Acute neuropathy mimicking porphyria induced by aminolevulinic acid during photodynamic therapy.

Abstract

An 82-year-old man developed severe, acute, predominantly motor polyneuropathy, signs of autonomic involvement, and skin changes following aminolevulinic acid (ALA) administration. The compound was used as a prodrug for photodynamic therapy of Barrett's esophagitis. Changes were observed in various parameters of the heme pathway. The case reported represents a rare response to ALA treatment, resembling an acute attack of hepatic porphyria with neurological features.

• Authors: Constantin Sylantiev, Nili Schoenfeld, Rivka Mamet, Galina B Groozman, Vivian E Drory
• Journal: Muscle & nerve (Muscle Nerve) Vol. 31 Issue 3 Pg. 390-3 (Mar 2005) ISSN: 0148-639X [Print] United States
• PMID: 15490483 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Photosensitizing Agents
• Aminolevulinic Acid

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Aminolevulinic Acid (adverse effects)
• Barrett Esophagus (drug therapy)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Humans
• Male
• Nervous System Diseases (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Photochemotherapy (adverse effects)
• Photosensitizing Agents (adverse effects)
• Porphyrias (diagnosis)