Browsing by Author "Reis, Joana"
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- Juvenile dermatomyositis: common manifestations of a rare diseasePublication . Capela, Maria; Reis, Joana; Soares, Diana; Ribeiro, Andreia; Pinto Pais, Isabel; Trindade Rodrigues, LúciaJuvenile dermatomyositis is an autoimmune systemic vasculopathy, mainly characterized by chronic inflammation of the striated muscle and skin. The authors report the case of a 15-year-old boy presenting with a four-month history of myalgia and proximal muscle weakness on the upper and lower limbs. These symptoms were associated with heliotrope palpebral exanthema, erythema in the dorsum of the hands, Gottron’s papules, erythematous and petechial rash on the extensor face of the thighs, and mild dysphagia for solids. Blood tests revealed an increase in muscle enzymes and electromyography showed changes suggestive of severe acute myopathy. Intravenous methylprednisolone was initiated, followed by a combination regimen of prednisolone and methotrexate. Progressive dysphagia, cutaneous abnormality, and muscular strength improvement were noted. With this case, the authors intend to raise awareness of a rare disease with an essentially clinical diagnosis, presenting in most cases with characteristic manifestations that should be recognised.
- Suspecting classical homocystinuria in an adolescent born before the newborn screening programPublication . Carvalho, Fábia; Campos, Teresa; Reis, Joana; Portela, Mariana; Vasconcelos, Carla; Ferreira, Carla; Cerqueira, Arnaldo; Oliveira, Ângela; Vilarinho, Laura; Leão-Teles, Elisa; Rodrigues, EsmeraldaIntroduction: Classical homocystinuria (HCU) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency in the cystathionine beta-synthase enzyme and associated with a high probability of vascular complications. Herein is presented the case of an adolescent diagnosed with HCU during cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) study. Case Report: A 14-year-old girl presented with thrombophilia screening tests suggestive of HCU during CVST study. After referral to an Inherited Metabolic Diseases Unit, she started supplementation with pyridoxine, folic acid, vitamin B12, betaine anhydrous, and cysteine and was advised to restrict natural proteins and methionine from diet. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous CBS mutation (c.572C>T (p.T191M) with c.699C>T (p.Y233Y) polymorphism. Discussion: In adolescents born before 2004 (year of implementation of the Portuguese newborn screening program), HCU should be considered when studying hypercoagulability syndromes, as it is a treatable condition and treatment can prevent major morbidity and mortality causes.