Use of calcium and secretin in the diagnosis of gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

65 patients with peptic ulcer disease were evaluated for gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) by measuring changes in serum gastrin concentration after intravenous (i.v.) administration of calcium or secretin, or both. The presence of gastrinoma was established in all 20 patients whose serum gastrin increased by 395 pg/ml or more after i.v. calcium and in all 18 patients whose serum gastrin concentration increased by 110 pg/ml or more after i.v. secretin. The experience with these 65 patients shows that stimulation by calcium or secretin may confirm the presence of gastrinoma in cases where the diagnosis would otherwise remain obscure. Although a positive response to calcium or secretin is diagnostic for gastrinoma a negative response does not exclude this diagnosis. Stimulation with secretin is preferred for screening for gastrinoma because it is quicker and more reliable than calcium.