Reversal of a neurologic paraneoplastic syndrome with octreotide (sandostatin) in a patient with glucagonoma

Abstract

A 69-year-old woman with classic glucagonoma syndrome had associated progressive neurologic disease manifest as dementia, ataxia, optic atrophy, and lower limb weakness. Visual evoked responses (VERs) were absent bilaterally. After an attempt at resection was unsuccessful, therapy was started with somatostatin analogue (Sandostatin, SMS 201–995). Over the ensuing 3 months, there was a decrease in the plasma glucagon level, resolution of the rash, weight gain, reversal of the dementia, and an improvement in coordination and limb weakness. Subsequent VERs revealed bilateral delayed responses.