Pure motor axonal neuropathy triggered by antituberculous therapy in an undiagnosed case of acute intermittent porphyria

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Mar 27:2017:bcr2016219105. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-219105.

Abstract

A man aged 22 years misdiagnosed as suffering from recurrent abdominal tuberculosis, in view of recurrent abdominal pain was treated for abdominal tuberculosis in the past. The patient was prescribed antituberculous therapy. 2 months after starting treatment, he developed progressive weakness of all 4 limbs. Electrodiagnostic examination revealed an acute severe motor axonal neuropathy. Further workup revealed elevated porphyrin precursors in urine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Antitubercular Agents / adverse effects*
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Giant Axonal Neuropathy / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Porphyria, Acute Intermittent / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents