The Intern At Work: Internal Medicine

224. An Uncontrollable Leak- The Approach to a VIPoma

Feb 11, 2024

Exploring the rare VIPoma tumor that causes watery diarrhea, with emphasis on diagnostic cues and clinical assessment. Discussing treatment options and the benefits of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy for improving survival rates.

11:13

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Quick takeaways

Vipoma manifests as watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria, requiring proper diagnosis to differentiate from similar conditions.

Management of Vipoma involves surgical resection, somatostatin analogs, and advanced therapies for improved outcomes and symptom control.

Deep dives

Understanding Vipomas: An Overview

Vipomas, discovered in 1948 by scientists Werner and Morrison, are rare neuroendocrine tumors associated with hypersecretion of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). These tumors commonly originate from pancreatic endocrine cells, causing a triad of symptoms including watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria. Vipomas lead to excessive water and electrolyte secretion in the gastrointestinal system, resulting in significant fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances. Diagnosis includes assessing stool volume, electrolyte abnormalities, and conducting thorough physical exams to differentiate Vipoma symptoms from other similar conditions.

Introduction

3min

Differential Diagnoses and Clinical Assessment of VIPoma

2min

Comprehensive Overview of Vipoma Diagnosis and Treatment

4min

Improving Progression-free Survival with Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy

2min

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What is that rare endocrine tumour that can cause watery diarrhea? You may have heard of a VIPoma, but how much do you actually know about it?
This episode was written by Dr. Tiffany Mach (Internal Medicine Resident) and reviewed by Dr. Vincent Larouche (Endocrinology) and Dr. Maral Koolian (General Internal Medicine).
Infographic by Julia Simone (Medical Student)

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