Varied presentations of pancreatic insulinoma: a case report

Pan Afr Med J. 2022 May 25:42:69. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2022.42.69.34839. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

An insulinoma is a rare functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour that is usually sporadic and solitary. The hallmark is hypersecretion of insulin, which leads to neuroglycopenia symptoms and uncontrolled sympathoadrenal activity. Neuroendocrine tumours can have a varied presentation, with symptoms often ascribed to a different diagnosis, thus delaying correct diagnosis and treatment. We present the case of a 26-year-old female who had a 3-year delay before diagnosing insulinoma after being initially assessed with epilepsy and schizophrenia. The case report below provides a detailed review of the diagnosis, tumour localization, and surgical interventions implemented for the patient during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Insulinoma; case report; neuroendocrine tumours; tumour enucleation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulinoma* / diagnosis
  • Insulinoma* / surgery
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Pandemics