Intra-arterial calcium stimulation test with hepatic venous sampling for preoperative diagnosis of a large insulinoma in an obese young man

Chen YC, Liu CH, Yu CY, Huang GS
Correspondence: Dr Chang-Hsien Liu, cute610627@yahoo.com.tw

ABSTRACT
Herein, we report the case of a large benign insulinoma in an obese young man with a three-year history of asymptomatic hypoglycaemia. He presented to our outpatient department with a two-week history of dizziness and morning cold sweats. A random serum glucose test revealed hypoglycaemia. Upon admission, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen with intravenous contrast media showed an enhancing mass lesion in the uncinate process of the pancreas. To confirm the diagnosis, an intra-arterial calcium stimulation test with hepatic venous sampling was performed for preoperative localisation and to exclude the presence of occult insulinomas. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy, with successful resection of the pancreatic head tumour. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of insulinoma. The patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful, and he has not developed further episodes of hypoglycaemia three years post surgery.

Keywords: computed tomography, insulinoma, intra-arterial calcium, magnetic resonance, stimulation test with hepatic venous sampling
Singapore Med J 2014; 55(8): e132-e135; http://dx.doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2014110

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