High frequency of colorectal adenoma in patients with duodenal adenoma but without familial adenomatous polyposis

Background. Duodenal adenomas are extremely common in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. However, it is uncertain whether patients with duodenal adenomas without familial adenomatous polyposis are at greater risk for colorectal neoplasia and, therefore, should routinely undergo surveillance colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a correlation between non-papillary duodenal adenoma without familial adenomatous polyposis and colorectal adenoma. Methods: Twenty-five patients with non-papillary duodenal adenomas without familial adenomatous polyposis, seen from January 1990 to April 2003, were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Non-papillary duodenal polyps were diagnosed by endoscopy in the 25 patients. Of these, 21 underwent colonoscopy and one underwent proctoscopy. The mean age of these 22 patients (12 women, 10 men) was 69 years (range 50-83 years). Sixteen of the 22 patients (72.7%) with duodenal adenomas had associated colorectal adenomas. A total of 38 adenomas and one colorectal cancer were detected. The mean size of the polyps was 6.2 mm (range 3-15 mm). The adenomas were removed by snare excision or with a biopsy forceps. Conclusions: Based on the results of this uncontrolled, retrospective study, the frequency of colorectal adenomas in patients with duodenal polyps without familial adenomatous polyposis appears to be increased compared with the general population. All patients with duodenal polyps should undergo surveillance colonoscopy for colorectal adenomas. A prospective study to definitively establish the frequency of colorectal adenomas in these patients is warranted.