[The Verner-Morrison syndrome. The clinical picture and pathologic anatomy]

Abstract

The Verner-Morrison Syndrome is a clinically defined entity caused by an islet cell tumor of the pancreas. More than 60 cases have been described so long. The syndrome is characterized by diarrhea, hypokalemia and hypochlorhydria. In addition to a diabetic disposition, raised calcium levels and skin alterations may be present. The diagnosis is a clinical one. A pancreatic tumor should be searched for and removed. Morphologically a benign and a maligne islet cell tumor or a diffuse hyperplasia of the islets of Langerhans can be found. Until now identification of the tumor cells has not been possible. There seems no doubt that the tumor cells produce a peptide hormone. Secretin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and combinations of hormones are discussed. The results are contradictory. Theories concerning the formal and causal pathogenesis are only incomplete and unproved up to now.