Nesidioblastosis

Nesidioblastosis (pronounced: nes-idio-blast-osis) is a rare medical condition characterized by the overproduction of insulin due to the hyperplasia of the pancreatic beta cells.

Etymology

The term "Nesidioblastosis" is derived from the Greek words "nesidion," meaning "little island" (referring to the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas), and "blastosis," meaning "germinal growth."

Definition

Nesidioblastosis is a condition that primarily affects infants and is characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of cells (hyperplasia) in the islets of Langerhans, the region of the pancreas that produces insulin. This results in an overproduction of insulin, leading to persistent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

Symptoms

The primary symptom of nesidioblastosis is persistent hypoglycemia. Other symptoms may include irritability, sweating, and seizures due to low blood sugar levels.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of nesidioblastosis is typically made through a combination of blood tests to measure insulin levels, imaging studies to visualize the pancreas, and sometimes a biopsy of the pancreas.

Treatment

Treatment for nesidioblastosis typically involves medications to manage blood sugar levels and, in severe cases, partial removal of the pancreas (partial pancreatectomy).

Related Terms

• Hyperinsulinism
• Hypoglycemia
• Pancreatectomy
• Islets of Langerhans

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Nesidioblastosis
• Wikipedia's article - Nesidioblastosis

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