Hypoglycemia identified by a continuous glucose monitoring system in a second-trimester pregnant woman with insulinoma: a case report

BACKGROUND: Insulinoma associated with pregnancy is a very rare condition and can be difficult to diagnose. Here, we present an interesting case of insulinoma occurring during pregnancy with special attention paid to the use of a continuous glucose monitoring system to detect hypoglycemia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 36-year-old white woman in the second trimester of pregnancy presented with recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia associated with neuroglycopenic symptoms. The use of a continuous glucose monitoring system confirmed hypoglycemia. Serum insulin, C-peptide, and proinsulin values confirmed endogenous hyperinsulinism. A tumor mass was localized at the tail of her pancreas by endoscopic ultrasound and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Surgery performed at 21 weeks of gestation by distal pancreatectomy confirmed the presence of a 15 mm diameter endocrine tumor at the tail of her pancreas and led to a cure. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoglycemia during pregnancy could be due to insulinoma. Use of a continuous glucose monitoring system could help to detect hypoglycemia in these patients.