Hypoglycemia In Non-Diabetic Patient: Report of Two Cases of Insulinoma

Abstract

Background: Insulinoma is a B-cell tumor of the islets of the pancreas with an incidence of 4 per 1 million people per year, which produces excess insulin and can cause symptoms related to hypoglycemia at the level of the central nervous system or symptoms related to excess release of catecholamines. The presence of hypoglycemia, elevated insulin, proinsulin, and c-peptide levels suggest endogenous hyperinsulinism, which together with imaging findings suggestive of neuroendocrine tumor, allow establishing the diagnostic impression of Insulinoma. Case Report: Patients with neuroglycopenic symptoms, biochemical profile of hypoglycemia, endogenous hyperinsulinemia and radiological finding compatible with insulinoma are reported, who were treated by surgical resection of the tumor, with complete resolution of the initial symptoms. Conclusion: The clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of insulinoma represents a clinical challenge, since it is a rare pathology and the delay in diagnosis can have catastrophic consequences for the patient such as permanent brain damage and death.