Recurrent Syncope, Behavioral Changes and Weight Gain in an Elderly Filipino Woman

Successful Diagnosis and Management of Insulinoma With 13-Year Disease-Free Follow-up

Authors

  • Edwin Canete College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Mark Anthony Sandoval College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.041.02.6285

Keywords:

hypoglycemia, insulinoma, pancreatic neoplasms, weight gain, syncope, blood glucose

Abstract

Recurrent syncope and behavioral changes in the older population may suggest several disease entities associated with aging. Hypoglycemia is an often-missed potentially correctable underlying cause that should also be considered in the differential diagnosis. We present a case of a 62-year-old Filipino woman who presented with recurrent syncopal attacks, behavioral changes and unintentional weight gain, associated with endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with no pancreatic mass seen on abdominal CT scan. A pancreatic head tumor was visualized through endoscopic ultrasound. Surgical removal of the mass resulted in resolution of her symptoms and restoration of her physical and functional well-being. This case is being reported to highlight that surgery cured her of the disease and she remains asymptomatic and well 13 years after her surgery.

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Author Biographies

Edwin Canete, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

Mark Anthony Sandoval, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila

Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila

References

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Published

2026-08-22

How to Cite

Canete, E., & Sandoval, M. A. (2026). Recurrent Syncope, Behavioral Changes and Weight Gain in an Elderly Filipino Woman: Successful Diagnosis and Management of Insulinoma With 13-Year Disease-Free Follow-up. Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies, 41(2). https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.041.02.6285

Issue

Vol. 41 No. 2 (2026): August Issue

Section

Case Reports

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Edwin Canete, Mark Anthony Sandoval

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