Menkes disease

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdKklMhwJLY

Rangarh P, Kohli N. Neuroimaging findings in Menkes disease: a rare neurodegenerative disorder. BMJ Case Rep. 2018 May 22;2018. pii: bcr-2017-223858.

Abstract

Menkes disease is a rare neurodegenerative metabolic disease with a reported incidence of 1 per 300 000 live births. It occurs due to mutations in ATP7A gene located on X-chromosome leading to deficiency of several copper-containing enzymes. The patient presents with history of neuroregression with characteristic kinky hair. MRI is the imaging modality of choice. Characteristic imaging findings are: bilateral subdural hygromas, cerebral and cerebellar atrophy, white matter changes and tortuous intracranial vessels on angiography. The rarity of this condition prompted us to report this case of Menkes disease along with the characteristic neuroimaging findings and brief review of literature.

Ahmed MI, Hussain N. Neuroimaging in Menkes Disease. J Pediatr Neurosci. 2017

Oct-Dec;12(4):378-382.

Abstract

Menkes disease (MD) is a rare infantile onset neurodegenerative disorder due to mutations in the X linked ATP7A gene. These patients can present with failure to thrive, severe psychomotor retardation, seizures and hypopigmented hair, which is characteristic of this condition. A number of neuro-radiological findings have been reported in this condition. We report the spectrum of neuro-radiological findings in three affected boys being treated at our centre. We suggest that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, in particular magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) when taken in the context of the clinical presentation may be helpful in making an early diagnosis of this devastating condition.

Droms RJ, Rork JF, McLean R, Martin M, Belazarian L, Wiss K. Menkes Disease

Mimicking Child Abuse. Pediatr Dermatol. 2017 May;34(3):e132-e134.

Abstract

Although Menkes disease has well-recognized neurologic, developmental, and cutaneous features, the initial presentation may resemble child abuse. We describe a 5-month-old boy with multiple fractures indicative of nonaccidental trauma who was ultimately diagnosed with Menkes disease. Copper deficiency leads to connective tissue abnormalities and may result in subdural hematomas, wormian bones, cervical spine defects, rib fractures, and spurring of the long bone metaphyses. Several of these findings, including fractures and subdural hematomas, may be misinterpreted as child abuse.

Kim MY, Kim JH, Cho MH, Choi YH, Kim SH, Im YJ, Park K, Kang HG, Chae JH,

Cheong HI. Urological Problems in Patients with Menkes Disease. J Korean Med Sci.

2018 Dec 26;34(1):e4.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Menkes disease (MD) is a rare X-linked hereditary multisystemic disorder that is caused by dysfunction of copper metabolism. Patients with MD typically present with progressive neurodegeneration, some connective tissue abnormalities, and characteristic "kinky" hair. In addition, various types of urological complications are frequent in MD because of underlying connective tissue abnormalities. In this study, we studied the clinical features and outcomes of MD, focusing on urological complications.

METHODS:

A total of 14 unrelated Korean pediatric patients (13 boys and 1 girl) with MD were recruited, and their phenotypes and genotypes were analyzed by retrospective review of their medical records.

RESULTS:

All the patients had early-onset neurological deficit, including developmental delay, seizures, and hypotonia. The girl patient showed normal serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels as well as milder symptoms. Mutational analysis of the ATP7A gene revealed 11 different mutations in 12 patients. Bladder diverticula was the most frequent urological complication: 8 (57.1%) in the 14 patients or 8 (72.7%) in the 11 patients who underwent urological evaluation. Urological imaging studies were performed essentially for the evaluation of accompanying urinary tract infections. Four patients had stage II chronic kidney disease at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

Urologic problems occurred frequently in MD, with bladder diverticula being the most common. Therefore, urological imaging studies and appropriate management of urological complications, which may prevent or reduce the development of urinary tract infections and renal parenchymal damage, are required in all patients with MD.