Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Coli in East Africa: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare diagnosis in East Africa. The author reports a case of a 21 year old gentleman presenting with occasional passage of blood stained stool, and found to have familial adenomatous polyposis coli. This is followed by a literature review on the pathogenesis, clinical features and treatment options of FAP in East Africa.Presentation of Case: This patient presented with a strong family history of familial adenomatous polyposis, blood stained stool and a rectal mass. A total proctocolectomy and ileoanal anastomosis was carried out. The postoperative course of this patient was uneventful.Discussion: The typical gross pathological and histological features of familial adenomatous polyposis and rectal adenocarcinoma were seen on the resected colorectal specimen. In addition this study reviews the literature regarding the clinical presentation, pathological characteristics and treatment options of familial adenomatous polyposis coli.Conclusion: FAP should always be considered in a young patient presenting with a strong family history of CRC. Colonoscopy should be performed on these patients with early symptoms and those patients with a strong family history of FAP. In East Africa, the creation of a permanent stoma is unacceptable and therefore a proctocolectomy and Brooke ileostomy will not be a desirable option in a young patient in this part of the world

Congenital Hypertropthy of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Associated with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Coli

Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE) has been described in association with systemic disorders such as Gardner's syndrome (intestinal polyposis, osteomas, and benign soft-tissue tumors), Turgot's syndrome (glioma-polyposis syndrome) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) of the colon. FamiIial adenomatous polyposis is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hundreds of polyps throughout the entire colon, and in all patients carcinoma of the color, develops at the age of 40 to 50 years. We describe a family with familial adenomatous polylpcsis coli and congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. All of them except mother showed flat, weII-demarcated, round to oval pigmented patches of CHRPE. We emphasize the importance of CHRPE as a clinical marker in identifying patients With FAP since they are at risk for cancer.

Congenital Hypertropthy of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Associated with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Coli

Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE) has been described in association with systemic disorders such as Gardner's syndrome (intestinal polyposis, osteomas, and benign soft-tissue tumors), Turgot's syndrome (glioma-polyposis syndrome) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) of the colon. FamiIial adenomatous polyposis is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hundreds of polyps throughout the entire colon, and in all patients carcinoma of the color, develops at the age of 40 to 50 years. We describe a family with familial adenomatous polylpcsis coli and congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. All of them except mother showed flat, weII-demarcated, round to oval pigmented patches of CHRPE. We emphasize the importance of CHRPE as a clinical marker in identifying patients With FAP since they are at risk for cancer.