Canada-Cronkhite syndrome associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

A 43-year-old woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus manifested severe diarrhea, generalized gastrointestinal polyposis, pigmentation, and onychodystrophy, which were typical of Canada-Cronkhite syndrome. The exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus, presenting with hemolytic anemia and subsequently with profound proteinuria, was seen during the course of this syndrome. The patient achieved complete symptomatic remissions of both entities for more than four years following prednisolone therapy; the resolution of the gastrointestinal polyps was confirmed histologically. This case showed that this syndrome could be completely reversible in its course and that it might have an exogenous cause, as previously suggested.