Ophthalmic Manifestations of Infantile Phytanic Acid Storage Disease

Richard G. Weleber, Andrea C. Tongue, Nancy G. Kennaway, Sarojini S. Budden, Neil R.M. Buist

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

Two patients had infantile phytanic acid storage disease. Patient 1 had nystagmus from early infancy, epicanthal folds, esotropia, and a pigmentary retinopathy. The second case had similar manifestations; however, no nystagmus was present. Both patients were hypotonic as infants, had a severe hearing impairment, and were moderately severely developmentally delayed. Serum phytanic acid levels in both cases were clearly elevated. The fundus and fluorescein angiogram showed macular and diffuse retinal pigment epithelial defects, vascular attenuation, and pigmentary dispersion. The electroretinogram demonstrated severely subnormal rod- and conemediated responses, with greater involvement evident for responses generated by middle and inner retinal neurons compared with responses mediated by photoreceptors. The ophthalmologist may be the first to recognize the characteristic features of this disorder. Early diagnosis may be important because this disorder may be ameliorated by dietary restriction of phytanic acid.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1317-1321
Number of pages5
JournalArchives of ophthalmology
Volume102
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1984

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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