Familial polyposis coli: an unusual case in West Africa.

We describe a case very rare in the West African sub-region, Familial Polyposis Coli, presenting with rectal prolapse. Symptoms appeared at an unusual age of three years. Histological examination of four polyps excised at random showed all to have undergone malignant change. While the patient was being built up for surgery, she developed marked abdominal distension, hyperpyrexia, respiratory distress and vomiting. She died within 24 hours of this acute illness. This is the first reported case, to our knowledge, of Familial Polyposis Coli in the West African sub-region.