Nonfunctioning islet cell carcinoma presenting bleeding gastric varices and splenomegaly

This is a report of a 63-year-old Japanese woman with a nonfunctioning islet cell carcinoma of the pancreas presenting bleeding gastric varices and splenomegaly. These manifestations are extremely rare in patients with nonfunctioning islet cell tumor. The tumor originated in the tail of the pancreas and grew mainly within the spleen. The gastric varices due to increased blood flow to the tumor and arteriovenous fistuals within the tumor were confirmed by angiography and operation. The tumor was resected and she is in a good health for 14-months after the operation.