Hypoglycemic encephalopathy as the initial presentation of hepatic tumor: a case report

Abstract

Background: Hypoglycemia is a frequently encountered cause of altered mental status in clinical practice.

Objectives: To report a rare case with hypoglycemia-induced coma as the sole and initial clinical manifestation of a hepatic tumor.

Case report: A previously healthy 32-year-old man presenting with acute change in consciousness was found to have hepatoma related hypoglycemia.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of a hepatic evaluation in, otherwise, unexplained hypoglycemic coma in high prevalence areas of hepatocellular carcinoma such as the Asian-Pacific region.