Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome (CCS)

Overview

CCS is a non-hereditary disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract, with a possible autoimmune etiology. It is primarily characterized by the formation of polyps, or abnormal tissue growths.

Common Symptoms

Changes in taste and loss of smell, polyps in the stomach, small intestine, colon, and less frequently in the esophagus, chronic or recurring watery diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, feeling of general ill health (cachexia), malnutrition, nausea and vomiting, alopecia, loss of fingernails, and hyperpigmentation (darker spots on the skin).

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroiditis, and scleroderma.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

CSS affects more men than women, with a 3:2 ratio reported in the literature.  In addition, the condition’s age of onset occurs in the early 60’s.

Case Report


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Sources

  1. Article Sources and Footnotes

    1. Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome. (n.d.). NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Retrieved June 15, 2021, from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/cronkhite-canada-syndrome/

    2. Taylor, S. A., Kelly, J., & Loomes, D. E. (2018). Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome: Sustained Clinical Response with Anti-TNF Therapy. Case Reports in Medicine, 2018, e9409732. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9409732

    3. Ward, E. M., & Wolfsen, H. C. (2003). Pharmacological management of Cronkhite–Canada syndrome. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 4(3), 385–389. https://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.4.3.385

    4. Werness, Bruce. (February 18, 2020). A GI Odyssey: Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome Case Report.

    5. Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome. Rare Disease Database, NORD.