Hypoglycemia in a patient with a huge malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) is rare. A 73-year-old man, without past history of diabetes mellitus, was admitted to hospital with profound hypoglycemia, loss of consciousness and respiratory failure. CT indicated a huge heterogenous mass lesion (12 x 12 x 17 cm) at the right thoracic cavity with total atelectasis of the right lower lung. He underwent a standard thoracotomy with complete excision of the tumor. Pathology indicated malignant SFTP with insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 production. There were no further incidences of hypoglycemia or respiratory failure after excision of the tumor. Hypoglycemia resulting from a solitary fibrous tumor is uncommon. Standard thoracotomy and complete resection of this giant tumor provided a good result for the present patient.