VIPoma (Verner-Morrison Syndrome)

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour secreting vasoactive intestinal peptide.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Last updated: June 11, 2026

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Endokrinoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is VIPoma (Verner-Morrison Syndrome)?

VIPoma is a syndrome arising from excessive secretion of vasoactive intestinal peptide by neuroendocrine tumours of pancreatic or extra-pancreatic origin. It is also known as WDHA (watery diarrhoea, hypokalaemia, achlorhydria) or pancreatic cholera.

Profuse watery diarrhoea reaching 3-5 L per day is the dominant symptom and leads to severe dehydration, hypokalaemia and metabolic acidosis. About 70-80% of tumours are located in the pancreatic tail and 40-60% have already metastasised at diagnosis.

Diagnosis relies on serum VIP above 75 pg/mL, often above 200 pg/mL; CT, MRI and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy are used for localisation.

Symptoms

Profuse watery diarrhoea (3-5 L/day, persists with fasting)

Severe dehydration

Hypokalaemia (muscle weakness, arrhythmia)

Metabolic acidosis

Facial flushing

Hypercalcaemia in some cases

Weight loss and fatigue

Risk Factors

Mostly sporadic occurrence

Rare association with MEN-1 syndrome

Age 30-50 years (peak diagnostic age)

Ganglioneuroblastoma-associated VIPoma in children

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

Profuse watery diarrhoea that does not improve with fasting
Diarrhoea with severe dehydration and electrolyte disturbance
Chronic diarrhoea associated with hypokalaemia and metabolic acidosis
Elevated serum VIP level on testing

Treatment Methods

Aggressive fluid and electrolyte replacement

Somatostatin analogues (octreotide for diarrhoea control)

Surgical resection when curative

Chemotherapy in metastatic disease (temozolomide, capecitabine)

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT, 177Lu-DOTATATE)

Local treatments for liver metastases (TACE, RFA)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Endokrinoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.