First, I need to recall the possible metabolic disorders that fit these findings. The low WBC count (leukopenia) is a clue. Metabolic acidosis with anion gap suggests accumulation of organic acids. Hyperammonemia is another key point. Elevated glycine and specific organic acids in urine point towards a specific metabolic pathway defect.
Propionic aciduria comes to mind. It's a disorder of propionate metabolism, leading to accumulation of propionic acid. The hallmark is hyperammonemia, metabolic acidosis, and leukopenia. The presence of methyl citrate in urine is a classic finding in propionic aciduria because methyl citrate is a byproduct of the pathway involving propionyl-CoA. Glycine elevation is also characteristic here due to the conversion of propionyl-CoA to glycine via a different pathway.
Now, looking at the other options. If the options were other metabolic disorders like maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), isovaleric acidemia, or methylmalonic acidemia, they have different presentations. MSUD would have a maple syrup smell and elevated branched-chain amino acids. Isovaleric acidemia has a distinctive odor and different organic acids. Methylmalonic acidemia might present with similar hyperammonemia and acidosis but would have methylmalonic acid in urine, not propionic acid. Also, methylmalonic acidemia is often responsive to vitamin B12, which might not be the case here.
The clinical pearl here is that propionic aciduria presents with the combination of hyperammonemia, glycine elevation, propionic acid, and methyl citrate in urine, along with leukopenia and acidosis. This is a classic presentation and a high-yield fact for exams. The key is connecting the specific organic acids and the associated lab findings to the correct metabolic disorder.
**Core Concept**
This question assesses the recognition of **propionic acidemia**, a rare autosomal recessive disorder of propionate metabolism. It involves defective propionyl-CoA carboxylase, leading to accumulation of propionic acid, glycine, and methyl citrate. The clinical triad includes metabolic acidosis, hyperammonemia, and leukopenia.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Propionic acidemia is caused by a deficiency in **propionyl-CoA carboxylase**, an enzyme critical for metabolizing propionate derived from odd-chain fatty acids, amino acids (e.g., valine, isoleucine), and hemoglobin breakdown. The accumulation of propionic acid causes **anion gap metabolic acidosis**, while **methyl citrate** forms via the shunting of propionyl-CoA into the methyl citrate pathway. **Hyperammonemia** arises due to impaired urea cycle function, and **glycine elevation** occurs as propionyl-CoA is diverted to glycine synthesis. Leukopenia results from direct toxicity of propionic acid on myeloid cells.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Maple
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.