[Islet cell carcinoma causing Verner-Morrison syndrome (author's transl)]

Predominant symptoms of the Verner-Morrison syndrome are diarrhea and hypokalemia; further symptoms can be impaired carbohydrate tolerance, hypercalcemia distension of the intestine and skin alterations. Diagnosis can be confirmed by computer tomography, angiography and demonstration of increased plasma levels of VIP and GIP. This syndrome is due to islet cell carcinoma of the pancreas in about one third of all cases observed. Total duodeno-pancreatectomy has to be performed, if surgery is possible at all. Patients who cannot be operated upon may receive combined cytostatic therapy.