Van Buchem disease: First case report in Taiwan

Abstract

Rationale: Van Buchem disease (VBD) is a very rare autosomal recessive disease. According to our review of the relevant literature, this article is the first case report of VBD in Taiwan.

Patient concerns: A 54-year-old woman developed a protruding chin, frontal bossing, and macrocephaly at the age of 40 years. She noted the onset of progressive bilateral visual and hearing impairment at the age of 40 and 45 years, respectively. Intermittent headaches, peripheral facial palsy, recurrent bilateral trigeminal neuralgia, and back pain were also observed since age 40.

Diagnoses: She received a diagnosis of VBD based on the phenotypic abnormalities of the skull and mandible, facial nerve involvement, radiological images of the skeleton, and her family history.

Interventions: She received symptomatic treatment and surgical decompression for spinal stenosis.

Outcomes: Her clinical condition did not improve satisfactorily.

Lessons: We hope to promote clinician awareness of this very rare disease and its symptoms and signs. A comprehensive understanding of VBD might lead to the development of a curative therapy in the future.