Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is a rare disorder that causes severe, recurrent peptic ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. It is caused by gastrin-producing tumors called gastrinomas, typically located in the pancreas or duodenum, which secrete excessive amounts of gastrin hormone leading to overproduction of stomach acid. The Gastrin blood test is the most important test for diagnosis as it detects the elevated gastrin levels characteristic of this condition.
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Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is caused by gastrin-producing tumors called gastrinomas that develop in the pancreas or duodenum. These tumors secrete excessive amounts of the hormone gastrin into the bloodstream, which signals the stomach to produce abnormally high levels of acid. The overproduction of stomach acid leads to severe, recurrent peptic ulcers that are difficult to heal and often resistant to standard ulcer treatments. In some cases, gastrinomas are associated with a genetic condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), which causes tumors in multiple hormone-producing glands.
The Gastrin blood test is the most important test for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome because it measures the level of gastrin hormone in your blood, which is dramatically elevated in people with this condition. Gastrinomas produce excessive gastrin, so finding significantly high gastrin levelsâtypically above 1,000 pg/mLâstrongly suggests ZES, especially when combined with symptoms like recurrent ulcers. Your healthcare provider may also perform a secretin stimulation test, where gastrin levels are measured before and after an injection of the hormone secretin; in ZES, gastrin levels rise paradoxically after secretin administration, while they remain stable or decrease in other conditions. Once elevated gastrin is confirmed, imaging studies like CT scans or endoscopic ultrasound help locate the tumors.
You should get tested if you experience recurrent peptic ulcers that keep coming back despite treatment, or ulcers in unusual locations like the small intestine. Other warning signs include severe abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea that does not respond to typical treatments, frequent heartburn or acid reflux that is difficult to control with medication, and unexplained weight loss. Testing is especially important if you have a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or if standard ulcer medications are not providing relief. Early diagnosis is crucial because untreated gastrinomas can grow and potentially spread to other organs.
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What this means
Your gastrin level is slightly elevated above the optimal range. While this is not necessarily alarming, it may indicate your stomach is producing excess acid, which could contribute to heartburn, stomach pain, or digestive discomfort you've been experiencing.
Recommended actions
Avoid foods that trigger acid production like spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol
Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions
Discuss with your doctor about temporarily stopping acid-reducing medications before retesting
Consider retesting in 8-12 weeks to monitor trends
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