| A rare genetic intestinal disease with characteristics of early-onset chronic diarrhea and intestinal inflammation due to overactivity of guanylate cyclase 2C. Additional manifestations include meteorism, dehydration, metabolic acidosis and electrolyte disturbances. Intestinal dysmotility, small-bowel obstruction and esophagitis (with or without esophageal hernia), as well as irritable bowel syndrome (without severe abdominal pain) and Crohn's disease are frequently associated. There is evidence the disease is caused by heterozygous mutation in the GUCY2C gene on chromosome 12p12. |