PMID: 32130799Mar 5, 2020Paper

When Absence Seizures Are Not Seizure: A Case of Insulinoma

South Dakota Medicine : the Journal of the South Dakota State Medical Association
Smitha Narayana GowdaTony Oliver

Abstract

Insulinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that produce excessive insulin and result in hypoglycemia. It can have a wide spectrum of symptoms and presentations which makes it difficult to diagnose at times. Here we present a 39-year-old woman who presented with intermittent diplopia, confusion, and staring episodes for one month. She had previously been seen by a neurologist who diagnosed her with possible absence seizures. However, evaluation showed that that patient had severe hypoglycaemia even with dextrose infusions. She was diagnosed with insulinoma based on lab work and a biopsy of a pancreatic tail mass. She underwent partial pancreatectomy, and has had a good outcome, with no recurrence of her symptoms. This case highlights the variable presentation of insulinomas, and the challenges faced with its diagnosis.

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Adenoma, Islet Cell

Islet Cell Adenoma arises in the islet cells, which are insulin producing cells of the pancreas. These tumors can be either malignant or benign. Discover the latest research on Islet Cell Adenoma here.

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