[The history of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome]

Abstract

In 1955, the concept that an ulcerogenic islet cell tumor was responsible for a marked ulcer diathesis that led to gastric hyperacidity was proposed by myself and Ellison. Recently is was suggested that this concept marked the beginning of modern gastrointestinal endocrinology. Although these pancreatic ulcerogenic tumors are relatively uncommon, a survey in 1987 stated that inquiries about the tumor were the most common references requested from surgical journals. The original diagnostic triad proposed included a fulminating ulcer diathesis (12-hr secretion 2-3 liters), rapidly recurring ulceration despite adequate medical, surgical, and radiation therapy, and identification of a non-beta islet cell tumor of the pancreas. The non-beta islet cell was considered to be different from the cells producing insulinoma, which up to that time was thought to be the only type of islet cell tumor produced by the pancreas.