with symptoms of headache, dizziness, and vomiting. Computed tomography of the head revealed pituitary tumor with bleeding. An ultrasound scan of the abdomen revealed fatty liver and acute pancreatitis. Further examination revealed the presence of DKA, hypertriglyceridemia, cortical hypofunction crisis and acute kidney injury. Surgical endoscopic resection of the pituitary tumor resection via the transsphenoidal approach was performed. The patient’s postoperative recovery was remarkable. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term growth hormone abnormality may trigger insulin resistance, leading to metabolic syndrome and impaired glucose and lipid metabolism. The pituitary adenoma apoplexy may also directly induce DKA, creating a domino effect, which further deteriorate the aberrant metabolism of glucose and lipids. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12902-021-00768-9.