Malignant potential in a Brunner’s gland hamartoma

Abstract

Postgrad Med J 2003;79:416-417 Brunner's gland hamartomas are rare tumours of the duodenum. These lesions have previously been described as being benign, with no malignant potential. A case report is presented of a Brunner's gland hamartoma, whose histology revealed a focus of well marked epithelial dysplasia. This case suggests a dysplastic stage in the natural history of Brunner's gland hamartoma, and questions the malignant potential of these lesions. Brunner's gland hamartomas are rare duodenal tumours and an unusual cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. Since the first description of a Brunner's gland hamartoma in 1876 there has been controversy to the aetiology and pathogenesis of this lesion. Several case reports have described these lesions as non-dysplastic and entirely benign. However a case report is presented, representing a Brunner's gland hamartoma with a dysplastic focus. This case report illustrates that these lesions do appear to become dysplastic and raises the question of malignant potential. CASE REPORTA 79 year old white man presented with a collapse and melaena. He had a history of stable angina for three years, mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a previous transient ischaemic attack. He was taking 75 mg of aspirin daily and took minimal alcohol. Examination revealed a soft non-tender abdomen and a blood pressure of 114/75 mm Hg, with no significant postural drop. Haematological investigations revealed anaemia, with a haemoglobin concentration of 92 g/l. On the second day the haemoglobin dropped to 72 g/l and an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed.At endoscopy a 2 cm pedunculated lesion, with an ulcerated crater, was noted in the second part of the duodenum (fig 1). There were no signs of active bleeding and the lesion was biopsied at this stage. The patient was transfused and subsequently maintained his haemoglobin.Histology revealed a submucosal lesion with complex, crowded architecture and features consistent with a Brunner's gland hamartoma. However, in the deeper layers of the specimen, some nuclear atypia with occasional mitotic figures was seen. Given these findings a repeat endoscopy was performed and the lesion was removed by snare polypectomy using coagulation current.Histology of the resected specimen revealed it to predominantly composed of lobules of relatively bland appearing Brunner's glands. However throughout the specimen there were foci of obvious dysplasia with some foci showing more pronounced cytological changes (fig 2). DISCUSSIONDuodenal tumours, both malignant and benign, are rare. Brunner's gland hamartomas and adenomas account for up to 1% of small bowel tumours.1 Normal Brunner's glands are alkaline mucus-secreting and are found predominantly in the duodenum, extending to the proximal jejunum.2 Brunner's gland hamartomas are most often found in the proximal duodenum (57%), 2 representing the normal Brunner's gland distribution. The majority are pedunculated (88%), 2 and are commonly 1-2 cm in diameter. Clinical presentation is variable, an...

A Case of Brunner Gland Adenoma, which Exhibited Dramatic Macroscopic Metamorphosis in 2 Years without Canceration

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