Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with polyps in the stomach, duodenum, and small and large intestine: a case report

BACKGROUND

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare hereditary condition characterized by gastrointestinal polyps and pigmented oral lesions. The case contributes to a deeper understanding of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and underscores the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration for accurate diagnosis and tailored therapeutic strategies.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present a case of a 15-year-old Afghan female patient with multiple polyps throughout the gastrointestinal tract and mucocutaneous pigmentation. Despite previous medical visits and colonoscopies, her symptoms persisted. A multidisciplinary team discussed the case and recommended further investigations and interventions. A polypectomy was performed, confirming the presence of hamartomatous polyps. The patient was diagnosed with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, but during the course of treatment she went through complications and was managed surgically as well.

CONCLUSION

Timely polyp removal and lifelong surveillance are crucial in managing Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Further research and genetic analysis are needed to improve understanding and management of this rare disorder.

Gentle Giant? Giant Gastric Solitary Peutz-Jeghers Polyp

Solitary hamartomatous polyps with identical pathological features of the typical hamartomas of the Peutz-Jegher syndrome are extremely rare. These solitary lesions lack the associated intestinal polyposis, classic mucocutaneous pigmentation, and family history typifying the Peutz-Jegher syndrome. We describe the case of a 31-year-old woman with a giant solitary gastric hamartoma endoscopically diagnosed and laparoscopically resected.

[Management of the Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome]

The current evidence to guide management of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) is sparse. Here we summarise the European guidelines that were published in 2021 by the EHTG (European Hereditary Tumour Group), extended with new evidence on some aspects of clinical management that have been generated since then. EHTG with this revised guideline has updated and extended their own previous expert opinion guideline from 2010. For this purpose, all published literature was systematically screened and the level of evidence determined by using the GRADE methodology (Grading of Recommendations Assessment. Development and Evaluation). This was followed by a Delphi process and the consensus for a statement was achieved if the voting committee reached ≥ 80% approval.The only other more recently published guidelines encountered only addressed the clinical management of gastrointestinal and pancreatic manifestations of PJS. These recommendations were reviewed and adopted, since no further relevant literature was identified in the systematic literature search. However, additional questions were identified and formulated into recommendations after following the described process. It may be stated that 10 years after the predecessor guideline, new evidence has been sparse. As with all rare diseases, a call for more collaborative studies must here be made in order to improve patient management by addressing open clinical questions and generating collaborative evidence with increased case numbers, both nationally and internationally. With the limited published evidence, these European guidelines are the most current reference for management of PJS patients.

Clinicopathologic comparison between sporadic and syndromic Peutz-Jeghers polyps

Peutz-Jeghers polyps (PJPs) are hamartomatous polyps that may define patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a rare inherited polyposis syndrome with high cancer risk. However, the clinical significance of 1-2 sporadic PJPs (without other PJS stigmata) regarding malignant potential and identification of new PJS probands is still unclear. We identified 112 patients with 524 histologically confirmed PJPs and categorized them based on polyp number into syndromic (n = 38) if ≥3 PJPs or diagnosed PJS, solitary (1 PJP, n = 61), and intermediate (2 PJPs, n = 13). Clinicopathologic features, including presence of dysplasia in the polyp and development of neoplasia in the patient, were compared on a per-patient and per-polyp basis. Whereas patients with solitary and intermediate PJPs were not different from each other, patients with syndromic PJPs were, in multivariate analysis, younger (P = .001) and more likely to develop neoplasia (P = .02) over a 62.6-months median follow-up than patients with sporadic PJPs. On an individual polyp basis, syndromic PJPs were more likely, in multivariate analysis, to occur in the small intestine (P < .001), but less likely to harbor metaplasia (P = .03) or dysplasia (P = .001), than sporadic PJPs. Dysplasia and metaplasia were more likely in larger PJPs, by multivariate analysis (P = .007 and P < .001, respectively). These data suggest that strict criteria for PJS (including ≥3 PJPs), as currently used, stratify patients into distinct groups with significant differences in clinicopathologic parameters, particularly regarding risk of neoplasia. However, sporadic PJPs exhibit characteristics such as dysplasia and are thus important to recognize and diagnose but perhaps as heralding only a forme fruste PJS.

[A man with brown discolorations]

A 58-year-old man presents with spontaneous brown discolorations of his mouth and hands. Our differential diagnosis included Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Laugier-Hunziker syndrome or Addison's disease. There were no polyps in a previously performed colonoscopy and no other systemic symptoms. We made the diagnosis Laugier-Hunziker syndrome, a benign skin disorder that doesn't require treatment, confirmed by skin biopsy.

Bilateral Peutz-Jeghers-Associated Sex Cord Tumor With Annular Tubules Combined With Unilateral Adult Granulosa Cell Tumor: A Case Report

Sex cord tumor with annular tubules (SCTATs) is a rare sex cord stromal tumor in the ovary. SCTAT combined with adult granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) is even rarer. Here, we report a unique case of ovarian tumors with mixed AGCT and SCTAT components. Due to the unusual coexistence, molecular testing was separately performed on each ovary. Both SCTAT and AGCT components were found to have STK11 germline mutation. Furthermore, the AGCT component had an additional FOXL2 somatic mutation. Based on medical history and molecular testing we conclude that the ovarian tumors were associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). Thus, we present the first report of bilateral PJS-associated SCTAT combined with unilateral AGCT.

Familial intestinal polyposis and device assisted enteroscopy: where do we stand?

INTRODUCTION

Hereditary polyposis syndromes are a group of inherited disorders associated with a high risk of developing colorectal cancer. The best known ones are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Peutz-Jeghers (PJS), juvenile polyposis and Cowden syndromes, as well as conditions predisposing to cancer, such as Lynch syndrome. Some of them are characterized by an increased risk of small bowel polyps occurrence.

AREAS COVERED

Literature search in PubMed was performed in November 2022 and a narrative review was carried out. Since performing small bowel polypectomy is important in such patients, device assisted enteroscopy (DAE) is the key for this procedure. A screening strategy for small bowel polyps is recommended only for PJS. Guidelines endorse either magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) every 1-3 years, according to the phenotype of the disease. Enteroscopy should be considered for therapeutic purpose in patients with a positive VCE or MRI. DAE has a central role in the resection of polyps larger than mm or causing symptoms of subocclusion or intussusception. Both single (SBE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) are indicated and able to resect polyps up to 6-10 cm. American guidelines have restricted the indications to small bowel enteroscopy only to FAP patients with grade IV Spiegelman.

EXPERT OPINION

Only some groups of patients (PJS, FAP with demonstrated small bowel polyp burden) may benefit from DAE.

Updates in the diagnosis and management of non-ampullary small-bowel polyposis

Advances in endoscopic instruments and techniques changed the strategy of diagnosis and management for non-ampullary small-bowel polyposis. In patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, gastrointestinal surveillance using capsule endoscopy should commence no later than eight years old. Small bowel polyps >15 mm should be treated to prevent intussusception. Recently, endoscopic ischemic polypectomy and endoscopic reduction of intussusception were described. In patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, the first endoscopic screening using a lateral viewing and a longer endoscope to check the proximal jejunum should be performed around 25 years. Some experts recommend a first duodenal examination with a first colonoscopy (13 years). The surveillance intervals for duodenal polyposis should be adjusted individually. ESGE recommended the resection of every adenoma larger than 1 cm. Cold snare polypectomy has the potential to change the threshold of size for endoscopic resection. In patients with Juvenile polyposis syndrome, small bowel involvement seems infrequent and mostly located in the duodenal part. There is no indication for distal small bowel investigation.

Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome in Children and Adults

BACKGROUND

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare disease characterized by the presence of hamartomatous polyposis throughout the gastrointestinal tract, except for the esophagus, along with characteristic mucocutaneous pigmentation. It is caused by germline pathogenic variants of the STK11 gene, which exhibit an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Some patients with PJS develop gastrointestinal lesions in childhood and require continuous medical care until adulthood and sometimes have serious complications that significantly reduce their quality of life. Hamartomatous polyps in the small bowel may cause bleeding, intestinal obstruction, and intussusception. Novel diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures such as small-bowel capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy have been developed in recent years.

SUMMARY

Under these circumstances, there is growing concern about the management of PJS in Japan, and there are no practice guidelines available. To address this situation, the guideline committee was organized by the Research Group on Rare and Intractable Diseases granted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare with specialists from multiple academic societies. The present clinical guidelines explain the principles in the diagnosis and management of PJS together with four clinical questions and corresponding recommendations based on a careful review of the evidence and involved incorporating the concept of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.

KEY MESSAGES

Herein, we present the English version of the clinical practice guidelines of PJS to promote seamless implementation of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients with PJS.

Clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: Experience with 566 Chinese cases

BACKGROUND

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a clinically rare disease with pigmented spots on the lips and mucous membranes and extremities, scattered gastrointestinal polyps, and susceptibility to tumors as clinical manifestations. Effective preventive and curative methods are still lacking. Here we summarize our experience with 566 Chinese patients with PJS from a Chinese medical center with regard to the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment.

AIM

To explore the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of PJS in a Chinese medical center.

METHODS

The diagnosis and treatment information of 566 cases of PJS admitted to the Air Force Medical Center from January 1994 to October 2022 was summarized. A clinical database was established covering age, gender, ethnicity, family history, age at first treatment, time and sequence of appearance of mucocutaneous pigmentation, polyp distribution, quantity, and diameter, frequency of hospitalization, frequency of surgical operations, etc. The clinical data was retrospectively analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of all the patients included, 55.3% were male and 44.7% were female. Median time to the appearance of mucocutaneous pigmentation was 2 years, and median time from the appearance of mucocutaneous pigmentation to the occurrence of abdominal symptoms was 10 years. The vast majority (92.2%) of patients underwent small bowel endoscopy and treatment, with 2.3% having serious complications. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of enteroscopies between patients with and without canceration (P = 0.004, Z = -2.882); 71.2% of patients underwent surgical operation, 75.6% of patients underwent surgical operation before the age of 35 years, and there was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of surgical operations between patients with and without cancer (P = 0.000, Z = -5.127). At 40 years of age, the cumulative risk of intussusception in PJS was approximately 72.0%, and at 50 years, the cumulative risk of intussusception in PJS was approximately 89.6%. At 50 years of age, the cumulative risk of cancer in PJS was approximately 49.3%, and at 60 years of age, the cumulative risk of cancer in PJS was approximately 71.7%.

CONCLUSION

The risk of intussusception and cancer of PJS polyps increases with age. PJS patients ≥ 10 years old should undergo annual enteroscopy. Endoscopic treatment has a good safety profile and can reduce the occurrence of polyps intussusception and cancer. Surgery should be conducted to protect the gastrointestinal system by removing polyps.

Cancer risk in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in Korea: a retrospective multi-center study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

There have been little research on the cancer risks of patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) in Korea. We aimed to investigate the clinical features of PJS patients and their cancer incidence rate.

METHODS

Patients with PJS from nine medical centers were enrolled. In those patients diagnosed with cancer, data obtained included the date of cancer diagnosis, the tumor location, and the cancer stage. The cumulative risks of gastrointestinal cancers and extra-gastrointestinal cancers were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

A total of 96 PJS patients were included. The median age at diagnosis of PJS was 23.4 years. Cancer developed in 21 of the 96 patients (21.9%). The age of PJS diagnosis was widely distributed (0.9 to 72.4 years). The most common cancers were gastrointestinal cancer (n = 12) followed by breast cancer (n = 6). The cumulative lifetime cancer risk was calculated to be 62.1% at age 60. The cumulative lifetime gastrointestinal cancer risk was 47.1% at age 70. The cumulative lifetime extra- gastrointestinal cancer risk was 40.3% at age 60.

CONCLUSION

PJS onset may occur at any age and the risks of gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal cancer are high. Thorough surveillance of PJS patients for malignancies is vital.

Hamartomatous polyps: Diagnosis, surveillance, and management

Hereditary polyposis syndrome can be divided into three categories: Ade-nomatous, serrated, and hamartomatous polyps. Hamartomatous polyps, malformations of normal tissue presenting in a disorganized manner, are characterized by an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. These syndromes exhibit hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyps in conjunction to extra-intestinal manifestations, which require conscientious and diligent monitoring. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Cowden syndrome, and juvenile polyposis syndrome are the most common displays of hamartomatous polyposis syndrome (HPS). Diagnosis can be pursued with molecular testing and endoscopic sampling. Early identification of these autosomal dominant pathologies allows to optimize malignancy sur-veillance, which helps reduce morbidity and mortality in both the affected patient population as well as at-risk family members. Endoscopic surveillance is an important pillar of prognosis and monitoring, with many patients eventually requiring surgical intervention. In this review, we discuss the diagnosis, surveillance, and management of HPS.

Gastric-phenotype Mucinous Carcinoma of the Fallopian Tube with Secondary Ovarian Involvement in a Woman with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome: A Case Report

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by the association of hamartomatous polyps in the digestive tract, mucocutaneous pigmentation, family history, and infrequently tumors of the female genital tract with one of the most characteristic being the gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma. We present the case of a 75-year-old woman with a history of gastrointestinal polyps and cancer of the pancreas and breast, diagnosed with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, who clinically debuted with a primary adnexal tumor. However, on histologic examination it was found to be a gastric-phenotype primary mucinous carcinoma tubal in origin, associated to tubal mucinous metaplasia and secondary ovarian involvement. One of her daughters had a confirmed genetic diagnosis of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and presented with mucinous metaplasia of the tubal mucosa in the pathological study of a prophylactic hysterectomy specimen. Another of her daughters died from an ovarian juvenile granulosa cell tumor, she did not have a genetic diagnosis of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. This case intends to highlight the rarity of gastrointestinal-type mucinous carcinomas of the ovary and fallopian tube (similar to gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma) in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and emphasize the importance of genetic counseling of these patients as well as the adequate sampling of surgical specimens for early detection and treatment.

Diagnosis and management of cancer risk in the gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyposis syndromes: recommendations from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer

The gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyposis syndromes are rare, autosomal dominant disorders associated with an increased risk of benign and malignant intestinal and extraintestinal tumors. They include Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis syndrome, the PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (including Cowden's syndrome and Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome), and hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome. Diagnoses are based on clinical criteria and, in some cases, confirmed by demonstrating the presence of a germline pathogenic variant. The best understood hamartomatous polyposis syndrome is Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, caused by germline pathogenic variants in the STK11 gene. The management is focused on prevention of bleeding and mechanical obstruction of the small bowel by polyps and surveillance of organs at increased risk for cancer. Juvenile polyposis syndrome is caused by a germline pathogenic variant in either the SMAD4 or BMPR1A genes, with differing clinical courses. Patients with SMAD4 pathogenic variants may have massive gastric polyposis, which can result in gastrointestinal bleeding and/or protein-losing gastropathy. Patients with SMAD4 mutations usually have the simultaneous occurrence of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (juvenile polyposis syndrome-hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia overlap syndrome) that can result in epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding from mucocutaneous telangiectasias, and arteriovenous malformations. Germline pathogenic variants in the PTEN gene cause overlapping clinical phenotypes (known as the PTEN hamartoma tumor syndromes), including Cowden's syndrome and related disorders that are associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal and colonic polyposis, colon cancer, and other extraintestinal manifestations and cancers. Due to the relative rarity of the hamartomatous polyposis syndromes, recommendations for management are based on few studies. This U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer consensus statement summarizes the clinical features, assesses the current literature, and provides guidance for diagnosis, assessment, and management of patients with the hamartomatous polyposis syndromes, with a focus on endoscopic management.

A rare cause of mechanical intestinal obstruction due to small bowel intussusception: 'A solitary Peutz-Jeghers type hamartomatous polyp'

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder which is characterized by hyperpigmentation in mucocutaneous membranes and hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Common complications reported in patients with PSJ are bleeding and mechanical intestinal obstruction due to the hamartomatous polyps. There is also an increased risk of gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal malignancies in patients with PJS. A 28-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency service with complaints of abdominal pain and vomiting. In addition to distention and tenderness on abdominal examination, revealed hyperpigmented lesions on her lips. An abdominal examination did not reveal any scar from the previous abdominal operation. The patient with suspected mechanical intestinal obstruction at pre-diagnosis demonstrated intussusception in the distal jejunal loops on abdominal tomography. In the diagnostic laparoscopy observed intussusception in jejunal loops. After a minimal suprapubic incision, small intestine loops were checked through alexis with bidigital palpation and no other intraluminal mass were detected. Laparoscopy-assisted jejunojejunal re-section and anastomosis was performed for the intussusception segment, where the polyb is located. It has been recommended that endoscopic polyps removal should be performed to avoid multiple surgical resections, which lead to short bowel syndrome. It has been recommended that endoscopic polyps removal should be performed to avoid multiple surgical resections, which lead to short bowel syndrome. By the nature of the disease, there may be multiple polyps simultaneously in the GIT and the associated risk of recurrent intussusception attacks in patients with PJS. To prevent short bowel syndrome and intra-abdominal adhesions due to repeated, laparo-tomies treatment with combined endoscopy and laparoscopic/laparoscopy-assisted surgery should be preferred in patients with PJS.

[100 years Peutz-Jeghers syndrome]

In 2021 it was 100 years since drPeutz published his case report titled: 'a very remarkable case of familial polyposis of mucous membranes of intestinal tract and nasopharynx accompanied by peculiar pigmentations of skin and mucous membrane'. This is the first description of the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, which is named after him. Like Peutz already suggested a century ago, we know now that this is a genetic disorder (autosomal dominant) caused by mutations in the STK11 gene. The clinical symptoms are typical pigmentations of the mucous membranes and hamartomatous polyps which already at a young age can result in polyp related complications like intussusception. Thereby patients with the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome have a high risk of developing an intestinal or extra-intestinal malignancy. For this reason there are strict surveillance guidelines for these patients. Even after a hundred years there is still a high mortality risk for patients with this syndrome.

Juvenile polyposis syndrome: An overview

Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) is a rare precancerous condition that confers an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers. The inheritance pattern is autosomal dominant. JPS should be clinically suspected when the other hamartomatous polyposis syndromes are excluded (i.e., Peutz- Jeghers and Cowden), in presence of numerous juvenile polyps in the colorectum or in other GI locations. Among the syndromic features, JPS can present with concomitant extra-intestinal manifestations, above all cutaneous manifestations such as telangiectasia, pigmented nevi, and skeletal stigmata. Pathogenic germline variants of either BMPR1A or SMAD4 cause the syndrome. In JPS a cumulative risk of CRC of 39-68% has been estimated. The oncological risk justifies and imposes prevention strategies that aim at the cancer risk reduction through endoscopic screening, as recommended by international scientific societies. The aim of this review is to summarize clinical and genetic features of JPS and to elucidate the steps of the clinical management from diagnosis to surveillance.

Multidisciplinary management for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and prevention of vertical transmission to offspring using preimplantation genetic testing

BACKGROUND

Peutz Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by STK11 mutation with a predisposition to gastrointestinal polyposis and cancer. PJS patients suffer poor quality of life and are highly concerned about whether deleterious mutations transmit to their offspring. Therefore, this study aimed to propose feasible clinical management and provide effective preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic defect (PGT-M) strategies to protect offspring from inheriting the disease.

METHODS

A hospital-based clinical retrospective analysis reviewing the clinical characteristics and fertility aspects was first conducted on 51 PJS patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2016 and March 2021. Among the 51 patients, the PGT-M strategy was further carried out in 4 couples, which started with a biopsy of the trophectoderm cells of embryos and whole genome amplification using multiple displacement amplification. Thereafter, single nucleotide polymorphism linkage analyses based on karyomapping were performed with copy number variations of the embryos identified simultaneously. Finally, prenatal diagnosis was used to verify the validity of the PGT-M results.

RESULTS

A comprehensive management flowchart adopted by the multidisciplinary team model was formulated mainly focusing on clinical genetic and gastrointestinal aspects. Under the guidelines of this management, 32 embryos from 4 PJS pedigrees were diagnosed and 2 couples successfully conceived healthy babies free of the STK11 pathogenic mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our comprehensive management could help affected families avoid having children with PJS through preimplantation genetic testing and provide meaningful guidance for multidisciplinary clinical practice on PJS.

[A case of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome that developed triple cancers during the course]

At the time of colon polyp follow-up, a 46-year-old Japanese woman with a history of invagination, colon polyps, cervical cancer, and breast cancer was suspected of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and referred. Multiple polyposes of the jejunum were discovered by capsule endoscopy and double-balloon endoscopy, and the resected specimen was diagnosed with hamartoma. During the follow-up, advanced pancreatic cancer-derived from IPMN developed. It is important to remember that multiple cancers can develop in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

Solitary gastric Peutz-Jeghers polyp: a case report

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an inherited condition that is characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation and hamartomatous polyposis in the gastrointestinal tract. It increases significantly the risk for developing of several cancers such as breast, colon, rectum, pancreas and stomach. Solitary Peutz-Jeghers polyp is defined as a unique hamartomatous polyp having the same histological features as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome polyps without associated intestinal polyposis, mucocutaneous pigmentation and family history of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Gastric solitary Peutz-Jeghers polyp is extremely rare. We found only 13 cases in the literature. We report a new case of solitary gastric Peutz-Jeghers polyp associated with a branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm revealed by an acute pancreatitis. Computed tomography of the abdomen found a branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with a pedicled polypoid formation in the greater gastric curvature. Endoscopic resection was performed without complications. Histologic examination showed Peutz-Jeghers hamartomatous polyp. The risk of cancer remains unclear in this entity. Therefore, the follow-up of these patients is necessary because of the possible risk of malignancy.

Double Balloon Enteroscopy in a Pregnant Woman with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by multiple hamartomatous polyps and muco-cutaneous pigmentation. Most polyps are found in the small intestine, especially in the jejunum. Enteroscopy with polypectomy is a reliable method to prevent polyp-related complications. A pregnant woman, who was diagnosed as a case of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with a history of intestinal resection, was admitted to our clinic. Termination was recommended to the patient due to the possibility of polyps, causing obstruction during pregnancy. She underwent double balloon enteroscopy in the second trimester. Large polyps that could cause intussusception were removed and post-polypectomy bleeding was successfully controlled. This procedure was the first double balloon enteroscopy during pregnancy, reported in the literature. The procedure should be performed by experienced endoscopists, who can cope well with the complications in expert centres, as the procedure carries a high risk. Key Words: Double baloon enteroscopy, Pregnancy, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Polyps.

Endoscopic Therapy of Small Bowel Polyps by Single-Balloon Enteroscopy in Patients with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the efficacy and safety of single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of SBE for the treatment of small bowel polyps in patients with PJS.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center observational study, which included all patients diagnosed with PJS who underwent SBE for polypectomy between January 2018 and March 2021. Complete treatment was defined as the absence of polyps ≥10 mm after SBE resection. The clinical records were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

102 patients (including 40 men and 62 women) with a mean age of 28.7 years (range 13-55 y) were enrolled in our study. The intubation depth via the oral approach of patients with a history of laparotomy was significantly shorter than that of the patients without a history of laparotomy ([241.6 ± 64.2] cm vs [280.9 ± 40.2] cm, P=0.008). The maximum size of the resected polyps via anus during the second hospitalization was significantly smaller than that during the first hospitalization ([2.25 ± 1.29] cm vs [4.26 ± 3.51] cm, P=0.032). For patients with total enteroscopy, the complete treatment rate was 98% (49/50). For patients without total enteroscopy, all polyps larger than 10 mm in the examined segment of small bowel were resected successfully. Complications occurred in 10 of 129 hospitalizations (delayed bleeding in 4, perforation in 3, and acute pancreatitis in 3).

CONCLUSIONS

SBE is effective and safe for resection of small bowel polyps in patients with PJS.

Appendiceal carcinoid in a pediatric patient with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: A case report and comprehensive literature review

RATIONALE

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a rare autosomal dominant disorder, is characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentations, hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract, and a high risk of developing various malignancies. To the best of our knowledge, only 1 case of appendiceal carcinoid associated with PJS has been previously reported in the pediatric population.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report a 7-year-old girl who was admitted for severe, intermittent abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Multiple brown melanotic macules on the lips, buccal mucosa, and the tongue were noted.

DIAGNOSIS

A plain abdominal X-ray in a standing position revealed dilated intestinal loops with multiple air-fluid levels. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen showing a "coffee bean" appearance of the jejunal loop with a transition point to the duodenal loop. Axial-contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the abdomen showing dilated jejunum loops, filled with fluid with the swirled appearance of mesentery typical for volvulus. The diagnosis of PJS was based on clinical findings along with the histopathologic confirmation of the hamartomatous polyps.

INTERVENTIONS

An emergency laparotomy was performed, revealing a jejunojejunal intussusception starting 40 cm from the duodenojejunal flexure. Jejunotomy revealed that a lead-point intussusception was a necrotic hamartomatous polyp. After resecting the involved jejunal necrotic segment, including the polyp, end-to-end jejuno-jejunal anastomosis was performed. Further exploration revealed the presence of a jejunal mass 80 cm from the duodenojejunal flexure identified as another hamartomatous pedunculated polyp. The polyp was resected, and the enterotomy was then closed transversely. The grossly normal appendix was also removed.

OUTCOMES

Clinical findings along with the histopathologically confirmed hamartomatous polyps were consistent with PJS. An appendiceal carcinoid (well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor, European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society stage pT2) was incidentally detected during histological examination of the appendix. The patient and parents were counseled accordingly, focusing on active surveillance and control of symptoms. Two additional hamartomatous polyps (gastric and jejunal) were detected endoscopically and resected in the fourth postoperative week. A regular, 1-year follow-up and surveillance revealed no complications or recurrences.

LESSONS

Unusual neoplasms can occasionally be encountered in well-defined syndromes such as PJS. Therefore, active follow-up and surveillance are mandatory for all patients with PJS.

Paediatric polyposis syndromes: burden of disease and current concepts

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Polyposis syndromes are rare but significant entities that often present during childhood and adolescence. Polyposis syndromes should remain high on the differential diagnoses for any child presenting with rectal bleeding, protein-losing enteropathy or intussusception in the setting of multiple polyps in the gastrointestinal tract. There are three primary paediatric polyposis syndromes: Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS), Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). This review will cover recent guidelines for these conditions and advances in genetic testing.

RECENT FINDINGS

The first set of paediatric guidelines were released in 2019 by the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) for FAP, JPS and PJS. Even with advances in genetic testing, a significant proportion of patients with polyposis syndromes have no identifiable genetic mutations. Recent research has shown that polyps behave differently in patients with and without disease-causing variants, emphasizing the role of genetic testing in the diagnosis and management of polyposis syndromes.

SUMMARY

Polyposis syndromes in the paediatric population are growing due to increased recognition and advances in genetic testing. A timely diagnosis and surveillance of a paediatric polyposis syndrome are pivotal for the management of disease burden and early identification of cancers within the gastrointestinal tract and beyond. Paediatricians, paediatric gastroenterologists, paediatric oncologists and paediatric surgeons should be familiar with the presentation and comorbidities of polyposis syndromes in children and adolescents. Further research into genotype-phenotype correlations is needed to tailor the care for paediatric patients with polyposis syndromes.

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.

Chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea

Pigmented macules on the patient's oral mucosa provided an important clue to the diagnosis.

Prevalence of Germline Mutations in Polyposis and Colorectal Cancer-Associated Genes in Patients With Multiple Colorectal Polyps

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Guidelines recommend genetic testing of patients with 10 or more cumulative adenomatous polyps. However, little is known about the utility of these tests-especially for older patients. We aimed to determine the prevalence of pathogenic mutations in patients with multiple colorectal polyps, stratified by age.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of patients with 10 or more colorectal polyps who underwent multigene panel testing (MGPT) from March 2012 through December 2016 (n = 3789). Demographic, clinical and family history data were obtained from test requisition forms and accompanying clinic notes, pedigrees, and pathology reports. Subjects were stratified based on reported polyp histology. Primary outcomes of interest were gene mutations associated with adenomatous polyposis, hamartomatous polyposis, and non-polyposis colorectal cancer syndromes.

RESULTS

Based on MGPT, the prevalence of mutations in adenomatous polyposis genes decreased with increasing age in all polyp count groups in the adenoma cohort (P < .001 for 10-19, 20-99, and 100 or more polyps). The prevalence of mutations in all genes of interest also decreased with increasing age but remained above 5% in all age and polyp cohorts. Increased age at testing was associated with a significantly lower risk of a mutation in any gene of interest with multivariate analysis. In the hamartoma cohort, the prevalence of mutations in hamartomatous polyposis genes was high regardless of polyp count (40% with 10-19 polyps, 72.1% with 20-99 polyps, and 50% with 100 or more polyps).

CONCLUSION

Our findings support continued genetic testing of patients with 10 or more polyps including adenomas and/or hamartomas. MGPT that includes analysis of polyposis and non-polyposis colorectal cancer genes should be considered for these patients given the high proportion with mutations (above 5%) in all age groups.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in dermatology

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder. Approximately 1:25,000 to 1:280,000 cases are registered annually. The pathogenesis of the disease is based on the mutation of the STK 11 gene on chromosome 19. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is characterized by several symptoms: the formation of multiple hamartomatous polyps primarily in the gastrointestinal tract and hyperpigmentation of the mucous membranes and skin. Patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome often develop various malignant neoplasms, mainly localized in the pancreas and colon. We describe Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in a girl 4 years 7 months old. Initially, the child was diagnosed with vitiligo due to complaints of depigmentation of the skin of the face and hands. During re-examination after half a year, foci of hyperpigmentation on the lip and mucous membranes of the oral cavity were noted. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed the presence of a polypous lump in the stomach. Genetic consultation confirmed the diagnosis of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. The absence of family history indicates a sporadic case characterized by diseases with an autosomal-dominant mode of inheritance. This clinical case demonstrates the need for gastroenterological and genetic examinations in the presence of lesions on the oral mucosa and the vermillion border of the lips to confirm or exclude Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

Register and clinical follow-up of patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in Valencia

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by a germline mutation of the STK11/LKB1 gene, located on chromosome 19p13.3. It is characterized by mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation, hamartomatous polyposis, and predisposition to cancer. The aim of the present study was to identify and register patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, describe the disease, and estimate its prevalence in Valencia (Spain).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A print-out of the clinical histories from 10 hospitals was obtained utilizing the ICD-9 code 759.6 from the Minimum Basic Data Set of Hospital Admissions of the Spanish Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs.

RESULTS

From a total of 405 clinical histories found, 15 (9 males and 6 females) fit the diagnostic criteria of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Mean age at diagnosis was 13.8 years and mean age at death was 54.2 years. Four males died, all from cancer. The estimated disease prevalence was 0.4/100,000 inhabitants. All the patients presented with anemia and polyps in the small bowel (80% in the duodenum, 66.7% in the ileum, and 40% in the jejunum), 93.3% underwent urgent surgical intervention and presented with intestinal invagination, and 40% of the patients developed cancer at a mean age of 48.5 years.

CONCLUSION

The present study is the first register of patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in Valencia, Spain. The ICD-9 code is nonspecific for rare diseases. The duodenum was the most frequent location for polyps and the majority of cases presented with intestinal invagination, bowel obstruction, and urgent surgical intervention. A large percentage of patients presented with cancer. It would be of interest to review and evaluate the existing surveillance protocols in the Valencian Community.

Early onset Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, the importance of appropriate diagnosis and follow-up: A case report

RATIONALE

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is currently defined as an inherited condition, also called a familial hamartomatous polyposis syndrome, characterized by the association between pigmented mucocutaneous lesions and hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the small bowel.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We present the case of a 7-year-old male patients, diagnosed at the age of 3 years with PJS due to a surgical intervention for acute abdominal pain that revealed a rectal polyp associated with hyperpigmented maculae on the lips and oral mucosa. His family history revealed the same condition in his mother, who was diagnosed much later, at the age of 25 years.

DIAGNOSES

The upper and lower digestive endoscopy revealed multiple polyps of different sizes within the stomach, and 2 polyps at 5 cm from the anal orifice. The barium enterography revealed 3 polyps within the ileum.

INTERVENTIONS

We administered blood transfusions and both recto-anal polyps were surgically removed.

OUTCOMES

The outcome was favorable and the patient was discharged with the recommendations for clinical assessment at least every 6 months, annual laboratory tests, but also follow-up of the detected polyps and screening by upper digestive endoscopy, barium enterography and colonoscopy every 2 years.

LESSONS

Early onset of PJS presenting with polys is quite rare since they require time for their development manifesting usually after the first decade of life. Close monitoring is essential for PJS in order to prevent potential complications and early detect the development of related malignancies.

Hereditary Cancer Syndromes-A Primer on Diagnosis and Management, Part 2: Gastrointestinal Cancer Syndromes

Hereditary causes due to mutations and defects in certain genes account for roughly 5% to 10% of all colorectal cancers. These inherited syndromes have been associated with a 60% to 100% lifetime risk for development of colorectal cancer, depending on the genetic syndrome, and many also carry an increased risk for multiple extracolonic malignancies. In this second part of a review series on hereditary cancer syndromes, the focus will be to provide guidance on the features and management of the most commonly encountered hereditary colorectal cancers and polyposis conditions including Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, MUTYH-associated polyposis, and hamartomatous polyposis.

Massive intussusception caused by a solitary Peutz-Jeghers type hamartomatous polyp

Intussusception is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in adults and represents a diagnostic challenge for the surgeon. In the majority of cases, presenting symptoms are not specific, making preoperative diagnosis difficult. Several medical conditions may cause intestinal intussusception. We present the case of a 16-year-old female patient with intussusception due to a hamartomatous Peutz-Jeghers type polyp. This is an extremely rare case in which the first manifestation of the intestinal polyp was jejunojejunal intussusception very close to the duodenojejunal junction, with a necrotic intussusceptum about 50 cm long. The patient was treated successfully with enterectomy and end-to-end anastomosis. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient is currently under gastroenterological and genetic investigation to exclude the diagnosis of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

The use of panel testing in familial breast and ovarian cancer

Advances in sequencing technology have led to the introduction of panel testing in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. While direct-to-consumer testing services have become widely available, the clinical validity of many of the genes on panel tests remains contentious and risk management guidelines are often lacking. This article gives an overview of advantages with panel testing as well as important challenges, including clinical translation of test results.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with intermittent upper intestinal obstruction: A case report and review of the literature

RATIONALE

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant genetic syndrome characterized by a unique type of gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyp associated with oral and anal mucocutaneous pigmentations. Peutz-Jeghers polyps occur most numerously in the small intestine but frequently in the colon and stomach, only a few cases have been reported in the duodenum.

PATIENT CONCERN

A further family history survey discovered 10 out of 14 members of the family (in 4 generations) had mucocutaneous pigmentations, but many of them were living in rural areas where they had no access to specialized medical services, so none were checked with endoscopy for polyps of hamartoma.

DIAGNOSES

We report the case of a boy patient with mucocutaneous pigmentations over the lips, and a history of recurrent bouts of vomit and anemia over the preceding two years, no abdominal pain and mass. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed some small polyps in the stomach and multiple sessile polyps in the second part of the duodenum, but colonoscopy exam did not reveal any lesion.

INTERVENTIONS

A double polypectomy and duodenum segmentary resection with end-to-end anastomosis was performed. Histopathology of the resected duodenum polyps indicated it to be a typical hamartomatous polyp.

OUTCOMES

The child was under regular follow-up and recovered well.

LESSONS

In this case, the patient was characteristic with pigmentations on his lips and intermittent upper intestinal obstruction (due to mass duodenal polyps), there are no definitive guidelines for the treatment to duodenal PJS hamartomatous polyp, each case requires tailor-made management.

Hamartomatous polyps - a clinical and molecular genetic study

Hamartomatous polyps (HPs) in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are rare compared to other types of GI polyps, yet they are the most common type of polyp in children. The symptoms are usually rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, obstipation, anaemia, and/or small bowel obstruction. The polyps are typically removed concurrently with endoscopy when located in the colon, rectum, or stomach, whereas polyps in the small bowel are removed during push-enteroscopy, device-assisted enteroscopy, or by surgery. HPs can be classified as juvenile polyps or Peutz-Jeghers polyps based on their histopathological appearance. Patients with one or a few juvenile polyps are usually not offered clinical follow-up as the polyp(s) are considered not to harbour any malignant potential. Nevertheless, it is important to note that juvenile polyps and HPs are also found in patients with hereditary hamartomatous polyposis syndromes (HPS). Patients with HPS have an increased risk of cancer, recurrences of polyps, and extraintestinal complications. The syndromes are important to diagnose, as patients should be offered surveillance from childhood or early adolescence. The syndromes include juvenile polyposis syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and the PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome. Currently, the HPS diagnoses are based on clinical criteria and are often assisted with genetic testing as candidate genes have been described for each syndrome. This thesis is based on six scientific papers. The overall aim of the studies was to expand the knowledge on clinical course and molecular genetics in patients with HPs and HPS, and to investigate research participants' attitude towards the results of extensive genetic testing.   Paper I: In the first paper we investigated the occurrence, anatomic distribution, and other demographics of juvenile polyps in the colon and rectum in Denmark in 1995-2014. Based on the Danish Pathology Data Bank we found that 1772 patients had 2108 JPs examined in the period, and we calculated the incidence of juvenile polyps to be between 1:45,000 and 1:65,000. The majority of patients with juvenile polyps were adults and 1% fulfilled to diagnostic criteria of JPS. The majority of patients had a single juvenile polyp. Paper II: In this paper we conducted a review of the HPS based on the current literature. Paper III: We investigated the hypothesis that patients with one or few HPs may have a HPS based on genetic screening. We de-signed a panel of 26 genes associated with HPS and used targeted next generation sequencing in 77 patients with mainly one juvenile polyp. We detected several germ line variants, among them three in ENG, two in BMPR1A, one in PTEN, and one in SMAD4. Although some of the detected variants have been reported previously none could be classified as definitely pathogenic or likely pathogenic according to our variant classification scheme and thus we concluded that genetic screening of patients with one or few JPs are not indicated. Paper IV: In Paper IV we investigated one of the ethical aspects of next generation sequencing: the issue whether research participants in NGS studies should be offered the possibility of not re-ceiving information on incidental genetic findings (the "opting out possibility"). We conducted semi-structures interviews in 127 research participants, and found that the majority (61%) wanted information on all incidentals findings, while 36% wanted information on actionable incidental findings. Only 3% did not want information on incidental findings at all. Paper V: In this paper we wanted to gather information on all Danish patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in order to investigate the phenotype and genotype. Through Danish registers we detected 43 patients of which 14 had deceased. We calculated the prevalence of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome to be approximately one in 195,000 individuals. The median age at diagnosis was 29 years with obstruction of the small bowel as the most frequent presenting symptom. We noted 18 cancer occurrences in the population in both the GI tract and at extraintestinal sites, demonstrating that these patients are predisposed to cancer at various anatomical sites. The study also underlined the wide phenotypic expression of the syndrome.   Paper VI: In the last paper we identified patients with juvenile polyposis syndrome, who carry a SMAD4 mutation, and described their genotype and phenotype. We especially investigated whether these patients have symptoms of both juvenile polyposis syndrome and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. We identified 14 Danish patients. Most of these had symptoms of both conditions and one had aortic root dilatation. Thus, this group of patients requires a multidisciplinary follow-up program.

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome: Pathobiology, Pathologic Manifestations, and Suggestions for Recommending Genetic Testing in Pathology Reports

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), in most cases, is attributed to mutation in STK11/LKB1 and is clinically characterized by gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyposis, mucocutaneous pigmentation, and predisposition to certain neoplasms. There are currently no recommended gynecologic screening or clinical surveillance guidelines beyond those recommended for the general population; however, cervical cytology samples must be examined with a high level of suspicion for cervical adenocarcinoma. It is considered prudent to note the established association with PJS and recommend referral for genetic counseling. Complete surgical excision after a diagnosis of atypical lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia is recommended.

[Peutz Jeghers syndrome. Report of five cases]

The Peutz Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) is characterized by gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps and mucocutaneous pigmentation, are at high risk of bowel resections because ischemia secondary to intussusception. The risk of gastrointestinal cancer is nine more than the general population. We report five patients diagnosed with SPG, four had intestinal intussusception, one upper gastrointestinal bleeding and one died with pancreatic neoplasia.

Generalized lentiginosis in an 11 year old boy

Generalized lentiginosis refers to generalized lentigines without systemic abnormalities, characterized by multiple brown or black macules owing to increased proliferation of melanocytes. There are also lentiginosis syndromes associated with systemic abnormalities such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Leopard syndrome, and Carney complex. Generalized lentiginosis can be diagnosis by patient's history, physical and laboratory examination, and histopathology. We report an 11-year-old boy who presented with multiple dark brown macules, varying in size, but less than 0.5 cm, with no abnormalities of other systemic organs.

Hereditary breast cancer: an update on risk assessment and genetic testing in 2015

The last 5 years have brought significant innovation and advancement in the genetics of breast cancer. This clinical opinion aims to summarize and update current approaches to the care of women at risk for a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer. Implications of the BRCA mutation and several other hereditary syndromes will be discussed. Risk assessment and criteria for referral to cancer genetic professionals as well as high-risk screening and prophylactic options will be reviewed. Finally, the newly available genetic cancer panels and implications of mutations in some of these lesser known genes will be discussed. As the field of cancer genetics continues to evolve, the education of medical students, residents, and faculty will be paramount to identify appropriate candidates for genetic counseling and testing in conjunction with cancer genetic professionals.

P16-positive continuous minimal deviation adenocarcinoma and gastric type adenocarcinoma in a patient with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

We report a case of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) in a 33-year-old female patient with synchronous uterine cervical minimal deviation adenocarcinoma (MDA) and gastric type adenocarcinoma (GTA). The patient was diagnosed with PJS at the age of 10. At the time of consultation, she complained of watery discharge. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis showed a poorly circumscribed mass in the uterine cervix. Histologically, both MDA and GTA components, as well as their transitional area, were observed. Both components were diffusely positive for MUC6, CK7 and, robustly, for p16. Moreover, the components were negative for ER, PgR and CEA, while HIK1083 and CK20 positive cells were found focally. Ki-67 labeling index in the MDA component was 5% while that in the GTA component was 50%. This case of GTA accompanied by MDA in a patient with PJS is distinct from the single previously-reported comparable case of which we are aware, with respect to the overexpression of p16 protein, an event considered rare in these tumors, and the continuity between the MDA and GTA components. This continuity favors the hypothesis that GTA arises from the dedifferentiation of MDA.

Gastric diffuse hamartomatous polyposis as unique manifestation of peutz-jeghers syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Peutz-Jeghers-type hamartomatous polyps are most common in the small intestine, but can also occur in the stomach and large bowel. Gastric polyps usually coexist with hamartomatous polyps in other locations of the gastro-intestinal tract. We present the second case reported in literature of diffuse gastric polyposis without affecting the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.

CASE REPORT

A 41-years-old woman complained of repeated, self-limited episodes of hematemesis. She presented with anaemia. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed multiple polyps in all the gastric surface, whose biopsy diagnosed of hamartomatous polyps. No other polyps were detecting the gastrointestinal tract. The patient underwent a total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Pathology revealed a gastric diffuse hamartomatous polyposis. A mis-sense mutation encoding the serine/threonine kinase STK11 gene was been identified, compatible with Peutz Jeghers polyposis.

Update on imaging of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare, autosomal dominant disease linked to a mutation of the STK 11 gene and is characterized by the development of benign hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract in association with a hyperpigmentation on the lips and oral mucosa. Patients affected by PJS have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal and extra-digestive cancer. Malignancy most commonly occurs in the small-bowel. Extra-intestinal malignancies are mostly breast cancer and gynecological tumors or, to a lesser extent, pancreatic cancer. These polyps are also at risk of acute gastrointestinal bleeding, intussusception and bowel obstruction. Recent guidelines recommend regular small-bowel surveillance to reduce these risks associated with PJS. Small-bowel surveillance allows for the detection of large polyps and the further referral of selected PJS patients for endoscopic enteroscopy or surgery. Video capsule endoscopy, double balloon pushed enteroscopy, multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance enteroclysis or enterography, all of which are relatively new techniques, have an important role in the management of patients suffering from PJS. This review illustrates the pathological, clinical and imaging features of small-bowel abnormalities as well as the role and performance of the most recent imaging modalities for the detection and follow-up of PJS patients.