StatPearls, LLC

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Genetic Testing
  • Intussusception
  • Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
  • Polyps

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by the development of hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract and distinctive mucocutaneous pigmentation, such as dark spot formation on the lips, oral mucosa, and fingers. The condition is caused by mutations in the STK11 gene, a tumor suppressor gene that regulates cell growth and proliferation. PJS is associated with an increased lifetime risk of various cancers, including those of the gastrointestinal tract, breast, ovarian, and pancreatic glands. Patients with PJS typically present with gastrointestinal manifestations, such as abdominal pain, nausea, and obstruction, due to the presence of polyps, which can lead to bleeding or intussusception. Diagnosis is confirmed through genetic testing and endoscopic evaluation, including gastrointestinal imaging, to detect polyps. The distinctive mucocutaneous lesions can also aid in diagnosis. The management of PJS focuses on surveillance to detect malignancies early and remove polyps. Strategies include regular screening for gastrointestinal, breast, and other cancers and polyp removal through endoscopic or surgical procedures to prevent complications like intussusception. Prognosis varies based on the timing of cancer detection and treatment, but lifelong monitoring is crucial for improving survival and managing malignancy risk. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance learners’ competence in evaluating and managing PJS. Participants will deepen their understanding of the condition’s etiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and symptomatology, improving their ability to recognize this rare genetic disorder and implement effective surveillance and treatment approaches. Greater proficiency strengthens clinicians’ ability to collaborate within an interprofessional team providing care for individuals with PJS.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 9 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left