Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Disease Overview

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is a condition in which tumors called gastrinomas in the pancreas and duodenum (part of the small intestine) cause high levels of the hormone gastrin in the blood. High levels of gastrin then cause production of too much stomach acid. Signs and symptoms may include abdominal pain, peptic ulcers, vomiting blood, and diarrhea.[7092][7093] The tumors are sometimes cancerous and may spread to other areas of the body.[7094] In most cases, the cause of ZES is unknown. However, about 25-30% of gastrinomas are caused by an inherited condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Treatment for ZES may include medication to reduce the production of stomach acid, and surgery for peptic ulcers or to remove tumors.[5599]

Synonyms

• ZES
• Gastrinoma
• Pancreatic ulcerogenic tumor syndrome
• Z E syndrome