Low-dose Selective Arterial Calcium Stimulation Test for Localizing Insulinoma: A Single-center Experience of Five Consecutive Cases

Intern Med. 2020 Oct 1;59(19):2397-2403. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.4396-20. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

Abstract

The selective arterial calcium stimulation test (SACST) is one of the most useful localization tests for insulinoma but can cause false-positive and/or unexpected multi arterial positive results that hamper clinical decisions. There are also several adverse effects, such as nausea and hypoglycemia, at the conventional dose (0.025 mEq/kg) of calcium injection. We herein report five consecutive insulinoma cases in which low-dose (0.005-0.007 mEq/kg) calcium injection for SACST led to successful insulinoma localization. No adverse effects of SACST were observed. In conclusion, a low-dose SACST can be a favorable option as an insulinoma localization test in terms of accuracy and safety.

Keywords: calcium stimulation; insulinoma; low-dose; selective arterial calcium stimulation test; selective arterial secretagogue injection test.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcium / administration & dosage*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Hepatic Veins / metabolism
  • Hepatic Veins / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Insulinoma / diagnosis*
  • Insulinoma / metabolism
  • Insulinoma / surgery*
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Calcium