Successful treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia with icosapent ethyl in a case of congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 4

Abstract Objectives Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 4 (CGL4) is a rare autosomal recessive condition with high rates of morbidity and mortality. It is a multisystem condition associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmia, congenital myopathy, hepatitis, and metabolic profile of severe hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance. Metreleptin is the first line treatment, however it is unavailable in several countries. Herein, we describe a unique presentation and treatment of CGL4. Case presentation A 16-year-old female presented with insulin resistant diabetes, and was later found to have myopathy, hypertriglyceridemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, ventricular arrhythmias, and genetic confirmation of CGL4 due to homozygous change in CAVIN1 gene. She had severe hypertriglyceridemia, frequently >17 mmol/L, requiring several hospital admissions. To better control hypertriglyceridemia, in context of known congenital myopathy, we opted for treatment with icosapent ethyl, an ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which reduces synthesis and enhances clearance of triglycerides. On this treatment, she was able to maintain stable triglyceride levels of 4 mmol/L. Conclusions We present the first case report of a patient with CGL4, successfully treated for hypertriglyceridemia, with icosapent ethyl.