Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

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Choice “E” is the best answer. This patient has Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (ZES), which is caused by a gastrin-secreting tumor of the GI tract. The gastrin secretion in turn activates the ECL cells in the stomach. These cells release histamine which stimulates the parietal cells in producing acid. ZES can occur as a part of a genetic syndrome (MEN 1) or sporadically. The offending tumor is located in the duodenum, pancreas, or abdominal lymph nodes. Abdominal pain, heartburn and diarrhea are the most common symptoms in ZES patients. In patients in whom MEN1/ZES is suspected, a history indicative of kidney stones, elevated calcium levels(i.e., hyperparathyroidism), and pituitary disorders (i.e., adenomas) should be sought. The diagnosis of Zollinger–Ellison syndrome is made by a secretin stimulation test, which measures evoked gastrin levels. Fasting gastrin levels, on at least three separate occasions, is another method of diagnosing ZES. Normal basal gastric acid secretion is less than 10 …show more content…

Atrophic gastritis is a chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa with loss of gastric glandular cells and replacement by intestinal-type epithelium, pyloric-type glands, and fibrous tissue. Abnormally elevated gastrin levels are not found in this condition.

Choice “B” is not the best answer. Chronic gastric outlet obstruction can result in antral dilation which increases acetylcholine levels. Elevated levels of acetylcholine then can cause parietal cells to produce hydrochloric acid and interacts with G-cells to enhance gastrin secretion. However, Gastrin levels typically do not approach those seen in ZES and a secretin stimulation test is negative in these

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