Preoperative tumor localization by means of venous sampling for fibroblast growth factor-23 in a patient with tumor-induced osteomalacia.

OBJECTIVE

To report on a novel strategy for tumor localization in a 62-year-old man with hypophosphatemic tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO).

METHODS

Repeated computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans failed to localize any tumor in a patient with adult-onset hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. Therefore, venous sampling for fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23)--a circulating hormone that has been identified as a causative factor for TIO--in major veins was conducted. Serum FGF23 was measured from collected samples by an intact FGF23 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Venous sampling suggested a local increase in serum FGF23 in the left femoral vein; this finding prompted performance of octreotide scintigraphy restricted to the left leg. A tumor was located at the lateral condyle of the left femur, which was also confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Surgical resection of the tumor normalized the serum phosphorus and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels within 5 to 10 days, and FGF23 declined to normal levels within 24 hours. Histologic analysis supported the diagnosis of a soft-tissue giant cell tumor.

CONCLUSION

Our study case demonstrates the diagnostic complexity and difficulties in localizing a small tumor in a patient with TIO. Venous sampling for FGF23 may be helpful in tumor localization in sporadic cases of hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, especially when noninvasive diagnostic techniques prove insufficient.