A 45-year-old woman is concerned by a history of episodes of confusion and fainting over the past year that occur either on first arising in the morning or after exercising. The episodes are preceded or accompanied by shaking, sweating, and palpitations. The woman's husband has noticed that eating can prevent the onset of symptoms. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, including confusion, fainting, shaking, sweating, and palpitations, which are prevented by eating, suggest episodes of hypoglycemia. A benign insulin-secreting tumor (insulinoma) is the most likely cause of these symptoms, as it would lead to periodic hypoglycemia, especially during fasting states or after exercise when glucose levels naturally drop.

A 45-Year-Old Woman Is Concerned by a History of Episodes