Glucagon test in insulinoma: Is it useful?

Diagnosis of endogenous hyperinsulinism caused by insulinoma is based on confirmation of hypoglycemia during the symptoms associated to elevated insulin levels. Patients with insulinoma may demonstrate an excessive insulin response and subsequent hypoglycemia after 1 mg of glucagon iv injection. Glucagon test was performed in 11 patients with insulinoma before therapy and in 4 after therapy. Our study suggests that the presence of plasma glucose levels less than 55 mg/dl and below baseline at time 120 min of glucagon test strongly reinforce the diagnosis of insulinoma. (J. Endocrinol. Invest. 35: 570-572, 2012) (C) 2012, Editrice KurtisBrigadeiro Hosp, Div Endocrinol, São Paulo, BrazilFed Univ Para UFPA, Div Endocrinol, Belem, Para, BrazilFed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Div Endocrinol, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo HCFMUSP, Biliary Tract Surg Div, Fac Med, São Paulo, BrazilFed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Div Endocrinol, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc