[Fish odor syndrome: A socially disabling disorder]

Abstract

Introduction: Fish odor syndrome (FOS) is a rare metabolic disorder that manifests as "rotten fish" body odor and is caused by the excretion of trimethylamine (TMA) in body fluids. This disease can have a negative impact on the social life of affected patients.

Case reports: We report the case of two female patients complaining about unpleasant body odor. The diagnosis of FOS was confirmed by the demonstration of trimethylaminuria by NMR spectroscopy and by molecular analysis of the FMO3 gene. A restrictive choline diet combined with digestive decontamination reduced odor symptoms and improved the social life of these 2 patients.

Conclusions: Fish odor syndrome is a rare and unrecognized disease that can affect the quality of life of affected persons. Following laboratory diagnosis, treatment is often effective.

Keywords: Fish odor syndrome; Trimethylaminuria; Trimethylaminurie.