Lipoid proteinosis of the larynx in siblings: exploring new modalities of treatment

Advances in treatment for lipoid proteinosis (Urbach-Wiethe disease): a case report and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Lipoid proteinosis (LP), also known as Urbach-Wiethe disease, is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis, caused by mutations in the ECM1 gene. This results in the deposition of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive, hyaline-like material on the skin, mucosae and internal organs.

OBJECTIVES

To present a case report of LP and a systematic review to synthesize the scientific literature on the management of this uncommon and frequently missed diagnosis.

METHODS

We present a case report of a 48-year-old man with LP who exhibited significant improvement after oral acitretin therapy. To address the lack of large case-control studies on LP treatment, we performed a systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA 2020 criteria. The search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane and Scopus databases from inception until June 2023. To assess the methodological quality of case reports and case series, we used the Joanna Briggs Collaboration critical appraisal tool.

RESULTS

We included 25 studies that met eligibility criteria. Data from 44 patients with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis were analysed. Treatment ranged from systemic therapies (acitretin, etretinate, dimethyl sulfoxide, corticosteroids, penicillamine) to surgical or laser procedures. Regarding methodological quality, the main discrepancies arose in the reporting of participant characteristics and treatment interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose oral acitretin could have potential in managing LP, exhibiting fewer side-effects compared with other therapeutic agents. Further research is needed to establish more comprehensive and evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Lipoid proteinosis: Review of Indian cases

Lipoid proteinosis (LP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the deposition of amorphous hyaline material in the dermis and submucosal connective tissue. To date <500 cases of LP have been described and oral manifestations described in a very few reports. Indian cases are much less reported and reviewed. Hence, here review of 51 Indian LP cases along with a case of histologically proven LP in 12-year-old male patient with typical skin, ocular, laryngeal, oral and radiographic features is done. Cases from 1969 to 2021 were collected using keyword LP on google and google scholar and Indian cases were analyzed afterward. Review with case presentation regarding oral manifestations will help the oral physician to diagnose LP in early stage.