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Published on: September 20, 2018
Infantile Refsum disease in a young adult: case presentation and brief review
Kaivon L Pakzad-Vaezi1, David A L Maberley
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Insights
Infantile Refsum disease presents distinct ophthalmic and systemic features compared to classic Refsum disease. Early recognition by ophthalmologists is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Infantile Refsum disease (IRD) is a rare genetic disorder.
- Classic Refsum disease (CRD) is a related but distinct metabolic condition.
Observation:
- A young adult diagnosed with IRD presented with significant vision loss.
- Ophthalmic findings included retinal degeneration, optic nerve drusen, cataracts, and strabismus.
Findings:
- IRD exhibits unique clinical features and pathophysiology compared to CRD.
- A low phytanic acid diet improved metabolic markers in the patient.
- Ophthalmic manifestations in IRD differ from those in CRD.
Implications:
- Ophthalmologists play a key role in the initial diagnosis of IRD.
- Understanding the distinctions between IRD and CRD is vital for patient care.
- Further research into IRD management and long-term outcomes is warranted.
Purpose:
To review and describe findings, pathophysiology, and management of infantile Refsum disease in a young adult, and to compare with those of classic Refsum Disease.
Methods:
Retrospective chart and digital photography review.
Results:
A 25-year-old woman with a diagnosis of infantile Refsum disease presented with progressively decreasing vision. Findings included a noncorpuscular pigmentary degeneration of both fundi, optic nerve head drusen, attenuated retinal vasculature, cataract, myopia, and esotropia. She was treated with a low phytanic acid diet, resulting in improved metabolic values on laboratory testing.
Conclusion:
Infantile Refsum disease has clinical features and a pathophysiology distinct from classic Refsum disease, despite occasionally presenting for examination later in life. Ophthalmic and systemic distinctions between the two are important to consider for the ophthalmologist, who may be involved in the initial diagnosis of the patient.
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