Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome: Report of a Case

Abstract

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare nonhereditary disorder characterized by the presence of diffuse gastrointestinal polyposis associated with hair alterations, nail dystrophy and skin pigmentation. We reported a 74-year-old man who presented with loose stool for 3 months. In addition, he had a 3-month history of weight loss (about 8 kg) and associated with severe anorexia, nausea sensation, fatigue, and occasional abdominal pain. The patient appeared alopecia, fingernail dystrophy and hyperpigmentation of sun-exposed skin over the palms, extremities, face, soles and neck. Esophaogastroduodenoscopy revealed diffuse small polypoid lesions with mucosa edema within the stomach from mid-body to antrum. Both the esophagus and upper stomach mucosa were normal. A colonoscopy was performed subsequently, showing numerous, red polyps throughout the colon and rectum. Biopsy specimen taken from colon displayed polypoid colonic mucosa composed of hyperplastic glands with focal dilatation and inflammatory cell infiltration in edematous lamina propria. Based on typical clinical features and histological findings of polyps, a diagnosis of CCS was made. Patient did not receive treatment in our hospital because he lost to follow after the diagnosis of CCS.