Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis with tremor as the main manifestation: A case report

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Apr 26;103(17):e37976. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037976.

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is an autosomal recessive lipid metabolism disorder. It is caused by a defect in the sterol-27-hydroxylase gene, leading to the deposition of cholesteryl and bile alcohol in large amounts, causing a variety of clinical manifestations; however, tremor as the main manifestation of CTX has not been reported.

Patients concerns and clinical findings: Herein, we report a 27-year-old woman, who developed head and body tremors at the age of 12 years. Many hospitals misdiagnosed her condition as idiopathic tremor and Parkinson disease, with a poor curative effect.

Primary diagnosis and intervention: We diagnosed her with CTX and treated with chenodeoxycholic acid and clonazepam.

Conclusion: The patient's condition considerably improved. This case could help avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment in clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chenodeoxycholic Acid* / therapeutic use
  • Clonazepam / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Tremor* / diagnosis
  • Tremor* / etiology
  • Xanthomatosis, Cerebrotendinous* / complications
  • Xanthomatosis, Cerebrotendinous* / diagnosis
  • Xanthomatosis, Cerebrotendinous* / drug therapy
  • Xanthomatosis, Cerebrotendinous* / genetics

Substances

  • Chenodeoxycholic Acid
  • Clonazepam