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Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a condition caused by abnormal production of the hormone gastrin. A small tumor (gastinoma) in the pancreas or small intestine produces the high levels of gastrin in the blood.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is caused by tumors usually found in the head of the pancreas and the upper small bowel. These tumors produce the hormone gastrin and are called gastrinomas. High levels of gastrin cause overproduction of stomach acid.
High stomach acid levels lead to multiple ulcers in the stomach and small bowel. Patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may experience abdominal pain and diarrhea. The diagnosis is also suspected in patients without symptoms who have severe ulceration of the stomach and small bowel.
Gastrinomas occur as single tumors or as small, multiple tumors. About one-half to two-thirds of single gastrinomas are malignant tumors that commonly spread to the liver and nearby lymph nodes. Nearly 25% of patients with gastrinomas have multiple tumors as part of a condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN I). MEN I patients often have tumors of the pituitary gland (brain) and parathyroid (neck) glands in addition to tumors of the pancreas.
A class of acid-suppressing medications called proton pump inhibitors (for example, omeprazole, lansoprazole) is now the first choice of treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. These drugs dramatically reduce acid production by the stomach, and promote healing of ulcers in the stomach and small bowel. They also provide relief of abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Surgical removal of a single gastrinoma may be attempted if there is no evidence that it has spread to other organs (such as lymph nodes or the liver). Surgery on the stomach (gastrectomy) to control acid production is rarely necessary today.
Early diagnosis and surgical removal of the tumor is associated with a cure rate of only 20% to 25%. However, gastrinomas grow slowly, and patients may live for many years after the tumor is discovered. Acid-suppressing medications are very effective at controlling the symptoms of acid overproduction.
Call your provider if severe, persistent abdominal pain occurs, especially if it occurs with diarrhea.
Review Date:5/4/2006
Reviewed By:Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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