Brunner's gland hamartomas: Not always benign

Arab J Gastroenterol. 2024 Feb;25(1):70-73. doi: 10.1016/j.ajg.2023.12.003. Epub 2024 Jan 30.

Abstract

Brunner's gland hamartoma (BGH) is a rare, benign tumor of the duodenum. It is mostly asymptomatic and usually found incidentally on routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). However, some BGHs present with major complications including anemia, bleeding, obstruction, or dysplasia, requiring management and resection of these lesions. Herein, we present two cases of large BGHs of the duodenum, one presenting as severe gastrointestinal bleeding and the other, noted on EGD for iron deficiency anemia, found to have high grade dysplasia. This literature review discusses the rare serious complications of BGH, including iron deficiency anemia, overt gastrointestinal bleeding, and malignant potential.

Keywords: Brunner’s gland; Complications; Duodenal neoplasms; Duodenum; Gastrointestinal bleeding; Hamartoma.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency* / diagnosis
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency* / etiology
  • Brunner Glands* / pathology
  • Duodenal Diseases* / complications
  • Duodenal Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Duodenal Diseases* / surgery
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Hamartoma* / diagnosis
  • Hamartoma* / surgery
  • Humans