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A case of Cronkhite–Canada syndrome presenting with adenomatous and inflammatory colon polyps

Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology volume 7, pages 460–464 (2010)Cite this article

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Abstract

Background. A 72-year-old man was referred for evaluation of dysgeusia, diarrhea and anorexia. 3 months prior he began to experience taste changes, a decline in appetite and 3–7 loose, non-bloody stools per day. Nausea and lower abdominal cramping subsequently developed and he lost 22.68 kg in weight. His past medical history included atrial fibrillation treated with anticoagulation and digoxin. In the past, he had experienced markedly increased levels of triglycerides and was being treated for this condition with a lipid-lowering agent. There was no family history of colorectal neoplasia or IBD. He was a non-smoker and did not drink alcoholic beverages.

Investigations. Medical history, physical examination, laboratory evaluation (including 72 h stool collection), upper endoscopy, colonoscopy and histologic analysis of biopsy samples.

Diagnosis. Cronkhite–Canada syndrome.

Management. Prednisone (40 mg orally once daily, eventually tapered to 10 mg orally once daily), a histamine-2-receptor blocker and oral micronutrient supplementation (iron, vitamins A, E and D and a multivitamin). Removal of all visible polyps from the anal verge to 25 cm endoscopically by snare polypectomy or with hot biopsy forceps, followed by subtotal colectomy with end-to-side ileorectostomy.

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Figure 1
Figure 2: Colon polyps in the case patient.
Figure 3

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Ryan E. Swapp in the Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, for his assistance in providing some of the pathology images. Written consent for publication was obtained from the patient.

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  1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, 55905, MN, USA

    Seth Sweetser, Glenn L. Alexander & Lisa A. Boardman

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  1. Seth Sweetser
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Correspondence to Seth Sweetser.

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Sweetser, S., Alexander, G. & Boardman, L. A case of Cronkhite–Canada syndrome presenting with adenomatous and inflammatory colon polyps. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 7, 460–464 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2010.112

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