PEUTZ-JEGHERS SYNDROME IN RESOURCE-LIMITED SCENARIO

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant, hereditary polyposis syndrome defined by gastrointestinal hamartomas and mucocutaneous pigmentations, caused by a germline mutation in the serine/ threonine kinase 11 or liver kinase B1 (STK11/LKB1) genes. Hamartomatous polyps located throughout the gastrointestinal tract can be complicated by bleeding and small bowel intussusception, potentially leading to the need for emergency surgery. Individuals suffering from Peutz-Jeghers syndrome have an increased lifetime risk of various forms of cancer (gastrointestinal, pancreatic, lung, breast, uterine, ovarian and testicular). Surveillance should lead to the prevention of complications and thus a reduction in mortality and morbidity of patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

A combined approach based on wireless capsule endoscopy, magnetic resonance enterography and device-assisted enteroscopy is effective in reduction of the polyp burden and thus decreasing the risk of bleeding and intussusception. Current guidelines for screening and surveillance are mostly based on expert opinion rather than evidence.

SUMMARY

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an emerging disease that significantly affects the quality of life enjoyed by patients. Despite of all the progress in improved early diagnostics, options for advanced endoscopic therapy and elaborate surveillance, acute and chronic complications decrease the life expectancy of patients suffering from Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

Oral pigmented lesions in syndromic individuals: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically integrate the available data published in the literature on oral pigmented lesions (OPL) associated with syndromes, summarizing the clinical and demographic features of the individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic search was undertaken in six databases. Eligibility criteria were articles in English, Spanish, and Portuguese describing case reports or case series of OPL associated with syndromes. Data were aggregated and statistically evaluated.

RESULTS

About 108 articles reporting 149 cases of individuals with syndromes were identified. Among the affected individuals, nine syndromes were reported. The mean age at diagnosis was 35.93 years (0.41 to 83 years), with a predilection for white (n = 85/85.86%) female (n = 102/68.46%) individuals. As regards the number of lesions, 109 (73.15%) were multiple and 40 (26.85%) were single. Lip represented the anatomical location more affected (122 cases/38.01%), followed by the buccal mucosa (100 cases/31.15%). Brownish lesions accounted for 82 (69.49%) cases. The mean time of evolution was 10.52 years (0.16 to 56 years). OPL preceding diagnosis of the syndrome was observed in 111 (74.50%) cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Although these syndromes are uncommon, dentists should be able to recognize their manifestations, since oral manifestations can represent an important aspect in early diagnosis.