Facial nerve palsy associated with a low serum vitamin A level in an infant with cystic fibrosis.
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.
Cameron
Cheryl
C
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
Lodes
Mark W
MW
Gershan
William M
WM
D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D005155:Facial Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications*