Abstract
Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare disease that arises due to deficiency of the biosynthetic enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) involved in heme synthesis. Acute attacks can present with abdominal pain and neurological symptoms, although vague in nature. Recurrent hospitalizations for idiopathic intermittent abdominal pain should warrant investigation for AIP, and Posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRES) with visual disturbances and seizure-like activity can be, although rarely associated with AIP. It is noteworthy to know that antiepileptic medication used in management of PRES can in turn worsen AIP.
Recommended Citation
Onyechi, Afoma; Ohemeng-Dapaah, Jessica; Shaba, Winnie; Oyenuga, Mosunmoluwa; Lacasse, Alexandre; Sandeep, Sen; Jadhav, Amar; Kumar, Vikas; and Pante, Aditya
(2023)
"Needle in a Haystack: Acute intermittent Porphyria, an often-missed differential diagnosis of abdominal pain,"
Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives: Vol. 13:
Iss.
5, Article 17.
DOI: 10.55729/2000-9666.1232
Available at:
https://scholarlycommons.gbmc.org/jchimp/vol13/iss5/17
