Berardinelli-Seip syndrome and achalasia: a shared pathomechanism?

Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy (BSCL) is an uncommon autosomal recessive disorder. Patients with BSCL present with a distinct phenotype since subcutaneous fat is largely lacking and musculature has become more prominent. During childhood, diabetes and acanthosis nigricans evolve and female patients may develop hirsutism. Different genes encoding this entity have been described. Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder, characterized by its distinct motility pattern with absent or incomplete lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxations. The exact cause of achalasia is yet unknown. Here, we describe a patient with achalasia in the context of BSCL, which might be linked by a shared pathophysiologic background, as evaluated in this case report. Conclusion: In a BSCL patient presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms, a motility disorder of the gastrointestinal tract should be considered.