Application of technetium-99m-labeled human serum albumin scan to assist surgical treatment of protein-losing enteropathy in Cronkhite-Canada syndrome: report of a case.

Abstract

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome is a rare form of nonhereditary gastrointestinal polyposis associated with ectodermal change and protein-losing enteropathy. Here we report a 63-year-old male presenting with diffuse gastrointestinal polyposis, onychodystrophy, cutaneous pigmentation, alopecia, diarrhea, hypoalbuminemia and lower leg edema. Technetium-99m-labeled human serum albumin scan confirmed the patient to have protein-losing enteropathy, which originated from the transverse and descending colon. Subtotal colectomy was performed. Albumin level and ectodermal change were gradually improved during three years of outpatient clinic follow-up. Based on our finding, Technetium-99m-labeled human serum albumin scintigraphy is helpful to localize the protein-losing origins and surgery is an effective treatment for Cronkhite-Canada syndrome with protein-losing enteropathy.

• Authors: Kuo-Chih Tseng, Bor-Shyang Sheu, Jenq-Chang Lee, Hong-Ming Tsai, Nan-Tsing Chiu, Yuan-Chang Dai
• Journal: Diseases of the colon and rectum (Dis Colon Rectum) Vol. 48 Issue 4 Pg. 870-3 (Apr 2005) ISSN: 0012-3706 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15768184 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Serum Albumin
• Technetium

Topics

• Colectomy (methods)
• Edema (etiology)
• Humans
• Intestinal Polyposis (complications, diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Leg (pathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pigmentation Disorders (etiology)
• Protein-Losing Enteropathies (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Radionuclide Imaging
• Serum Albumin
• Technetium
• Treatment Outcome