Crashing into Discovery: Nesidioblastosis in Adult, Unmasked post-Motor Vehicle Accident - A Case Study and Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective Nesidioblastosis, characterized by pancreatic duct-derived B-islet cell proliferation, typically manifests with hypoglycemic symptoms. While more common in newborns, it can rarely affect adults. Here, we report an incidental finding of nesidioblastosis in a 37-year-old female following abdominal trauma due to a motor vehicle crash (MVC). Methods/Case Report A 37-year-old female with no notable medical history presented with blunt abdominal trauma following an MVC. The emergency evaluation revealed a grade 4 traumatic splenic laceration and severe hemoperitoneum. Preoperative lab results showed decreased hemoglobin, elevated white cell count, prolonged prothrombin time, and reduced calcium and magnesium levels. The patient underwent a splenectomy along with a distal pancreatectomy. While grossly unremarkable, microscopic examination revealed maintained acinar architecture with focal hyperplasia around pancreatic ducts. Enlarged acinar cells with pleomorphic nuclei and prominent nucleoli were consistent with focal nesidioblastosis. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Multiple studies have documented the first reported case of nesidioblastosis in adults was in 1975. While its exact incidence is uncertain, most sources suggest a relative frequency of 0.5 – 7% of persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, with estimated overall an annual rate of around 9 per 100,000, with a higher occurrence among females. This unusual incidental discovery of nesidioblastosis in an asymptomatic patient undergoing pancreatic resection for unrelated reasons highlights the likelihood of underestimating the actual prevalence of this disease.