Abstract
Insulinoma is a gastrointestinal tumor, usually benign, which derived from pancreatic beta cells and typically induced by endogenous hyperinsulinism with an incidence rate of 14 cases per million inhabitants each year. This case report describes the diagnostic challenges and dilemmas associated with finding optimal treatment for an insulinoma located in the head of the pancreas. A 41-year-old female was presented with recurrent, nagging headaches, loss of attention and episodes of anxiety accompanied by a feeling of heart palpitation. Based on the test results, reactive hypoglycemia was diagnosed and further symptomatic treatment was recommended. The patient was admitted again nine years after her initial hospitalization for symptoms of hypoglycemia. Abnormally high insulin and peptide C secretion was found. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a tumor with a size of 1.8x1.3x2.2 cm located within the uncinate process of the pancreas. Pancreatoduodenectomy was recommended, however, the patient refused surgery. She was given somatostatin analogues leading to a satisfactory clinical effect. Computed angiotomography was done which confirmed the presence of an abundantly vascularized tumor within the head of the pancreas. Embolization with histoacryl glue was performed. Due to the ineffectiveness of embolization, treatment with short-acting and then long-acting synthetic somatostatin analogues was reintroduced. A follow-up CT scan conducted six months after the procedure revealed regression of tumor size. Treatment of choice for insulinoma is surgery, but conservative treatment is recommended when surgery is impossible or contraindicated. Afferent vessel embolization is a safe treatment option. Chemotherapy may be an option for inoperable, malignant tumors.
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