Hyperpigmentation, nail dystrophy and alopecia with generalised intestinal polyposis: Cronkhite-Canada syndrome.
A 62-year-old Malaysian woman presented with a constellation of skin signs including alopecia, hyperpigmentation and nail dystrophy. On questioning, a history of diarrhoea, taste disturbance and weight loss was found. The onset of these changes coincided with the administration of thyroxine prescribed for a benign multinodular goitre. Hormonal investigations showed no abnormality and no underlying malignancy was found. Investigation of the diarrhoea showed a protein-losing enteropathy with generalized intestinal polyposis and non-specific histology. A diagnosis of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome was made. Treatment with prednisone and nutritional support has been partially effective.
Ho
Vincent
V
School of Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
Banney
Leith
L
Falhammar
Henrik
H
D000505:Alopecia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006044:Goiter, Nodular / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D044483:Intestinal Polyposis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009260:Nail Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D013974:Thyroxine