Eyelid myoclonia with absence seizures in a child with l-2 hydroxyglutaric aciduria: findings of magnetic resonance imaging

Pediatr Neurol. 2012 Mar;46(3):195-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2012.01.008.

Abstract

l-2 hydroxyglutaric aciduria is a rare, autosomal recessively inherited metabolic disorder of organic acid metabolism. A 5-year-old boy presented with eyelid myoclonia with absences that proved difficult to control with first-line anticonvulsants. An electroencephalogram produced profoundly abnormal results, with generalized spike-and-wave discharges. The patient became seizure-free with a combination therapy of clonazepam, levetiracetam, and lamotrigine. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated subcortical white matter and basal ganglia alterations. Urinary organic acid analysis demonstrated increased excretion of l-2 hydroxyglutaric acid. Although rare, seizures can occur as a presenting sign of slowly progressing organic acidurias, e.g., l-2 hydroxyglutaric aciduria. Both eyelid myoclonia with absences and l-2 hydroxyglutaric aciduria comprise rare disorders. To our knowledge, this case report is the first of l-2 hydroxyglutaric aciduria presenting with symptomatic eyelid myoclonia with absences.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain Diseases, Metabolic, Inborn / complications
  • Brain Diseases, Metabolic, Inborn / pathology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Epilepsy, Absence / complications
  • Epilepsy, Absence / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy, Absence / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Myoclonus / complications
  • Myoclonus / pathology*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants

Supplementary concepts

  • 2-Hydroxyglutaricaciduria