# Poorly Controlled New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus and Other Atypical Signs as an Early Sign of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

## TL;DR

A man with new-onset diabetes and other unusual symptoms was later found to have pancreatic cancer, which highlights the need for careful evaluation of atypical diabetes cases.

## Contribution

This case report highlights poorly controlled new-onset diabetes and other atypical signs as potential early indicators of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

## Key findings

- New-onset diabetes mellitus can be an early sign of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
- Portal vein thrombosis and splenomegaly were observed alongside diabetes and pancreatitis.
- Histological analysis of ascitic fluid confirmed the presence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

## Abstract

A 50-year-old man presented with poorly controlled new-onset diabetes mellitus. Six months after diagnosis, episodes of intense abdominal pain with vomiting appeared. Abdominal CT revealed signs of acute pancreatitis with structural changes in the pseudocysts. In the absence of biliary lithiasis or a toxic etiology of acute pancreatitis, the patient progressed unfavorably with increased abdominal pain and fever. Control imaging tests (two and 10 months later) showed the evolution of phlegmonous/necrotic collections, together with portal vein thrombosis and splenomegaly. Given the suggestive signs of possible occult malignancy, such as portal thrombosis, histological analysis of the ascitic fluid revealed a pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Despite the initiation of chemotherapy, the patient died 12 months after diagnosis.