Evaluation of preoperative and intraoperative arterial stimulation and venous sampling for diagnosis and surgical resection of insulinoma

BACKGROUND: The precise intraoperative localization of insulinoma is essential for successful surgical treatment. In addition to various imaging modalities developed recently, arterial stimulation and venous sampling (ASVS) has also been used for tumor localization. METHODS: Preoperative and intraoperative ASVS procedures were performed in 6 patients with insulinoma. Intraoperative ASVS was performed before and after tumor resection. Immunoreactive insulin (IRI) concentrations and the IRI ratio (IRI concentration at each time interval after calcium injection/baseline IRI concentration) were determined by the conventional or a quick IRI method. RESULTS: The site of the tumor was identified preoperatively in all patients. The peak of the IRI ratio varied widely, but setting the cutoff value at 3.0 clearly differentiated peak IRA ratios in feeding arteries from those of nonfeeding arteries. Intraoperative ASVS showed a similar elevation of IRI levels, but the elevation disappeared after tumor resection in all but 1 patient. In 2 patients, resection of the tumor was confirmed during surgery by measuring IRI levels by the quick IRI method. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of ASVS and conventional imaging modalities is useful for precise localization of insulinoma. Resection of the tumor can be confirmed intraoperatively by comparing IRI levels associated with preoperative and postresective ASVS.     

选择性动脉钙刺激后肝静脉血清胰岛素测定用于胰岛素瘤定位的研究

目的 探讨选择性动脉钙刺激后肝静脉血清胰岛素测定(ASVS)术前定位胰岛素瘤的临床应用价值.方法 对2000年5月至2010年6月收治的28例术前行ASVS检查的胰岛素瘤患者的病史资料进行回顾性分析.结果 28例患者中男12例,女16例,均有Whipple三联征表现.手术切除瘤体32枚,78.1%瘤体直径＜20 mm;术后病理均证实为胰岛素瘤,其中26例单发,2例多发.ASVS检查6例肠系膜上动脉出现最高峰值比,9例胃十二指肠动脉出现最高峰值比,6例脾动脉近段出现最高峰值比,6例脾动脉远段出现最高峰值比,1例检查结果阴性.ASVS最高峰比值数值的中位数、平均数分别为8.8倍、14.8倍.ASVS正确定位25例,错误定位2例,1例检查结果阴性,ASVS准确率为89.3%(25/28),高于同组CT、MRI(CT、MRI定位准确率分别为56.5%,60.0%);ASVS敏感度为96.2%,高于同组CT、MRI(CT、MRI敏感度分别为69.6%,75.0%).结论 ASVS术前定位胰岛素瘤较CT、MRI有优势,但ASVS创伤大,应作为CT、MRI等常规影像学检查阴性时定位胰岛素瘤的补充定位手段.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of selective intra-arterial calcium stimulated venous sampling ( ASVS) for the localization of pancreatic insulinoma preoperatively.Methods The clinical data of 28 insulinoma patients admitted from May 2000 to June 2010 in Ruijin Hospital undergoing selective intra-arterial calcium stimulated venous sampling with diagnosis of insulinomas before surgery were analyzed retrospectively.Results There were 12 males and 16 females.All the patients had Whipple's triad, and with proved insulinomas by postoperative pathology.There were 26 cases of single insulinoma and 2 cases of multiple insulinomas with altogether 32 insulinomas resected.78.1% of insulinomas were less than 20 mm.All patient were examined by selective intra-arterial calcium stimulated venous sampling.The peak ratio of insulin to the baseline after calcium stimulation appeared at the superior mensenteric artery (SMA) in 6 cases, and the peak ratio of insulin to the baseline after calcium stimulation appeared at gastroduodenal artery(GDA), proximal splenic artery (SAP) and distal splenic artery (SAD) in 9 cases, 6 cases and 6 cases respectively; Selective intra-arterial calcium stimulated venous sampling accurately located 25 cases, and selective intra-arterial calcium stimulated venous sampling located 2 cases wrongly.In one patient, the selective intra-arterial calcium stimulated venous sampling was falsely negative.The mean and median peak ratio of insulin to the baseline after calcium stimulation were 8.8 folds and 14.8 folds respectively.Accurate rate of selective intra-arterial calcium stimulated venous sampling was 89.3% (25/28) and it was higher than that of computed tomography (CT) (56.5% ) , magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (60.0%).Sensitivity of selective intra-arterial calcium stimulated venous sampling was 96.2%, which was higher than that of computed tomography ( 69.6% ) , magnetic resonance imaging (75.0% ).Conclusion Selective intra-arterial calcium stimulated venous sampling is superior to computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging as a preoperative localizing tool for insulinomas, since this procedure is invasive it should be used when other preoperative morphologic studies (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) failed.     

Intra-operative quick insulin assay to confirm complete resection of insulinomas guided by selective arterial calcium injection (SACI)

Background and aims Insulinomas are rare endocrine disorders. Pre-operatively, conventional imaging techniques often fail to localise the tumor. In addition, due to the lack of quick insulin assays, intra-operative confirmation of complete resection was impossible until recently. Materials and methods Six patients with biochemical evidence of an insulinoma underwent pre-operative localisation studies and selective arterial calcium injection (SACI). In addition, insulin was measured before surgery and every 10–15 min after resection of the tumor using a quick insulin assay. Results Pre-operative localisation studies identified the tumor correctly as follows: endosonography: three of four, magnetic resonance imaging: two of four and SACI: six of six. Tumors in the head and body were enucleated while those in the tail were resected (n = 2, each). Those three patients, in whom magnetic resonance imaging and/or endosonography could localise the tumors pre-operatively, underwent laparoscopic surgery while the remaining three patients underwent open surgery. Intra-operatively, insulin dropped to normal levels within 20 min in all cases. After a follow-up of 0.8–3 years, all patients remained biochemically cured. Conclusions Pre-operatively, SACI appears to be a very sensitive localisation technique and may be most helpful in guiding the surgeon if conventional imaging techniques fail to localise the tumor. Complete removal of an insulinoma can be reliably predicted using a quick insulin assay. This paper was presented at the 2nd Biennial Meeting of the European Society of Endocrine Surgeons (ESES), May 18–20, 2006, Krakow, Poland.     

Usefulness of selective arterial calcium injection test and secretin test in patients with insulinoma

Preoperatively, it is sometimes very difficult to localize pancreatic endocrine tumors by conventional imaging techniques. Insulinoma is often solitary and benign, but 10% of insulinomas are multiple and malignant. To perform a curative resection of insulinomas, it is important not to leave any tumor postoperatively. In patients with gastrinomas, the selective arterial secretin injection test has been demonstrated to be useful for the curative resection of gastrinomas, since this test tells us whether there is a gastrinoma in the area of interest. The principle of this test is based on the observation that gastrinomas promptly release gastrin when stimulated by secretin. Following a principle analogous to that underlying the secretin test, we have used calcium solution as a stimulant for insulinoma. This selective arterial calcium injection (SACI) test has been used in Kyoto and in National Institute in Health, Bethesda, USA, NIH since 1990. In three patients with insulinoma, curative resection was performed successfully, based on localization by the SACI test. For the differential diagnosis of insulinoma and B cell hyperplasia, we used the intravenous secretin test in 14 patients who had had episodes of hypoglycemia; the test was useful, showing 75% sensitivity and 100% specificity.     

Role of intraoperative insulin monitoring in surgical management of insulinoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Precise localization and surgical excision is the therapeutic strategy for insulinomas. However, it is often difficult to localize the insulinomas, because of their small size. Surgeons may not localize and remove all of them together, particularly in patients with multiple insulinomas. We reviewed our experience to confirm the efficacy of blood glucose and intraoperative immunoreactive insulin (IRI) monitoring for surgical management of insulinomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with insulinoma were surgically treated in our department. Perioperative blood glucose monitoring was performed in 14 patients, intraoperative quick IRI assay of the peripheral blood in 10 patients, and assay of a portal sample in 4 patients by an IMX analyzer. RESULTS: Rebound response of blood glucose to insulinoma removal was not always noted (8/14; 57%). Seven of ten patients showed a decrease of peripheral serum IRI levels within 15 minutes after removal of the insulinoma. The other two patients showed a rebound response of peripheral blood glucose or portal IRI. All the patients who had intraoperative monitoring of peripheral blood and peripheral and portal IRI had no recurrent insulinoma syndrome after surgical removal of their insulinomas. CONCLUSION: Combined monitoring of peripheral blood glucose and peripheral and portal IRI are helpful in the surgical management of insulinomas, as they can indicate that no insulinoma remains.     

Calcium Infusion: A New Provocative Test for Insulinomas

Calcium gluconate (10 mg Ca(++)/kg) was administered intravenously over a 2-hour period to 16 adult patients who were evaluated for hypoglycemia. In nine of ten patients with benign or malignant insulinomas (eight proven at operation, and two with positive chemical tests and angiographic localization awaiting operation), significant hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia occurred within 60 to 90 minutes after the start of the calcium infusion. Serum proinsulin and Cpeptide concentrations increased at the time of the calciuminduced hyperinsulinemia in several patients in whom these parameters were studied. The one individual who did not respond to the calcium infusion was found to have a benign insulinoma. His basal glucose/insulin ratio of 0.64 was the lowest of the insulinoma group and thus his failure to respond to calcium may indicate that his tumor was secreting maximally at the time of the infusion. Following successful removal of the insulinoma, calcium infusion did not result in changes in serum glucose or insulin concentrations (tested in five patients). In contrast, neither a patient with pathologically documented islet cell hyperplasia, five others with reactive, fupctional or drug-induced hypoglycemia, nor four healthy volunteers showed any changes in circulating glucose or insulin levels while receiving calcium intravenously. Calcium infusion is a safe, rapid and effective provocative test for the diagnosis of insulin-secreting, islet cell tumors of the pancreas.     

腹腔干、肠系膜上动脉共干部动脉瘤的切除和血管重建探讨

目的探讨腹腔干、肠系膜上动脉畸形共干部真性动脉瘤的切除以及血管重建的手术治疗方法。方法回顾性总结1998年2月至2006年4月6例患者临床资料,均在全身麻醉下行动脉瘤切除,肾下主动脉与肝动脉、脾动脉、肠系膜上动脉行转流手术5例,行主动脉肝动脉转流、肠系膜上动脉成形术1例。结果均获得临床治愈,随访观察2月~8年,无一例复发。结论腹腔干、肠系膜上动脉畸形共干部动脉瘤切除,主动脉与内脏动脉转流或重建是一种安全有效的治疗方法。     

选择性动脉钙刺激静脉采血检测胰岛素定位胰岛素瘤的临床研究

目的 研究选择性动脉钙刺激静脉采血(ASVS)检测胰岛素值定位胰岛素瘤的临床应用价值。方法 对连续10例定性诊断为胰岛素瘤的患者术前行ASVS检查。选择性插管至胃十二指肠动脉、肠系膜上动脉、脾动脉近段及远段，分别快速注入葡萄糖酸钙0．3g激发，于激发前后不同时相经肝静脉采血测胰岛素值。计算不同激发值与基础值之比值，取比值最高者为峰比值，认定峰比值最高的动脉所供应的胰腺区域为肿瘤所在区域。结果 ASVS准确定位率为90％，优于B超(30％)、超声内镜(43％)、CT(70％)、MRI(78％)及选择性血管造影(20％)。本组仅2例患者主诉轻度头晕、胸闷。结论 ASVS在胰岛素瘤的定位中较其他影像学检查有更高的准确性，尤其适合于诊断和定位困难的病例。快速注入小剂量钙剂能安全有效地激发肿瘤细胞分泌胰岛素产生峰值。以胰大动脉为界区分脾动脉近段与远段分别激发有助于胰尾肿瘤的定位。     

Arc of buhler: incidence and diameter in asymptomatic individuals

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and diameter of the Arc of Buhler by power injection digital subtraction angiography in asymptomatic patients. A retrospective evaluation of 120 combined celiac (CAx) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) angiograms was carried out on potential live related liver transplant donors (asymptomatic patients) performed from January 1999 to May 2002. The diameter of the Arc of Buhler was calculated with reference to the 5 French catheters used to perform the diagnostic angiograms. It was considered hemodynamically significant if it preferential filled the branches of the other visceral vessel. An Arc of Buhler was identified in 4 patients (3.3%). All 4 patients had a patent gastroduodenal artery (GDA) and none of the 4 had a hemodynamically significant stenosis of either the SMA or the CAx. All Arcs of Buhler found measured less than 2.5 mm in diameter and half of them (2 of the 4) filled the CAx when power injecting the SMA and/or vice versa. There is a low incidence of Arc of Buhler in asymptomatic patients; however, 50% of those encountered were hemodynamically significant. When evaluating the Arc of Buhler by angiography in the setting of pathology, it is important to have a reference diameter and hemodynamic reference in the normal setting, particularly when the prospect of GDA ligation or embolization is entertained in the presence of CAx or SMA occlusion.     

Concurrent treatment of acute pancreatitis and multiple visceral artery aneurysms using endovascular techniques

Multiple aneurysms involving the celiac axis are extremely rare. Celiac artery aneurysms account for only 4% of all visceral aneurysms with 40% having concomitant aneurysms such as gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysms. Development of a GDA aneurysm is associated with pancreatitis. If a GDA aneurysm ruptures, traditional repair is through open surgical techniques with significant morbidity and mortality as up to 50% occur in the setting of chronic pancreatitis. However, a ruptured GDA aneurysm causing pancreatitis has not been described previously. We report a case of successful endovascular treatment of a ruptured GDA aneurysm and concomitant celiac artery aneurysm leading to the resolution of acute pancreatitis.     

Anesthetic management of two patients with insulinoma using propofol--in association with rapid radioimmunoassay for insulin

We experienced anesthetic management of two patients with insulinoma in whom frequent hypoglycemic episodes with blood glucose levels of 39-42 mg.dl-1 had been observed. Each patient received epidural analgesia with a catheter inserted at the T 9/10 intervertebral space. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 80-100 mg and fentanyl 200 micrograms. Tracheal intubation was facilitated with vecuronium 6 mg. Anesthesia was maintained with continuous infusion of propofol and epidural anesthesia. Rapid measurements of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) were useful for localization of insulinoma during surgery. Perioperative plasma glucose levels could be maintained within normal ranges by continuous infusion of glucose. Rebound hyperglycemic episodes were not observed, and IRI was reduced after removal of the insulinoma. General anesthesia using propofol and epidural block is a useful choice for the anesthetic management of patients undergoing an operation for removal of an insulinoma.     

Visceral arterial embolization prior to multivisceral transplantation in recipient with cirrhosis,extensive portomesenteric thrombosis,and hostile abdomen: Performance and outcome analysis

Multivisceral transplant (MVT) for cirrhosis, and portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PVT), is fraught with life‐threatening thrombo‐hemorrhagic complications. Embolization of native viscera has been attempted in a handful of cases with mixed results. We carried out a comparative analysis of angiographic, intra‐operative, and pathological findings in three recipients of MVT who were deemed exceptionally high hemorrhagic risk and therefore underwent preoperative visceral embolization. All recipients were male with cirrhosis, PVT, and a surgical history indicative of diffuse visceral adhesions; status post‐liver transplantation (n = 2) and proctocolectomy (n = 1). The first patient had two Amplatzer II embolization plugs placed 2 cm from the origins of celiac and superior mesenteric (SMA) arteries. Distal migration of the celiac plug into gastroduodenal artery (GDA) and ensuing ischemia reperfusion injury, presumably contributed to severe disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and intra‐operative mortality. In the other two recipients, distal Gelfoam embolization of the SMA, GDA, and splenic arteries was performed, and although remarkable hemorrhage and coagulopathy occurred, embolization, undoubtedly, facilitated exenteration and improved outcomes. Pathologic examination in these cases confirmed ischemic necrosis of eviscerated bowel. In conclusion, liver‐sparing, preoperative distal embolization of native viscera with Gelfoam is beneficial, but entails several pitfalls. It should currently be reserved for MVT recipients who otherwise are at unacceptably high risk.     

Ischemia-reperfusion injury following superior mesenteric artery occlusion and strangulation obstruction

BACKGROUND: Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a serious and common clinical entity resulting in severe tissue injury. This study was designed to compare IRI in superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion and strangulation obstruction (SO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were assigned randomly to three groups. In the control group, a sham operation was performed. In the SMA occlusion group, a vascular clamp was placed across the SMA to occlude arterial circulation. In the SO group, a 15-cm segment of small intestine was looped to prevent venous circulation. Sixty minutes of ischemia was followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Following reperfusion, biopsies of small intestine were taken to assess morphologic damage, tissue levels of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) as an index of lipid peroxidation reflecting oxygen free radicals (OFR) were determined, and serum biochemical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The levels of tissue MDA were significantly higher in the SO group than in the SMA occlusion group (P < 0.05). Biochemical parameters of SO and SMA occlusion groups were higher than those in the control group and there was a significant difference between the SMA occlusion and the SO models, except for ALP levels. Histopathologically, transmural intestinal damage were present in seven cases of SO and in six cases in the SMA occlusion group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite no significant difference between the two groups in terms of intestinal tissue damage, OFR-induced injury was higher in the strangulation obstruction group.     

Multiple Proinsulin-Secreting Tumors of the Pancreas Treated by Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy and Splenectomy

Background  Patients with pancreatic tumors that induce hypoglycemia present with a myriad of symptoms. Laboratory testing can frequently result in data challenging to the clinician to confirm the biochemical diagnosis. Proinsulin, in addition to insulin levels, may be essential in evaluating and diagnosing an insulinoma. Methods  The objective of this case report is to demonstrate the potential importance of proinsulin levels in the evaluation of tumor-induced hypoglycemia. We report a 49-year-old woman with an unusual clinical presentation. Unlike many patients with tumor-induced hypoglycemia, her fasting glucose levels were fairly unimpressive, her insulin levels were undetectable during a prolonged fast, and she had elevated proinsulin levels. Results  The inpatient fast was remarkable for levels of serum glucose 53 mg/dl or higher, a serum insulin <2 uIU/ml, C-peptide 0.7–1.1 (nl 0.8–3.1 ng/ml), and proinsulin 29.2–36.8 pmol/l (nl ≤ 18.8 pmol/l). CT scanning of the abdomen revealed multiple pancreatic lesions. A laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy led to the removal of multiple neuroendocrine tumors, which stained only for proinsulin and not for other pancreatic tumor markers. Postoperatively, she normalized her biochemical serum studies and has remained symptom-free 2 years later. Conclusions  The measurement of proinsulin plays an important part in the diagnostic workup of neuroendocrine tumors causing hypoglycemia. These potentially malignant tumors can be treated adequately with minimally invasive surgery.     

Traumatic and postoperative ischemic liver necrosis: causes, risk factors and treatment

BACKGROUND: To study the cause and outcome of ischemic liver necrosis and suggest treatment of these patients. METHODS: Retrospective study of 13 patients with ischemic liver necrosis treated at our departments from 1990 until 1997. RESULTS: Ischemic liver necrosis was caused by general hypoxia (n = 1) or acute arterial occlusion (n = 12) of the celiac and superior mesenteric artery (SMA, n = 3), proper hepatic artery (PHA, n = 1), right hepatic artery (RHA, n = 2), left hepatic artery (LHA, n = 2) and intrahepatic vessels (n = 4). Six of the cases were related to surgical procedures, 5 of these (38%) were unintended arterial injuries after biliary surgery. Ten patients (77%) had risk factors contributing to the development of liver necrosis: septicemia (n = 4), jaundice and septicemia (n = 2), shock and hypoxia (n = 3) and alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 1). Five patients (38%) needed resection of the liver necrosis due to infected necrosis. Three patients (23%) died; two of these had celiac/SMA occlusion. One died due to complete gastrointestinal ischemia and severe lactacidosis, two died of multiorgan failure after bile leakage and septicemia. CONCLUSION: Ischemic liver necrosis is mainly caused by arterial occlusion due to arteriosclerosis, arterial transection during biliary surgery or blunt liver trauma, and seldom occurs without additional risk factors. 50% of the patients develop infected necrosis and need liver resection. Patients with sterile necrosis may recover without surgical procedures of the liver. The mortality in patients with central (celiac/SMA) and peripheral (CHA, PHA, RHA, LHA, intrahepatic branches) occlusions was 67% (2/3) and 11% (1/9), respectively.     

Clinical Significance of the Interposition Graft for Reconstruction Between the Common Hepatic Artery and Gastroduodenal Artery for Arterial Patency of the Pancreas Graft in Pancreas Transplantation

BackgroundDue to the limited number of organ donations from deceased donors in Japan, pancreas grafts for pancreas transplantation (PTx) are frequently harvested from the donor in the same donation surgery as the liver graft. In such a situation, the common hepatic artery (CHA) and gastroduodenal artery (GDA) are dissected, resulting in decreased blood flow to the head of the pancreas graft. Therefore, GDA reconstruction using an interposition graft (I-graft) between the CHA and GDA has been traditionally performed to maintain blood flow. This study investigated the clinical significance of GDA reconstruction with the I-graft regarding the arterial patency of the pancreas graft in patients after PTx.MethodsFifty-seven patients underwent PTx for type 1 diabetes mellitus at our hospital between 2000 and 2021. Twenty-four cases in which GDA reconstruction was performed using the I-graft and artery blood flow of the pancreas graft was evaluated by contrast-enhanced computed tomography or angiography were included in this study.ResultsThe patency of the I-graft was 95.8%, and only one patient had a thrombus in the I-graft. Nineteen patients (79.2%) had no thrombus in the artery of the pancreas graft; the other five cases had thrombus in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The patient with the thrombus in the I-graft required graftectomy for the pancreas graft.ConclusionsThe patency of the I-graft was favorable. Furthermore, the clinical significance of the GDA reconstruction with the I-graft is suggested to maintain blood flow in the pancreas head if the SMA is occluded.     

Sevoflurane anesthesia for a patient with insulinoma]

A 56-y-o female had recurrent bouts of unconsciousness and convulsions. Her blood glucose level was often below 40 mg.dl-1. Blood chemistry, echography and angiography revealed an insulinoma of 14 x 12 mm in size. Under sevoflurane anesthesia, excision of the tumor was scheduled. The preanesthetic glucose level was 38 mg.dl-1. Under fluid therapy, with 5% glucose in acetate Ringer solution, no hypoglycemic episode occurred during and after the operation. The arterial IRI level was elevated as the blood glucose level increased before the extirpation of the tumor, but it decreased to the normal level 30 minutes after the tumor removal. The IRI level of the portal vein also decreased from 81.7 microU.ml-1 to 19.0 microU.ml-1 after the removal. The perioperative course was uneventful under sevoflurane anesthesia and the result substantiates the report by Murakawa et al, who contend that sevoflurane suppresses the spontaneous release of insulin. We believe that sevoflurane is an appropriate anesthetic agent for a patient with an insulinoma.     

Localization of islet-cell hyperplasia: value of pre- and intraoperative arterial stimulation and venous sampling

Arterial stimulation and venous sampling was effective in the localization of -cell hyperplasia of the pancreas in the islets of Langerhans in an 84-year-old woman. The patient presented with repeated episodes of unconsciousness and hypoglycemia. She was first suspected of having insulinoma, but diagnostic imaging failed to reveal any tumors. Arterial stimulation and venous sampling (ASVS) and percutaneous transhepatic portal venous sampling (PTPS) were performed to localize the tumor. By ASVS, increases in immuno reactive insulin (IRI) were noted in renal vein blood samples (because a splenorenal shunt was present) after splenic arterial stimulation and venous sampling, and PTPS revealed a stepup in IRI from splenic venous blood samples. Preoperative diagnosis suggested -cell hyperplasia in the pancreas tail. Intraoperative ultrasound failed to find a tumor. Intraoperative ASVS showed the site of increase IRI as the pancreas tail, so distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy were performed. However, hypoglycemia was observed constantly after this operation. Relaparotomy, causing additional resection, was conducted to confirm the precise location and to remove the residual -cell hyperplasia of the pancreas. At the second resection, the existing part of -cell hyperplasia was confirmed through intraoperative ASVS, and additional resection of the pancreas body and neck was performed. At this time, complete removal of the residual -cell hyperplasia was confirmed through ASVS. The hypoglycemia and impaired consciousness disappeared after the operation, and the patients blood sugar level was maintained at a normal level. Pathological findings revealed islets of Langerhans hyperplasia extending to 1cm in the pancreas tail region. We conclude that pre- and intraoperative ASVS is a useful test for -cell hyperplasia, which is difficult to diagnose through ordinary imaging techniques.     

Definitive test to diagnose median arcuate ligament syndrome: injection of vasodilator during angiography

The diagnosis of median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome and its correlation with symptoms has been controversial since the disease entity was described. The authors describe a technique that will identify patients who will benefit from intervention. Eight patients with isolated celiac artery compression from MAL were identified by the authors. Their technique involved selective cannulation of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and injection of a vasodilator during angiography. Symptom reproduction and loss of collateral filling of the celiac territory represented a positive test: 4 of the 8 patients had a positive test and underwent successful surgical treatment of the condition; 3 of them remained asymptomatic at follow-up; 1 patient continues to have mild abdominal discomfort. Of the 4 patients with a negative test, 2 were found to have other conditions causing their symptoms. Vasodilator injection into the SMA is a useful diagnostic test to identify patients with symptomatic MAL syndrome.     

An islet cell carcinoma containing glucagon and insulin. Chronic glucagon excess and glucose homeostasis.

Described here is a patient who had an islet cell carcinoma containing both glucagon (glucagonoma) and insulin (insulinoma). Complete removal of the tumor was possible. Immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) could be extracted from all parts of the tumor (approximately 50 mug./gm.) and was shown to be fully bioactive. Immunoreactive insulin (IRI) could be extracted only from one section of the tumor (approximately 30 mug./gm.). The clinical and biochemical manifestations of the disease were dermatitis, diabetes, weight loss, anemia, hypoaminoacidemia, and hyperketonemia. The diabetes was characterized by low or normal fasting blood glucose concentrations and by impaired glucose tolerance (Kg = 0.4). After complete removal of the tumor, the dermatitis cleared, the catabolic state changed into an anabolic state, blood amino acid concentrations increased, and blood ketone-body concentrations decreased. Fasting blood glucose concentrations, however, rose above 200 mg./dl., and glucose tolerance declined further (Kg = 0.15). Hourly blood sampling for 24 hours, intravenous and oral glucose tolerance tests, intravenous arginine and tolbutamide tolerance tests with serial determinations of IRG, IRI, and blood glucose were performed preoperatively and again two weeks and two months postoperatively. The results of these studies demonstrated marked abnormalities in the stimulation and suppression of glucagon and insulin release. In addition, they failed to demonstrate a glycemic effect on the chronically elevated glucagon concentrations in this patient, while identifying insulin as the dominant factor determining blood glucose homeostasis.