Acute myelocytic leukemia in two brothers with polyposis coli and carcinoma of the colon

Abstract

Two brothers developed multiple adenomatous polyps of the colon and colonic adenocarcinoma, the classic features of familial polyposis coli. Both also developed acute myelocytic leukemia. This constellation of neoplasms is distinct from other genetic syndromes that feature polyposis coli. The parents of the brothers are first cousins, suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance of these multiple neoplasms. Autosomal dominant of X-linked transmission is also possible and should be evaluated in other affected families.