Hypoglycaemia from islet cell hyperplasia and nesidioblastosis in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus--a case report.

INTRODUCTION

We report the first case of hypoglycaemia from beta cell hyperplasia with nesidioblastosis in an Asian adult with pre-existing type 2 diabetes.

CLINICAL PICTURE

A 57-year-old Chinese woman presented with hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia despite discontinuation of oral hypoglycaemic agents 4 months after diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Preoperative portal venous sampling suggested regionalisation to the neck of the pancreas. Intraoperative ultrasound and palpation of the fully mobilised pancreas were non-localising.

TREATMENT

A subtotal 85% pancreatectomy was performed with success.

OUTCOME

Histology showed no evidence of tumour, but revealed islet hyperplasia and nesidioblastosis. Her diabetes was subsequently well controlled on metformin therapy.

CONCLUSION

Endogenous hyperinsulinism from beta cell hyperplasia with nesidioblastosis may rarely occur in type 2 diabetics. However, this remains a diagnosis of exclusion that is confirmed only on surgical pathology. In affected individuals, preoperative portal venous sampling may be falsely localising, especially if selective sampling of the smaller peri-pancreatic veins is omitted. Definite treatment involves pancreatectomy, although the extent of surgical resection is not well established.