Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a diagnostic technique utilized in the majority of polyposis syndromes to detect lesions in the small bowel.1

We present herein the case of a 66-year-old man who sought medical attention for subocclusive symptoms presenting over the last few months, that alternated with periods of no symptoms. VCE was performed as soon as the patient presented with a low probability of obstruction, observing numerous polyps of different size and stage that extended from the antrum to the colon (Fig. 1A–C). The study was completed through colonoscopy, with the extirpation of several of the polyps. The histologic analysis stated hamartomatous polyps. The patient is currently in follow-up with endoscopic examinations and periodic polypectomies,2 including resection of jejunal polyps with a double balloon enteroscope.

Fig. 1.

A-C) Images from the VCE study showing numerous polyps of different size and stage in the antrum, jejunum, and colon, respectively.

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According to the literature, one of the indications for VCE is the diagnosis of small bowel polyposis syndromes, as in the present case. That diagnostic method has shown greater sensitivity than other imaging studies and a similar detection rate to that of double balloon enteroscopy, as well as a low complication rate. However, VCE has a series of disadvantages with respect to imaging studies, such as interobserver variability in its interpretation and its limitation for determining lesion size. In the present case, we wish to emphasize the role of VCE as a simple, efficacious, radiation-free diagnostic method, with a low complication rate, in the study of patients with gastrointestinal polyposis syndromes. Evaluation is later completed with more specific techniques, enabling the most accurate diagnosis possible.