Comparison of two low-dose calcium infusion schedules for localization of insulinomas by selective pancreatic arterial injection with hepatic venous sampling for insulin.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Localization of small insulinomas may be difficult. Selective pancreatic arterial injection of calcium with hepatic venous insulin measurement (SACST) has been used for this purpose, but can rarely cause hypoglycaemia. Two low-dose concentrations of calcium, 0·25 and 0·1 of the usual concentration used for the test, have been compared for sensitivity of localization and safety.

DESIGN:

Selective pancreatic arterial injection of calcium with hepatic venous insulin measurement was performed at calcium concentrations of 0·0025 (Protocol A) and 0·00625 (Protocol B) mEq calcium per kg. The standard concentration is 0·025 mEq/kg.

PATIENTS:

Twenty one successive patients with biochemical evidence of insulinoma were studied.

RESULTS:

Using surgical localization as the gold standard, Protocol A had a sensitivity of 91% and Protocol B 75% for correct localization. The false-positive localization rate was 16%. No hypoglycaemia was observed. These results compare favourably with published data using the standard calcium concentration. Selective pancreatic arterial injection of calcium with hepatic venous insulin measurement was superior to localization by noninvasive imaging; in seven cases, SACST was correct when conventional imaging was negative (five) or false positive (two).

CONCLUSION:

Low concentrations of calcium are effective and safe when performing SACST for localization of insulinoma.

• Authors: G Braatvedt, E Jennison, I M Holdaway
• Journal: Clinical endocrinology (Clin Endocrinol (Oxf)) Vol. 80 Issue 1 Pg. 80-4 (Jan 2014) ISSN: 1365-2265 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23711285 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chemical References

• Insulin
• Calcium

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Calcium (administration & dosage)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Hepatic Veins (metabolism)
• Humans
• Insulin (metabolism)
• Insulinoma (diagnosis, metabolism)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pancreas (metabolism)