Insulinoma in pregnancy: a case report and literature review of diagnostic challenges, multidisciplinary management, and therapeutic dilemmas - Scorecard - MDSpire

Insulinoma in pregnancy: a case report and literature review of diagnostic challenges, multidisciplinary management, and therapeutic dilemmas

  • By

  • Abdullah Faiz Zaihan

  • Shairyzah Ahmad Hisham

  • Srinivas Siwalinggam

  • Noor Hayatul Al Akmal Noralam

  • Kaeshaelya Thiruchelvam

  • Chia Siang Kow

  • June 3, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Insulinoma in Expectant Mothers: A Case Study and Review of Diagnostic Challenges, Collaborative Care, and Treatment Issues

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
Condition
Key MechanismsEndogenous hyperinsulinaemia leading to recurrent hypoglycaemia due to insulinoma.
Target Population
Care Setting

Key Highlights

  • Insulinoma is exceedingly rare in pregnancy, with fewer than 30 cases reported.
  • Diagnosis is often delayed due to overlapping symptoms with normal pregnancy.
  • A multidisciplinary team approach is crucial for management.
  • Medical therapy with octreotide can achieve partial glycaemic control, but may have teratogenic risks.
  • Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation may require multiple sessions for glycaemic stabilization.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Consider biochemical evaluation for endogenous hyperinsulinaemia in cases of recurrent hypoglycaemia.

Management

  • Balance risks of maternal hypoglycaemia against potential fetal harm when choosing treatment strategies.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Regular monitoring of maternal and fetal health is essential due to risks associated with insulinoma.

Risks

  • Potential risks include miscarriage, preterm labor, and maternal morbidity from surgical interventions.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Medical therapies such as diazoxide and somatostatin analogues may have teratogenic risks; specific risks should be discussed with patients.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Utilize a multidisciplinary team for individualized management of insulinoma in pregnancy.
  • Employ imaging modalities like MRI for better detection of pancreatic lesions.
  • Educate patients on recognizing symptoms of hypoglycaemia.

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