Gastrinoma (Duodenal and Pancreatic)

Gastrinomas are neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), usually located in the duodenum or pancreas, that secrete gastrin and cause a clinical syndrome known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES). ZES is characterized by gastric acid hypersecretion resulting in severe acid-related peptic disease (peptic ulcer disease, PUD; gastro-esophageal reflux disease, GERD) [1-3] and diarrhea. In this section ZES, due to both duodenal and pancreatic gastrinomas, will be covered together because clinically they are similar [2, 3]. Specific points related to gastrinomas associated with the genetic syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) will also be mentioned. Some specific points related to duodenal gastrinomas will also be covered in the duodenal carcinoid section. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel