Use of a Computerized Glucose Clamp Technique to Diagnose an Insulinoma
- JOHN H. REYNOLDS, M.D.;
- NEIL I. KAMINSKY, M.D.;
- DAVID S. SCHADE, M.D.; and
- R. PHILIP EATON, M.D.
- University of New Mexico School of Medicine and Albuquerque Endocrinology Consultants P.A.; Albuquerque, New Mexico
Excerpt
An insulinoma may be difficult to diagnose when roentgenograms and hormonal test results, such as with proinsulin, are normal. Autonomous insulin secretion is characteristic of this tumor, but administration of exogenous insulin to test for autonomy may cause severe hypoglycemia. The euglycemic glucose clamp technique is a research method that has not yet been applied to clinical medicine (1). With the aid of a minicomputer, we used this technique to safely detect autonomous insulin secretion in a patient susceptible to hypoglycemic seizures. After autonomous insulin secretion was documented, a laparotomy showed a 1.5-cm-diameter insulinoma. Surgical removal of the tumor resulted
This 100-word excerpt has been provided in the absence of an abstract.
Acknowledgments
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Grant support: by grant #RR-997 from the General Clinical Research Center Program and grant MET 5 R01 AM31973-02 from the National Institutes of Health.
Article and Author Information
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to David S. Schade, M.D.; Department of Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, UNM Hospital; Albuquerque, NM 87131.
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