title: An elderly diabetic case of ochronosis with depression and chronic pain.
abstract: Alkaptonuria (ochronosis) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder featuring a genetic error in the amino acid metabolism. A defect in the tyrosine metabolism results in the accumulation and deposition of homogentisic acid in connective tissue, causing a blue-black discolouration. Degenerative arthropathy of the spine, knee, and hip are common signs of ochronosis in older age. An association between ochronosis and depression has not previously been discussed in the literature. This case report describes a 69 year-old woman with diabetes mellitus, ochronosis, depression and chronic pain.
authors.affiliation: Gulhane School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mehmet Ilkin
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Naharci
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ak
authors.forename: Ergun
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bozoglu
authors.forename: Nuri
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Karadurmus
authors.forename: Ahmet Turan
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Isik
authors.forename: Huseyin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Doruk
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology*; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009794:Ochronosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology