Percutaneous transhepatic portal vein catheterization for localization of insulinoma.

Abstract

AbstractThe experiences of percutaneous transhepatic catheterization of the portal vein and immunoassay for insulin of blood samples taken from the splenic and portal veins for localization of isulinoma are reported. This method was carried out in 17 patients, including 11 cases of clinically diagnosed insulinoma (with pathological proof in 9), 2 patients with residual symptoms following previous excision of an insulinoma, and 4 cases eventually proven not to be insulinomas. The results showed that a high value of insulin was present at or near the site of the tumor in 8 single benign insulinomas, while a sustained elevation of plasma insulin throughout the course of the veins was seen in a patient with malignant insulinoma and widespread metastases. The insulin values were not elevated in the 4 patients without insulinomas. Although this method is useful in preoperative localization of insulinomas, it cannot replace thorough and careful palpation of the pancreas at the time of operation.