Facial nerve palsy associated with a low serum vitamin A level in an infant with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract

A previously healthy 10-week-old infant presented with isolated unilateral facial nerve paralysis which progressed to bilateral paralysis over a 2-week period. Evaluation including MRI and CT of the brain and facial nerve, CSF evaluation and EMG yielded no diagnosis. A single F508 gene mutation on the newborn screen prompted sweat chloride testing which confirmed a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. On measurement of fat-soluble vitamins, levels of vitamin A were approximately 10% of the lower normal range, in the absence of objective evidence of pseudotumor cerebri. This case emphasizes an important association between hypovitaminosis A, cystic fibrosis and facial nerve palsy.

• Authors: Cheryl Cameron, Mark W Lodes, William M Gershan
• Journal: Journal of cystic fibrosis : official journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society (J Cyst Fibros) Vol. 6 Issue 3 Pg. 241-3 (May 2007) ISSN: 1569-1993 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 16982220 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Cystic Fibrosis (complications)
• Facial Nerve Diseases (etiology)
• Facial Paralysis (etiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Vitamin A Deficiency (complications)