Watery diarrhea and hypokalemia associated with increased plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide in a child

Abstract

THE SYNDROME of watery diarrhea and hypokalemia associated with pancreatic tumors was first described in adults in 1958.' The syndrome has recently been associated with increased blood levels of the gastrointestinal hormone vasoactive intestinal peptide. 2:~ Although pancreatic islet cell tumors are found in most patients with the syndrome, others have islet cell hyperplasia or normal pancreatic tissue. ~' ~ To our knowledge the syndrome has not b e e n previously described in childhood.* The following case is that of a 7-year-old boy with watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, normal pancreatic islet cells, but high plasma levels of VIP.