Idiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation in a child with citrin deficiency

Chu-Li Fu1, Yun-Feng Hu2, Yuan-Zong Song3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.

Insights

Idiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation (IEMP) is a rare skin condition. This case study presents the first instance of IEMP in a patient with silent citrin deficiency, highlighting a unique association.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Idiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation (IEMP) is a rare skin condition with unknown causes.
  • Citrin deficiency is a genetic disorder affecting metabolism, typically presenting in infancy.

Observation:

  • A 5½-year-old girl presented with a 10-month history of brown macules on her neck, trunk, buttocks, and extremities.
  • She had a history of citrin deficiency (SLC25A13 genotype c.851_854del4/c.998G > A) which resolved with dietary management.
  • Physical examination revealed symmetric, non-scaly brown macules, and histopathology showed epidermal hyperpigmentation and dermal melanophages.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation (IEMP).
  • The skin rashes resolved spontaneously within two years of observation.
  • This is the first reported case of IEMP in a patient with silent citrin deficiency.

Implications:

  • This case suggests a potential, previously unrecognized association between silent citrin deficiency and IEMP.
  • Further research is needed to explore the potential link and underlying mechanisms.
  • This finding expands the clinical spectrum of citrin deficiency and IEMP.

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