Gastrinoma With Relatively Low Gastrin Levels: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Gastrinomas, a type of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, are often curable with early surgical resection.
• Diagnosis can be challenging, particularly when serum gastrin levels are not significantly elevated.

Observation:

• This case report details a patient diagnosed with gastrinoma after undergoing multiple abdominal surgeries including duodenojejunostomy, gastrojejunostomy, total gastrectomy, and cholecystectomy.
• The patient presented with relatively low serum gastrin levels, complicating the diagnostic process.

Findings:

• The case underscores the variability in gastrinoma presentation, even in the context of prior gastrointestinal surgery.
• Low serum gastrin levels can occur in gastrinoma patients, necessitating a comprehensive diagnostic approach.

Implications:

• Increased clinical awareness of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, including gastrinomas, is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Clinicians should consider the impact of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use on diagnostic workup and patient management for suspected gastrinomas.