verner morrison syndrome, check these out | What are the symptoms of VIPoma?

This syndrome of watery diarrhea associated with hypokalemia and achlorhydria was first described by Verner and Morrison, in 1958, and has been assumed to be due to hypersecretion of VIP. In children, as well as in adult patients, the most likely explanation for persistent secretory diarrhea may be an occult VIPoma.

What are the symptoms of VIPoma?

Symptoms of VIPoma may include any of the following:
Abdominal pain and cramping.Diarrhea (watery, and often in large amounts)Dehydration.Flushing or redness of the face.Muscle cramps due to low blood potassium (hypokalemia)Nausea.Weight loss.

Why does VIPoma cause diarrhea?

This occurs as a result of VIP binding to intestinal epithelial cells, thereby upregulating cAMP and leading to secretion of electrolytes into the bowel lumen, causing profuse watery diarrhea [2].

How does VIPoma cause achlorhydria?

Hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria is typically due to the inhibitory effect on parietal cells of gastric mucosa, resulting in reduced gastric acid production (16). This usually leads to the malabsorption of essential electrolytes and vitamins.

Is VIPoma malignant?

Vipomas are a type of pancreatic endocrine tumor that arises from islet cells. Of these tumors, 50 to 75% are malignant, and some may be quite large (7 cm) at diagnosis.

Where are VIPomas located?

VIPomas are usually located in the pancreas (75%), or along the sympathetic chain as seen in ganglioneuromas, ganglioneuroblastomas, or neuroblastomas. Pheochromocytomas secreting VIP have also been described (18). Extrapancreatic neurogenic VIPomas are most often diagnosed in children.

Is VIPoma a neuroendocrine tumor?

VIPomas are rare functioning neuroendocrine tumors that secrete vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) [1,2].

How is VIPoma diagnosed?

Tests used to diagnose a VIPoma may include blood tests (including VIP level), imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI , and examination of a stool sample. Unfortunately, even though these tumors are slow-growing, the majority of VIPomas are metastatic (have spread to other parts of the body) at the time of diagnosis.

Why does VIPoma cause acidosis?

Hypokalemia and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis occur due to a large amount of GI loss and bicarbonate wasting. Hypochlorhydria occurs secondary to the direct gastric acid inhibitory effect of VIP.

What is secretory diarrhea?

Secretory diarrhea occurs when your body secretes electrolytes into your intestine. This causes water to build up. It can be caused a number of factors, including: bacterial infection such as salmonella and E.

How do you treat VIPoma?

Initial treatment for VIPoma is aimed at correcting any volume, electrolyte, and acid-base abnormalities with intravenous (IV) normal saline, potassium chloride, and, if acidosis is severe, sodium bicarbonate. In many cases, these abnormalities are pronounced enough to necessitate hospital admission.

What is VIP neurotransmitter?

INTRODUCTION. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide that functions as a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter. It is a potent vasodilator, regulates smooth muscle activity, epithelial cell secretion, and blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract [1-3].

What does VIP hormone do?

A hormone found in the pancreas, intestine, and central nervous system. It has many actions in the body, such as helping to control the secretion of water, salts, enzymes, and gastric acid during digestion. It also causes smooth muscles in the digestive tract, the heart, and the blood vessels to relax.

Why is Verner Morrison syndrome associated with watery diarrhea?

This syndrome of watery diarrhea associated with hypokalemia and achlorhydria was first described by Verner and Morrison, in 1958, and has been assumed to be due to hypersecretion of VIP. In children, as well as in adult patients, the most likely explanation for persistent secretory diarrhea may be an occult VIPoma.

How many people have VIPoma?

VIPomas are very rare. Only around 1 person in every 10 million develop a VIPoma every year. Around 2 out of every 100 pancreatic NETs (2%) diagnosed every year are VIPomas.

What is a VIP tumor?

VIPoma is a type of neuroendocrine tumour (NET) that usually starts in the pancreas. Its symptoms can be vague. See your GP if you are worried. VIPomas usually make large amounts of a hormone called vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). VIP relaxes the muscles in the stomach and bowel.

Can VIPoma be cured?

Surgery can usually cure VIPomas. But, in one third to one half of people, the tumor has spread by the time of diagnosis and cannot be cured.

What is a VIP blood test?

This test is used to measure VIP level in the blood. A very high level is usually caused by a VIPoma . This is an extremely rare tumor that releases VIP. VIP is a substance found in cells throughout the body. The highest levels are normally found in cells in the nervous system and gut.

What does elevated chromogranin A mean?

A protein found inside neuroendocrine cells, which release chromogranin A and certain hormones into the blood. Chromogranin A may be found in higher than normal amounts in patients with certain neuroendocrine tumors, small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, and other conditions.