A Novel PNPLA2 Variant in a Female Patient with Neutral Lipid Storage Disease with Myopathy and Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

Background: Neutral lipid storage disease with myopathy (NLSDM) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by aberrant triacylglycerol metabolism due to mutations in the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 2 (PNPLA2) gene. Case Presentation: This report presents a case study of a 14-year-old female patient exhibiting symptoms of NLSDM, including recurrent abdominal pain, fatigue, leg pain, and hepatosteatosis. Diagnostic investigations revealed elevated creatinine kinase levels, myopathic findings on electromyography, magnetic resonance imaging findings showing gluteal involvement and Jordans’ bodies on peripheral smear. Clinical exome panel showed homozygous of PNPLA2 c.496G>C p.Asp166His (NM_020376.4) variant. The clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and implications of this novel variant are discussed in the context of current literature. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was confirmed in this patient after eliminating possible underlying causes. This was a novel manifestation, and hormone replacement therapy was planned. Conclusion: This case underscores the significance of genetic testing in elucidating the molecular basis of NLSDM and emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive clinical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and management.