Studies on microadenoma and the accompaning lesions of familial adenomatosis coli

Abstract

Twenty six cases of familial adenomatosis coli (FAC) in 15 family trees were studied. At the time of operation number of polyps and the density of microadenomas destributed in the background mucosa were calculated in each patient in every family tree. Preoperative magnifying dye endoscopy revealed the single gland or oligoglandular adenomas.
Analyses were made on accompanying symptoms (such as occult osteoma, polyps in upper gastrointestinal tract, retinal pigmentation, thyroid tumor and desmoid tumor).
Clinical importance of these symptoms was discussed. Especially retinal pigmentation appeared in 86.4% of patients and 50% in possible carriers of the second generation. Earliest recognition of retinal pigmentation in this series was in a female infant 1 year and 2 months of age. Retinal pigmentations may be a good possible marker for FAC.