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Insulinoma Presenting as a Complex Partial Seizure: Still a Possible Misleading Factor
Ziyou Qi1, Daojing Li1, Jinfeng Ma1
1Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|February 4, 2020
Summary
Delayed insulinoma diagnosis is a challenge, often mistaken for epilepsy. This case highlights the need for reassessing refractory seizures to identify rare causes like insulinoma for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Insulinoma diagnosis is often delayed due to non-specific symptoms.
- Symptoms can be misattributed to other conditions, leading to prolonged misdiagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of insulinoma presenting with refractory seizures.
- To emphasize the importance of considering insulinoma in atypical neurological presentations.
Main Methods:
- Clinical presentation of a 64-year-old male with misdiagnosed epilepsy.
- Diagnostic workup including starvation test, pancreatic enhancement CT, MRI, and pathological examination.
- Surgical tumor removal and symptom assessment.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced recurrent seizures for 4 years due to misdiagnosis.
- Diagnostic tests confirmed insulinoma.
- Surgical removal of the tumor led to symptom improvement.
Conclusions:
- Insulinoma can manifest with unusual neurological symptoms like seizures.
- Accurate diagnosis requires careful reassessment of refractory seizures and advanced imaging.
- Early identification and surgical treatment of insulinoma are crucial for resolving symptoms.
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