Abstract
Ochronosis or alkaptonuria is a rare inherited disease. It is characterized by the deposition of dark pigments in collagen-rich tissues, which leads to clinical manifestations such as arthropathy. The ochronotic pigment can be found in the sclera, the conjunctiva, and the limbic cornea. Vision is usually not affected. We report the case of 47-year-old patient who complained of lower back pain. Ophthalmologic examination showed dark pigments in the conjunctiva. The increased levels of homogentisic acid in urine confirmed the diagnosis of ochronosis.
MeSH terms
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Biopsy
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Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging
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Calcinosis / etiology
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Conjunctiva / pathology*
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Homogentisic Acid / analysis*
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Homogentisic Acid / urine
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Humans
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Intervertebral Disc / diagnostic imaging
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Intervertebral Disc / pathology
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Low Back Pain / diagnostic imaging
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Low Back Pain / etiology
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Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
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Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology*
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Ochronosis / complications
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Ochronosis / diagnosis
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Ochronosis / pathology*
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Radiography
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Sclera / pathology
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Skin Pigmentation
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Spinal Osteophytosis / diagnostic imaging
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Spinal Osteophytosis / etiology*