Zollinger Ellison syndrome

Zollinger Ellison syndrome Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Zollinger Ellison syndrome is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

• Gastrinoma
• Pancreatic Ulcerogenic Tumor Syndrome
• Z-E Syndrome
• ZES

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is characterized by the development of a tumor (gastrinoma) or tumors that secrete excessive levels of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates production of acid by the stomach. Many affected individuals develop multiple gastrinomas, which are thought to have the potential to be cancerous (malignant). In most cases, the tumors arise within the pancreas and/or the upper region of the small intestine (duodenum).

Due to excessive acid production (gastric acid hypersecretion), individuals with ZES may develop peptic ulcers of the stomach, the duodenum, and/or other regions of the digestive tract. Peptic ulcers are sores or raw areas within the digestive tract where the lining has been eroded by stomach acid and digestive juices. Symptoms and findings associated with ZES may include mild to severe abdominal pain; diarrhea; increased amounts of fat in the stools (steatorrhea); and/or other abnormalities.

In most affected individuals, ZES appears to develop randomly (sporadically) for unknown reasons. In approximately 25 percent of cases, ZES occurs in association with a genetic syndrome known as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1). All of the tumors are considered to have malignant potential. Prognosis is related to tumor size and the presence of distant metastases.

Resources

NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Office of Communications & Public Liaison
Bldg 31, Rm 9A06
31 Center Drive, MSC 2560
Bethesda, MD 20892-2560
Tel: (301)496-3583
Email: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/

Canadian Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Society, Inc.
1432 107th Street
North Battleford, S9A 19
Canada
Tel: 3064458436
Fax: 3064458436
Email: hockey_freak99@hotmail.com

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
TDD: (888)205-3223
Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/

NET Patient Foundation
Boxtrees Farm
The Farm House
Stratford Road
Hockley Heath, B94 6EA
United Kingdom
Tel: 08004346476
Internet: http://www.netpatientfoundation.org

Hageman Foundation
1027 Hampshire Drive
Maryville, TN 37801
Tel: (865)238-5842
Fax: (865)238-5844
Tel: (866)612-8579
Email: Info@HagemanFoundation.org
Internet: http://www.HagemanFoundation.org