The usefulness of super-selective computed tomography angiography (CTA) for diagnosing and localizing a small insulinoma

Intern Med. 2010;49(18):1983-6. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.49.3739. Epub 2010 Sep 15.

Abstract

Localization of insulinomas by preoperative imaging is critical for successful surgical resection. However, the visualization and localization of small insulinomas by recent imaging modalities still remains a challenge. Here, we report a 77-year-old woman with a small insulinoma successfully localized by performing arterial stimulation and venous sampling (ASVS), and subsequent super-selective CTA (SSCTA). It was not visualized by routine non-invasive imaging tests such as digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The small size (1.0 cm) of the surgically removed tumor supports the usefulness of SSCTA for localizing very small insulinomas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulinoma / diagnosis
  • Insulinoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Insulinoma / surgery*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*