Sustained remission of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome after corticosteroid and mesalazine treatment: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare disease of unknown etiology. The optimal treatment for CCS remains unknown. Treatment with corticosteroids is considered the mainstay treatment because of its high efficacy, but the therapeutic strategy for steroid-resistant CCS is not yet established. CASE SUMMARY This is the case of an 81-year-old woman who was diagnosed with CCS. Given her severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and hypoproteinemia, hormone therapy (40 mg/d) was administered, and the symptoms improved within 1 wk. After 3 mo, the patient had no obvious symptoms. The polyps were significantly reduced on review gastroscopy and colonoscopy, thus hormone reduction gradually began. The hormone level was maintained at 10 mg/d after 6 mo. Despite the age of the patient and the side effects of hormones, the patient had no obvious discomfort. However, hormone drugs were discontinued, and mesalazine was administered orally at 3 g/d. The patient's symptoms continued to improve after a follow-up of 5 years. CONCLUSION Corticosteroids and mesalazine are potential treatment options for CCS.