Giant Brunner's Gland Hamartoma of the Duodenal Bulb Presenting with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Obstruction

Abstract

Brunner's gland hamartomas are small benign lesions that are most commonly found in the bulb of the duodenum. They are very uncommon, and most are found incidentally during upper gastrointestinal series or esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The lesions tend to be asymptomatic, but patients may present with symptoms of duodenal obstruction or hemorrhage secondary to ulceration. Histologically, a Brunner's gland hamartoma consists of the components of Brunner's gland cells, as well as glandular, adipose and muscle cells. In this study, we report the case of a 30-year-old man who presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and obstructive symptoms due to a giant Brunner's gland hamartoma in the duodenal bulb. The hamartoma was successfully removed by endoscopic resection. No significant complications were observed. Microscopically, the lesion was found to be entirely composed of variable Brunner's glands and adipocytes.

Keywords: Brunner glands; Gastrointestinal bleeding; Gastrointestinal obstruction; Hamartoma.

Fig. 1.

(A) Contrast-enhanced axial and (B) coronal computed tomography scan shows a large polypoid mass in the duodenal bulb extending to second part of the duodenum (arrows).

Fig. 2.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy shows a tortuous pedunculated mass occupying the lumen of the duodenal bulb and the second part of the duodenum. (A) Base of the tumor. (B) Thick trunk of the tumor at duodenal bulb. (C) Thick trunk at superior duodenal angle. (D) Tip of the tumor at the second part of the duodenum.

Fig. 3.

Endoscopic removal. This shows the polyp being cut by two partial snare polypectomies and endoscopic submucosal dissection. It is successfully resected without any complications such as bleeding or perforation. (A) Stomach side. (B) Duodenal U-turn view. (C) Endoscopic submucosal dissection after U-turn. (D) Follow-up 2 months later.

Fig. 4.

Gross findings after formalin fixation. (A). A well-defined heterogenous yellow-white solid duodenal mass can be observed on the specimen section. The gross endoscopic resection specimen showed a large duodenal lesion measuring 9.3×2 cm. (B) Microscopic findings. Light microscopy revealed hyperplastic lobules of proliferating Brunner's glands separated by fibrous septum. (H&E stain, ×40). (C) Brunner's gland hyperplasia composed of variable size of Brunner’s glands (H&E stain, ×100) can be observed.