Feasibility of video capsule endoscopy in the management of children with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: a blinded comparison with barium enterography for the detection of small bowel polyps.

OBJECTIVES: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) in children may present with anaemia, intussusception, or obstruction from an early age and surgery is common. Prophylactic polypectomy may reduce subsequent complications. Traditional barium enterography (BE) has poor sensitivity and requires significant radiation. We compared the performance of capsule endoscopy (CE) with BE in children with PJS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with PJS (ages 6.0-16.5 years) were prospectively recruited and underwent BE followed by CE, each reported by expert reviewers blinded to the alternate modality. Number of "significant" (>10 mm) and total number of polyps were recorded. Child preference was assessed using a visual analogue questionnaire. Definitive findings were assessed at laparotomy or enteroscopy, when performed.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference for >10 mm polyp detection. Six polyps were found in 3 children by both modalities: 3 polyps in 2 children at CE, 3 polyps in 1 child at BE (P=0.50). Re-review of 1 CE identified 3 polyps that were missed in 1 child at initial reading. Significantly more <10 mm polyps were identified by CE than BE: 61 vs 6 (P=0.02). CE was significantly more comfortable than BE (median score CE 76 [interquartile range 69-87] vs BE 37 [interquartile range 31-68], P=0.03) and was the preferred investigation in 90% (P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS: CE is a feasible, safe, and sensitive test for small bowel polyp surveillance in children with PJS. It is significantly more comfortable than BE and is the preferred test of most children for future surveillance. There is a learning curve for reporting CE studies in PJS and appropriate training is essential.