Implantable Insulin Pump Therapy: An Unusual Presentation of a Catheter-Related Complication

We report the case of a 63-year-old man who has a 19-year history of involvement in the implantable insulin pump program at Johns Hopkins University. After his most recent pump implantation in February 2004, his 24-h insulin requirement gradually increased from a baseline of 75 units to a peak of almost 500 units in June 2005. Surprisingly, insulin delivery from the pump and glycemic control remained satisfactory despite the dramatic change in insulin requirement. Laparotomy revealed a fibrous mass in the peritoneal cavity, with the track of the catheter extending into the mass. Insulin requirement declined post-resection of the mass and relocation of the catheter tip.