Health Library

Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome

Abetalipoproteinemia; Acanthocytosis; Apolipoprotein B deficiency

Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome is a rare condition passed down through families. The person is unable to fully absorb dietary fats through their intestines.

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Causes

Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome is caused by changes in the MTTP gene that tells the body to create lipoproteins (molecules of fat combined with protein). These variants make it hard for the body to properly digest fat and essential vitamins.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Balance and coordination difficulties
• Curvature of spine
• Decreased vision that gets worse over time
• Developmental delay
• Faltering weight (grow) in infancy
• Muscle weakness
• Poor muscle coordination that usually develops after age 10
• Protruding abdomen
• Slurred speech
• Stool abnormalities, including fatty stools that appear pale in color, frothy stools, and abnormally foul-smelling stools

Exams and Tests

There may be damage to the retina of the eye (retinitis pigmentosa).

Tests that may be done to help diagnose this condition include:

• Apolipoprotein B blood test
• Blood tests to look for vitamin deficiencies (fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K)
• "Burr-cell" malformation of the red cells (acanthocytosis)
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Cholesterol studies
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Eye exam
• Nerve conduction velocity (NCV)
• Stool sample analysis

Genetic testing may be available for genetic variants in the MTTP gene.

Treatment

Treatment involves large doses of vitamin supplements containing fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K).

Linoleic acid supplements are also recommended.

People with this condition should talk to a dietitian. Diet changes are needed to prevent stomach problems. This may involve limiting intake of some types of fat.

Supplements of medium-chain triglycerides are taken under the supervision of your health care provider. They should be used with caution, because they may cause liver damage.

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on the amount of brain and nervous system problems.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

• Blindness
• Mental deterioration
• Loss of function of the peripheral nerves, uncoordinated movement (ataxia)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if your infant or child has symptoms of this disease. Genetic counseling can help families understand the condition and the risks of inheriting it, and learn how to care for the person.

Prevention

High doses of fat-soluble vitamins may slow the progression of some problems, such as retina damage and decreased vision.

Related Information

References

Elkadri AAK. Disorders of malabsorption. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 385.

Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al. Defects in metabolism of lipids. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 106.

Review Date: 7/28/2025  

Reviewed By: Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 04/14/2026.

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