Recurrent Hypoglycemia in a 67-Year-Old Woman with CD5- Positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Abstract

Hypoglycemia is a rare complication of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. We are presenting a case of 67-year-old woman presented to her primary care physician with fatigue and hyperhidrosis. Laboratory evaluation revealed a glucose level of 1.9 mmol/L. Computed tomographic scan of the abdomen and subsequent positron emission tomographic scan revealed extensive lymphadenopathy. The patient was then diagnosed with CD5-positive -diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and developed recurrent hypoglycemia despite continuous infusion of glucose. Following immunochemotherapy, hypoglycemia was resolved. Several explanations have been postulated but the exact pathophysiology is not well understood. Further investigation is warranted to more clearly define the pathophysiology of persistent hypoglycemia in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.