09 November 2014 : Case report
A Rare Case of Insulinoma Presenting with Postprandial Hypoglycemia
Unusual clinical course, Educational Purpose (only if useful for a systematic review or synthesis)
Aditya V. ShreenivasABEF, Vivien LeungABEFDOI: 10.12659/AJCR.891336
Am J Case Rep 2014; 15:488-491
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although fasting hypoglycemia has historically been considered the hallmark of insulinoma, postprandial hypoglycemia has also been occasionally reported as the predominant feature. We report a rare case of an insulinoma diagnosed in an individual presenting exclusively with postprandial hypoglycemia without fasting hypoglycemia.
CASE REPORT: A 47-year-old woman with medical history of migraine, depression, hypercholesterolemia, iron deficiency anemia, and peptic ulcer disease presented with complaints of frequent episodes of dizziness, blurring of vision, and anxiety over the past 4 months. These episodes usually occurred 1–2 hours after eating and resolved with ingestion of sugary foods. Home glucometer readings during typical symptoms were 47–64 mg/dL. Physical exam revealed a healthy-appearing middle-aged female with BMI of 28. Laboratory data after an overnight fast showed serum blood glucose 77mg/dL and AM cortisol 9.6 (5–25 µg/dl). Hemoglobin A1C, thyroid function tests, IGF-1, liver function tests, and kidney function were in normal range. She was instructed to bring a typical meal to the clinic for monitoring of postprandial glucose levels. Three hours after ingestion of the meal, she developed typical adrenergic symptoms during which laboratory analysis revealed a serum glucose level of 44 mg/dL, C-peptide of 2.9 (0.8–3.1ng/ml), insulin level of 32 (0–17 µIU/lt), negative sulfonylurea screen, and insulin antibodies. She was treated with 15 grams of oral glucose, which alleviated her symptoms. Medical therapy with acarbose was attempted, but did not lead to significant reduction in hypoglycemic events. CT abdomen/pelvis confirmed the presence of a tumor in the tail of the pancreas. The patient subsequently underwent partial pancreatectomy, splenectomy, and lymph node resection, with resolution of symptoms. Histopathological analysis confirmed insulinoma.
CONCLUSIONS: We present a rare case of an insulinoma in the setting of verified postprandial hypoglycemia with elevated insulin and C-peptide levels. Although insulinomas typically present with fasting hypoglycemia, it is important to consider insulinoma in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting exclusively with postprandial hypoglycemia.
Keywords: Blood Glucose - metabolism, Diagnosis, Differential, Hypoglycemia - etiology, Insulin - blood, Insulinoma - surgery, Pancreatectomy - methods, Pancreatic Neoplasms - surgery, Postprandial Period
In Press
16 Mar 2024 : Case report
Castleman Disease Presenting in the Neck: A Report of 3 Cases and a Literature ReviewAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943214
16 Mar 2024 : Case report
Early Diagnosis and Successful Empirical Treatment of L1-L2 Spondylodiscitis in a 21-Month-Old Girl: A Case...Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943010
16 Mar 2024 : Case report
A Rare Autochthonous Case of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst in the Non-Endemic Region of TaiwanAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943687
17 Mar 2024 : Case report
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography in Diagnosing Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma Infiltrating Liver Sinu...Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943070
Most Viewed Current Articles
07 Mar 2024 : Case report
Neurocysticercosis Presenting as Migraine in the United StatesDOI :10.12659/AJCR.943133
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943133
10 Jan 2022 : Case report
A Report on the First 7 Sequential Patients Treated Within the C-Reactive Protein Apheresis in COVID (CACOV...DOI :10.12659/AJCR.935263
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935263
19 Jul 2022 : Case report
Atlantoaxial Subluxation Secondary to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Rare Orthopedic Complication from COVID-19DOI :10.12659/AJCR.936128
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e936128
23 Feb 2022 : Case report
Penile Necrosis Associated with Local Intravenous Injection of CocaineDOI :10.12659/AJCR.935250
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935250