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Ocular Involvement in Infantile Cystinosis: A Case Report
Amine Razzak1,2, Hala Ait Ammar1,2, Mohamed Bouazza1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, MAR.
Insights
Infantile cystinosis, a rare genetic disorder, causes cystine buildup, leading to vision loss. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management, including cysteamine treatment, are crucial for preserving sight in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Infantile cystinosis is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder.
- Characterized by lysosomal cystine accumulation, it affects multiple organs.
- Ophthalmological complications significantly impact visual prognosis.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old male presented with growth issues, rickets, metabolic acidosis, and photophobia.
- Ophthalmological exam revealed reduced visual acuity and birefringent corneal/conjunctival deposits.
- Diagnosis of infantile cystinosis confirmed by clinical presentation.
Findings:
- Cystinosis causes cystine keratopathy and retinopathy, threatening vision.
- The underlying cause is autosomal recessive inheritance and intralysosomal cystine buildup.
- Birefringent deposits are a key diagnostic sign in ocular tissues.
Implications:
- Early, multidisciplinary management is essential for preventing severe complications.
- Cysteamine is the specific treatment, but requires timely initiation.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention can improve long-term visual outcomes.
Abstract:
Infantile cystinosis is a rare systemic hereditary disorder characterized by abnormal cystine accumulation in cells, leading to various complications. Ophthalmological involvement is one of the major complications of this condition and significantly impacts visual prognosis. We report the case of a five-year-old male patient who was followed up for growth retardation, rickets, and refractory metabolic acidosis and was referred to ophthalmology for severe photophobia. Ophthalmological examination revealed a corrected visual acuity of 4/10 in the right eye and 8/10 in the left eye. Biomicroscopic examination showed birefringent corneal and conjunctival deposits. The diagnosis of infantile cystinosis was confirmed. Cystinosis is a lysosomal, autosomal recessive disease caused by intralysosomal cystine accumulation, manifesting ophthalmologically as cystine keratopathy and, less commonly, cystine retinopathy, which can threaten visual prognosis. The specific treatment for this condition is cysteamine, but management is multidisciplinary and must be initiated early to prevent severe complications.
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