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Cronkhite-Canada syndrome is a rare gastrointestinal polyposis syndrome with distinctive clinical features and endoscopic findings. Diagnosis can be challenging without suspicion, and the disease carries high mortality due to complications such as infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, and malignancies. This paper presents two cases of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome occurring after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccination. Both cases exhibited typical clinical findings, including hypogeusia, onychodystrophy, alopecia, and weight loss. Typical polyposis in the gastrointestinal tract was confirmed through endoscopies. As symptomatic treatment did not improve the symptoms, corticosteroids were administered, and symptoms and laboratory test results improved immediately. The patients improved upon corticosteroids tapering. These cases illustrate typical presentations of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome and the course of the disease following corticosteroid treatment. Additionally, they suggest the possibility that Cronkhite-Canada syndrome may be triggered by COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome is a rare gastrointestinal polyposis syndrome with distinctive clinical features and endoscopic findings. Diagnosis can be challenging without suspicion, and the disease carries high mortality due to complications such as infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, and malignancies. This paper presents two cases of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome occurring after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccination. Both cases exhibited typical clinical findings, including hypogeusia, onychodystrophy, alopecia, and weight loss. Typical polyposis in the gastrointestinal tract was confirmed through endoscopies. As symptomatic treatment did not improve the symptoms, corticosteroids were administered, and symptoms and laboratory test results improved immediately. The patients improved upon corticosteroids tapering. These cases illustrate typical presentations of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome and the course of the disease following corticosteroid treatment. Additionally, they suggest the possibility that Cronkhite-Canada syndrome may be triggered by COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Gardner's syndrome with the complete manifestation of colonic and extracolonic features is uncommon. Therefore, every clinician should view extracolonic features with a high index of suspicion. This may be key to early diagnosis, definitive management in these patients and importantly, helps prevent malignant transformation of existing colonic polyps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message Gardner's syndrome with the complete manifestation of colonic and extracolonic features is uncommon. Therefore, every clinician should view extracolonic features with a high index of suspicion. This may be key to early diagnosis, definitive management in these patients and importantly, helps prevent malignant transformation of existing colonic polyps.

BackgroundThe bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway is known to play an imperative role in bone, cartilage, and cardiac tissue formation. Truncating, heterozygous variants, and deletions of one of the essential receptors in this pathway, Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor Type1A (BMPR1A), have been associated with autosomal dominant juvenile polyposis. Heterozygous deletions have also been associated with cardiac and minor skeletal anomalies. Populations with atrioventricular septal defects are enriched for rare missense BMPR1A variants.MethodsWe report on a patient with a homozygous missense variant in BMPR1A causing skeletal abnormalities, growth failure a large atrial septal defect, severe subglottic stenosis, laryngomalacia, facial dysmorphisms, and developmental delays.ResultsFunctional analysis of this variant shows increased chondrocyte death for cells with the mutated receptor, increased phosphorylated R-Smads1/5/8, and loss of Sox9 expression mediated by decreased phosphorylation of p38.ConclusionThis homozygous missense variant in BMPR1A appears to cause a distinct clinical phenotype.

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is currently considered to be a non-genetic disorder and a relatively rare clinical condition that is characterized endoscopically by multiple polyps in the gastrointestinal tract and clinically manifested by gastrointestinal symptoms, skin pigmentation, hair loss, and nail loss. In this paper, we analyzed the clinical characteristics and treatment procedures of three patients diagnosed with CCS at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from August 2012 to September 2021 and reviewed the relevant literature. The diagnosis of CCS is based on medical history, physical examination, endoscopic findings of gastrointestinal polyps, and histopathology, with gastrointestinal endoscopy being the most direct means of examination. All three patients presented endoscopically with diffuse multiple polyps in the gastrointestinal tract, had hair and nail loss and were free of HP infection. Moreover, case 1 and case 3 both had reduced serum albumin levels; case 2 and case 3 were negative for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) , case 1 was not checked for ANA. Glucocorticoids and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) were the main pharmacological treatments for CCS. Case 1 was not treated with glucocorticoids, but only PPI and supportive treatment, and later developed bloody stools and intestinal necrosis and underwent total gastrectomy for gastric cancer 6 years after the onset of the disease. Cases 2 and 3 were improved after being treated with prednisone and PPI. Early diagnosis, glucocorticoid-based pharmacotherapy, regular gastrointestinal endoscopy, and new treatment options may contribute to a better prognosis, and the reduction in possibilities of missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of CCS via improving clinicians' knowledge and understanding of the disease.

Introduction Most cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) occur sporadically; however, ∼ 3% to 6% of all CRCs are related to inherited syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and mutY DNA glycosylase (MUTYH) germline mutations are the main genetic causes related to colorectal polyposis. Nevertheless, in many cases mutations in these genes have not been identified. The aim of the present case report is to describe a rare case of genetic colorectal polyposis associated with the axis inhibition protein 2 (AXIN2) gene. Case Report The first colonoscopy screening of a 61-year-old male patient with no known family history of CRC revealed ∼ 50 colorectal polyps. A histological evaluation of the resected polyps showed low-grade tubular adenomas. Germline genetic testing through a multigene panel for cancer predisposition syndromes revealed a pathogenic variant in the AXIN2 gene. In addition to colorectal polyposis, the patient had mild features of ectodermal dysplasia: hypodontia, scant body hair, and onychodystrophy. Discussion The AXIN2 gene acts as a negative regulator of the Wnt/β -catenin signaling pathway, which participates in development processes and cellular homeostasis. Further studies are needed to support the surveillance recommendations for carriers of the AXIN2 pathogenic variant.

Context: In recent decades there has been an increase in hereditary colorectal cancer cases in people under 50 years of age. Several studies revealed similar pathologies with both molecular and clinical variations about hereditary colorectal neoplasms. We subdivided those new pathologies derived from the two groups in which hereditary colorectal cancer is classified: polyposis syndromes and non polyposis syndromes. Evidence Acquisition: The scientific search was done up to July – October, 2020. The search was limited to predefined keywords. The inclusion criteria were articles relevant to the search criteria (keywords). After, Rivera F. and Mendoza Y. looked for the associated articles, removed duplicates, and selected relevant information for our review manuscript. We included 80 scientific articles that met the established criteria. Results: Syndromes were divided according to the presence of polyps or not and their histological type and the classification or subclassification. Also we explain the type of inheritance, the affected genes, the clinical manifestations, the mean age of presentation of the disease and the polyps histology in case the disease has it. So, in this article we facilitated the identification of each syndrome for the reader. Conclusions: Despite representing a low etiology of colorectal cancer, cases of hereditary colorectal cancer show an increased trend over the last years. The development of genetic research has led to the establishment, modification and redefinition of molecular and clinical criteria associated with this pathology. However, there is a small group of patients that don't have molecular or clinical criteria belonging to any classification. Also the limited access or high cost associated with molecular analysis complicates the study of these pathologies and therefore lead to insufficient diagnosis and general treatment. For these reasons, there are still new genetic branches on hereditary colorectal cancer to investigate and thus establish comprehensive treatments for patients.

BackgroundFirst reported in 1955, Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS), a rare syndrome characterized by ectodermal abnormalities and inflammatory changes of the gastrointestinal tract mucosa, has been associated with a poor prognosis and life-threatening malignant complications. In a large population survey, we endeavored to characterize the course and treatment outcome of CCS through clinical and endoscopic assessment, and to explore its optimal treatment and surveillance strategy.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 210 patients with CCS was conducted via a questionnaire-based nationwide survey of 983 teaching hospitals located throughout Japan. We assessed clinical features, endoscopic findings, treatments used, and short- and long-term outcomes.ResultsThe average age at diagnosis was 63.5 years. In all cases, upper or lower gastrointestinal tract polyposis was confirmed, accompanied by characteristic ectodermal abnormalities. Of the treatments used, oral corticosteroids (30-49 mg/day) were the most effective treatment for active disease, with adjunctive nutritional support considered beneficial. With corticosteroid treatment, abdominal symptoms were relieved within a few months, whereas polyp regression often required more than 6 months. Maintenance of endoscopic remission with or without steroids for 3 years significantly lowered the development of CCS-related cancer, compared with relapsers or nonresponders, underscoring the importance of sustained endoscopic remission for cancer prevention.ConclusionsThe prognosis of CCS has greatly improved through the use of improved medical treatment. Although CCS continues to be relentlessly progressive, carrying a high cancer risk, a sufficient dose and duration of corticosteroid therapy accompanied by nutritional support and periodic endoscopic surveillance appears to improve its natural history.

Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) can transform to malignant lesions through the sessile serrated pathway and traditional serrated pathway. These pathways may cause rapid neoplastic progression compared to the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, which may cause interval colorectal cancer. The authors experienced a case of SPS with a synchronous colon adenocarcinoma that was treated with an endoscopic mucosal resection. In pathology reviews, other parts of the adenocarcinoma showed sessile serrated adenoma. Therefore, patients with SPS have a potential for malignant transformation, highlighting the need for strict colonoscopy surveillance starting at the time of SPS diagnosis.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic condition characterized by the development of hamartoma-type intestinal polyposis and areas of skin pigmentation, among other signs. Additionally, the occurrence of solitary Peutz-Jeghers polyps is exceedingly rare. We present the case of a 50-year-old female with a medical history of hypothyroidism, chronic gastritis, and dyslipidemia, who presented with dyspeptic symptoms and occasional rectal bleeding. Endoscopic examination revealed a solitary hamartomatous polyp in the gastric body and other gastrointestinal abnormalities. The patient underwent treatment and is being monitored with regular endoscopic studies and evaluations for other potential neoplasms. This case underscores the importance of considering the syndrome as a potential differential diagnosis. It emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to managing and monitoring such cases, particularly the early detection of possible neoplasms., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Madera et al.)

Patients with juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS), a hereditary autosomal dominant hamartomatous polyposis syndrome, are at increased risk for colorectal adenocarcinoma. The upper gastrointestinal tract is less often involved by JPS than the colorectum, and, consequently, upper tract juvenile polyps (JPs) are not well studied. We reviewed upper endoscopies and corresponding biopsies in JPS patients documented in our Polyposis Registry. A total of 199 upper gastrointestinal biopsies from 69 endoscopies were available in 22 of 41 (54%) JPS patients. Thirteen of the 22 patients (59%) had ≥1 gastric JP; 5 also had 6 small bowel JPs. Gastric JP was identified as early as age 7 in a patient with an SMAD4 gene mutation. Two patients (9%) had high-grade dysplasia in gastric JP. Invasive adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in the gastrectomy specimen of 1 patient. Five patients had a huge gastric polyp burden; 3 underwent total gastrectomy. Three patients died of complications associated with extensive upper JP. Histologically, 8 of the 56 (14%) gastric JPs identified had dysplasia. All of the 8 polyps demonstrated intestinalized and pyloric gland differentiation intermixed with foveolar epithelium. Dysplasia was seen arising in all 3 types of epithelium. The flat gastric mucosa in 11 patients was unremarkable without inflammation or intestinal metaplasia. The 6 small bowel JPs had no dysplasia. Our findings suggest that JPS patients are at increased risk for gastric adenocarcinoma. Detection of malignancy in syndromic gastric JP indicates that the current screening procedures are insufficient in removal of precursor lesions to prevent progression to carcinoma.

Background: Infantile myofibromatosis (IM) is the most common cause of multiple fibrous tumors in infancy. Multicentric disease can be associated with life-threatening visceral lesions. Germline gain-of-function mutations in PDGFRB have been identified as the most common molecular defect in familial IM. Case presentation: We here describe an infant with PDGFRB-driven IM with multiple tumors at different sites, including intestinal polyposis with hematochezia, necessitating temporary chemotherapy. Conclusions: PDGFRB-driven IM is clinically challenging due to its fluctuating course and multiple organ involvement in the first years of life. Early molecular genetic analysis is necessary to consider tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in case of aggressive visceral lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although small bowel the mainly occupies the most part of the gastrointestinal tract, small intestine tumors are rare, insidious in clinical presentation, and frequently represent a diagnostic and management challenge. Small bowel tumors are generally classified as epithelial, mesenchymal, lymphoproliferative, or metastatic. Familial adenomatous polyposis and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome are the most common inherited intestinal polyposis syndromes. Until the advent of capsule endoscopy (CE) and device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) coupled with the advances in radiology, physicians had limited diagnostic examination for small bowel examination. CE and new radiologic imaging techniques have made it easier to detect small bowel tumors. DAE allows more diagnosis and deeper reach in small intestine. CT enteroclysis/CT enterography (CTE) provides information about adjacent organs as well as pictures of the intestinal lumen side. Compared to CTE, Magnetic resonance enteroclysis/enterography provides the advantage of soft tissue contrast and multiplane imaging without radiation exposure. Treatment and prognosis are tailored to each histological subtype of tumors.

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A 50-year-old female was diagnosed with gastric hyperplastic polyps 7 years before and was followed up at another hospital. She was referred to our hospital because of the growth of gastric polyps and progression of anemia. She had no family history of polyposis. The polyps were observed only in the stomach, increased in size and number, and the erythematous edema got worse. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of the gastric polyp was performed. Pathologically, the gastric polyp was hamartomatous polyp, and the intervening mucosa between polyps showed no atypical structure without inflammation. Given that gastric juvenile polyposis (GJP) was clinically suspected, a genetic test using peripheral blood was performed. Target resequencing and Sanger sequencing analysis revealed a nonsense mutation in the SMAD4 gene at codon 169. The mutation was detected at a low frequency of 11%, and considered a mosaic mutation. Therefore, she was diagnosed with a sporadic GJP, and total gastrectomy was performed. Immunostaining of SMAD4 for the resected specimen showed a mixture of stained and unstained area in the epithelium of the polyp, indicating partial loss of SMAD4 expression. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of GJP with a nonsense SMAD4 mutation at codon 169 in a mosaic pattern., (© 2023. Japanese Society of Gastroenterology.)

Clinical data suggest that progestins have chemopreventive properties in the development of colorectal cancer. We set out to examine a potential protective effect of progestins and progesterone signaling on colon cancer development. In normal and neoplastic intestinal tissue, we found that the progesterone receptor (PR) is not expressed. Expression was confined to sporadic mesenchymal cells. To analyze the influence of systemic progesterone receptor signaling, we crossed mice that lacked the progesterone receptor (PRKO) to the Apc(Min/+) mouse, a model for spontaneous intestinal polyposis. PRKO-Apc(Min/+) mice exhibited no change in polyp number, size or localization compared to Apc(Min/+). To examine effects of progestins on the intestinal epithelium that are independent of the PR, we treated mice with MPA. We found no effects of either progesterone or MPA on gross intestinal morphology or epithelial proliferation. Also, in rats treated with MPA, injection with the carcinogen azoxymethane did not result in a difference in the number or size of aberrant crypt foci, a surrogate end-point for adenoma development. We conclude that expression of the progesterone receptor is limited to cells in the intestinal mesenchyme. We did not observe any effect of progesterone receptor signaling or of progestin treatment in rodent models of intestinal tumorigenesis.

BackgroundEphrin receptor B2 (EPHB2) has recently been proposed as a novel tumor suppressor gene in colorectal cancer (CRC). Inactivation of the gene has been shown to correlate with progression of colorectal tumorigenesis, and somatic mutations have been reported in both colorectal and prostate tumors.MethodsHere we have analyzed the EPHB2 gene for germline alterations in 101 individuals either with 1) CRC and a personal or family history of prostate cancer (PC), or 2) intestinal hyperplastic polyposis (HPP), a condition associated with malignant degeneration such as serrated adenoma and CRC.ResultsFour previously unknown missense alterations were observed, which may be associated with the disease phenotype. Two of the changes, I361V and R568W, were identified in Finnish CRC patients, but not in over 300 Finnish familial CRC or PC patients or more than 200 population-matched healthy controls. The third change, D861N, was observed in a UK HPP patient, but not in additional 40 UK HPP patients or in 200 UK healthy controls. The fourth change R80H, originally identified in a Finnish CRC patient, was also found in 1/106 familial CRC patients and in 9/281 healthy controls and is likely to be a neutral polymorphism.ConclusionWe detected novel germline EPHB2 alterations in patients with colorectal tumors. The results suggest a limited role for these EPHB2 variants in colon tumor predisposition. Further studies including functional analyses are needed to confirm this.

Abstract Background Intestinal tumorigenesis is promoted by myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) activation in response to the components of microbiota in Apc Min/+ mice. Microbiota also contains double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a ligand for TLR3, which activates the toll-like receptor adaptor molecule 1 (TICAM-1, also known as TRIF) pathway. Methods We established Apc Min/+ Ticam1 −/− mice and their survival was compared to survival of Apc Min/+ Myd88 −/− and wild-type (WT) mice. The properties of polyps were investigated using immunofluorescence staining and RT-PCR analysis. Results We demonstrate that TICAM-1 is essential for suppression of polyp formation in Apc Min/+ mice. TICAM-1 knockout resulted in shorter survival of mice compared to WT mice or mice with knockout of MyD88 in the Apc Min/+ background. Polyps were more frequently formed in the distal intestine of Apc Min/+ Ticam1 −/− mice than in Apc Min/+ mice. Infiltration of immune cells such as CD11b+ and CD8α+ cells into the polyps was detected histologically. CD11b and CD8α mRNAs were increased in polyps of Apc Min/+ Ticam1 −/− mice compared to Apc Min/+ mice. Gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interferon (IFN)-γ, CXCL9 and IL-12p40 was increased in polyps of Apc Min/+ Ticam1 −/− mice. mRNA and protein expression of c-Myc, a critical transcription factor for inflammation-associated polyposis, were increased in polyps of Apc Min/+ Ticam1 −/− mice. A Lactobacillus strain producing dsRNA was detected in feces of Apc Min/+ mice. Conclusion These results imply that the TLR3/TICAM-1 pathway inhibits polyposis through suppression of c-Myc expression and supports long survival in Apc Min/+ mice.

Abstract Background Multiple lymphomatous polyposis is a rare type of gastrointestinal lymphoma that extensively infiltrates the intestine. Multiple lymphomatous polyposis originates from the mantle zone of the lymphoma follicle and is considered to be a mantle cell lymphoma, which is a relatively aggressive type of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We report an unusual case of a patient with multiple lymphomatous polyposis with extensive colorectal involvement and acute intestinal obstruction, an atypical complication of this rare disease. On the basis of this case study, the pitfalls in gastrointestinal tract lymphomatous polyposis diagnosis and prognosis, as well as the treatment options, are discussed. Case presentation Our patient was a 76-year-old white woman with asthenia, cramps, and swelling in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen, as well as weight loss within the previous 5 months. A colonoscopy revealed polyps in the rectum, sigmoid colon, descending colon, and right and left colic flexures. A biopsy revealed lymphomatous infiltration of the intestinal wall. Because of the large size of the polypoid masses, which narrowed the colonic lumen in multiple locations, the patient developed acute intestinal obstruction and was referred for laparotomy. She underwent a total proctocolectomy with a permanent ileostomy and a left salpingo-oophorectomy. Microscopic examination showed the presence of a multicentric, low-grade, small lymphocytic lymphoma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive immunostaining for CD79a, CD20, and CD45. These results were consistent with the diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma. Two weeks after surgery and prior to discharge, but before the beginning of chemotherapy, the patient’s general condition worsened as she experienced a severe and progressive respiratory tract infection, advanced respiratory insufficiency, and septic shock, and she ultimately died. Conclusions Mantle cell lymphoma develops as a progressive and aggressive disease with widespread polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract. The intensive chemotherapeutic regimens usually result in the regression of macroscopic and microscopic lesions; however, remissions are short in duration, and the median length of patient survival is 3–4 years. Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare disease that should be part of the differential diagnosis of polypoid diseases of the large intestine.

Competing Interests: Competing interests: DKR has received research funding from ERBE Elektromedizin, Ventage, Pendopharm, Fujifilm, Satisfai Health and Pentax, and has received consultant or speaker fees from Boston Scientific, ERBE Elektromedizin and Pendopharm. DKR is a consultant to: Olympus Corporation, Boston Scientific, Aries Pharmaceutical, Braintree Laboratories, Lumendi, Norgine, Endokey, GI Supply, Medtronic, Acacia Pharmaceuticals; has received research support from: EndoAid, Olympus Corporation, Medivators, Erbe USA, Braintree Laboratories; and is a shareholder in Satisfai Health

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Competing Interests: Competing interests: DvR is supported by a ‘Fonds de Recherche du Québec Santé’ career development award. He has also received research funding from ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH, Ventage, Pendopharm, Fujifilm and Pentax, and has received consultant or speaker fees from Boston Scientific, ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH and Pendopharm. The remaining authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Gardner syndrome is a hereditary disease in which patients develop gastrointestinal polyps, osteomas, desmoid tumors, epidermoid cysts, fibromas, lipomas, and retinal lesions. Dental abnormalities such as supernumerary or impacted teeth, odontomas and dentigerous cysts are also reported. The most serious concern in this syndrome is the extremely high risk of gastrointestinal polyps undergoing malignant transformation. Since the maxillofacial findings usually precede gastrointestinal polyps, the dentist plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of Gardner syndrome, and panoramic radiography is an important tool in the diagnosis of the disease. We report here a case of Gardner syndrome in a patient showing mandibular osteomas and impacted teeth. Also, cases of Gardner syndrome with maxillofacial manifestations reported in the literature were reviewed and compared with ours. According to the findings, osteomas are important manifestations of this syndrome, and regardless of the absence of family history of intestinal polyposis, their occurrence should prompt diagnostic evaluation for this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]