Insulinoma. Diagnostic criteria and treatment Insulinoma. Criterios diagnósticos y tratamiento

Insulinomas are rare islet cell tumors of the pancreas. Ninety percent are sporadic, usually single and small. The autonomous insulin secretion results in hypoglycaemia, mostly fasting hypoglycaemia, with neuroglucopenic symptoms. Biochemical diagnosis is established by demonstrating an endogenous hyperinsulinism pattern during a spontaneous or fasting-induced episode of hypoglycaemia. High resolution computer tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography are the preferred imaging techniques for diagnosis before surgery, localizing almost 100% of tumors. Other procedures are used only in selected cases. Surgery removal of insulinoma is the treatment of choice resulting in high overall cure rates. In cases of refractory hypoglycaemia medical management using drugs as diazoxide may be used. Currently, novel therapeutic approaches are being developed.