[Choleriform diarrhea in a case of ganglioneuroblastoma. Demonstration of a high blood level of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)].

The case of a 6-month old infant presenting with profuse diarrhea associated with increased plasma V.I.P. (600 pg/ml) is reported. The increased excretion of V.I.P., most probably of tumoral origin may be considered as responsible for the diarrhea. The discovery of an increased plasma level of V.I.P., occuring during a choleriform diarrhea, leads to evoke and search for a tumoral process of the APUD system.