[Delayed diagnosis of homocystinuria by major deficiency in cystathionine beta synthase]

Rev Med Interne. 2004 Feb;25(2):150-3. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2003.10.012.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Homocystinuria due to cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) deficiency is a special type of hyperhomocysteinemia because of its clinical expression (thrombotic events, ectopic lens and mental retardation). It's a rare, hereditary recessive autosomic disease generally diagnosed during childhood.

Exegesis: Thrombophilia examination in a 50-year-old man found a dramatically increase homocysteinemia. Homocystinuria, profile of plasmatic amino acids and reduced CBS activity, (0.05 microkat/kg protein; N = 1.5 +/- 0.8) confirmed homocystinuria's diagnosis. Family study demonstrates that three siblings suffer from homocystinuria. Vitamin enriched diet with pyridoxin, vitamin B12 and folates induced reducing hyperhomocysteinemia and homocystinuria.

Conclusion: This case report, original because of the diagnosis age, suggests a hyperhomocysteinemia's screening in patients with recurrent thrombotic events.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase / deficiency*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Homocystinuria / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Thrombophilia / etiology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Cystathionine beta-Synthase