Detection of polyps in the small bowel of patients with acromegaly via capsule endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: the prevalence of small bowel (SB) polyps is unknown in acromegaly patients. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the prevalence of polyps/tumors in SB of acromegaly patients. MATERIAL: this was a prospective and observational study that compared the prevalence of polyps/tumors using capsule endoscopy with a standard protocol in asymptomatic acromegaly patients and non-acromegaly patients, with abdominal pain, diarrhea or anemia. RESULTS: one hundred and eighty-three cases were included (61 acromegaly and 122 non-acromegaly). Polyps were found in six (9.8%) and three (2.5%) patients, respectively (RR: 4 [95% CI, 1.03-15.45; p = 0.038]). There were no differences in the tumors (n = 4, 6.6% vs n = 7, 5.7%). CONCLUSIONS: acromegaly may be associated with more polyps in SB.