Altered behavior with an organic cause: a case report

Abstract

Background Insulinomas are pancreatic endocrine tumors of rare incidence worldwide, the vast majority are of single occurrence and benign. These may not always present with the clear symptoms described in the literature and may be overlooked because their neuroglycopenic characteristics present in a fashion similar to some psychiatric conditions. Case report A 50-year-old Hispanic man referred severe psychomotor symptoms, described as anxiety, aggressiveness, agitation, weakness, diaphoresis, and decreased visual acuity. Laboratory testing performed during his last episode revealed increased insulin levels and C-peptide among other findings. Imaging, biopsy, and histopathologic analysis confirmed an insulinoma was the cause of the symptoms, proving the importance of ruling out organic causes of altered mental status prior to consideration of psychiatric disorders. Conclusion It is of critical importance to rule out organic causes of altered mental status prior to consideration of psychiatric disorders, as unusual diseases may be overlooked by physicians and be detrimental to the patient’s progress.

Uncommon Manifestation of Hypoglycemia in a Patient with Insulinoma – A Case Report

“…Paraclinical investigations confirmed an insulinoma was the cause of the symptoms. Authors mention that it "is of critical importance to rule out organic causes of altered mental status prior to consideration of psychiatric disorders, as unusual diseases may be overlooked by physicians and be detrimental to the patient's progress" [14]. Sharma P and collaborators have reported two cases of patients with insulinoma which were initially presented with neuro-psychiatric symptoms and were treated for anxiety, depression, seizures; the diagnosis of these patients was delayed for years [15].…”