Late-onset multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency with cardiac syncope: A case report

Abstract

Background: Multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is an uncommon autosomal recessive disorder of mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation. Syncope is a transient loss of consciousness due to acute global cerebral hypoperfusion. Late-onset MADD with syncope has not been reported previously.

Case summary: We report a 17-year-old girl with exercise intolerance and muscle weakness. She felt palpitation and shortness of breath after short bouts of exercise. She also suffered from a transient loss of consciousness many times. Muscle biopsy showed lipid storage. Genetic mutation analysis indicated a compound heterozygous mutation c.250G > A (p.A84T) and c.872T > G (p.V291G) in the ETFDH gene. The results of Holter electrocardiogram monitoring showed supraventricular tachycardia when the patient experienced a loss of consciousness. After treatment with riboflavin and carnitine, muscle weakness and palpitation symptoms improved rapidly. No loss of consciousness occurred, and the Holter electrocardiogram monitoring was normal.

Conclusion: Late-onset MADD with supraventricular tachycardia can cause cardiac syncope. Carnitine and riboflavin supplement were beneficial for treating the late-onset MADD with cardiac syncope. Attention should be paid to the prevention of cardiac syncope when diagnosing late-onset MADD.

Keywords: Cardiac syncope; Carnitine; Case report; ETFDH; Late-onset multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency; Mitochondrion; Supraventricular tachycardia.