Alkaptonuria is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the excessive production of homogentisic acid, leading to the formation and deposition of pigment polymers throughout the body. It is extremely rare, affecting only around one in 100,000 individuals. Despite the normal life expectancy, it can cause severe morbidities. Alkaptonuria is typically managed supportively with pain medication, dietary modifications, and surgical interventions, which are considered to be the gold standard of therapy. Here we present a case of a 33-year-old male with no previous medical or surgical history who presented with severe acute back pain radiating to the left leg. Genetic testing confirmed a homozygous pathogenic variant for alkaptonuria. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing alkaptonuria, emphasizing the significance of early detection, and clinical evaluation for improved outcomes. Furthermore, it underscores the need to consider alkaptonuria as a multidimensional disease, necessitating further research to enhance our understanding and develop effective management. Therefore, this study serves as an opportunity for future trials and studies aimed at digging deeper into the intricacies of alkaptonuria to increase our understanding and establish comprehensive management plans for affected individuals.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.46644 | DOI Listing |
Acta Ortop Mex
January 2025
Universidad Anáhuac Querétaro, México.
Introduction: alkaptonuria is a rare hereditary metabolic disorder which is characterized by deficiency of the enzyme homogentisate 1,2 dioxygenase, which is responsible for the oxidation and renal elimination of homogentisic acid (HGA), which causes its accumulation. The excessive accumulation of HGA results in ochronosis and ochronotic arthropathy, which mainly affects the thoracolumbar spine and the large joints, leading to the need for joint replacement seeking to improve function and quality of life.
Clinical Case: hereby is presented a 67-years-old female patient with history of alkaptonuria with diffuse painful right hip of 4 years of evolution.
Indian J Med Res
November 2024
Department of Clinical Genetics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Background & objectives Alkaptonuria (AKU) is an autosomal recessive disease wherein biallelic pathogenic variants in the homogentisate 1,2- dioxygenase (HGD) gene encoding the enzyme homogentisate 1,2 dioxygenase cause high levels of homogentisic acid (HGA) to circulate within the body leading to its deposition in connective tissues and excretion in urine. A homozygous splice donor variant (c.87+1G>A) has been identified to be the founder variant causing alkaptonuria among Narikuravars, a group of gypsies settled in Tamil Nadu.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRev Bras Ortop (Sao Paulo)
November 2024
Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS), Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (Ufersa), Mossoró, RN, Brasil.
Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare genetic condition resulting from a deficiency in the homogentisic acid oxidase enzyme, which is produced by the liver and kidneys, that interferes with the metabolism of the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine. Although it may not cause symptoms, AKU can lead to ochronosis, the abnormal accumulation in body tissues of a pigment called alkapton. Over time, this pigment accumulation in the joints may result in secondary osteoarthritis known as ochronotic arthropathy, the most debilitating form of the disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMJ Case Rep
December 2024
Lungemedicinsk, Vejle Sygehus, Vejle, Denmark.
Alkaptonuria is a rare inherited disease resulting from a genetic variant leading to homogentisic acid accumulation in body tissues, causing a broad spectrum of symptoms. Our case involves a Caucasian male diagnosed in his 70s, who shares a constellation of symptoms and the diagnosis with his monozygotic twin brother. The symptoms include early-onset arthropathy, tendinopathy, osteopenia, discolouration of the auricular regions and fingers, scleral discolouration, secondary glaucoma, proteinuria, calcification of the mitral valve and black urethral and prostate stones.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdv Biomed Res
October 2024
Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Alkaptonuria is a metabolic disorder characterized by homogentisic acid accumulation in connective tissue. Ochronotic arthropathy, a rare condition reported in alkaptonuria, mostly affects the knee joint. In this study we reported a 57-year-old male patient presented with bilateral hip pain.
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