Diffuse Gastrointestinal Polyposis with Ectodermal Changes: Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome

Three patients with Cronkhite-Canada syndrome are described. This syndrome consists of generalized gastrointestinal polyposis associated with alopecia, onychotrophia, and skin pigmentation. The characteristics which distinguish Cronkhite-Canada syndrome from other cO!lditions associated with polyposis are late onset, lack of family history, and unique ectodermal changes. The patients are usually seriously ill and have abdominal pain associated with severe diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and (in late stages) anemia and edema.