[Immunohistochemical detection of chromogranin A and morphometric findings in pancreatic nesidioblastosis in children].

The histologic features and morphometric data of the endocrine pancreas (surgical specimens) of 12 infants suffering from persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia are reported. In 3 cases, a focal nesidioblastosis, in another 3 cases, a diffuse nesidioblastosis were observed. 2 infants demonstrate B-cell adenomata and 4 adenomata combined with a diffuse nesidioblastosis. In respect to volume density of the endocrine pancreas and diameter of the islets, there are no differences between cases with diffuse nesidioblastosis and age-matched controls. Structural changes of the endocrine pancreas in cases with nesidioblastosis are detectable by their chromogranin-A-immunoreactivity. Further investigations are necessary to clarify if there are disturbances in the relationships between chromogranin A and peptide hormones additionally to structural changes in the pancreas.