Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

A condition in which tumours are formed in the islet cells of the pancreas together with peptic ulcers [Described 1955. After Robert Milton Zollinger (b. 1903), Professor of Surgery at Ohio State University, USA; Edwin H. Ellison (1918-70), Associate Professor of Surgery at Ohio State University, USA.]

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is a rare digestive disorder that can cause tumors in the duodenum (top of small intestine) and pancreas and can cause stomach-duodenal ulcers. Cancerous tumors secrete serum gastrin, causing the stomach to produce excessive acid, which is responsible for peptic ulcers. The actual cause of ZES is unknown, but it may be associated with an abnormal tumor-suppressing gene.

Condition in which excess gastric juice secretion leads to severe and recurrent peptic ulcers; it is usually caused by a tumor (often malignant) of the pancreas. Treatment may involve removal of the tumor, if possible; gastrectomy; and the use of antiulcer drugs (e.g., cimetidine).

Hypersecretion of gastric acid and formation of gastric ulcers; associated with nonbeta cell tumors of the pancreatic isles.

A rare disorder in which severe peptic ulcers recur in the stomach and duodenum. It is caused by a tumour in the pancreas that produces a hormone, gastrin, which stimulates the stomach and duodenum to produce excess acid: this causes ulceration. Treatment is by surgery.

A condition caused by neuroendocrine tumors, usually of the pancreas, which secrete excess amounts of gastrin. This stimulates the stomach to secrete great amounts of hydrochloric acid and pepsin, which in turn leads to peptic ulceration of the stomach and small intestine. About 60% of the tumors are malignant. Hyperacidity produced by the tumor can be treated with proton-pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole). Surgical removal of the tumor (called gastrinoma) may be curative.

A rare condition characterized by the presence of severe and recurrent peptic ulcers in the stomach, duodenum, and upper small intestine is often associated with the presence of a tumor or tumors, predominantly located in the pancreas. These tumors produce excessive amounts of the hormone gastrin, which stimulates the stomach and duodenum to generate excessive acid, ultimately leading to the formation of ulcers. Most commonly malignant, the tumor necessitates surgical removal. Failure to do so may require complete surgical elimination of the stomach to manage the condition effectively. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate medical interventions, and timely surgical intervention are crucial for the management of this condition and to alleviate symptoms.

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is an uncommon medical condition characterized by the presence of severe and recurrent peptic ulcers found in the stomach, duodenum, and jejunum (the first and middle portions of the small intestine). This syndrome is primarily caused by the development of one or more tumors that secrete gastrin, typically originating in the pancreas but occasionally occurring in the stomach or duodenum. Gastrin, a hormone, stimulates the excessive production of stomach acid, leading to the formation of ulcers. The elevated levels of acid in the digestive tract often result in diarrhea as well.