Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare disorder in which tumours in the pancreas secrete a substance called gastrin that causes the stomach to produce too much acid. This, in turn, leads to ulcers in the stomach and duodenum (top part of the intestine).

The symptoms of an ulcer are variable, but may include upper abdominal burning or hunger pain 1-3 hours after meals and in the middle of the night. In some cases, serious complications can occur like bleeding or perforation (erosion of the ulcer right through the gut wall).

The ulcers caused by Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are generally more painful and less responsive to treatment than ordinary peptic ulcers. Medications such as proton-pump inhibitors are effective for suppressing stomach acid in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.