Chylomicron retention disease: a rare aetiology of failure to thrive

BMJ Case Rep. 2024 May 14;17(5):e256999. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256999.

Abstract

The aetiology of failure to thrive (FTT) in children is broad, of which some conditions are extremely rare. It is important to consider these rarer conditions, especially in the setting of other concerning signs/symptoms or when there is no improvement with conventional treatment. In this case report we highlight such a rare condition-chylomicron retention disease (CRD) as an aetiology of FTT. CRD often presents with non-specific symptoms, resulting in delayed diagnosis which is established by genetic workup and histology from small intestinal biopsies. Despite being rare, CRD needs to be considered as one of the differential diagnoses after ruling out the more common causes of FTT.

Keywords: Gastroenterology; Malabsorption.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Failure to Thrive* / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypobetalipoproteinemias / complications
  • Hypobetalipoproteinemias / diagnosis
  • Hypobetalipoproteinemias / genetics
  • Infant
  • Intestine, Small / pathology
  • Malabsorption Syndromes* / complications
  • Malabsorption Syndromes* / diagnosis
  • Male