A case report of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome first encounterd at a hospital in northern Vietnam

• Published in: Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) 2023, Vol.85 (12), p.6134-6140
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Long Cong, Thi Pham, Thuy, Nguyen, Tung Thanh, Nguyen, Nam Hoai, Van Kieu, Tuan, Anh Do, Giang, Thi-Ngoc Doan, Ha, Van Tran, Chuong, Vu, Nhung Thi
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2049-0801; 2049-0801
• DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001334

Introduction and importanceCronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is an extremely rare non-inherited syndrome first described in 1955 with only about 500 more cases reported so far. Since the aetiology of the disease remains unknown, there were no specific treatments in consensus. In many countries, CCS is a completely new condition that may confuse physicians at first encounter. Lessons should be learned from these cases by gastrointestinal specialists to be aware of this condition in any circumstances.Case presentationThe authors reported a case study of a 45-year-old Vietnamese male with CCS diagnosis, which encountered at our centre for the first time.Clinical discussionThe definitive diagnosis was provided by combining clinical characteristics, and endoscopic and histopathologic features, after excluding other causes of gastrointestinal polyposis. The patient responds to corticosteroids, proton pump inhibitors, and nutritional support right after treatment. After 1 year of treatment, his symptoms ameliorated completely although colon polyps insignificantly reduced.ConclusionGastroenterologists should always be aware of patients with CCS with the following symptoms: gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps, diarrhoea, and the dermatologic triad of alopecia, hyperpigmentation, and onychodystrophy.