This Article  • References  • Full text PDF  • Send to a friend  • Save in My Folder  • Save to citation manager  • Permissions  Citing Articles  • Citation map  • Contact me when this article is cited  Related Content  • Similar articles in this journal  Social Bookmarking   What's this?

A Diagnostic Dilemma

MAJ Philip Yosowitz, MC; LTC Robert Hobson, MC; LTC Frederick Ruymann, MC

Am J Dis Child. 1974;128(5):709-712.

Abstract
The sporadic case of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome presenting during childhood poses a continuing challenge. Mucocutaneous pigmentation represents the most reliable diagnostic sign and should be sought in any child who complains of episodic abdominal pain. Recurrent iron deficiency anemia points to gastrointestinal blood loss, even when periodic stool examinations are negative for occult blood. A conservative surgical approach is advocated with local excision of symptomatic and accessible polyps. The risk of a gastrointestinal malignant neoplasm in adults with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome may be slightly greater than in the general population, and in women there is an increased incidence of ovarian tumors. These factors, combined with the unpredictable appearance of new polyps, make continued follow-up of individuals and families with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome necessary.

Author Affiliations
USA; USA; USA

From the departments of general surgery (Drs. Yosowitz and Hobson), and pediatrics (Dr. Ruymann), Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC.

Footnotes
Received for publication Oct 18, 1973; accepted April 3, 1974.

The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of the Army.

Reprint requests to Department of Pediatrics, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20012 (Dr. Ruymann).

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter     What's this?