Zollinger–Ellison syndrome
| Zollinger–Ellison syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Other names | gastrinoma, pancreatic ulcerogenic tumor syndrome, ZES, Z-E syndrome |
| Endoscopy image of multiple small ulcers in the distal duodenum in a patient with Zollinger–Ellison syndrome | |
| Specialty | Endocrinology |
| Causes | Gastrinoma |
Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (Z-E syndrome) is a disease in which tumors cause the stomach to produce too much acid, resulting in peptic ulcers. Symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhea.
The syndrome is caused by the formation of a gastrinoma, a neuroendocrine tumor that secretes a hormone called gastrin. High levels of gastrin in the blood (hypergastrinemia) trigger the parietal cells of the stomach to release excess gastric acid. The excess gastric acid causes peptic ulcer disease and distal ulcers. Gastrinomas most commonly arise in the duodenum, pancreas or stomach.
In 75% of cases, Zollinger–Ellison syndrome occurs sporadically, while the remaining 25% of cases are due to an autosomal dominant syndrome called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1).