Wolfram Syndrome: A Curious Case of Repetitive Loss of Consciousness

Cureus. 2023 Oct 3;15(10):e46426. doi: 10.7759/cureus.46426. eCollection 2023 Oct.

ABSTRACT

Wolfram syndrome is a rare, multisystemic, progressive, and autosomal-recessive genetic disease, characterized by diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus, optic nerve atrophy, deafness, and other neurological signs. The diagnosis is usually based on history and clinical manifestations but genetic tests are necessary for confirmation. Currently, there are no treatments available to cure or delay disease progression. This report describes a case of a 23-year-old male diagnosed with Wolfram syndrome who presented to the emergency department with several episodes of loss of consciousness. This case reinforces the need for an early diagnosis of obstructive and central apneas, respiratory failure, and dysphagia, in order to prevent and treat the complications of this disease and to improve patients’ quality of life.

PMID:37927661 | PMC:PMC10621881 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.46426