Neurological Assessment and Nerve Conduction Study Findings in 22 Patients with Alkaptonuria from Jordan

Acute-Onset Multifocal Hand Dysfunction Due to Alkaptonuria

Alkaptonuria is a rare metabolic disorder characterized by the accumulation of homogentisic acid. Its effects on the central nervous system are well-recognized; however, cases of pathologic homogentisic acid deposition in the peripheral nervous system are less well-described. We report the case of a 72-year-old man with a prior history of alkaptonuria presenting with bilateral carpal tunnel and left-sided cubital tunnel symptoms. This case is of note because the patient demonstrated a rapid onset of symptoms due to pathology at multiple foci.

[Severe spine lesion following alkaptonuria. Case report]

Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal recessive disease. In these patients, melanin-like compounds as the final products of impaired metabolism of homogentisic acid are deposited mainly in connective tissue, including cartilage tissue of intervertebral discs. Similar to other degenerative spine diseases, lumbar segment is often damaged. The authors report a 67-year-old patient with alkaptonuria. Compression of cauda equina by damaged cartilage masses of intervertebral discs and spine ligaments with deposits of ochronotic pigment is described. Previously diagnosed alkaptonuria in this patient was confirmed by surgical findings (black pigmentation) and histological data.