Abstract
A case of gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina and hyperornithinemia in a 28-year-old man was subjected to extensive clinical and biochemical investigation. The familial occurrence of the ocular disease and of abnormality of amino acids was unique to this patient, being absent in parents and siblings. He presented with progressive visual loss, and had cataracts and large areas of peripheral lacumar atrophy. Clinically there was no other abnormality. However, he was hyperuricemic and had an abnormal electroencephalogram. Despite otherwise normal biochemical indices of hepatic, renal, and muscle function, selective catheterization of an artery, the hepatic vein, the renal vein, and a deep forearm vein showed all of these circulatory beds to be producing ornithine according to arteriovenous difference measurements. Cerebrospinal fluid and urine contained increased amounts of ornithine. Though electromyography was normal a muscle biopsy specimen was abnormal. Clinical tests including arginine loading, glucose tolerance testing, and other measurements of blood variables provided inferences as to the metabolic locus of the abnormality. The syndrome is a systemic multiorgan disorder in which the choriod and retina would appear to be target organs and the hyperornithinemia to be of as yet undetermined cause and pathogenic significance.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.