[Insulinoma]

The authors review statistical, pathogenic, and clinical aspects of insulinima, a rare pancreatic tumor growing from beta-cells of islets of Langerhans. Its functioning is associated with periodical impulsive ejection of insulin, its precursors, and relative peptides in large quantities, which results in hypoglycemic state. Acute neuropsychic disturbances, which may include depression of consciousness of varios degrees or psychic and motor disturbances, are a clinical of hypoglycemic attacks. When consciousness remains, the leading clinical syndrome is vegetative dysfunction. However, hypoglycemia does not have specific signs. This state should be differentiated from neurological, psychic, cardiovascular problems etc. The article describes diagnostic methods in insulinoma; their informative value is evaluated. Special attention is paid to cases of wrong diagnosis. The authors describe their own observation of insulinoma, which illustrates difficulties in its revealing. At the same time, the authors affirm that sufficient information make it possible for doctors to establish timely diagnosis of this disease.