NECROLYTIC MIGRATORY ERYTHEMA - A CLASSICAL CUTANEOUS PRESENTATION OFTHE GLUCAGONOMA SYNDROME

We report a case of necrolytic migratory erythema secondary to an unde rlying pancreatic glucagonoma causing the glucagonoma syndrome. We dis cuss the differential diagnosis of necrolytic migratory erythema and t he importance of recognising this rare endocrine tumour with its marke d cutaneous features. Patients with glucagonoma syndrome can present l ate in a debilitated state and often require much nutritional support. Treatment with a new long-acting somatostatin analogue, Lanreotide (S omatuline S.R.) 30 mg once weekly, has in our case so far produced enc ouraging results. We would like to emphasise the importance of the ins idious onset of this syndrome and the high incidence of metastatic dis ease at presentation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.