Biotinidase deficiency: A treatable cause of opticospinal syndrome in young adults

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2019 Jul:32:64-65. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.04.025. Epub 2019 Apr 24.

Abstract

Diagnosis of biotinidase deficiency is rare and usually made in infancy, through newborn screening or after presenting symptoms. We present the case of 19-year old male with progressive optic atrophy and in a second phase spinal cord syndrome unresponsive to immunosuppressive therapies. After diagnosis of profound biotinidase deficiency, oral biotin substitution was started with partial visual improvement and normalization of gait. This case highlights the possibility of late-onset biotinidase deficiency and its treatable character.

Keywords: Demyelinating disease; Metabolic disease (inherited); Optic nerve; Spinal cord; Visual loss.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biotin / administration & dosage
  • Biotinidase Deficiency / diagnostic imaging*
  • Biotinidase Deficiency / drug therapy*
  • Biotinidase Deficiency / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Optic Atrophy / diagnostic imaging*
  • Optic Atrophy / drug therapy*
  • Optic Atrophy / genetics
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / genetics
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biotin