McKittrick Wheelock syndrome secondary to adenocarcinoma of the rectum: case report and diagnostic considerations

ABSTRACT

Introduction: McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome is a rare entity characterized by chronic diarrhea, acute kidney injury, and hydroelectrolytic imbalance associated with a large rectal tumor, frequently a villous adenoma. Case report A 69-year-old male with chronic diarrhea with mucus. He underwent a colonoscopy with biopsies, reporting adenocarcinoma of the rectum in situ, and underwent a robot assisted intersphincteric resection with colo-anal anastomosis and a protecitive ileostomy. Discussion: Described in 1954, this syndrome is manifested by electrolyte imbalance and acute renal injury secondary to diarrhea associated with a rectal villous adenoma, often with long lasting symptoms. The most frequent symptom being watery diarrhea with mucus. The definitive treatment consists of surgical resection. Conclusion: Although this is a rare pathology, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of chronic diarrhea associated with water and electrolyte disorders. (AU)