Introduction:

The Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is a pathology caused by a neuroendocrine tumor, usually located in the pancreas or the duodenum, which is characterized by elevated levels of gastrin, resulting in an excessive production of gastric acid.

Case presentation:

A 42-year-old female patient with a history of longstanding peptic ulcer disease, who consulted due to persistent epigastric pain, melena and signs of peritoneal irritation. Perforated peptic ulcer was suspected, requiring emergency surgical intervention. Subsequently, a tumor lesion in the head of the pancreas was documented and managed with Whipple procedure. The pathology results reported a tumor suggestive of neuroendocrine neoplasm.

Discussion:

The Zollinger-Ellison syndrome occurs in 0.1 to 3 people per 1 000 000 inhabitants worldwide and is predominant in women between 20 and 50 years of age. It usually appears as a refractory acid-peptic disease or as a complication of gastric acid hypersecretion. Medical therapy is the standard management, being proton pump inhibitors (PPI) the most effective option. Surgery is recommended for sporadic ZES.

Conclusions:

ZES has a low incidence rate. It is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic epigastric pain and high clinical suspicion is required to achieve adequate management. This article is highly relevant as it presents a confirmed clinical case of ZES in Colombia, highlighting the importance of producing local scientific literature to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology.

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