[Coffin-Lowry syndrome and hyperprolinemia].

BACKGROUND

The main features of the Coffin-Lowry syndrome are mental retardation and features of a peculiar pugilistic nose, large ears, tapered fingers, drumstick terminal phalanges by X-rays and kyphoscoliosis. Inheritance is probably X-linked dominant. Its early diagnosis is difficult.

CASE REPORT: A 31 month-old boy was admitted for mental retardation. His weight and height were normal, but his facies showed telecanthus, anteverted nares and a prominent frontal region. His hands appeared puffy with bulbous tapering fingers. Amino-acid chromatography showed hyperprolinemia (732 mumol/l) plus iminoglycinuria. His mother had a short stature, mental retardation and similar, although minor, manifestations of the Coffin-Lowry syndrome in her face, hands and fingers. She had moderate hyperprolinemia (391 mumol/l) without hyperglycinuria. The patient's father showed no physical abnormalities, but he also had hyperprolinemia (671 mumol/l) and hyperglycinuria.

CONCLUSION

The association of the Coffin-Lowry syndrome and hyperprolinemia in this family seems fortuitous.