Neuroacanthocytosis and aprebetalipoproteinemia

Abstract

A 30-year-old woman presented with a progressive neurologic disorder characterized by seizures, buccolingual dyskinesias, orofacial tics, choreiform movements, atrophy, and areflexia. Investigations revealed normal lipid profile except for aprebetalipoproteinemia. Phase-contrast and electron microscopy showed 35 to 40% acanthocytes. MRI and 18fluorodeoxyglucose-PET studies showed caudate atrophy and hypometabolism. The phenotype of this patient is neuroacanthocytosis and its association with aprebetalipoproteinemia may represent a new subentity of the disorder.