[Detection of an insulinoma in pregnancy--a rare cause of hypoglycemia]

An insulinoma was diagnosed in a 26 year-old woman who suddenly went into hypoglycemic coma in the 38th week of an apparently uncomplicated pregnancy. On review of the history it became apparent that symptoms due to hypoglycemia had been present since the 16th week of pregnancy. Continuous intravenous infusion of glucose was administered and the patient was delivered of a healthy child 5 days later. Investigations revealed 2 insulinoma nodules in the tail of the pancreas which were successfully removed 2 weeks post partum.