Symptoms and Signs
Clinical features of
The clinical features of Zollinger–Ellison syndrome are usually due to increased secretion of gastric acid in the stomach. These include:
Stomach ulcers: Pain in the abdomen and stomach ulcers affect most patients with Zollinger–Ellison syndrome. The ulcers may be multiple or affect unusual sites in the digestive tract. They usually do not respond to acid-suppressive medications and may recur following acid-reducing surgery. The patient may show symptoms due to complications from the ulcers like bleeding, obstruction, and perforation.
Gastroesophageal reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition where the patient suffers from heartburn and regurgitation of stomach contents into the food pipe, also called the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux is seen in patients with Zollinger–Ellison syndrome, but may vary in severity and result in inflammation and ulceration of the esophagus. Narrowing of the esophagus due to formation of fibrous tissue may ensue.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is commonly seen in patients suffering from Zollinger–Ellison syndrome.
Steatorrhea: The excess acid in the intestines may prevent absorption of fat from the food. This could lead to increased excretion of fat in the stools, resulting in a condition called steatorrhea.
