Intussusception in the adult: an unsuspected case of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with review of the literature

Fam Cancer. 2009;8(2):95-101. doi: 10.1007/s10689-008-9212-x. Epub 2008 Aug 23.

Abstract

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an uncommon genetic defect in the signal pathways of growth. The incidence has most recently been estimated to be in the range of 1 per 120,000 live births [1]. It is characterized by hamartomas throughout the gastrointestinal tract, mucocutaneous melanotic spots and increased predisposition to malignancy. The infrequent presentation of this syndrome in most practice combined with some less well-known diagnostic features may contribute to a misdiagnosis. Further, understanding of the genetic defect leading to the phenotypic syndrome and the future implications of this defect continue to evolve. Therefore we present a review in the setting of a case of misdiagnosed Peutz-Jeghers syndrome to portray illuminating features of the syndrome and review the literature.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Hamartoma / etiology
  • Humans
  • Intussusception / genetics*
  • Neoplasms
  • Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome / complications
  • Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome / genetics*
  • Precancerous Conditions*
  • Treatment Outcome