Lamia Gargouri, Bayen Maalej,
Abstract
Background: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by mutation of STK11/ LKB1 (serine threonine kinase 11) characterized by gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps, mucocutaneous pigmentation and increased risk of malignant disease. The case of a 12-year-old girl with perioral pigmentation who present with recurrent vomiting and weight loss is reported. Endoscopic and radiologic investigation demonstrated a mass in the second portion of the duodenum. She underwent surgery because of a sharp abdominal pain caused by bowel intussusception. Laparotomy revealed two polyps: one in the second portion of the duodenum: Intussusception could be easily reduced and polyps are resected. Histologically, it was a hamartoma. The child was found to be heterozygote for the mutation c.863-2A>C in intron 6 of the STK11 gene. The patient is followed and is well. Conclusion: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome should be suspected in any child suffering from recurrent abdominal pain and /or other gastrointestinal symptoms in the presence of characteristic pigmentation.