(zol'ing-ĕr-el'ĭ-sŏn )

[Robert M. Zollinger, 1903–1992; Edwin H. Ellison, 1918–1970, U.S. surgeons]

A condition caused by neuroendocrine tumors, usually of the pancreas, which secrete excess amounts of gastrin. This stimulates the stomach to secrete great amounts of hydrochloric acid and pepsin, which in turn leads to peptic ulceration of the stomach and small intestine. About 60% of the tumors are malignant. Hyperacidity produced by the tumor can be treated with proton-pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole). Surgical removal of the tumor (called gastrinoma) may be curative.