Arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) deficiency: an easy-to-miss treatable adult-onset myopathy

Abstract

Arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) deficiency is an ultrarare disorder of creatine metabolism, presenting with developmental delay, characteristic biochemical findings and muscle weakness. Most known cases have been identified and treated in early childhood. We describe a 27-year-old woman with learning difficulties and significant myopathy who was diagnosed through genetic investigation in adulthood. Treatment with creatine (10–15 g/day) led to a significant and rapid improvement of muscle strength. A literature review of the few reported adult cases confirms that progressive myopathy is a prominent feature that responds well to creatine supplementation. AGAT deficiency, a partially treatable condition, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a genetic myopathy, particularly in people with developmental delay and progressive myopathy.