Hypoglycemic Syndrome in a Patient with Proinsulin-Only Secreting Pancreatic Adenoma
Author Information
Author(s): Gian Paolo Fadini, Alberto Maran, Anna Valerio, Francesco Meduri, Mariarosa Pelizzo, Diego Miotto, Cristiano Lanza, Giuseppe Altavilla, Angelo Avogaro
Primary Institution: University of Padova
Hypothesis
Can proinsulin levels help diagnose hypoglycemic syndrome in patients with normal insulin levels?
Conclusion
The patient's hypoglycemic syndrome resolved after the surgical removal of the proinsulinoma.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia with low insulin levels.
- Imaging studies revealed a 10mm pancreatic nodule.
- Surgical removal of the nodule led to normalization of proinsulin levels.
Takeaway
A 69-year-old woman had low blood sugar because of a rare type of tumor that only makes proinsulin, and she got better after surgery to remove it.
Methodology
The patient underwent imaging studies, selective angiography, and surgical resection of the pancreatic nodule.
Limitations
The rarity of proinsulinomas may limit generalizability of findings.
Participant Demographics
69-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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