An Elderly Case of Insulinoma Well-Controlled by Diazoxide for Two Years

Abstract

A 92-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of disturbance of consciousness due to hypoglycemia associated with hyperinsulinemia. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) identified an early-staining tumor 14 mm in diameter in the pancreas tail. Insulinoma was clinically diagnosed. Since the patient refused surgical treatment, diazoxide at 250 mg/day was initiated, followed by a reduction to a dose of 75 mg/day. Thereafter, the blood glucose levels stabilized. For up to two years, the patient has been free from any episodes of hypoglycemia without an obvious increase in the tumor size. Thus, diazoxide seems to be a suitable treatment for elderly patients with insulinoma to maintain a good quality of life for a long period without episodes of hypoglycemia.