Cronkhite–Canada syndrome
Medical condition
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cronkhite–Canada syndrome is a rare syndrome characterized by multiple polyps of the digestive tract. It is sporadic (i.e. it does not seem to be a hereditary disease),[1] and it is currently considered acquired[2] and idiopathic (i.e. cause remains unknown).
| Cronkhite–Canada syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Gastrointestinal polyposis-skin pigmentation-alopecia-fingernail changes syndrome |
| |
| Cronkhite–Canada syndrome affects the digestive tract | |
| Specialty | Gastroenterology  |
About two-thirds of patients are of Japanese descent and the male to female ratio is 3:2.[3] It was characterized in 1955[4][5] by internal medicine physician Leonard Wolsey Cronkhite Jr. and radiologist Wilma Jeanne Canada.[6]
Signs and symptoms
Polyps are found throughout the GI tract (most frequently in the stomach and large intestine, followed by the small intestine) though typically avoid the esophagus.[6] A biopsy will reveal them to be hamartomas; the possibility that they progress to cancer is generally considered to be low,[7] although it has been reported multiple times in the past. Chronic diarrhea and protein-losing enteropathy are often observed. Possible collateral features include variable anomalies of ectodermal tissues, such as alopecia, atrophy of the nails, or skin pigmentation[3]
Causes
Diagnosis
There is no specific test to diagnose Cronkhite–Canada syndrome. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and features of the disease.[8]
Management
Nutritional support is fundamental, and may include dietary guidance, supplements, tube feeding, or intravenous solutions.[9] Treatments proposed include cromolyn sodium and prednisone,[10] as well as histamine (H2) receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors.[9]