# Congenital diarrhea and enteropathies caused by a heterozygous mutation in the GUCY2C gene: a rare case report

**Authors:** Chuanjie Yuan, Juanjuan Lyu, Xiaomei Sun, Jin Wu, Ying Liu

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fped.2025.1649272 · 2026-01-13

## TL;DR

A rare case of congenital diarrhea in an infant was linked to a mutation in the GUCY2C gene, with successful management through specialized care.

## Contribution

Identification of a novel heterozygous GUCY2C mutation as a cause of congenital diarrhea in a Chinese infant.

## Key findings

- A heterozygous mutation in GUCY2C (c.2356T > C, p.Y786H) was found to cause congenital diarrhea and enteropathies.
- The patient showed normal growth and symptom resolution with supportive care and formula adjustments.
- Genetic testing was crucial in diagnosing the rare condition and guiding treatment.

## Abstract

This report presents a rare case of congenital diarrhea and enteropathies in a Chinese infant caused by a heterozygous mutation in the GUCY2C gene.

A male infant was born prematurely with a history of polyhydramnios and prenatal intestinal dilation. He developed persistent abdominal distension, secretory diarrhea, metabolic acidosis, severe electrolyte imbalances, and failure to thrive. Whole-exome sequencing identified a heterozygous mutation in GUCY2C (c.2356T > C, p.Y786H), classified as likely pathogenic. The patient also exhibited intestinal malrotation but did not require surgical intervention. Management included total parenteral nutrition, transition to an amino acid-based formula, and extensive electrolyte supplementation. At the 72-month follow-up, he exhibited normal growth and complete resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms.

A heterozygous mutation in the GUCY2C gene (c.2356T > C) was identified as the cause of this rare congenital diarrheal disorder. These findings emphasize the essential function of genetic testing in children with chronic, treatment-refractory diarrhea and highlight the potential for excellent long-term outcomes with suitable supportive care.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** GUCY2C (guanylate cyclase 2C) [NCBI Gene 2984]
- **Diseases:** congenital diarrhea (MONDO:0000824), metabolic acidosis (MONDO:0000440)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** GUCY2C (guanylate cyclase 2C) [NCBI Gene 2984] {aka DIAR6, GC-C, GCC, GUC2C, HSER, MECIL}
- **Diseases:** intestinal malrotation (MESH:C562456), abdominal distension (MESH:D000007), gastrointestinal symptoms (MESH:D012817), metabolic acidosis (MESH:D000138), secretory diarrhea (MESH:C564382), intestinal dilation (MESH:D007410), congenital diarrheal disorder (MESH:D004403), polyhydramnios (MESH:D006831), diarrhea (MESH:D003967), Congenital diarrhea and enteropathies (MESH:C567703)
- **Chemicals:** amino acid (MESH:D000596)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]
- **Mutations:** c.2356T > C, p.Y786H

## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12835302/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12835302