Biliary obstruction and pancreatitis caused by diffuse nodular hyperplasia of Brunner's gland

Brunner's gland hyperplasia: A rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding

Brunner’s gland hyperplasia (BGH) is an unusual entity that presents with large duodenal polyp or mass and rarely causes gastrointestinal bleeding. It is usually asymptomatic and often an incidental finding during the esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD). However, most of the cases are benign. We encounter a 40 years old man who presented in Emergency Room with melena. EGD revealed solitary, large duodenal polyp in second part of duodenum and later histopathological findings were consistent with BGH.

Fatal Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage in a Patient with Brunner's Gland Hyperplasia

Brunner's gland hyperplasia is a rare cause of duodenal mass and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Imaging and esophagoduodenoscopic evaluation of this condition are frequently consistent with a duodenal malignancy often resulting in surgical resection. However, the malignant potential of these lesions is still unknown, and most are benign. We report the case of a 74-year-old man who presented with fatal gastrointestinal bleeding and esophagoduodenoscopy findings consistent with a duodenal mass and mucosal ulceration. At autopsy, histologic examination of the mass revealed Brunner's gland hyperplasia with associated ulcer formation. In this report, we review the findings associated with this case as well the literature regarding presentation, clinical associations, and treatment of Brunner's gland hyperplasia.