Gastrinoma

Abstract

Gastrinomas are tumors arising from gastrin-producing (G) cells, typically within the duodenum or pancreas. They are the second most common functioning neuroendocrine tumor found in the pancreas and duodenum following insulinomas. The constellation of clinical findings include peptic ulcer disease, esophagitis, and diarrhea and is known as the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The ulcers may recur following medical or surgical treatment, may be multiple, and may be located in atypical locations within the duodenum, i.e., beyond its second portion. It is estimated that gastrinomas are responsible for 2–5% of cases of peptic ulcer disease treated at tertiary care centers. Gastrinomas may be a manifestation of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type I; 25% of patients with gastrinomas also have other endocrine tumors, and up to 50% of patients with MEN I have gastrinomas.