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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
05:42
Robotic Enucleation of an Intra-Pancreatic Insulinoma in the Pancreatic Head
Published on: January 3, 2020
Insulinoma associated with pregnancy.
Adriana G Diaz1, Javier Herrera, Mariana López
1Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fertility and Sterility
|November 6, 2007
Summary
Pregnancy can mask insulinoma symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis. Hypoglycemia often appears postpartum, requiring careful evaluation of pregnant patients with these signs.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Insulinoma, a rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, can present unique diagnostic challenges during pregnancy.
- Gestational metabolic changes may alter or mask typical insulinoma symptoms.
Observation:
- Three pregnant patients presented with hypoglycemic symptoms attributed to insulinoma.
- Symptoms were noted during pregnancy or in the early postpartum period.
- Surgical intervention was performed after delivery, confirming the diagnosis histologically.
Findings:
- Two patients experienced hypoglycemia 2-12 weeks postpartum, suggesting masked symptoms during gestation.
- The third patient's first-trimester hypoglycemia was initially misinterpreted.
- Surgical excision led to the resolution of hypoglycemic episodes.
Implications:
- Early pregnancy hypoglycemia may be overlooked due to symptom overlap with common gestational complaints.
- Increased insulin resistance later in pregnancy can temporarily alleviate symptoms.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of insulinoma are crucial for maternal and fetal well-being.
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