Central Nervous System Involvement in Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome Associated with L-tryptophan Ingestion: A case report.
- Author:
Chang Hyung LEE
1
;
Sang Heon LEE
;
Se Joo KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Eosinophilia-Myalgia syndrome;
Central nervous system involvement;
Tryptophan
- MeSH:
Biopsy;
Brain;
Central Nervous System*;
Eating*;
Eosinophilia;
Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome*;
Humans;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Male;
Muscular Atrophy;
Myalgia;
Tryptophan*;
Vasculitis
- From:Journal of the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine
1998;22(6):1347-1351
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
We report a case of Eosinophilia- Myalgia syndrome with central nervous system (CNS) involvement following ingestion of the essential amino acid, tryptophan. The Eosinophilia- Myalgia syndrome can be diagnosed when there is a severe myalgia and peripheral eosinophilia in the absence of other diseases causing eosinophilia. This condition has been associated with the ingestion of the tryptophan in many cases, but the amount and duration of ingestion have been yet to be elucidated. Although many cases have been reported, few cases involved the CNS. We present a 28 year- old male who complained of a severe myalgia and disorientation after taking the taken tryptophan for 2 weeks. Thorough examination revealed the peripheral eosinophilia, vasculitis on brain MRI, abnormal VEP, and muscle atrophy on muscle biopsy. Symptoms improved with the steroid pulse after discontinuation of the tryptophan.
