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Radiofrequency Ablation as a Primary Therapy for Benign Functioning Insulinoma
Ebtihal Y Alyusuf1, Aishah A Ekhzaimy1, Juan A Rivera2
1Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
AACE Clinical Case Reports
|June 7, 2021
Summary
Radiofrequency ablation offers a successful alternative treatment for insulinoma, a rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. This minimally invasive approach achieved normalization of blood glucose and tumor size reduction in a patient who refused surgery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Insulinomas are rare, malignant pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
- Surgical resection is the standard treatment but carries significant morbidity risks.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old male presented with recurrent strokes and behavioral changes.
- Documented asymptomatic hypoglycemia confirmed insulinoma.
- Patient refused surgical intervention due to high-risk status and recent stroke.
Findings:
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor was performed.
- The patient achieved biochemical normalization and remained euglycemic post-RFA.
- Follow-up CT scans showed mild tumor size regression.
Implications:
- RFA presents a viable alternative treatment for insulinoma, especially in patients unsuitable for surgery.
- This case highlights the expanding role of interventional radiology in managing neuroendocrine tumors.
- Further research is warranted to establish RFA as a standard therapeutic option for insulinoma.
