Hypocholesteremia in Idiopathic Steatorrhea

Abstract

Although hypocholesteremia and lipopenia have been documented in cases of sprue and steatorrhea,^1-5prolonged, markedly depressed cholesterol levels have not been recorded. In fact it has been stated that profound hypocholesteremia is incompatible with life.⁶The patient to be presented here is of particular interest in that he has had blood serum total cholesterol concentrations remaining at from 25-45 mg. % for at least 20 years. He has idiopathic steatorrhea, and several central nervous system developmental anomalies which may be associated with the disturbances of his lipid metabolism. Report of Case The patient, a white man who is now 36 years of age, has been a patient at the Jewish Chronic Disease Hospital since 1938. He is mentally alert and cooperative, though confined to a wheelchair because of his inability to walk. Of the seven children in his family, four others are living and well. A sister and brother