Zollinger-ellison syndrome

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare digestive and endocrine disorder in which gastrin-secreting tumours, called gastrinomas, drive the stomach to make excess acid. It is diagnosed most often in adults aged 20 to 50 and is slightly more common in men. Most gastrinomas arise in the pancreas or duodenum for reasons that are usually unknown, although a minority occur with the inherited condition multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Typical features are diarrhoea, which may be the only sign, abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea and weight loss, and untreated acid excess can cause peptic ulcers that bleed or perforate. Diagnosis relies on blood tests for gastrin, sometimes with a secretin challenge, together with stomach acid measurement and endoscopy. Acid-lowering proton pump inhibitors are the mainstay and many patients need them lifelong; surgery to remove the tumour is considered in people without the inherited condition.

Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. See a doctor for heartburn more than twice a week, a change in bowel habit lasting more than three weeks, or unexplained weight loss. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.