Fatal Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage in a Patient with Brunner's Gland Hyperplasia

Brunner's gland hyperplasia is a rare cause of duodenal mass and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Imaging and esophagoduodenoscopic evaluation of this condition are frequently consistent with a duodenal malignancy often resulting in surgical resection. However, the malignant potential of these lesions is still unknown, and most are benign. We report the case of a 74-year-old man who presented with fatal gastrointestinal bleeding and esophagoduodenoscopy findings consistent with a duodenal mass and mucosal ulceration. At autopsy, histologic examination of the mass revealed Brunner's gland hyperplasia with associated ulcer formation. In this report, we review the findings associated with this case as well the literature regarding presentation, clinical associations, and treatment of Brunner's gland hyperplasia.