Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome Associated with Gastric Outlet Obstruction and Membranous Nephropathy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 47-year-old man presented with dysgeusia, anorexia, and diarrhea. An endoscopic evaluation showed widespread gastrointestinal nodular inflammation and polyps. The pathological findings were consistent with Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome (CCS). Prednisolone therapy resulted in clinical improvement. However, CCS relapse complicated with gastric obstruction was observed during drug tapering. Although his symptoms disappeared after the reintroduction of steroids, he developed membranous nephritis. Additional cyclosporine A (CyA) treatment dramatically improved his proteinuria and residual gastrointestinal polyposis. The clinical symptoms resolved with steroid treatment, while CyA was effective for both CCS lesions and membranous nephropathy. CyA might therefore be a potential treatment option for CCS associated with membranous nephropathy.

Keywords: cyclosporine; gastric obstruction; membranous glomerulonephritis; prednisolone.