Solitary hamartomatous duodenal polyp ; a different entity : report of a case and review of the literature

Solitary hamartomatous duodenal polyps are a clinical entity considered until now to express an incomplete or initial form of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJ syndrome). Following our experience of 1 case, we analyzed the clinical characteristics of the 12 previously reported cases of solitary hamartomatous duodenal polyps. In none of these cases did we find any documentation of mucocutaneous pigmentation, a family or personal history of intestinal polyps, or local neoplasic degeneration of the disease, and all cases presented during the fifth or sixth decade of life. Thus, we conclude that solitary hamartomatous duodenal polyps constitute a different entity to PJ syndrome, the most appropriate elective treatment for which is endoscopic electrosurgical polypectomy.