CronkhiteâCanada syndrome | |
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Other names | Gastrointestinal polyposis-skin pigmentation-alopecia-fingernail changes syndrome |
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CronkhiteâCanada syndrome affects the digestive tract | |
Specialty |
Gastroenterology
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CronkhiteâCanada 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).
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]
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]
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There is no specific test to diagnose CronkhiteâCanada syndrome. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and features of the disease. [8]
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]
CronkhiteâCanada syndrome | |
---|---|
Other names | Gastrointestinal polyposis-skin pigmentation-alopecia-fingernail changes syndrome |
![]() | |
CronkhiteâCanada syndrome affects the digestive tract | |
Specialty |
Gastroenterology
![]() |
CronkhiteâCanada 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).
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]
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]
![]() | This section is empty. You can help by
adding to it. (June 2024) |
There is no specific test to diagnose CronkhiteâCanada syndrome. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and features of the disease. [8]
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]