Neurologische Störungen

A Prolapsed Intervertbral Disc as the Presenting Feature for Alkaptouria: Case Report

Abstract

Abdulrahman Al-Shudifat, Khalid Alkharazi, Qussay Salih Alsabbagh and Nosaiba T Ryalat

Alkaptonuria is a rare metabolic disease caused by deficiency of homogentisic acid oxidase and characterized by bluish-black discoloration of cartilages and skin (ochronosis). Discal herniation requiring surgery is unusual in alkaptonuria, with only a few reports. The authors report the case of an elderly patient with lumbar disc herniation who underwent discectomy and in whom the nucleus pulposus was discovered to be black. Alkaptonuria was diagnosed after discectomy. The symptoms in the patient disappeared after surgery.