Late onset AMACR deficiency with metabolic stroke-like episodes and seizures

Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) deficiency is a rare peroxisomal disorder causing pristanic acid accumulation. Only 16 cases have been described so far. A female in her seventh decade presented with episodes of dysphasia, headache and sensory disturbance inconsistent with migraine, epilepsy or transient ischaemic attack. An MRI demonstrated unusual changes in the pons, red nuclei, thalami and white matter. Mitochondrial disease was suspected but detailed testing was negative. After eight years of symptoms, she developed a febrile encephalopathy with hemispheric dysfunction, focal convulsive seizures and coma. Her condition stabilised after one month. Lacosamide was continued for seizure prevention. The diagnosis remained elusive until whole genome sequencing revealed AMACR deficiency. Pristanic acid levels were highly elevated and dietary modification was recommended. Genetic peroxisomal disorders can present in older age; our patient is the oldest in the AMACR deficiency literature. Novel features in our case include central apnoea, dystonia and rapid eye movement behaviour disorder.

Automated summary

AMACR deficiency is a rare peroxisomal disorder that causes pristanic acid accumulation. We presented a case of a female patient in her seventies who experienced dysphasia, headache, and sensory disturbance, along with unusual brain changes seen on MRI. After eight years, she developed a febrile encephalopathy with hemispheric dysfunction, focal convulsive seizures, and coma. Whole genome sequencing finally revealed the diagnosis of AMACR deficiency, with highly elevated pristanic acid levels.