Black-Colored Ligamentum Flavum Due to Alkaptonuria.

Abstract

Alkaptonuria is a rare metabolic disease caused by deficiency of homogentisic acid oxidase and characterized by bluish-black discoloration of cartilages and skin (ochronosis). Defective production of this enzyme results in the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA), a tyrosine degradation product, in the bloodstream. Accumulation of HGA and its metabolites in tissues causes ochronosis. The word ochronosis refers to the dark bluish-black discoloration of connective tissues including the sclera, cornea, auricular cartilage, heart valves, articular cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Neurogenic claudication resulting from focal hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum in the lumbar spine due to ochronotic deposits has only been previously reported once in the literature. In this article, we present a 71-year-old male patient with alkaptonuria-associated degenerative L3-L4-L5 stenosis, diagnosed after lumbar decompressive laminectomy.

• Authors: Seyho Cem Yucetas, Necati Ucler
• Journal: Journal of neurological surgery. Part A, Central European neurosurgery (J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg) Vol. 80 Issue 2 Pg. 131-133 (Mar 2019) ISSN: 2193-6323 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 30477028 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Topics

• Aged
• Alkaptonuria (complications, pathology)
• Humans
• Ligamentum Flavum (pathology)
• Lumbar Vertebrae
• Male
• Ochronosis (etiology, pathology)