1.Diagnostic and Therapeutic Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) in a CT-Negative Occult Insulinoma
Chee Kit Tee ; Yong Siang Ng ; Noor Hafis Md Tob ; Norhaliza Mohd Ali
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):87-88
Introduction:
A negative computed tomography (CT) scan does not
preclude an insulinoma, as small lesions frequently remain
undetected on conventional imaging. This case highlights
the indispensable role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)—
not just for localizing occult tumors, but as a definitive,
minimally invasive therapeutic alternative to high-risk
surgical resection.
Case:
A 39-year-old female with underlying hypertension
presented with a 5-month history of predominantly fasting
hypoglycemia (glucose <3.0 mmol/L) and neuroglycopenic
symptoms, fulfilling Whipple’s triad. A supervised 72-hour
fast confirmed endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia
at 31 hours, with a nadir glucose of 1.4 mmol/L, insulin
116 pmol/L, and C-peptide 821 pmol/L. Notably, contrastenhanced CT of the pancreas was reported as normal. To
overcome this, EUS was performed, successfully identifying
a hidden 19 × 18 mm lesion in the head of the pancreas,
intimately abutting the main pancreatic duct.
Despite medical therapy with diazoxide and strict dietary
modifications, her hypoglycemia remained refractory.
Given the tumor’s proximity to the main pancreatic duct,
surgical enucleation carried a prohibitively high risk of complications. Consequently, she underwent EUS-guided
radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Immediate post-procedure
outcomes demonstrated near-complete resolution of the
hypoglycemic episodes. Diazoxide was subsequently
stopped. Outpatient continuous glucose monitoring
confirmed sustained normoglycemia and marked symptom
resolution, with no procedure-related complications.
Conclusion
The absence of a pancreatic lesion on CT demands persistent clinical suspicion in cases of biochemically proven
hypoglycemia. EUS remains paramount for detecting occult
lesions missed by standard imaging. Importantly, EUSRFA serves as a highly effective, tissue-sparing alternative
to surgical resection for insulinomas, especially when
conventional surgery poses prohibitive anatomical risks.
Insulinoma
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
2.Small Lesion, Big Impact: EUS Localization and Ablation of a CT-Occult Insulinoma
Tharshini Indrajothy ; Vanusha Devaraja ; Goh Qing Ci ; Tay Yang Zet ; Patricia Lee Siow Ping
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):96-
Introduction:
Insulinoma is a rare functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine
tumor and the most common cause of endogenous
hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. Although biochemical
confirmation is usually straightforward, tumor localization may be difficult when lesions are small and not detected
on conventional cross-sectional imaging. In such cases,
endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) plays an important role
in identifying occult lesions and facilitating definitive
treatment.
Case:
A 52-year-old female was admitted in April 2025 with
recurrent seizures secondary to hypoglycemia for 3
years, with increasing frequency over time. She fulfilled
Whipple’s triad, with documented capillary glucose of
1.8 mmol/L during an episode and symptom resolution
following glucose administration. A supervised prolonged
fasting test confirmed endogenous hyperinsulinemic
hypoglycemia, with plasma glucose 1.4 mmol/L, insulin 122
pmol/L, and C-peptide 1,010 pmol/L. Short Synacthen test
demonstrated adequate adrenal reserve. Due to persistent
hypoglycemia, she required high-dose diazoxide.
Contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen did
not reveal a pancreatic lesion but incidentally detected a
right ovarian teratoma. She underwent total abdominal
hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in
June 2025, with histopathology confirming a mature cystic
teratoma without malignancy. However, hypoglycemic
episodes persisted. Further evaluation with EUS in July
2025 identified a highly vascular isoechoic 8 × 8 mm lesion
in the pancreatic body. Fine-needle biopsy confirmed a
well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (WHO grade 1)
with Ki-67 index of 2%. She subsequently underwent EUSguided radiofrequency ablation in August 2025. Follow-up
EUS in December 2025 showed post-ablation change, and
her hypoglycemic episodes resolved completely, allowing
diazoxide to be discontinued.
Conclusion
This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of occult
insulinoma in the presence of negative conventional
imaging. EUS was pivotal for tumor localization and tissue
diagnosis, while EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation
provided effective minimally invasive treatment in a
carefully selected patient.
Insulinoma
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
3.Image repeat analysis in conventional radiography in mobile clinics: A retrospective observational study.
Mark M. Alpio ; Grace Meroflor A. Lantajo ; Joseph Dave M. Pregoner
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(Early Access 2025):1-5
BACKGROUND
Mobile clinics offer crucial healthcare services, including X-ray examinations, to underserved communities. Minimizing image repeats in this setting is vital due to radiation exposure, patient inconvenience, and cost implications.
OBJECTIVESThis study investigated the prevalence and causes of image repeat in conventional radiography performed within mobile clinics in the Philippines.
METHODSA retrospective review analyzed data from five mobile clinics located in two highly urbanized cities in the Philippines from July to December 2023). Radiology staff assessed image quality, with suboptimal images requiring retakes. Reasons for rejection were categorized.
RESULTSOut of 871 radiographs taken, 118 (13.55%) were repeated. Vertebrae and pelvic girdle images had the highest repeat rates (33.33%). Positioning errors were the most common cause (44.07%), followed by underexposure and overexposure.
CONCLUSIONThis study identified a concerning repeat rate (13.55%) for mobile X-rays, primarily due to improper patient positioning, particularly for specific body parts. Targeted training programs and stricter protocols for mobile clinic staff are needed. Radiography education should also emphasize these skills, potentially through collaboration with mobile clinic operators to ensure graduates are prepared for the unique challenges of this environment.
Mobile Health Units ; Patient Positioning ; Radiography ; X-rays ; X-ray Film
4.Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography-Derived Radiomics Combing CT-Fractional Flow Reserve for Detecting Hemodynamically Significant Coronary Artery Disease.
Yan YI ; Cheng XU ; Wei WU ; Ying-Qian GE ; Ke-Ting XU ; Xian-Bo YU ; Yi-Ning WANG
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(4):542-549
Objective To develop a diagnostic model combining the CT angiography(CCTA)-derived myocardial radiomics signatures with the CT-derived fractional flow reserve(CT-FFR)based on coronary CCTA and investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the hybrid model for hemodynamically significant coronary artery disease(CAD).Methods The patients presenting stable angina pectoris,diagnosed with CAD,and clinically referred for CCTA examination and invasive coronary angiography were prospectively recruited.Radiomics features of the left ventricular myocardium were extracted from the three main perfusion territories demarcated according to the coronary blood supply.The extracted features were first selected by the minimum redundancy maximum relevance feature ranking method.A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Logistic regression algorithm with leave-one-out cross-validation was then employed to construct a radiomics model.The CT-FFR value was generated for each blood vessel.The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve(AUC_ROC),sensitivity,and specificity were adopted to evaluate the performance of each model against the reference standard invasive coronary angiography/FFR.Results A total of 70 patients[42 men and 28 women;(61±10) years old] were included in this study and complemented CCTA examination,with 175 vessels and the corresponding myocardial territories undergoing invasive coronary angiography/FFR.A total of 1 656 specific radiomics parameters were extracted,from which 14 features were selected to establish the radiomics model.The AUC_ROC,sensitivity,and specificity were 0.797(95%CI=0.732-0.861),77.1%,and 73.7%for the radiomics model,0.892(95%CI=0.841-0.943),81.4%,and 88.8%for the CT-FFR model,and 0.928(95%CI=0.890-0.965),83.3%,and 88.4%for the hybrid model,respectively.The hybrid model outperformed the radiomics model and CT-FFR alone(P=0.040).Conclusions The radiomics signatures of the vessel-related myocardium from CCTA could provide incremental value to the diagnostic performance of CT-FFR and improve vessel-specific ischemia detection.The hybrid model combining CT-FFR with radiomics signatures is potentially feasible for improving the diagnostic accuracy for hemodynamically significant CAD.
Coronary Angiography/methods*
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
;
Humans
;
Hemodynamics
;
Coronary Artery Disease/diagnostic imaging*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Radiomics
;
Angina Pectoris/diagnostic imaging*
;
China
;
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
;
Coronary Vessels/diagnostic imaging*
5.Multiple odontogenic keratocysts as initial manifestation of gorlin-goltz syndrome: A case report
Geralen Befina L. Gernale-Songahid ; Marion A. Acuin ; Jenny Lyn Y. Uy-Chua
Philippine Journal of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;40(Supplement):24-28
OBJECTIVES
To present a rare case of a 17-year-old girl with multiple odontogenic keratocysts, skeletal abnormalities, central nervous system and cutaneous anomalies.
METHODSDesign:Case Report
Setting:Tertiary Government Training Hospital
Patient: One
RESULTSA 17-year-old Filipino girl presented with a one-year history of progressive left mandibular swelling. Orthopantomography revealed multiple cysts involving the mandible and maxillae. Histopathologic examination of incision biopsy specimens confirmed odontogenic keratocysts. Other physical examination findings included coarse face and multiple palmar and plantar pits. Radiologic investigations demonstrated calcification of the falx cerebri and tentorium cerebelli, bifid rib and cervicothoracic scoliosis. Based on clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings, a diagnosis of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome was established. The patient underwent enucleation and curettage of the cysts with peripheral ostectomy, and there was no recurrence on repeat orthopantomography at six months and two years post-operatively. However, on the fourth year, the patient claimed there was a mandibular cyst which was not verified as she was lost to follow-up.
CONCLUSIONThis case highlights the importance of recognizing multiple odontogenic keratocysts as a potential manifestation of Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome. Early diagnosis enables appropriate management and long term surveillance to monitor for other manifestations of this syndrome that may occur later in life.
Human ; Female ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome ; Mandible ; Radiography, Panoramic ; Focal Dermal Hypoplasia ; Ribs ; Scoliosis ; Spinal Cord ; Women ; History ; Lost To Follow-up ; Diagnosis
6.Double trouble choledocholithiases in type iv duplication of common bile duct identified during intraoperative cholangiography: Case report
Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties 2025;80(2):60-60
Duplication of common bile duct is a rare anatomic congenital anomaly of the biliary tree that may present with many types. Such cases are usually clinically silent unless presented with other concomitant conditions that may also be symptomatic in normal variants. Obstruction of the duplicated common bile ducts due to bile duct stones or choledocholithiasis have also been seldom reported. Hence, we present a case of a 42-year-old female, presenting with abdominal pain and jaundice, with incidental finding of duplication of common bile duct Type IV, with choledocholithiases of duplicates on intra-operative cholangiogram. This will be the first in its kind to adequately document and report the intra-operative findings of this anatomic congenital anomaly in our locale.
Human ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Choledocholithiasis ; Cholangiography ; Common Bile Duct ; Biliary Tract ; Bile Ducts ; Abdominal Pain ; Bile
7.Image repeat analysis in conventional radiography in mobile clinics: A retrospective observational study.
Mark M. ALIPIO ; Grace Meroflor A. LANTAJO ; Joseph Dave M. PREGONER
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(18):56-60
BACKGROUND
Mobile clinics offer crucial healthcare services, including X-ray examinations, to underserved communities. Minimizing image repeats in this setting is vital due to radiation exposure, patient inconvenience, and cost implications.
OBJECTIVESThis study investigated the prevalence and causes of image repeat in conventional radiography performed within mobile clinics in the Philippines.
METHODSA retrospective review analyzed data from five mobile clinics located in two highly urbanized cities in the Philippines from July to December 2023). Radiology staff assessed image quality, with suboptimal images requiring retakes. Reasons for rejection were categorized.
RESULTSOut of 871 radiographs taken, 118 (13.55%) were repeated. Vertebrae and pelvic girdle images had the highest repeat rates (33.33%). Positioning errors were the most common cause (44.07%), followed by underexposure and overexposure.
CONCLUSIONThis study identified a concerning repeat rate (13.55%) for mobile X-rays, primarily due to improper patient positioning, particularly for specific body parts. Targeted training programs and stricter protocols for mobile clinic staff are needed. Radiography education should also emphasize these skills, potentially through collaboration with mobile clinic operators to ensure graduates are prepared for the unique challenges of this environment.
Mobile Health Units ; Patient Positioning ; Radiography ; X-rays ; X-ray Film
8.Post-resuscitation care of patients with return of spontaneous circulation after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest at the emergency department.
Jing Kai Jackie LAM ; Jen Heng PEK
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(2):66-72
INTRODUCTION:
Out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest (OHCA) is a major public health challenge and post-return-of-spontaneous-circulation (ROSC) goals have shifted from just survival to survival with intact neurology. Although post-ROSC care is crucial for survival with intact neurology, there are insufficient well-established protocols for post-resuscitation care. We aimed to evaluate post-resuscitation care in the emergency department (ED) of adult (aged ≥16 years) OHCA patients with sustained ROSC and its associated neurologically intact survival.
METHODS:
A retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted for OHCA patients with sustained ROSC at the ED. Data including demographics, pre-hospital resuscitation, ED resuscitation, post-resuscitation care and eventual outcomes were analysed.
RESULTS:
Among 921 OHCA patients, 85 (9.2%) had sustained ROSC at the ED. Nineteen patients (19/85, 22.4%) survived, with 13 (13/85, 15.3%) having intact neurology at discharge. Electrocardiogram and chest X-ray were performed in all OHCA patients, whereas computed tomography (CT) was performed inconsistently, with CT brain being most common (74/85, 87.1%), while CT pulmonary angiogram (6/85, 7.1%), abdomen and pelvis (4/85, 4.7%) and aortogram (2/85, 2.4%) were done infrequently. Only four patients (4.7%) had all five neuroprotective goals of normoxia, normocarbia, normotension, normothermia and normoglycaemia achieved in the ED. The proportion of all five neuroprotective goals being met was significantly higher ( P = 0.01) among those with neurologically intact survival (3/13, 23.1%) than those without (1/72, 1.4%).
CONCLUSION
Post-resuscitation care at the ED showed great variability, indicating gaps between recommended guidelines and clinical practice. Good quality post-resuscitation care, centred around neuroprotection goals, must be initiated promptly to achieve meaningful survival with intact neurology.
Humans
;
Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest/mortality*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Emergency Service, Hospital
;
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/methods*
;
Return of Spontaneous Circulation
;
Aged
;
Adult
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Electrocardiography
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
;
Aged, 80 and over
9.Predicting late aortic complications after acute type A dissection surgery with volumetric measurements in a Singapore cohort.
Jasmine GE ; Vinay Bahadur PANDAY ; Siew-Pang CHAN ; Bernard WEE ; Julian Chi Leung WONG ; Leok Kheng Kristine TEOH ; Moe Thu SAN ; Carlos A MESTRES ; Theodoros KOFIDIS ; Vitaly A SOROKIN
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(9):469-475
INTRODUCTION:
This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative computed tomography (CT) measurements of aortic lumen volumes in predicting aortic-related complications following acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair.
METHODS:
We conducted a single-institution retrospective aortic volumetric analysis of patients after ascending aorta replacement performed during 2001-2015. The volumetric measurements of total lumen (total-L), true lumen (TL), false lumen (FL), as well as the TL:FL ratio from the first and second postoperative computer angiograms were obtained. A generalised structural equation model was created to analyse the predictive utility of TL:FL ratio.
RESULTS:
One hundred and twenty-five patients underwent surgical intervention, of whom 97 patients were eventually discharged and analysed for postoperative complications. A total of 19 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients with late postoperative aortic complications had a significantly higher FL volume and total-L volume on the first (FL volume P = 0.041, total-L volume P = 0.05) and second (FL volume P = 0.01, total-L volume P = 0.007) postoperative scans. The odds of having aortic complications were raised by 1% with a 1 cm 3 increase in total-L volume and by 2% with a 1 cm 3 increase in FL volume. The TL:FL ratio was significantly lower in patients who developed complications.
CONCLUSION
Postoperative CT volumetric measurements in patients who developed complications are characterised by a significant increase in the FL volume and total-L volume from the first postoperative scans. Patients with disproportionately expanded FL presenting with TL:FL ratios less than 1 were associated with aortic complications. Hence, the TL:FL ratio may be a reliable and useful parameter to monitor postoperative disease progression and to evaluate the risk of late complications in ATAAD patients.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Singapore
;
Aortic Dissection/diagnostic imaging*
;
Middle Aged
;
Postoperative Complications/diagnostic imaging*
;
Aged
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
;
Aortic Aneurysm/diagnostic imaging*
;
Aorta/surgery*
;
Adult
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Computed Tomography Angiography
10.Deploying artificial intelligence in the detection of adult appendicular and pelvic fractures in the Singapore emergency department after hours: efficacy, cost savings and non-monetary benefits.
John Jian Xian QUEK ; Oliver James NICKALLS ; Bak Siew Steven WONG ; Min On TAN
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(4):202-207
INTRODUCTION:
Radiology plays an integral role in fracture detection in the emergency department (ED). After hours, when there are fewer reporting radiologists, most radiographs are interpreted by ED physicians. A minority of these interpretations may miss diagnoses, which later require the callback of patients for further management. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been viewed as a potential solution to augment the shortage of radiologists after hours. We explored the efficacy of an AI solution in the detection of appendicular and pelvic fractures for adult radiographs performed after hours at a general hospital ED in Singapore, and estimated the potential monetary and non-monetary benefits.
METHODS:
One hundred and fifty anonymised abnormal radiographs were retrospectively collected and fed through an AI fracture detection solution. The radiographs were re-read by two radiologist reviewers and their consensus was established as the reference standard. Cases were stratified based on the concordance between the AI solution and the reviewers' findings. Discordant cases were further analysed based on the nature of the discrepancy into overcall and undercall subgroups. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity and inter-rater reliability of the AI solution.
RESULTS:
Ninety-two examinations were included in the final study radiograph set. The AI solution had a sensitivity of 98.9%, an accuracy of 85.9% and an almost perfect agreement with the reference standard.
CONCLUSION
An AI fracture detection solution has similar sensitivity to human radiologists in the detection of fractures on ED appendicular and pelvic radiographs. Its implementation offers significant potential measurable cost, manpower and time savings.
Humans
;
Singapore
;
Emergency Service, Hospital
;
Fractures, Bone/diagnostic imaging*
;
Artificial Intelligence
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Adult
;
Male
;
Female
;
Cost Savings
;
Middle Aged
;
Pelvic Bones/diagnostic imaging*
;
Reproducibility of Results
;
Aged
;
Sensitivity and Specificity
;
Radiography


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