ZOLLINGER-ELLISON SYNDROME

Edited by, SOWNDHARYA

Zollinger- Ellison syndrome (ZES) is a rare disorder. If person has ZES, they likely have one or more tumours in the first part of the small intestine, the pancreas, or both. These tumours, called gastrinomas, release the hormone gastrin. This causes the stomach to release too much acid. Stomach acid is needed to break down food but too much acid can cause painful peptic ulcers inside the lining of the stomach and intestine.

CAUSES

ZES is caused by the tumors called the gastrinomas. These tumors cause the release of gastrin which in turn causes the stomach to release more and more acid. This extra acid can cause painful peptic ulcers inside the lining of the stomach and small intestine

RISK FACTORS

Some people with the condition may have a genetic problem as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Children of adults with MEN1 are at a greater risk of developing the syndrome. ZES is more common in men and often in those who are 30-50 years old.

SYMPTOMS

1)  Nausea

2)  Vomiting

3)  Weight loss

4)  Diarrhoea

5)  Abdominal pain, sometimes burning in nature

6)  Severe heartburn

7)  GERD

8)  Intestinal bleeding

TREATMENT

Medicines called proton pump inhibitors can help manage the extra stomach acid. These medicines help to stop ulcers from developing. They include esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, dexlansoprazole, rabeprazole, and omeprazole. In some cases, surgery is needed to remove tumors in the digestive tract. In the most severe cases, including when tumors have spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy may be needed.