Which symptom is classically associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome due to gastrinoma?

Which symptom is classically associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome due to gastrinoma?

• A. Abdominal pain that is relieved by meals
• B. Abdominal pain that worsens with meals
• C. Pain that is present only at night
• D. Chest pain relieved by antacids

Answer: (A)

Gastrin-driven acid overproduction from a gastrinoma leads to peptic ulcers that are often in the duodenum and can be multiple and refractory. The most characteristic symptom pattern is abdominal pain that is relieved by meals, a classic finding for duodenal-type ulcers. Eating appears to buffer acid in the duodenum and lessen mucosal irritation, so pain improves after meals. This pattern helps distinguish Zollinger-Ellison–related ulcers from gastric ulcers, which tend to worsen with meals, and from nocturnal-only pain or chest pain that is relieved by antacids, which are less specific for this syndrome.

Gastrin-driven acid overproduction from a gastrinoma leads to peptic ulcers that are often in the duodenum and can be multiple and refractory. The most characteristic symptom pattern is abdominal pain that is relieved by meals, a classic finding for duodenal-type ulcers. Eating appears to buffer acid in the duodenum and lessen mucosal irritation, so pain improves after meals. This pattern helps distinguish Zollinger-Ellison–related ulcers from gastric ulcers, which tend to worsen with meals, and from nocturnal-only pain or chest pain that is relieved by antacids, which are less specific for this syndrome.