Cimetidine in the management of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Abstract

SummaryThe first case of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome treated from the outset continuously for more than a year with the histamine H2-receptor antagonist cimetidine is reported.

A review of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome – with particular reference to a patient treated with cimetidine

“…The use of H2-receptor antagonists to inhibit gastric acid secretion is both logical and preferable to such radical surgery. Cimetidine has been used to treat 71 published cases of the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (Bonfils et al, 1977;Larkworthy and Davies, 1977;McCarthy et al, 1977;McCarthy, 1978;Orchard and Peternel, 1977;Stage et al, 1977). The largest series of 61 cases is the collected experience from the U.S.A. reported by McCarthy (1978).…”

“…Initial reports of the use of H2-receptor antagonists considered their value to be in the preparation of patients for definitive surgery. However, recent reports of the long-term use of cimetidine instead of surgery are very encouraging (Larkworthy and Davies, 1977;McCarthy, 1978). In McCarthy's series of 61 patients, 6 died, 4 owing to tumour progression, one each from exsanguination and post-gastrectomy (both were unreliable patients).…”