Hypocholesteremia in Idiopathic Steatorrhea

Abstract

Although hypocholesteremia and lipopenia have been documented in cases of sprue and steatorrhea,^1-5prolonged, markedly depressed cholesterol levels have not been recorded. In fact it has been stated that profound hypocholesteremia is incompatible with life.⁶The patient to be presented here is of particular interest in that he has had blood serum total cholesterol concentrations remaining at from 25-45 mg. % for at least 20 years. He has idiopathic steatorrhea, and several central nervous system developmental anomalies which may be associated with the disturbances of his lipid metabolism. <h3>Report of Case</h3> The patient, a white man who is now 36 years of age, has been a patient at the Jewish Chronic Disease Hospital since 1938. He is mentally alert and cooperative, though confined to a wheelchair because of his inability to walk. Of the seven children in his family, four others are living and well. A sister and brother