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Symmetrical necrosis of the basal ganglia in methylmalonic acidaemia

  • Metabolic Diseases
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Abstract

In a patient with methylmalonic acidaemia (MMAA), persistent neurological symptoms were observed in addition to the acute episodes of metabolic dysequilibrium. CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral symmetrical necrosis of the globus pallidus. Different episodes of metabolic decompensation, one with severe acidosis, had occurred. Persistent neurological symptoms in patients with MMAA who are appropriately treated suggest irreversible brain damage which appears to occur preferentially at the level of the basal ganglia.

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Abbreviations

AdoCbl:

adenosyn cobalamin

CT:

computed tomography

MMA:

methylmalonic acid

MMAA:

methylmalonic acidaemia

MRI:

magnetic resonance imaging

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Roodhooft, A.M., Baumgartner, E.R., Martin, J.J. et al. Symmetrical necrosis of the basal ganglia in methylmalonic acidaemia. Eur J Pediatr 149, 582–584 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01957698

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01957698

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